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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 20, 2021

 

 

 

ION Geophysical Corporation

(Exact name of registrant specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware 1-12691 22-2286646
(State or Other Jurisdiction (Commission (IRS Employer
 of Incorporation) File Number) Identification No.)

 

2105 CityWest Blvd., Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77042

(Address of principal executive offices, zip code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (281) 933-3339

 

 

 

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:

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
   
¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
   
¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
   
¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share   IO   New York Stock Exchange

 

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

Emerging growth company ¨

 

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. ¨

 

 

 

 

Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

Successful Completion of Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation and Rights Offering

 

On April 20, 2021, ION Geophysical Corporation (the “Company” or “ION”) announced the successful completion of its previously announced offer to exchange (the “Exchange Offer”) the Company’s 9.125% Senior Secured Second Priority Notes due 2021 (the “Old Notes”) for newly issued 8.00% Senior Secured Second Priority Notes due 2025 (the “New Notes”) and the other consideration in the form of cash and ION common stock, as described in the Company’s Prospectus dated as of March 10, 2021 (the “Exchange Offer Prospectus”) and its previously announced rights offering (the “Rights Offering”) to its holders of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”) to purchase (i) $2.78 principal amount of the New Notes per Right, at a purchase price of 100% of the principal amount thereof or (ii) 1.08 shares of Common Stock per Right, at a purchase price of $2.57 per whole share of Common Stock, as described in the Company’s Prospectus dated as of March 10, 2021 (the “Rights Offering Prospectus” and, together with the Exchange Offer Prospectus, the “Prospectuses”). The Exchange Offer and the Rights Offering are sometimes referred to herein as the “Restructuring Transactions”.

 

In the Exchange Offer, an aggregate principal amount of $113,472,000, or approximately 94.1%, of the $120,569,000 outstanding Old Notes were accepted for exchange for (i) $84,652,000 aggregate principal amount of its New Notes, (ii) 6,116,369 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, including 1,542,201 shares issued as the Early Participation Payment and 4,574,168 shares issued as stock consideration in lieu of New Notes, and (iii) $20,659,722 paid in cash, including $3,595,250 of accrued and unpaid interest that became due on the Old Notes as part of the exchange. The Company has accepted for exchange all such Old Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn in the Exchange Offer as of the expiration time on April 12, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. New York City time. The amendment to the indenture governing the Old Notes became effective on April 20, 2021. Pursuant to the Exchange Offer, post-closing, the Company will make an offer to participants to repurchase New Notes at par for up to 50% of the proceeds raised in excess of $35 million from the Rights Offering valued at $3,417,643.

 

In the concurrent Rights Offering, an aggregate amount of $41,835,286 of Rights (including over-subscriptions) was validly exercised by the holders of the Company’s Common Stock, $30,081,000 allocated in New Notes and $11,754,286 allocated in 4,573,652 shares of ION Common Stock. All over-subscription rights were exercised without proration as the $50 million limit on proceeds was not exceeded. Backstop parties were paid 5% backstop fees, in kind, in the issuance of an additional $1,460,000 aggregate principal amount of New Notes and 215,241 shares of Common Stock.

 

In total, $116,193,000 in aggregate principal amount of New Notes and 10,905,262 shares of Common Stock were issued and delivered through the clearing systems of the Depository Trust Company today. ION will receive approximately $14 million in net proceeds from the transactions after deducting noteholder obligations, estimated transaction fees and accrued and unpaid interest paid on the Old Notes. Post transactions, a total of 28,811,207 shares of Common Stock are outstanding as of April 20, 2021.

 

Indenture

 

The New Notes are governed by the Indenture (the “Indenture”), dated as of April 20, 2021, among the Company, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries, as guarantors, and UMB Bank, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent (“Trustee”).

 

The New Notes are senior secured second-priority debt obligations of the Company and will mature on December 15, 2025. The New Notes will bear interest at a rate of 8.00% per annum. Interest on the New Notes will be payable on each June 15 and December 15, commencing on June 15, 2021. The New Notes will initially be guaranteed by each of ION’s material domestic subsidiaries and one subsidiary organized under the laws of Mexico (provided that certain matters with respect to such Mexico subsidiary will be finalized within 60 days of settlement) (“Guarantors”).

 

 

The New Notes:

 

will be senior obligations of ION;

 

will be secured on a second-priority basis, equally and ratably with all obligations of ION under any future Parity Lien Debt (as defined in the Indenture), by Liens on all of the assets of ION other than the Excluded Assets, subject to the Liens securing ION’s obligations under the Credit Agreement and any other Priority Lien Debt and other Permitted Prior Liens (as defined in the Indenture);

 

will be effectively junior to any Permitted Prior Liens, to the extent of the value of the assets of ION subject to those Permitted Prior Liens;

 

will be senior in right of payment to any future subordinated Indebtedness of ION, if any;

 

will be unconditionally guaranteed by the Guarantors; and

 

will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future Indebtedness (as defined in the Indenture), claims of holders of preferred stock and other liabilities of Subsidiaries of ION that do not guarantee the New Notes.

 

Each guarantee of the New Notes:

 

will be senior obligations of each Guarantor;

 

will be secured on a second-priority basis, equally and ratably with all obligations of that Guarantor under any other future Parity Lien Debt, by Liens on all of the assets of that Guarantor other than the Excluded Assets, subject to the Liens securing that Guarantor’s guarantee of the Credit Agreement obligations and any other Priority Lien Debt and other Permitted Prior Liens;

 

will be effectively junior, to the extent of the value of the Collateral, to that Guarantor’s guarantee of the Credit Agreement and any other Priority Lien Debt, which will be secured on a first-priority basis by the same assets of that Guarantor that secure the New Notes;

 

will be effectively junior to any Permitted Prior Liens, to the extent of the value of the assets of that Guarantor subject to those Permitted Prior Liens; and

 

will be senior in right of payment to any future subordinated Indebtedness of that Guarantor, if any.

 

The Indenture contains covenants that, among other things, limit our ability, and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries, to:

 

incur additional debt or issue certain preferred stock;

 

make certain investments or pay dividends or distributions on our capital stock, purchase or redeem or retire capital stock, or make other restricted payments;

 

sell assets, including capital stock of our restricted subsidiaries;

 

 

restrict dividends or other payments by restricted subsidiaries;

 

create liens;

 

create unrestricted subsidiaries;

 

enter into transactions with affiliates; and

 

merge or consolidate with another company.

 

These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions that are described in the Indenture.

 

Holders of New Notes may convert all or any portion of their New Notes at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the maturity date. The conversion rate will initially be 333 shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of New Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $3.00 per share of Common Stock) and is subject to adjustment as described in the Indenture. Upon conversion of a New Note, ION will satisfy its conversion obligation by paying or delivering, as the case may be, cash, shares of its Common Stock or a combination of cash and shares of ION’s Common Stock, at ION’s election. If ION satisfies its conversion obligation solely in cash or through payment and delivery, as the case may be, of a combination of cash and shares of its Common Stock, the amount of cash and shares of Common Stock, if any, due upon conversion will be based on a daily conversion value (as defined in this Prospectus) calculated on a proportionate basis for each trading day in a 30 trading day observation period.

 

On or after the day that is the eighteen (18) month anniversary of the issue date of the New Notes (the “Issue Date”), ION may require the conversion of all or part of the New Notes, at its option, if ION’s Common Stock, as determined by ION, has a 20-day volume weighted average price of at least 175% of the conversion price then in effect ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date on which ION provides notice of conversion (a “Optional Conversion”). If ION undergoes an Optional Conversion prior to the third anniversary of the Issue Date, holders of New Notes will be entitled to a “make-whole” premium payment in cash equal to the applicable premium amount.

 

The New Notes will be redeemable, in whole or in part, at our option at any time prior to December 15, 2023, at a cash redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount of New Notes to be redeemed plus a make-whole premium and accrued and unpaid interest. The New Notes will also be redeemable, in whole or in part, at our option at any time on or after December 15, 2023, at a cash redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount of New Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest.

 

If a Change of Control (as described in the Indenture) occurs, Holders of the New Notes may require us to repurchase their New Notes at a cash repurchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the New Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

 

Upon certain asset sales, we may be required to use the net proceeds therefrom to purchase New Notes at an offer price in cash equal to 100% of the aggregate principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

 

We issued one (1) shares of Series A Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) to the New Notes Trustee to (i) provide certain rights and protections to holders of the New Notes and (ii) allow, under certain circumstances, the holders of New Notes to vote on an “as-converted” basis. The New Notes Trustee shall take direction from holders of 50.1% of the New Notes for any action requiring the consent of the holder of the Series A Preferred Stock or each act on which the holder of the Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to vote.

 

 

Following a default or event of default under the New Notes Indenture, the Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to vote with the Common Stock of the Company as a single class and having voting power equal to the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of the New Notes. In addition, at all times when the Common Stock is entitled to vote, the Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to vote with the Common Stock as a single class and having voting powers equal to the number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of the New Notes for any transaction (a) modifying, amending, supplementing, or waiving any provision of ION’s organizational documents or (b) entering into any merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of ION’s assets, or other business combination transactions. The holder of the Series A Preferred Stock will have the right to appoint two (2) directors to ION’s board of directors, both of whom must be independent.

 

The one share of Series A Preferred Stock will (i) rank pari passu in respect of voting rights with respect to ION’s Common Stock, (ii) have a liquidation preference equal to $1.00, (iii) not produce preferred dividends or ordinary dividends, (iv) not be transferable, except to a successor New Notes Trustee under the terms of the New Notes Indenture, (v) not be convertible into any other class of equity of ION, and (vi) not be granted registration rights. The Series A Preferred Stock may be redeemed by us upon the conversion into Common Stock, in the aggregate, of 75% or more of the New Notes. The redemption price will be $1.00.

 

In connection with the foregoing, the Company and the Guarantors entered into various other agreements and instruments relating to security interests, including the Intercreditor Agreement and the Fourth Amendment to the Credit Agreement described below.

 

The summary of the Indenture set forth in this Item 1.01 does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such agreement, a copy of which is being filed as Exhibit 4.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Supplemental Indenture

 

On April 20, 2021, the Company, the Guarantors, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as trustee, and collateral agent, entered into a supplemental indenture (the “Supplemental Indenture”) to the indenture, dated as of April 28, 2016, among the Company, the Guarantors, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB (as successor to Wilmington Trust, National Association), as trustee, and U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral agent, governing the Old Notes (the “Old Notes Indenture”). The Supplemental Indenture, among other things, provides for the release of the second priority security interest in the collateral securing the Old Notes, and deletes in their entirety substantially all of the restrictive covenants and certain events of default pertaining to the Old Notes. The Old Notes Indenture, as modified by the Supplemental Indenture, will be materially less restrictive and will afford significantly reduced protection to holders of such securities as compared to the restrictive covenants, events of default and other provisions previously contained in the Old Notes Indenture.

 

This summary of the Supplemental Indenture does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such agreement, a copy of which is being filed as Exhibit 4.3 hereto and is incorporated by reference.

 

 

Intercreditor Agreement

 

On April 20, 2021, the Company and the Guarantors acknowledged and agreed to an intercreditor agreement (the “Intercreditor Agreement”) by and among PNC Bank, National Association, as first lien representative and collateral agent for the first lien secured parties, and UMB Bank, National Association, as second lien representative and collateral agent for the second lien secured parties. The Intercreditor Agreement, among other things, defines the relative priorities of the respective security interests in the collateral securing the New Notes and the obligations under the Company’s senior secured credit facility and certain other matters relating to the administration of security interests, exercise of remedies, certain bankruptcy-related provisions and other intercreditor matters.

 

The Intercreditor Agreement supersedes and replaces the second lien intercreditor agreement, dated as of April 28, 2016, by and among PNC Bank, National Association, as first lien representative for the first lien secured parties and collateral agent for the first lien secured parties, and Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as second lien representative and collateral agent for the second lien secured parties and third lien representative for the third lien secured parties and U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral agent for the third lien secured parties.

 

The summary of the Intercreditor Agreement set forth in this Item 1.01 does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such agreement, a copy of which is being filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Fourth Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement

 

On April 20, 2021, the Company and the Guarantors, as co-borrowers, the financial institutions party thereto, as lenders, and PNC Bank, National Association, as agent for the lenders, entered into a fourth amendment (the “Fourth Amendment”) to the Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2014 (as previously amended, the “Credit Agreement”). The Credit Agreement, as amended by the Fourth Amendment, among other things, permitted the consummation of the Restructuring Transactions, including the issuance of the New Notes and certain cash payments to our noteholders in connection with the Exchange Offer and the Rights Offering, and made certain other changes to the Credit Agreement’s definitions and other provisions, including with respect to LIBOR.

 

The summary of the Fourth Amendment set forth in this Item 1.01 does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such agreement, a copy of which is being filed as Exhibit 10.2 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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

 

The information provided under Item 1.01 in this Current Report on Form 8-K under the heading “Indenture” is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03.

 

Item 3.02 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

 

As described above under “Indenture”, we issued one share of Series A Preferred Stock to the New Notes Trustee in connection with the issuance of the New Notes (relying on the exemption from registration in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933) and pursuant to a Certificate of Designation, Powers, Preferences and Rights dated April 20, 2021 (the “Certificate of Designation”), a copy of which is being filed as Exhibit 4.4 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference. The summary of the Series A Preferred Stock set forth under Item 1.01 does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Certificate of Designation.

 

Item 3.03 Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.

 

On April 20, 2021, the Company, the Guarantors, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as trustee and collateral agent, entered into the Supplemental Indenture described above, which modified the rights of holders of Old Notes. The information in Item 1.01 under the caption “Supplemental Indenture” is incorporated into this Item 3.03 by reference.

 

 

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

 

On April 20, 2021, the Company amended its Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of the Company’s capital stock from 31,666,667 shares to 105,000,000 shares and the number of authorized shares of the Company’s common stock from 26,666,667 shares to 100,000,000 shares to allow for the consummation of the Restructuring Transactions. These amendments were approved by shareholders at a special meeting held on February 23, 2021.

 

The summary of the amendments to the Certificate of Incorporation set forth in this Item 5.03 does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, a copy of which is being filed as Exhibit 3.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 8.01. Other Events.

 

On April 20, 2021, the Company issued a press release announcing the successful completion of the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation and the Rights Offering. A copy of the release is furnished herewith as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits.

 

The following exhibit is furnished as an exhibit to this Current Report on Form 8-K:

 

Exhibit
Number
Description
   
3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of ION Geophysical Corporation
   
4.1 Indenture, dated as of April 20, 2021, among ION Geophysical Corporation, the Guarantors thereto, UMB Bank, National Association, as trustee, and UMB Bank, National Association, as collateral agent
   
4.2 Form of New Note (included in Exhibit 4.1)
   
4.3 First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 20, 2021, by and among ION Geophysical Corporation, the Guarantors thereto, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as Trustee (the “Trustee”) and Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as Collateral Agent (the “Collateral Agent”)
   
4.4 Certificate of Designation, Powers, Preferences and Rights of Series A Preferred Stock of ION Geophysical Corporation
   
4.5 Form of Series A Preferred Stock Certificate (included in Exhibit 4.4)
   
10.1 Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of April 20, 2021, among PNC Bank, National Association, and UMB Bank, National Association
   
10.2 Fourth Amendment to Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of April 20, 2021, by and among ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION, ION EXPLORATION PRODUCTS (U.S.A.), INC., I/O MARINE SYSTEMS INC., GX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, GX GEOSCIENCE CORPORATION, S. DE R.L. DE C.V., the financial institutions a party hereto as lenders, and PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (“PNC”), as agent for Lenders
   
99.1 Press Release, dated April 20, 2021, issued by ION Geophysical Corporation
   
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.

 

 

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.

 

  ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION
     
  By: /s/ Matthew Powers
    Matthew Powers
    Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

 

Date: April 21, 2021

 

 

Exhibit 3.1

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

OF

ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION

 

ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (“DGCL”), for the purpose of amending and restating the Corporation’s certificate of incorporation, does hereby submit the following:

 

A.     The name of the Corporation is ION Geophysical Corporation.

 

B.     The date of filing of the Corporation’s original Certificate of Incorporation was December 5, 1979 and was filed under the name W.K. 41, INC.

 

C.     The Board of Directors duly adopted resolutions to amend the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation to increase the number of shares of the Corporation’s authorized capital stock, which amendment is as set forth on Exhibit A hereto.

 

D.     The Corporation’s stockholders approved the amendments to the Corporation’s amendments to increase the number of shares in its capital stock at a special meeting of stockholders held on February 23, 2021.

 

E.     This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation has been duly adopted, executed and acknowledged in accordance with Sections 103, 242 and 245 of the DGCL.

 

F.     This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporate shall become effective upon filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation has been executed by a duly authorized officer of the Corporation on this 20th day of April, 2021.

 

[Signature page follows]

 

 

  ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION
   
  By: /s/ Michael Morrison
  Name: Michael Morrison
Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

[Signature Page to the Delaware Charter Amendment Cover Page]

 

 

Exhibit A

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

 

OF

 

ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION

 

As amended through April 20, 2021

 

FIRST: The name of the Corporation is ION Geophysical Corporation.

 

SECOND: The Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, State of Delaware, 19801. The name and address of its registered agent is The Corporation Trust Company, Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, State of Delaware, 19801.

 

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

 

FOURTH:

 

Section 1.       Capitalization. The Corporation is authorized to issue one hundred five million (105,000,000) shares of capital stock. One hundred million (100,000,000) shares of the authorized shares shall be common stock, one cent ($0.01) par value each (Common Stock), and five million (5,000,000) of the authorized shares shall be preferred stock, one cent ($0.01) par value each (Preferred Stock).

 

Each holder of shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall at every meeting of the stockholders be entitled to one vote in person or by proxy for each share of the capital stock of the Corporation held by the stockholder, unless otherwise specifically provided pursuant to this Amended Restated Certificate of Incorporation.

 

Section 2.        Preferred Stock.

 

(A)          The Preferred Stock may, from time to time, be divided into and issued in one or more series with each series to be so designated as to distinguish the shares from the shares of all other series and classes. The shares of each series may have such powers, designations, preferences, relative rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions as are stated herein and in one or more resolutions providing for the issue of such series adopted by the Board of Directors as provided below.

 

(B)           To the extent that this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation does not fix and determine the variations in the relative rights and preferences of the Preferred Stock both in relation to the Common Stock and as between series of Preferred Stock, the Board of Directors of the Corporation is expressly vested with the authority to divide the Preferred Stock into one or more series and, within the limitations set forth in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, to fix and determine the relative rights and preferences of the shares of any series so established, and, with respect to each such series, to fix by one or more resolutions providing for the issue of such series, the following:

 

 

(i)         The maximum number of shares to constitute such series and the distinctive designation thereof;

 

(ii)        The annual dividend rate, if any, on the shares of such series and the date or dates from which dividends shall commence to accrue or accumulate as herein provided, and whether dividends shall be cumulative;

 

(iii)       The price at and the terms and conditions on which the shares of such series may be redeemed, including, without limitation, the time during which shares of the series may be redeemed, the premium, if any, over and above the par value thereof and any accumulated dividends thereon that the holders of shares of such series shall be entitled to receive upon the redemption thereof, which premium may vary at different dates and may also be different with respect to shares redeemed through the operation of any retirement or sinking fund;

 

(iv)       The liquidation preference, if any, over and above the par value thereof, and any accumulated dividends thereon, that the holders of shares of such series shall be entitled to receive upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation;

 

(v)        Whether or not the shares of such series shall be subject to the operation of a retirement or sinking fund, and, if so, the extent and manner in which any such retirement or sinking fund shall be applied to the purchase or redemption of the shares of such series for retirement or for other corporate purposes, and the terms and provisions relative to the operation of such retirement or sinking fund;

 

(vi)       The terms and conditions, if any, on which the shares of such series shall be convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation or any series of any other class or classes, or of any other series of the same class, including the price or prices or the rate or rates of conversion or exchange and the method, if any, of adjusting the same, provided that shares of such series may not be convertible into shares of a series or class that has prior or superior rights and preferences as to dividends or distribution of assets of the Corporation upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation;

 

(vii)      The voting rights, if any, on the shares of such series; and

 

(viii)     Any or all other preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, or qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as shall not be inconsistent with the law or with this Article FOURTH.

 

(C)         All shares of any one series of Preferred Stock shall be identical with each other in all respects, except that shares of any one series issued at different times may differ as to the dates from which dividends thereon, if any, shall be cumulative; and all series shall rank equally and be identical in all respects, except as provided in Paragraph A of this Section 2 and except as permitted by the foregoing provisions of Paragraph B.

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(D)         Except to the extent restricted or otherwise provided in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors providing for the issue of any series of Preferred Stock, no dividends (other than dividends payable in Common Stock) on any class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation ranking, with respect to dividends, junior to the Preferred Stock, or any series thereof, shall be declared, paid or set apart for payment, until and unless the holders of shares of Preferred Stock of each senior series shall have been paid, or there shall have been set apart for payment, cash dividends, when and as declared by the Board of Directors out of funds of the Corporation legally available therefor, at the annual rate, and no more, fixed in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors providing for the issue of such series.

 

(E)          To the extent provided in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors providing for the issue of any series of Preferred Stock, upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation before any payment or distribution of the assets of the Corporation (whether capital or surplus) shall be made to or set apart for the holders of any class or classes of capital stock of the Corporation ranking junior, as to liquidation rights, to the Preferred Stock, or any series thereof, the holders of the shares of the Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive payment at the rate fixed in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors providing for the issue of the respective series. For the purpose of this Paragraph E and Paragraph B(iv) of this Section 2, neither the consolidation nor merger of the Corporation with one or more other corporations shall be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

 

(F)          The Corporation, at the option of the Board of Directors, may redeem, unless otherwise provided in the resolution establishing a series of Preferred Stock, at such time as is fixed (and if not so fixed, at any time) in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors providing for the issue of a series, the whole or, from time to time, any part of the Preferred Stock of any series then outstanding, at the par value thereof, plus in every case an amount equal to all accumulated dividends, if any (whether or not earned or declared), with respect to each share so redeemed and, in addition thereto, the amount of the premium, if any, payable upon such redemption fixed in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors providing for the issue of such series. The Board of Directors shall have full power and authority, subject to the limitations and provisions contained herein and in the Delaware General Corporation Law, to prescribe the terms and conditions upon which the Preferred Stock shall be redeemed from time to time.

 

(G)          Shares of Preferred Stock that have been redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired by the Corporation or that, if convertible or exchangeable, have been converted into or exchanged for shares of capital stock of any other class or classes or any series of any other class or classes or of any other series of the same class, shall be cancelled and such shares may not under any circumstances thereafter be reissued as Preferred Stock, and the Corporation shall from time to time and at least once each year cause all such acquired shares of Preferred Stock to be cancelled in the manner provided by law.

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(H)          Nothing herein contained shall limit any legal right of the Corporation to purchase any shares of the Preferred Stock.

 

Section 3.        Common Stock.

 

(A)          Shares of Common Stock may be issued by the Corporation from time to time for such consideration as may lawfully be fixed by the Board of Directors.

 

(B)          Subject to the prior rights and preferences of the Preferred Stock set forth in this Article FOURTH, or in any resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance of a series of Preferred Stock, and to the extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware, the holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive such cash dividends as may be declared and made payable by the Board of Directors.

 

(C)          After payment shall have been made in full to the holders of any series of Preferred Stock having preferred liquidation rights, upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, the remaining assets and funds of the Corporation shall be distributed among the holders of the Common Stock according to their respective shares.

 

FIFTH: The Corporation is to have perpetual existence.

 

SIXTH: In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal the bylaws of the Corporation.

 

SEVENTH: Election of directors need not be by written ballot unless the bylaws of the Corporation shall so provide.

 

EIGHTH: The bylaws of the Corporation may be made, repealed, altered, amended or rescinded by (i) the Board of Directors or (ii) the stockholders of the Corporation, provided, however, the vote of the holders of not less than 75% of the total voting power of all shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors, considered for purposes of this Article EIGHTH as one class, shall be required if the action is taken by the stockholders.

 

NINTH: No action shall be taken by the stockholders except at an annual or special meeting of stockholders and stockholders may not act by written consent.

 

TENTH: Special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time by the Board of Directors, or by a committee of the Board of Directors which has been duly designated by the Board of Directors and whose powers and authority, as provided in a resolution of the Board of Directors or in the bylaws of the Corporation, include the power to call such meetings. Special meetings of stockholders of the Corporation may not be called by any other person or persons.

 

ELEVENTH: No director of this Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law, (iii) under Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

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If the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware is hereafter amended to authorize corporate action further limiting or eliminating the personal liability of directors, then the liability of the director to the Corporation shall be limited or eliminated to the full extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as so amended from time to time. Any repeal or modification of this Article shall be prospective only, and shall not adversely affect any limitation on the personal liability of a director of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification.

 

TWELFTH: The Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes, Class I, Class II and Class III. The number of directors in each class shall be the whole number contained in the quotient arrived at by dividing the authorized number of directors by three, and if a fraction is also contained in such quotient then if such fraction is one-third (1/3), the extra director shall be a member of Class III, and if the fraction is two-thirds (2/3), one of the extra directors shall be a member of Class III and the other a member of Class II. After division of the Board of Directors into classes, each director shall serve for a term ending on the date of the third annual meeting following the annual meeting at which such director was elected: provided, however, that the initial directors appointed to Class I shall serve for a term ending on the date of the first annual meeting next following May 31, 1991, the initial directors appointed to Class II shall serve for a term ending on the date of the second annual meeting next following May 31, 1991, and the initial directors appointed to Class III shall serve for a term ending on the date of the third annual meeting next following May 31, 1991.

 

The number of directors shall be fixed from time to time in accordance with the bylaws of the Corporation or an amendment thereto duly adopted by the Board of Directors or by the stockholders (but with respect to the stockholders only, in accordance with Article EIGHTH herein). In the event of any increase or decrease in the authorized number of directors, (a) each director then serving as such shall nevertheless continue as a director of the class of which he is a member until the expiration of his current term, or his prior death, retirement, resignation or removal, and (b) the newly created or eliminated directorships resulting from such increase or decrease shall be apportioned by the Board of Directors to such class or classes as shall, so far as possible, bring the number of directors in the respective classes into conformity with the formula in this Article, as applied to the newly authorized number of directors.

 

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing provisions of this Article, each director shall serve until his successor is elected and qualified or until his death, retirement, resignation or removal. No director may be removed during his term except for cause.

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THIRTEENTH: The affirmative vote of the holders of not less than 75% of the outstanding shares of “Voting Stock” (as hereinafter defined) of the Corporation, including the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares of Voting Stock not owned, directly or indirectly, by any “Related Person” (as hereinafter defined), shall be required for the approval or authorization of any “Business Combination” (as hereinafter defined) of the Corporation with any Related Person; provided, however, that the 66 2/3% voting requirement referred to above shall not be applicable if the Business Combination is approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than 90% of the outstanding shares of Voting Stock; and provided further that the 75% voting requirement shall not be applicable if:

 

(1)         The Board of Directors of the Corporation by a vote of not less than 75% of the directors then holding office (a) have expressly approved in advance the acquisition of outstanding shares of Voting Stock of the Corporation that caused the Related Person to become a Related Person, or (b) have approved the Business Combination prior to the Related Person involved in the Business Combination having become a Related Person;

 

(2)         The Business Combination is solely between the Corporation and another corporation, 100% of the Voting Stock of which is owned directly or indirectly by the Corporation; or

 

(3)         All of the following conditions have been met: (a) the Business Combination is a merger or consolidation, the consummation of which is proposed to take place within one year of the date of the transaction pursuant to which such person became a Related Person and the cash or fair market value of the property, securities or other consideration to be received per share by holders of Common Stock of the Corporation in the Business Combination is not less than the highest per share price (with appropriate adjustments for recapitalizations and for stock splits, reverse stock splits and stock dividends) paid by the Related Person in acquiring any of its shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock; (b) the consideration to be received by such holders is either cash or, if the Related Person shall have acquired the majority of its shares of the Corporation’s Common Stock for a form of consideration other than cash, in the same form of consideration as the Related Person who acquired such majority; (c) after such Related Person has become a Related Person and prior to the consummation of such Business Combination: (i) except as approved by a majority of the “Continuing Directors” (as hereinafter defined), there shall have been no failure to declare and pay at the regular date therefor any full quarterly dividends (whether or not cumulative) on any outstanding shares of Preferred Stock of the Corporation, (ii) there shall have been no reduction in the annual rate of dividends paid per share on the Corporation’s Common Stock (adjusted as appropriate for recapitalizations and for stock splits, reverse stock splits and stock dividends) except as approved by a majority of the Continuing Directors, (iii) such Related Person shall not have become the “Beneficial Owner” (as hereinafter defined) of any additional shares of Voting Stock of the Corporation except as part of the transaction which resulted in such Related Person becoming a Related Person, and (iv) such Related Person shall not have received the benefit, directly or indirectly (except proportionately as a stockholder), of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial assistance or any tax credits or other tax advantages provided by the Corporation, whether in anticipation of or in connection with such Business Combination or otherwise; and (d) a proxy statement, responsive to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”) and the rules and regulations thereunder (or any subsequent provisions replacing the Exchange Act, rules or regulations), shall be mailed to all stockholders of record at least 30 days prior to the consummation of the Business Combination for the purpose of soliciting stockholder approval of the Business Combination and shall contain at the front thereof, in a prominent place, any recommendations as to the advisability (or inadvisability) of the Business Combination which the Continuing Directors, or any of them, may choose to state and, if deemed advisable by a majority of the Continuing Directors, an opinion of a reputable investment banking firm as to the fairness (or unfairness) of the terms of such Business Combination from the point of view of the remaining stockholders of the Corporation (such investment banking firm to be selected by a majority of the Continuing Directors and to be paid a reasonable fee for its services by the Corporation upon receipt of such opinion).

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For the purposes of this Article:

 

(i)         The term Business Combination shall mean (a) any merger or consolidation of the Corporation or a subsidiary with or into a Related Person, (b) any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition, including, without limitation, a mortgage or any other security device, of all or any Substantial Part (as hereinafter defined) of the assets either of the Corporation (including, without limitation, any voting securities of a subsidiary) or of a subsidiary to a Related Person (other than a distribution by the Corporation or a subsidiary to the Related Person of assets in connection with a pro rata distribution by the Corporation to all stockholders), (c) any merger or consolidation of a Related Person with or into the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation, (d) any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition of all or any Substantial Part of the assets of a Related Person to the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation, (e) the issuance of any securities (other than by way of pro rata distribution to all stockholders) of the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation to a Related Person, (f) the acquisition by the Corporation or a subsidiary of the Corporation of any securities of a Related Person, (g) any recapitalization that would have the effect of increasing the voting power of a Related Person, (h) any series or combination of transactions having the same effect, directly or indirectly, as any of the foregoing, and (i) any agreement, contract or arrangement providing for any of the transactions described in this definition of Business Combination.

 

(ii)        The term Continuing Director shall mean any member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation who is not affiliated with a Related Person and who was a member of the Board of Directors immediately prior to the time that the Related Person became a Related Person, and any successor to a Continuing Director who is not affiliated with the Related Person and is recommended to succeed a Continuing Director by a majority of Continuing Directors then serving as members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

 

(iii)       The term Related Person shall mean and include any individual, corporation, partnership or other person or entity which, together with its Affiliates and Associates (as defined on July 1, 1990 in Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act), is the Beneficial Owner (as defined on July 1, 1990 in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) in the aggregate of 10% or more of the outstanding Voting Stock of the Corporation, and any Affiliate or Associate of any such individual, corporation, partnership or other person or entity.

 

(iv)       The term Substantial Part shall mean more than 10% of the book value of the total assets of the Corporation in question as of the end of its most recent fiscal quarter ending prior to the time the determination is being made.

 

(v)        Without limitation, any shares of Common Stock of the Corporation that any person has the right to acquire with or without restriction pursuant to any agreement, or upon exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options, or otherwise, shall be deemed beneficially owned by such person.

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(vi)       For the purposes of subparagraph (3) of this Article, the term other consideration to be received shall include, without limitation, Common Stock of the Corporation retained by its existing public stockholders in the event of a Business Combination in which the Corporation is the surviving corporation.

 

(vii)       The term Voting Stock shall mean all outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation or another corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and each reference to a proportion of shares of Voting Stock shall refer to such proportion of the votes entitled to be cast by such shares.

 

FOURTEENTH: The provisions set forth in this Article FOURTEENTH and in Articles EIGHTH (dealing with the repeal, alteration, amendment or recission of bylaws by stockholders), NINTH (dealing with the prohibition against stockholder action without meetings and pursuant to written consents), ELEVENTH (dealing with the limitation of liability of directors), TWELFTH (dealing with the classification and number of directors), and THIRTEENTH (dealing with the 75% vote of stockholders required for certain Business Combinations) herein may not be repealed or amended in any respect, and no Article imposing cumulative voting in the election of directors may be added, unless such action is approved by affirmative vote of not less than 75% of the total voting power of all shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote in the election of directors, considered for purposes of this Article FOURTEENTH as one class.

 

Amendment to the provisions set forth in Article THIRTEENTH shall also require the affirmative vote of 66 2/3% of such total voting power excluding the vote of shares owned by a “Related Person” (as defined in Article THIRTEENTH). The voting requirements contained in Article EIGHTH, Article THIRTEENTH and this Article FOURTEENTH herein shall be in addition to the voting requirements imposed by law, other provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or any Certificate of Designations in favor of certain classes or series of classes of shares of the Corporation.

 

FIFTEENTH: The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provisions contained in this Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred upon stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions set forth in Articles EIGHTH, NINTH, ELEVENTH, TWELFTH, THIRTEENTH and FOURTEENTH may not be repealed or amended in any respect unless such repeal or amendment is approved as specified in Article FOURTEENTH herein.

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Exhibit 4.1

 

Execution Counterpart

 

ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION

 

AND EACH OF THE GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO

 

8.00% SENIOR SECURED SECOND PRIORITY NOTES DUE 2025

 

INDENTURE

 

Dated as of April 20, 2021

 

UMB Bank, National Association

 

as Trustee

 

UMB Bank, National Association

 

as Collateral Agent

 

 

CROSS-REFERENCE TABLE*

 

TRUST INDENTURE ACT SECTION   INDENTURE SECTION
310(a)(1)   7.10
(a)(2)   7.10
(a)(3)   N.A.
(a)(4)   N.A.
(a)(5)   7.10
(b)   7.10
311(a)   7.11
(b)   7.11
312(a)   2.05
(b)   14.03
(c)   14.03
313(a)   7.06
(b)   7.06
(b)(2)   7.07
(c)   7.06; 14.02
(d)   7.06
314(a)(4)   4.04; 14.05
(b)   10.02(a)
(c)   14.04
(d)   10.02(a); 10.05
(e)   14.05
(f)   N.A.
315(a)   7.01
(b)   7.05
(c)   7.01
(d)   7.01
(e)   6.11
316(a)(last sentence)   2.09
(a)(1)(A)   6.05
(a)(1)(B)   6.04
(a)(2)   N.A.
(b)   6.07
(c)   9.04
317(a)(1)   6.08
(a)(2)   6.09
(b)   2.04
318(a)   N.A.
(b)   N.A
(c)   14.01

 

 

N.A. means not applicable

*     This Cross-Reference Table is not part of this Indenture

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page

 

Article 1 DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION  BY REFERENCE 1
Section 1.01 Definitions 1
Section 1.02 Other Definitions 26
Section 1.03 Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act 26
Section 1.04 Rules of Construction 27
Article 2 THE NOTES 27
Section 2.01   Form and Dating 27
Section 2.02 Execution and Authentication 28
Section 2.03 Registrar and Paying Agent 28
Section 2.04 Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust 28
Section 2.05 Holder Lists 29
Section 2.06 Transfer and Exchange 29
Section 2.07 Replacement Notes 32
Section 2.08 Outstanding Notes 32
Section 2.09 Treasury Notes 32
Section 2.10 Temporary Notes 32
Section 2.11 Cancellation 33
Section 2.12 Defaulted Interest 33
Section 2.13 Series A Preferred Stock 33
Article 3 REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT 34
Section 3.01 Notices to Trustee 34
Section 3.02 Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed or Purchased 34
Section 3.03 Notice of Redemption 34
Section 3.04 Effect of Notice of Redemption 35
Section 3.05 Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price 35
Section 3.06 Notes Redeemed or Purchased in Part 35
Section 3.07 Optional Redemption 35
Section 3.08 Mandatory Redemption 36
Section 3.09 Offer to Purchase by Application of Excess Proceeds 36
Article 4 COVENANTS 37
Section 4.01 Payment of Notes 37
Section 4.02 Maintenance of Office or Agency 37
Section 4.03 Reports 37
Section 4.04 Compliance Certificate 38
Section 4.05 Taxes 38
Section 4.06 Stay, Extension and Usury Laws 39
Section 4.07 Restricted Payments 39
Section 4.08 Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries 42
Section 4.09   Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock 44
Section 4.10 Asset Sales 47
Section 4.11 Transactions with Affiliates 49
Section 4.12 Liens 50
Section 4.13 Corporate Existence 50
Section 4.14 Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control 51
Section 4.15 Additional Note Guarantees 52
Section 4.16 Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries 52
Section 4.17 Covenant Suspension 53
Section 4.18 Further Assurances; Insurance 53
Section 4.19 Impairment of Security Interest 54
Section 4.20 After-Acquired Property 54
Section 4.21 Limitation on Layered Indebtedness 54

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Article 5 SUCCESSORS 55
Section 5.01    Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets 55
Section 5.02    Successor Corporation Substituted 55
Article 6 DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES 56
Section 6.01    Events of Default 56
Section 6.02    Acceleration 57
Section 6.03    Other Remedies 58
Section 6.04    Waiver of Past Defaults 58
Section 6.05    Control by Majority 58
Section 6.06    Limitation on Suits 58
Section 6.07    Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment 58
Section 6.08    Collection Suit by Trustee and Collateral Agent 59
Section 6.09    Trustee May File Proofs of Claim 59
Section 6.10    Priorities 59
Section 6.11    Undertaking for Costs 59
Article 7 TRUSTEE 60
Section 7.01    Duties of Trustee 60
Section 7.02    Rights of Trustee 60
Section 7.03    Individual Rights of Trustee 63
Section 7.04    Trustee’s Disclaimer 63
Section 7.05    Notice of Defaults 63
Section 7.06    Reports by Trustee to Holders of the Notes 63
Section 7.07    Compensation and Indemnity 63
Section 7.08    Replacement of Trustee 64
Section 7.09    Successor Trustee by Merger, etc. 65
Section 7.10    Eligibility; Disqualification 65
Section 7.11    Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company 65
Section 7.12    Collateral Agent 65
Section 7.13    Separate Trustees and Co-Trustees 65
Article 8 LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE 66
Section 8.01    Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance 66
Section 8.02    Legal Defeasance and Discharge 66
Section 8.03    Covenant Defeasance 67
Section 8.04    Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance 67
Section 8.05    Deposited Money and Government Securities to be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions 68
Section 8.06    Repayment to Company 68
Section 8.07    Reinstatement 69
Article 9 AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER 69
Section 9.01    Without Consent of Holders of Notes 69
Section 9.02    With Consent of Holders of Notes 70
Section 9.03    Trust Indenture Act 71
Section 9.04    Revocation and Effect of Consents 71
Section 9.05    Notation on or Exchange of Notes 71
Section 9.06    Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc. 71
Article 10 COLLATERAL AND SECURITY 72
Section 10.01    Security Documents 72
Section 10.02    Recording and Opinions 72
Section 10.03    Release of Liens on Collateral 72
Section 10.04    Release of Liens in Respect of Notes 73
Section 10.05    Certificates of the Company 73
Section 10.06    Certificates of the Trustee 73
Section 10.07    Authorization of Actions to Be Taken Under the Security Documents 74

ii

 

Section 10.08    Authorization of Receipt of Funds by the Trustee Under the Security Documents 74
Section 10.09    Collateral Agent 74
Article 11 NOTE GUARANTEES 75
Section 11.01    Guarantee 75
Section 11.02    Limitation on Guarantor Liability 76
Section 11.03    Execution and Delivery of Note Guarantee 76
Section 11.04    Guarantors May Consolidate, etc., on Certain Terms 77
Section 11.05    Releases 77
Article 12 SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE 78
Section 12.01    Satisfaction and Discharge 78
Section 12.02    Application of Trust Money 79
Article 13 CONVERSION OF NOTES 79
Section 13.01    Conversion Privilege 79
Section 13.02    Conversion Procedure 80
Section 13.03    Increased Conversion Rate Applicable to Certain Notes Surrendered in Connection with Make-Whole Fundamental Change 82
Section 13.04    Adjustment of Conversion Rate 84
Section 13.05    Adjustment of Prices 89
Section 13.06    Shares to Be Fully Paid 90
Section 13.07    Effect of Recapitalizations, Reclassifications, and Changes of the Common Stock 90
Section 13.08    Certain Covenants 91
Section 13.09    Responsibility of Trustee 91
Section 13.10    Notice to Holders Prior to Certain Actions 92
Section 13.11    Stockholder Rights Plans 92
Section 13.12    [Intentionally Omitted.] 92
Section 13.13    Company Conversion 92
Article 14 MISCELLANEOUS 93
Section 14.01    Trust Indenture Act Controls 93
Section 14.02    Notices 93
Section 14.03   Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes 94
Section 14.04    Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent 94
Section 14.05    Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion 94
Section 14.06    Rules by Trustee and Agents 94
Section 14.07    No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders 94
Section 14.08    Governing Law 95
Section 14.09    No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements 95
Section 14.10    Successors 95
Section 14.11    Severability 96
Section 14.12    Counterpart Originals 96
Section 14.13    Table of Contents, Headings, etc. 96

iii

 

EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A FORM OF NOTE
Exhibit B FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER
Exhibit C FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE
Exhibit D FORM OF NOTATION OF GUARANTEE
Exhibit E FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
Exhibit F FORM OF INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT

iv

 

This INDENTURE dated as of April 20, 2021 is among ION Geophysical Corporation, a Delaware corporation, the Guarantors (as defined), UMB Bank, National Association, as trustee, and UMB Bank, National Association, as collateral agent.

 

The Company, the Guarantors, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent agree as follows for the benefit of each other and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders (as defined) of (a) the 8.00% Senior Secured Second Priority Notes due 2025 in an aggregate principal amount of $116,193,000 (the “Initial Notes”) and (b) the Holders of any Additional Notes (as defined herein, and together with the Initial Notes, the “Notes”) issued hereafter. This Indenture is subject to, and shall be governed by, the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, (the “TIA”) that are required to be part of and to govern indentures qualified under the TIA.

 

Article 1
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION
BY REFERENCE

 

Section 1.01 Definitions.

 

“Acquired Debt” means, with respect to any specified Person:

 

(1)           Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged with or into or became a Subsidiary of such specified Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person merging with or into, or becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of, such specified Person; and

 

(2)           Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person.

 

Act of Supermajority of Debtholders” means, as to any matter at any time:

 

(1)           prior to the Discharge of Priority Lien Obligations, a direction in writing delivered to the Priority Lien Collateral Agent by or with the written consent of the Holders of more than 662/3% of the sum of: (a) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Priority Lien Debt (including outstanding letters of credit whether or not then available or drawn); and (b) other than in connection with the exercise of remedies, the aggregate unfunded commitments to extend credit which, when funded, would constitute Priority Lien Debt; and

 

(2)           at any time after the Discharge of Priority Lien Obligations, a direction in writing delivered to the Collateral Agent by or with the written consent of the Holders of at least 662/3% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes (including any Additional Notes) then outstanding.

 

“Additional Notes” means additional Notes (other than the Initial Notes) issued under this Indenture in accordance with Sections 2.02 and 4.09 hereof, as part of the same series as the Initial Notes.

 

“Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, “control,” as used with respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise; provided that beneficial ownership of 10% or more of the Voting Stock of a Person shall be deemed to be control. For purposes of this definition, the terms “controlling,” “controlled by” and “under common control with” have correlative meanings.

 

“After-Acquired Property” means any and all assets or property acquired after the date of this Indenture, including any property or assets acquired by the Company or a Guarantor from another Guarantor, which in each case constitutes Collateral.

 

“Agent” means any authenticating agent, Collateral Agent, Registrar, co-registrar, Paying Agent, additional paying agent or other agent appointed by the Company pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.

 

“Applicable Premium” means, with respect to any Note on any Redemption Date, the excess of: (a) the present value at such Redemption Date of (i) the redemption price of the Note at December 15, 2023 plus (ii) all required interest payments due on the Note through December 15, 2023 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to the Redemption Date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such Redemption Date plus 50 basis points; over (b) the principal amount of the Note.

1

 

The Company shall calculate the Applicable Premium prior to the applicable Redemption Date and deliver an Officers’ Certificate to the Trustee setting forth the Applicable Premium and showing the calculation thereof in reasonable detail accompanying the Notice of Redemption provided by the Company under Section 3.03 hereof.

 

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

 

“Asset Sale” means:

 

(1)            the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of any assets or rights by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, and any disposition of Capital Stock, Indebtedness, or other securities of an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided that the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole shall be governed by Sections 4.14 and/or 5.01 hereof (and not, for the avoidance of doubt, Section 4.10 hereof); and

 

(2)            the issuance of Equity Interests by any of the Companys Restricted Subsidiaries or the sale by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Equity Interests in any of the Companys Subsidiaries (other than directors qualifying shares or shares required by applicable law to be held by a Person other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary).

 

Notwithstanding the preceding, none of the following items shall be deemed to be an Asset Sale:

 

(1)           any single transaction or series of related transactions that involve assets having a Fair Market Value of no more than $5.0 million since the date of this Indenture;

 

(2)           a transfer of assets between or among the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(3)           an issuance of Equity Interests by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to the Company or to a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;

 

(4)           the sale, lease, license, sublicense or other transfer of assets, services or accounts receivable in the ordinary course of business and any sale or other disposition of damaged, worn-out or obsolete assets in the ordinary course of business (including the abandonment or other disposition of intellectual property that is, in the reasonable judgment of the Company, no longer economically practicable to maintain or useful in the conduct of the business of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as whole);

 

(5)            licenses and sublicenses by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of software or intellectual property in the ordinary course of business;

 

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

 

(7)           the granting of Liens not prohibited by Section 4.12 hereof and the sale or other disposition pursuant to foreclosure of the assets subject to such Lien;

 

(8)           the sale or other disposition of cash, Cash Equivalents, Hedging Obligations or other financial instruments;

 

(9)           the announced INOVA transaction;

 

and

 

(10)         a Restricted Payment that does not violate Section 4.07 hereof or a Permitted Investment (or a disposition that would constitute a Restricted Payment but for the exclusion from the definition thereof).

 

“Attributable Debt” in respect of a sale and leaseback transaction means, at the time of determination, the present value of the obligation of the lessee for net rental payments during the remaining term of the lease included in such sale and leaseback transaction including any period for which such lease has been extended or may, at the option of the lessor, be extended. Such present value shall be calculated using a discount rate equal to the rate of interest implicit in such transaction, determined in accordance with GAAP; provided, however, that if such sale and leaseback transaction results in a Capital Lease Obligation, the amount of Indebtedness represented thereby shall be determined in accordance with the definition of “Capital Lease Obligation.”

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“Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended, or any similar federal or state law for the relief of debtors, including, without limitation, the Mexican Ley de Concursos Mercantiles.

 

“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” shall 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:

 

(1)           with respect to a corporation, the board of directors of the corporation or any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of such board;

 

(2)           with respect to a partnership, the Board of Directors of the general partner of the partnership;

 

(3)          with respect to a limited liability company, the managing member or members or any controlling committee of managing members thereof; and

 

(4)           with respect to any other Person, the board or committee of such Person serving a similar function.

 

“Business Day” means any day other than a Legal Holiday.

 

“Capital Lease Obligation” means, at the time any determination is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at that time be required to be capitalized on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP, and the Stated Maturity thereof shall be the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease prior to the first date upon which such lease may be prepaid by the lessee without payment of a penalty. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any lease (whether entered into before or after the date of this Indenture) that would have been classified as an operating lease pursuant to GAAP as in effect on the date of this Indenture shall be deemed not to represent a Capital Lease Obligation.

 

Capital Stock” means:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(4)           any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person, but excluding from all of the foregoing any debt securities convertible into Capital Stock, whether or not such debt securities include any right of participation with Capital Stock.

 

“Cash Equivalents” means:

 

(1)           United States dollars;

 

(2)          securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality of the United States government (provided that the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged in support of those securities) having maturities of not more than six months from the date of acquisition;

 

(3)           certificates of deposit and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of six months or less from the date of acquisition, bankers acceptances with maturities not exceeding six months and overnight bank deposits, in each case, with any lender party to the Credit Agreement or with any domestic commercial bank having capital and surplus in excess of $500.0 million and a Thomson Bank Watch Rating of B or better;

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(4)           repurchase obligations with a term of not more than thirty days for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (2) and (3) above entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (3) above;

 

(5)           commercial paper having one of the two highest ratings obtainable from Moodys or S&P and, in each case, maturing within one year after the date of acquisition;

 

(6)           money market funds at least 95% of the assets of which constitute Cash Equivalents of the kinds described in clauses (1) through (5) of this definition;

 

(7)           money market funds that (i) comply with the criteria set forth in Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, (ii) are rated or invest solely in the assets described in clauses (1) through (6) above and (iii) have portfolio assets of at least $500.0 million;

 

(8)           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, in each case maturing within one year after the date of acquisition and having, at such date, the highest rating obtainable from either S&P or Moodys;

 

(9)           any interest bearing account at, or certificate of deposit maturing not more than one year after such time issued by, a U.S. savings and loan association which has a rating of A−” or better from S&P or a rating of A3 or better from Moodys on its long term unsecured debt and which has combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500.0 million;

 

(10)         any interest bearing account at, or certificate of deposit maturing not more than one year after such time, payable in United States dollars and issued by, (i) a foreign banking institution or foreign branch of a U.S. banking institution, which banking institution has a rating of A−” or better from S&P or a rating of A3 or better from Moodys on its long-term unsecured debt and combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500.0 million, or (ii) any foreign subsidiary of a U.S. banking institution, which U.S. banking institution has a rating of A−” or better from S&P or a rating of A3 or better from Moodys and which subsidiary has combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500.0 million;

 

(11)         any evidence of Indebtedness (including variable rate demand notes), maturing not more than one year after such time, issued by any State of the United States, by any county or municipality organized or incorporated under the laws of any State of the United States or by any agency or subdivision of any of the foregoing, in each case rated A−” or better by S&P or rated A3 or better by Moodys;

 

(12)        any preferred securities issued by domestic or foreign corporations, municipalities, or closed-end management investment companies and are designed as short term money market instruments rated A−” or better by S&P or rated A3 or better by Moodys, provided that such Investment will not result in any violation of F.R.S. Board Regulation U and further provided that the Companys aggregate ownership interest of all of the Guarantors does not exceed (and is not convertible into shares which exceed 5% of the issuers outstanding shares entitled to vote unless such ownership interest is acquired pursuant to a merger agreement between or among the Company and/or one or more Guarantors and such issuer);

 

(13)         any mutual funds or similar investment vehicles investing primarily in Investments of the types set forth in the foregoing clauses (1) through (12), provided that ratings requirements shall be applicable to the mutual fund rather than the underlying Investments, as follows: such mutual funds shall, in each case, have a rating of A−” or better from S&P or a rating of A3 from Moodys, provided, however, that it is agreed that (i) any Investment which when made complies with the requirements of any of the foregoing clauses (7), (8), (9), (10), (11) or (12) may continue to be held notwithstanding that such Investment if made thereafter would not comply with such requirements; and (ii) no Investment otherwise permitted by clauses (12) or (13) shall be permitted to be made directly or indirectly through a mutual fund if, immediately before or after giving effect thereto, any Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and

 

(14)         with respect to the Subsidiaries that are not Domestic Subsidiaries only, any Investments outside of the United States that are the functional foreign equivalents in all material respects to the investments described in the foregoing clauses (1) through (13) of this definition.

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

 

(1)          the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole to any Person (including any person (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act));

 

(2)           the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution of the Company;

 

(3)           the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger or consolidation), the result of which is that any Person (including any person (as defined above) becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the Voting Stock of the Company, measured by voting power rather than number of shares; provided, however, that a conversion at the option of the Company that causes fifty percent (50%) or more of the Voting Stock of the Company to change will not constitute a Change of Control; or

 

(4)          the first day on which a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company are not Continuing Directors.

 

Notwithstanding the preceding, the conversion of the Company from a corporation to a limited liability company, limited partnership or other form of entity or an exchange of all of the outstanding Equity Interests in one form of entity for Equity Interests in another form of entity shall not constitute a Change of Control, so long as such transaction otherwise complies with the terms of this Indenture and following such conversion or exchange the “persons” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) who Beneficially Owned the Capital Stock of the Company immediately prior to such transactions continue to Beneficially Own in the aggregate more than 50% of the Voting Stock of the Company, or continue to Beneficially Own sufficient Equity Interests in such entity to elect a majority of its directors, managers, trustees or other persons serving in a similar capacity for such entity or its general partner, as applicable, and, in either case no “person” Beneficially Owns more than 50% of the Voting Stock of such entity or its general partner, as applicable.

 

“Class” means (1) in the case of Second Lien Debt, all Second Lien Debt, taken together, and (2) in the case of Priority Lien Debt, every Series of Priority Lien Debt, taken together.

 

“Clearstream” means Clearstream Banking, S.A.

 

“Collateral” means all properties and assets at any time owned or acquired by the Company or any of the other Guarantors, except:

 

(1)           Excluded Assets;

 

(2)          any properties and assets in which the Collateral Agent is required to release its Liens pursuant to the provisions described in Section 5.1 of the Intercreditor Agreement; and

 

(3)           any properties and assets that no longer secure the Notes or any Obligations in respect thereof pursuant to the provisions described in Section 10.04 hereof;

 

provided that in the case of clauses (2) and (3), if such Liens are required to be released as a result of the sale, transfer or other disposition of any properties or assets of the Company or any other Guarantor, such assets or properties shall cease to be excluded from the Collateral if the Company or any other Guarantor thereafter acquires or reacquires such assets or properties.

 

Collateral Account” means any segregate account under the sole control of the Collateral Agent that is free from all other Liens (other than Liens securing the Priority Lien Obligations), and only includes all cash, Cash Equivalents, and non-cash consideration received by the Trustee or the Collateral Agent from any Sale of Collateral, foreclosure or other awards or proceeds pursuant to the Security Documents, including earnings, revenues, rents, issues, profits, and income from the Collateral received pursuant to the Security Documents and interest earned thereon.

 

“Collateral Agent” means UMB Bank, National Association, in its capacity as Collateral Agent, until a successor replaces it in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and thereafter means the successor serving hereunder.

 

Common Stock” means the Common Stock of the Company, par value $0.01 per share.

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“Company” means ION Geophysical Corporation, and any and all successors thereto.

 

“Consolidated EBITDA” means, with respect to any specified Person for any period, the Consolidated Net Income of such Person for such period plus, without duplication:

 

(1)           an amount equal to any extraordinary loss plus any net loss realized by such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with an Asset Sale, to the extent such losses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

 

(2)           provision for taxes based on income or profits of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent that such provision for taxes was deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

 

(3)           the Fixed Charges of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent that such Fixed Charges were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

 

(4)           any foreign currency translation losses (including losses related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent that such losses were taken into account in computing such Consolidated Net Income; plus

 

(5)           (reserved), plus

 

(6)           depreciation, amortization (including amortization of intangibles but excluding (i) amortization of prepaid cash expenses that were paid in a prior period and (ii) amortization of multiclient libraries) and other non-cash charges and expenses (excluding any such non-cash charge or expense to the extent that it represents an accrual of or reserve for cash charges or expenses in any future period or amortization of a prepaid cash charge or expense that was paid in a prior period) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the extent that such depreciation, amortization and other non- cash charges or expenses were deducted in computing such Consolidated Net Income; minus

 

(7)           any foreign currency translation gains (including gains related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent that such gains were taken into account in computing such Consolidated Net Income; minus

 

(8)           non-cash items increasing such Consolidated Net Income for such period, other than the accrual of revenue in the ordinary course of business;

 

in each case, on a consolidated basis and determined in accordance with GAAP.

 

Notwithstanding the preceding, the provision for taxes based on the income or profits of, and the depreciation and amortization and other non-cash expenses of, a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company shall be added to Consolidated Net Income to compute Consolidated EBITDA of the Company only to the extent that a corresponding amount would be permitted at the date of determination to be dividended to the Company by such Restricted Subsidiary without prior governmental approval (that has not been obtained), and without direct or indirect restriction pursuant to the terms of its charter and all agreements, instruments, judgments, decrees, orders, statutes, rules and governmental regulations applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders.

 

“Consolidated Net Income” means, with respect to any specified Person for any period, the aggregate net income (loss) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, on a consolidated basis, determined in accordance with GAAP and without any reduction in respect of preferred stock dividends; provided that:

 

(1)           all extraordinary gains and losses and all gains and losses realized in connection with any Asset Sale or the disposition of securities or the early extinguishment of Indebtedness, together with any related provision for taxes on any such gain, shall be excluded;

 

(2)           the net income of any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting shall be included only to the extent of the amount of dividends or similar distributions paid in cash to the specified Person or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Person;

6

 

(3)           the net income (but not loss) of any Restricted Subsidiary other than a Guarantor shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of that net income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (that has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders;

 

(4)           the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles shall be excluded; and

 

(5)           non-cash gains and losses attributable to movement in the mark-to-market valuation of Hedging Obligations pursuant to Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 815 (ASC 815) shall be excluded.

 

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

 

“Continuing Directors” means, as of any date of determination, any member of the Board of Directors of the Company who:

 

(1)           was a member of such Board of Directors on the date of this Indenture; or

 

(2)           was nominated for election or elected to such Board of Directors with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of such Board of Directors at the time of such nomination or election.

 

Conversion Agent” means any Person authorized by the Company to convert any Notes on behalf of the Company.

 

“Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee” means the address of the Trustee specified in Section 14.02 hereof or such other address as to which the Trustee may give notice to the Company.

 

“Credit Agreement” means that certain Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2014, by and among the Company, ION Exploration, I/O Marine and GX Technology (collectively, the “Borrowers”, and each, a “Borrower”), the financial institutions a party thereto as lenders (collectively, the “Lenders” and each individually a “Lender”), PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC”), as agent for the Lenders, including any related notes, Guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, as amended by that certain First Amendment to Revolving Credit and Security Agreement dated as of August 4, 2015 by and among the Borrowers and PNC, as the sole Lender and in its capacity as agent, in each case, and as further amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced in any manner (whether upon or after termination or otherwise) or refinanced (including by means of sales of debt securities to institutional investors) in whole or in part from time to time.

 

“Credit Agreement Agent” means, at any time, the Person serving at such time as the “Agent” or “Administrative Agent” under the Credit Agreement or any other representative then most recently designated in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Credit Agreement, together with its successors in such capacity.

 

“Credit Facilities” means, one or more debt facilities (including, without limitation, any Credit Agreement), indentures, commercial paper facilities or secured or unsecured capital market financing, in each case, with banks or other institutional lenders or institutional investors providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, term debt, debt securities, receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables to such lenders or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from such lenders against such receivables) or letters of credit, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, extended, increased, refunded, replaced in any manner (whether upon or after termination or otherwise) or refinanced (including by means of sales of debt securities to institutional investors) in whole or in part from time to time.

 

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

 

“Customary Recourse Exceptions” means, with respect to any Non-Recourse Debt of an Unrestricted Subsidiary, exclusions from the exculpation provisions with respect to such Non-Recourse Debt for the voluntary bankruptcy of such Unrestricted Subsidiary, fraud, misapplication of cash, environmental claims, waste, willful destruction and other circumstances customarily excluded by lenders from exculpation provisions or included in separate indemnification agreements in non-recourse financings.

 

Daily Conversion Value” means for each of the 30 consecutive trading days during the Observation Period, l/30th of the product of (1) the conversion rate on such trading day and (2) the Daily VWAP for such trading day.

7

 

Daily Settlement Amount” means for each of the 30 consecutive trading days during the Observation Period shall consist of: (1) cash equal to the lesser of (i) the maximum cash amount per $1,000 principal amount of Notes to be received upon conversion as specified (or deemed specified) in the notice specifying the Company’s chosen settlement method (the “specified dollar amount”), divided by 30 (such quotient, the “daily measurement value”) and (ii) the Daily Conversion Value; and (2) if the Daily Conversion Value exceeds the daily measurement value, a number of shares equal to (i) the difference between the Daily Conversion Value and the daily measurement value, divided by (ii) the Daily VWAP for such trading day.

 

Daily VWAP” means, for each of the 30 consecutive trading days during the relevant observation period, the per share volume-weighted average price as displayed under the heading “Bloomberg VWAP” on Bloomberg page “IO AQR” (or its equivalent successor if such page is not available) in respect of the period from the scheduled open of trading until the scheduled close of trading of the primary trading session on such trading day (or if such volume-weighted average price is unavailable, the market value of one share of our Common Stock on such trading day determined, using a volume-weighted average method, by a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm retained for this purpose by us). The “Daily VWAP” will be determined without regard to after-hours trading or any other trading outside of the regular trading session trading hours.

 

“De Minimis Guaranteed Amount” means a principal amount of Indebtedness that does not exceed $2.5 million.

 

“Deemed Capitalized Leases” means obligations of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that are classified as “capital lease obligations” under GAAP due to the application of ASC Topic 840 or any subsequent pronouncement having similar effect and, except for such regulation or pronouncement, such obligation would not constitute a Capital Lease Obligation.

 

“Default” means any event that is, or with the passage 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 and shall not have the “Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the Global Note” attached thereto.

 

“Depositary” means, with respect to the Notes issuable or issued in whole or in part in global form, the Person specified in Section 2.03 hereof as the Depositary with respect to the Notes, and any and all successors thereto appointed as depositary hereunder and having become such pursuant to the applicable provision of this Indenture.

 

“Discharge of Priority Lien Obligations” has the meaning given to the term “Discharge of First Lien Obligations” in the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

“Discharge of Second Lien Obligations” has the meaning given to the term “Discharge of Second Lien Obligations” in the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

“Disqualified Stock” means any Capital Stock that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible, or for which it is exchangeable, in each case, at the option of the holder of the Capital Stock), or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or redeemable at the option of the holder of the Capital Stock, in whole or in part, on or prior to the date that is 91 days after the date on which the Notes mature; provided, however, that any class of Capital Stock of such Person that by its terms authorizes such Person to satisfy in full its obligations with respect to the payment of dividends or upon maturity, redemption (pursuant to a sinking fund or otherwise) or repurchase thereof or otherwise by the delivery of Capital Stock that is not Disqualified Stock, and that is not convertible, puttable or exchangeable for Disqualified Stock so long as such Person satisfies its obligations with respect thereto solely by the delivery of Capital Stock that is not Disqualified Stock. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any Capital Stock that would constitute Disqualified Stock solely because the holders of the Capital Stock have the right to require the Company to repurchase such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of a change of control or an asset sale shall not constitute Disqualified Stock if the terms of such Capital Stock provide that the Company may not repurchase or redeem any such Capital Stock pursuant to such provisions unless such repurchase or redemption complies with Section 4.07 hereof. The amount of Disqualified Stock deemed to be outstanding at any time for purposes of this Indenture shall be the maximum amount that the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries may become obligated to pay upon the maturity of, or pursuant to any mandatory redemption provisions of, such Disqualified Stock, exclusive of accrued dividends.

 

“Domestic Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that was formed under the laws of the United States or any state of the United States or the District of Columbia or that guarantees or otherwise provides direct credit support for any Indebtedness of the Company.

8

 

Early Exchange Deadline” means the date that is the tenth (10th) Business Day (as such term is defined in the Exchange Act) after the date of commencement of the Exchange Offer.

 

Early Exchange Premium” means $35 payable, at the Company’s option, either in (I) cash, (II) Common Stock at $2.57 per share, or (III) Notes.

 

“equally and ratably” means, in reference to sharing of Liens or proceeds thereof as between holders of Secured Obligations within the same Class, that such Liens or proceeds:

 

(1)           shall be allocated and distributed first to payment of all fees, costs, expenses and indemnities due and owing to the Secured Debt Representatives, the Priority Lien Collateral Agent and the Collateral Agent,

 

(2)           shall be allocated and distributed second to the Secured Debt Representative for each outstanding Series of Secured Debt within that Class, for the account of the holders of such Series of Secured Debt, ratably in proportion to the principal of, and interest and premium (if any) and reimbursement obligations (contingent or otherwise) with respect to letters of credit, if any, outstanding (whether or not drawings have been made under such letters of credit) on each outstanding Series of Secured Debt within that Class when the allocation or distribution is made, and thereafter.

 

(3)           shall be allocated and distributed (if any remain after payment in full of all of the principal of, and interest and premium (if any) and reimbursement obligations (contingent or otherwise) with respect to letters of credit, if any, outstanding (whether or not drawings have been made on such letters of credit) on all outstanding Secured Obligations within that Class) to the Secured Debt Representative for each outstanding Series of Secured Debt within that Class, for the account of the holders of any remaining Secured Obligations within that Class, ratably in proportion to the aggregate unpaid amount of such remaining Secured Obligations within that Class due and demanded (with written notice to the applicable Secured Debt Representative, the Priority Lien Collateral Agent and the Collateral Agent) prior to the date such distribution is made.

 

“Equity Interests” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).

 

“Equity Offering” means a public or private sale of Equity Interests of the Company by the Company (other than Disqualified Stock and other than to a Subsidiary of the Company) made on a primary basis by the Company after the date of this Indenture.

 

“Euroclear” means Euroclear Bank, S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear system.

 

“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

“Exchange Offer” means the Company’s offer to exchange all outstanding Existing Second Lien Notes, for each $1,000 principal amount of such notes tendered, (a) $150 in cash, (b) $850 of Notes, provided, however, that up to an aggregate of $20 million of Notes exchange consideration may instead be paid in the form of Common Stock at the Company’s option for every dollar of Rights Offering proceeds raised from the issuance of Common Stock, and (c) solely in exchange for Existing Second Lien Notes tendered on or prior to the Early Exchange Deadline and not withdrawn, the Early Exchange Premium.

 

“Excluded Assets” means each of the following:

 

(1)          any asset or property right of the Company or any Guarantor of any nature:

 

(a)       if the grant of a security interest shall constitute or result in (i) the abandonment, invalidation or unenforceability of such asset or property right or the Company’s or any Guarantor’s loss of use of such asset or property right or (ii) a breach, termination or default under any lease, license, contract or agreement (other than to the extent that any such term would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the UCC (or any successor provision or provisions) of any relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable law (including the United States Bankruptcy Code) or principles of equity) to which the Company or such Guarantor is party; and

 

(b)       to the extent that any applicable law or regulation prohibits the creation of a security interest thereon (other than to the extent that any such term would be rendered ineffective pursuant to any applicable law or principles of equity);

9

 

(2)           all Capital Stock of Foreign Subsidiaries not directly owned by the Company or a Guarantor;

 

(3)           any applications for trademarks or service marks filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (the PTO) pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1051 Section 1(b) unless and until evidence of use of the mark in interstate commerce is submitted to the PTO pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1051 Section 1(c) or Section 1(d);

 

(4)           fixed or capital assets owned by the Company or any Guarantor that is subject to a capital lease or purchase money obligations, in each case permitted to be incurred pursuant to Sections 4.09 and 4.12 hereof if the contract or other agreement in which such Lien is granted prohibits the creation of any other Lien on such fixed or capital assets, but only for so long as such prohibition is in effect and only with respect to the portion of such fixed or capital assets as to which such other Lien attaches and such prohibition applies;

 

(5)           motor vehicles;

 

(6)          any Capital Stock of any Subsidiary to the extent (and only to the extent) that in the reasonable judgment of the Company, if such Capital Stock were not excluded from the Collateral then Rule 3-16 or Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act would require the filing of separate financial statements of such Subsidiary with the SEC (or any other governmental agency) in connection with a registration of the Notes under the Securities Act;

 

(7)           de minimis or immaterial assets for which perfection of the security could not be obtained without unreasonable cost and expense or under applicable law;

 

(8)           unless such real property and fixtures (a) secure the Credit Agreement and (b) have a fair market value in excess of $5.0 million, real property and any fixtures owned or leased by the Company or any other Guarantor;

 

(9)           (reserved);

 

(10)         unless such Equity Interests secure the Credit Agreement, Equity Interests in any Person other than (a) a Guarantor, to the extent such Person is at such time a Guarantor, and (b) as provided in clause (2) of this definition;

 

(11)         any account (and any cash, Cash Equivalents or other investments deposited therein) securing Indebtedness described in Section 4.09(b)(xx) hereof; and

 

(12)        prior to the Discharge of Priority Lien Obligations, any property not subject to a Lien securing the Priority Lien Obligations.

 

Ex-Dividend Date” means the first date on which the shares of the Company’s Common Stock trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, without the right to receive the issuance, dividend or distribution in question, from us or, if applicable, from the seller of the Company’s Common Stock on such exchange or market (in the form of due bills or otherwise) as determined by such exchange or market, and “effective date” means the first date on which the shares of the Company’s Common Stock trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, regular way, reflecting the relevant share split or share combination, as applicable.

 

“Existing Indebtedness” means all Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries (other than Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement) in existence on the date of this Indenture, including without limitation the Indebtedness under the Legacy Notes after giving effect to the Offer to Exchange, until such amounts are repaid.

 

Existing Second Lien Notes” means the 9.125% Senior Secured Second Priority Notes due 2021 issued pursuant to that certain indenture dated as of April 28, 2016 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented, or otherwise modified from time to time) by and among the Company, as issuer, each of the guarantors party thereto, and Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as trustee.

 

“Fair Market Value” means the value that would be paid by a willing buyer to an unaffiliated willing seller in a transaction not involving distress or necessity of either party, determined in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company in the case of amounts of $25.0 million or more and otherwise by an Officer of the Company (unless otherwise provided in this Indenture).

 

“Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means with respect to any specified Person for any period, the ratio of the Consolidated EBITDA of such Person for such period to the Fixed Charges of such Person for such period. In the event that the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries incurs, assumes, guarantees, repays, repurchases, redeems, defeases or otherwise discharges any Indebtedness (other than ordinary working capital borrowings) or issues, repurchases or redeems preferred stock subsequent to the commencement of the period for which the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is being calculated and on or prior to the date on which the event for which the calculation of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio is made (the “Calculation Date”), then the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio shall be calculated giving pro forma effect to such incurrence, assumption, Guarantee, repayment, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other discharge of Indebtedness, or such issuance, repurchase or redemption of preferred stock, and the use of the proceeds therefrom, as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter reference period.

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In addition, for purposes of calculating the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio:

 

(1)           acquisitions that have been made by the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including through mergers or consolidations, or any Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries acquired by the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, and including all related financing transactions and including increases in ownership of Restricted Subsidiaries, during the four-quarter reference period or subsequent to such reference period and on or prior to the Calculation Date, or that are to be made on the Calculation Date, shall be given pro forma effect as if they had occurred on the first day of the four-quarter reference period;

 

(2)            the Consolidated EBITDA attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses (and ownership interests therein) disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded;

 

(3)            the Fixed Charges attributable to discontinued operations, as determined in accordance with GAAP, and operations or businesses (and ownership interests therein) disposed of prior to the Calculation Date, shall be excluded, but only to the extent that the obligations giving rise to such Fixed Charges will not be obligations of the specified Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries following the Calculation Date;

 

(4)           any Person that is a Restricted Subsidiary on the Calculation Date shall be deemed to have been a Restricted Subsidiary at all times during such four-quarter period;

 

(5)           any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary on the Calculation Date shall be deemed not to have been a Restricted Subsidiary at any time during such four-quarter period; and

 

(6)           if any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest, the interest expense on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the Calculation Date had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Hedging Obligation applicable to such Indebtedness if such Hedging Obligation has a remaining term as at the Calculation Date in excess of 12 months).

 

For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to any calculation under this definition, the pro forma calculations shall be determined in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting Officer of the Company, which determination shall be conclusive for all purposes under this Indenture; provided that such Officer may in such Officer’s discretion include any reasonably identifiable and factually supportable pro forma changes to Consolidated EBITDA or Fixed Charges, including any pro forma expense and cost reductions or synergies that have occurred or are reasonably expected to occur within the 12 months immediately following the Calculation Date and are either (i) prepared and calculated in accordance with Regulation S-X under the Securities Act or (ii) set forth in an Officers’ Certificate signed by the chief financial or accounting officer that states (a) the amount of each such adjustment and (b) that such adjustments are based on the reasonable good faith belief of the Officers executing such Officers’ Certificate at the time of such execution and the factual basis on which such good faith belief is based.

 

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

 

(1)           the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued, including, without limitation, amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount, non-cash interest payments, the interest component of any deferred payment obligations, the interest component of all payments associated with Capital Lease Obligations (but excluding any interest expense attributable to Deemed Capitalized Leases), imputed interest with respect to Attributable Debt, commissions, discounts and other fees and charges incurred in respect of letter of credit or bankers acceptance financings, and net of the effect of all payments made or received pursuant to Hedging Obligations in respect of interest rates; plus

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(2)           the consolidated interest expense of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries that was capitalized during such period; plus

 

(3)           any interest on Indebtedness of another Person that is guaranteed by such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries or secured by a Lien on assets of such Person or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries, to the extent such Guarantee or Lien is called upon (other than a Lien of the type described in clause (9) of the definition of Permitted Liens); plus

 

(4)           all dividends, whether paid or accrued and whether or not in cash, on any series of preferred stock of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, other than dividends on Equity Interests payable solely in Equity Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) or to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company.

 

“Foreign Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that is not a Domestic Subsidiary.

 

“Fundamental Change” means shall be deemed to have occurred at the time after the Notes are originally issued if any of the following occurs:

 

(a)           a “person” or “group” within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, other than the Company, its Subsidiaries and the employee benefit plans of the Company and its Subsidiaries, has become the direct or indirect “beneficial owner,” as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, of the Company’s common equity representing more than 50% of the voting power of the Company’s common equity;

 

(b)           the consummation of (A) any recapitalization, reclassification or change of the Common Stock (other than changes resulting from a subdivision or combination) as a result of which the Common Stock would be converted into, or exchanged for, stock, other securities, other property or assets; (B) any share exchange, consolidation or merger of the Company pursuant to which the Common Stock will be converted into cash, securities or other property or assets; or (C) any sale, lease or other transfer in one transaction or a series of transactions of all or substantially all of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any Person other than one of the Company’s Subsidiaries; provided, however, that a transaction described in clause (B) in which the holders of all classes of the Company’s common equity immediately prior to such transaction own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of all classes of common equity of the continuing or surviving corporation or transferee or the parent thereof immediately after such transaction in substantially the same proportions as such ownership immediately prior to such transaction shall not be a Fundamental Change pursuant to this clause (b);

 

(c)           the stockholders of the Company approve any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Company; or

 

(d)           the Common Stock (or other common stock underlying the Notes) ceases to be listed or quoted on any of the NYSE MKT, The New York Stock Exchange, The Nasdaq Global Select Market or The Nasdaq Global Market (or any of their respective successors);

 

provided, however, that a transaction or transactions described in clause (a) or clause (b) above shall not constitute a Fundamental Change, if at least 90% of the consideration received or to be received by the common stockholders of the Company, excluding cash payments for fractional shares, in connection with such transaction or transactions consists of shares of common stock that are listed or quoted on any of the NYSE MKT, The New York Stock Exchange, The Nasdaq Global Select Market or The Nasdaq Global Market (or any of their respective successors) or will be so listed or quoted when issued or exchanged in connection with such transaction or transactions and as a result of such transaction or transactions the Notes become convertible into such consideration, excluding cash payments for fractional shares.

 

“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, which are in effect on the date of this Indenture.

 

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

 

“Global Notes” means the Notes deposited with or on behalf of and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, 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 Section 2.01, 2.06(b)(iii), 2.06(b)(iv), 2.06(d)(ii) or 2.06(f) hereof.

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“Government Securities” means direct obligations of, or obligations guaranteed by, the United States of America, and the payment for which the United States of America 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 (whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreements to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take or pay or to maintain financial statement conditions or otherwise) (other than a Lien of the type described in clause (9) of the definition of Permitted Liens).

 

“Guarantors” means any Subsidiary of the Company that executes a Note Guarantee in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, and their respective successors and assigns, in each case, until the Note Guarantee of such Person has been released in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture. The initial Guarantors, as of the date of this Indenture, are GX Technology, ION Exploration, I/O Marine, and GX Geoscience.

 

GX Geoscience” means GX Geoscience Corporation, S. de R.L. de C.V., a Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada de Capital Variable organized under the laws of Mexico.

 

GX Technology” means GX Technology Corporation, a Texas corporation.

 

“Hedging Obligations” means, with respect to any specified Person, the obligations of such Person under:

 

(1)           interest rate swap agreements (whether from fixed to floating or from floating to fixed), interest rate cap agreements and interest rate collar agreements;

 

(2)           other agreements or arrangements designed to manage interest rates or interest rate risk; and

 

(3)           other agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in currency exchange rates or commodity prices.

 

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

 

I/O Marine” means I/O Marine Systems, Inc., a Louisiana corporation.

 

“Immaterial Subsidiary” means, as of any date, any Restricted Subsidiary whose total assets (other than Equity Interests in any other Subsidiary), as of that date, (i) are less than $5.0 million in book value, and (ii) together with all other Immaterial Subsidiaries that are Domestic Subsidiaries, are less than $10.0 million in book value.

 

“Indebtedness” means, with respect to any specified Person, any indebtedness of such Person (excluding accrued expenses and trade payables), whether or not contingent:

 

(1)           in respect of borrowed money;

 

(2)           evidenced by or issued in exchange for bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments or letters of credit (or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof) but excluding bid, performance, surety and appeal bonds to the extent such bonds are undrawn upon and obligations with respect to letters of credit securing obligations (other than obligations described in clauses (1), (4) and (5) entered into in the ordinary course of business of such Person to the extent such letters of credit are not drawn upon or, if and to the extent drawn upon, such drawing is reimbursed within ten Business Days of payment on such letter of credit;

 

(3)           in respect of bankers acceptances;

 

(4)           representing Capital Lease Obligations or Attributable Debt in respect of sale and leaseback transactions;

 

(5)           representing the balance deferred and unpaid of the purchase price of any property or services due more than six months after such property is acquired or such services are completed; or

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(6)           representing any Hedging Obligations,

 

if and to the extent any of the preceding items (other than letters of credit, Attributable Debt and Hedging Obligations) would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of the specified Person prepared in accordance with GAAP, but excluding Deemed Capitalized Leases. In addition, the term “Indebtedness” includes all Indebtedness of others secured by a Lien on any asset of the specified Person (whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by the specified Person) and, to the extent not otherwise included, the Guarantee by the specified Person of any Indebtedness of any other Person. Indebtedness shall be calculated without giving effect to the effects of ASC 815 and related interpretations to the extent such effects would otherwise increase or decrease an amount of Indebtedness for any purpose under this Indenture as a result of accounting for any embedded derivatives created by the terms of such Indebtedness.

 

Notwithstanding the preceding, “Indebtedness” of a Person shall not include:

 

(1)           any indebtedness that has been defeased in accordance with GAAP or defeased pursuant to the deposit of cash or Cash Equivalents (in an amount sufficient to satisfy all such indebtedness obligations at maturity or redemption, as applicable, and all payments of interest and premium, if any) in a trust or account created or pledged for the sole benefit of the holders of such indebtedness, and subject to no other Liens;

 

(2)           any repayment or reimbursement obligation of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to Customary Recourse Exceptions, unless and until an event or circumstance occurs that triggers the Persons or such Restricted Subsidiarys direct repayment or reimbursement obligation (as opposed to contingent or performance obligations) to the lender or other Person to whom such obligation is actually owed, in which case the amount of such direct payment or reimbursement obligation shall constitute Indebtedness; and

 

(3)           a Lien of the type described in clause (9) of the definition of Permitted Liens.

 

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

 

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

 

“Initial Notes” means the first $116,193,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes issued under this Indenture on the date hereof.

 

“INOVA” means INOVA Geophysical Equipment Limited, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the People’s Republic of China or any successor or substitute entity thereof (whether by reincorporation, transfer, merger, amalgamation, conversion or any other entity transaction) in the same or a different jurisdiction and whether known by the same or a different name.

 

insolvency or liquidation proceeding” means:

 

(1)           any case commenced by or against the Company or any other Guarantor under Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar federal or state law for the relief of debtors, including, without limitation, the Mexican Ley de Concursos Mercantiles, any other proceeding for the reorganization, recapitalization or adjustment or marshalling of the assets or liabilities of the Company or any other Guarantor, any receivership or assignment for the benefit of creditors relating to the Company or any other Guarantor or any similar case or proceeding relative to the Company or any other Guarantor or its creditors, as such, in each case whether or not voluntary;

 

(2)           any liquidation, dissolution, marshalling of assets or liabilities or other winding up of or relating to the Company or any other Guarantor, in each case whether or not voluntary and whether or not involving bankruptcy (quiebra) or insolvency (concurso mercantil); or

 

(3)           any other proceeding of any type or nature in which substantially all claims of creditors of the Company or any other Guarantor are determined and any payment or distribution is or may be made on account of such claims.

 

“Intercreditor Agreement” means the Intercreditor Agreement, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit G, dated as of the date of this Indenture, among the Priority Lien Collateral Agent, as the first lien representative, the Second Lien Representative, the Collateral Agent, and the Company and the other grantors referred to therein, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

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“Investments” means, with respect to any Person, all direct or indirect investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the forms of loans (including Guarantees or other obligations), advances or capital contributions (excluding commission, travel and similar advances to officers and employees made in the ordinary course of business), purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities, together with all items that are or would be classified as investments on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP. If the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company sells or otherwise disposes of any Equity Interests of any direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary of the Company such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, the Company will be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or disposition equal to the Fair Market Value of the Company’s Investments in such Subsidiary that were not sold or disposed of in an amount determined as provided in Section 4.07(c) hereof. The acquisition by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of a Person that holds an Investment in a third Person will be deemed to be an Investment by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary in such third Person in an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of the Investments held by the acquired Person in such third Person in an amount determined as provided in Section 4.07(c) hereof. Except as otherwise provided in this Indenture, the amount of an Investment will be determined at the time the Investment is made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value.

 

ION Exploration” means ION Exploration Products (U.S.A.), Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

Issue Date” is the date hereof.

 

Last Reported Sale Price” means the closing sale per share of Common Stock (or if no closing sale price is reported, the average of the closing bid and ask prices, or if more than one in either case, the average of the average closing bid and the average closing ask prices) on such date as reported in composite transactions for the principal United States national or regional securities exchange on which Common Stock is traded.

 

Legacy Collateral Agent” means Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB in its capacity as collateral agent under the Legacy Documents, together with its successors in such capacity.

 

Legacy Documents” means, collectively, the Legacy Indenture and the Legacy Notes.

 

Legacy Indenture” means the Indenture dated as of May 13, 2013, among the Company, the Guarantors, the Legacy Trustee, and the Legacy Collateral Agent, as amended, modified, or supplemented from time to time.

 

Legacy Notes” means the “Notes,” as defined in the Legacy Indenture.

 

Legacy Trustee” means Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB (as successor to Wilmington Trust, National Association), as trustee under the Legacy Indenture, together with its successors in such capacity.

 

“Legal Holiday” means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in the City of New York, Wilmington, Delaware or at a place of payment are authorized by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed. If a payment date is a Legal Holiday at a place of payment, payment may be made at that place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue on such payment for the intervening period.

 

“Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest, trust or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law, including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, any option or other agreement to sell or give a security interest in and any filing of or agreement to give any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent statutes) of any jurisdiction.

 

“Lien Release Conditions” means the Discharge of Priority Lien Obligations.

 

“Lien Sharing and Priority Confirmation” means as to any Series of Priority Lien Debt, the written agreement of the holders of such Series of Priority Lien Debt, as set forth in the Credit Agreement or other agreement governing such Series of Priority Lien Debt, for the enforceable benefit of all holders of Second Lien Debt, the Second Lien Representative and each existing and future holder of Permitted Prior Liens:

 

(1)           that all Priority Lien Obligations shall be and are secured equally and ratably by all Priority Liens at any time granted by the Company or any other Guarantor to secure any Obligations in respect of such Series of Priority Lien Debt, whether or not upon property otherwise constituting collateral for such Series of Priority Lien Debt, and that all such Priority Liens will be enforceable by the Priority Lien Collateral Agent for the benefit of all holders of Priority Lien Obligations equally and ratably;

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(2)           that the holders of Obligations in respect of such Series of Priority Lien Debt are bound by the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement, including the provisions relating to the ranking of Priority Liens and the order of application of proceeds from enforcement of Priority Liens; and

 

(3)           consenting to and directing the Priority Lien Collateral Agent to perform its obligations under the Intercreditor Agreement and the other Priority Lien Security Documents.

 

“Make-Whole Fundamental Change” means any transaction or event that constitutes a Fundamental Change (as defined herein and determined after giving effect to any exceptions to or exclusions from such definition, but without regard to the proviso in clause (b) of the definition thereof).

 

“Make-Whole Fundamental Change Repurchase Date” means the date fixed for the repurchase of any Notes by the Company pursuant to a repurchase upon a Make-Whole Fundamental Change.

 

“Maturity Date” means December 15, 2025.

 

Mexico” means the United Mexican States.

 

“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

 

“Net Proceeds” means the aggregate amount of cash proceeds and Cash Equivalents received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale (including, without limitation, any cash or Cash Equivalents received upon the sale or other disposition of any non-cash consideration received in any Asset Sale but excluding any non-cash consideration deemed to be cash for the purpose of Section 4.10 hereof) net of the direct costs relating to such Asset Sale, including, without limitation, legal, accounting and investment banking fees, and sales commissions, and any relocation expenses incurred as a result of the Asset Sale, taxes paid or payable as a result of the Asset Sale, in each case, after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements and amounts required to be applied to the repayment of Indebtedness secured by a Lien on the properties or assets that were the subject of such Asset Sale, or which must by its terms, or in order to obtain a necessary consent to such Asset Sale or by applicable law, be repaid out of the proceeds from such Asset Sale, all distributions and other payments required to be made to minority interest holders in Restricted Subsidiaries or joint ventures as a result of such Asset Sale, and any reserve for adjustment or indemnification obligations in respect of the sale price of such asset or assets established in accordance with GAAP.

 

“Non-Recourse Debt” means Indebtedness:

 

(1)           as to which neither the Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (a) provides credit support of any kind (including any undertaking, agreement or instrument that would constitute Indebtedness) or (b) is directly or indirectly liable as a guarantor or otherwise, except for Customary Recourse Exceptions;

 

(2)           as to which the lenders have been notified in writing that they will not have any recourse to the stock or assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than as permitted in clause (3) below); and

 

(3)           as to which the lenders have been notified in writing that they will not have any recourse to the Capital Stock or assets of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries except (a) as contemplated by clause (9) of the definition of Permitted Liens and (b) except for Customary Recourse Exceptions.

 

“Note Documents” means this Indenture, the Notes and the Security Documents.

 

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

 

Note Register” means the register of Notes for the transfer and exchanges of 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, including for purposes of waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase, and unless the context otherwise requires, all references to the Notes shall include the Initial Notes and any Additional Notes.

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“Obligations” means any principal (including reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit whether or not drawn), interest (including, to the extent legally permitted, all interest accrued thereon after the commencement of any insolvency (concurso mercantil) or liquidation proceeding at the rate, including any applicable post-default rate, specified in the Priority Lien Documents, even if such interest is not enforceable, allowable or allowed as a claim in such proceeding), premium (if any), fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, expenses and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.

 

Observation Period” with respect to any Notes surrendered for conversion means: (1) if the relevant Conversion Date occurs prior to September 15, 2025 and the Company has not issued a notice of redemption with respect to the Notes, the 30 consecutive trading days beginning on, and including, the second trading day immediately succeeding such Conversion Date; (2) if the relevant Conversion Date occurs on or after September 15, 2025 and the Company has not issued a notice of redemption with respect to the Notes on or after December 15, 2023, the 30 consecutive trading days beginning on, and including, the 32nd scheduled trading day immediately preceding the Maturity Date; and (3) if the relevant Conversion Date occurs on or after the date of the Company’s issuance of a notice of redemption with respect to the Notes and prior to the relevant Redemption Date (even if the relevant Conversion Date occurs on or after September 15, 2025), the 30 consecutive trading days beginning on, and including, the 32nd scheduled trading day immediately preceding such Redemption Date.

 

Offer to Exchange” means the Offer to Exchange of the Company, dated March 28, 2016, with respect to the Initial Notes.

 

“Officer” means, with respect to any Person, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Accounting Officer, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Controller, the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary or any Vice President of such Person (or, if such Person is a limited partnership, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Accounting Officer, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Controller, the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary or any Vice President of such Person’s general partner).

 

“Officers’ Certificate” means a certificate signed on behalf of the Company by two Officers of the Company, one of whom must be the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer, the treasurer or the principal accounting officer of the Company.

 

“Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, as applicable. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company.

 

“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).

 

“Permitted Acquisition Indebtedness” means Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to the extent such Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock was Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of any other Person existing at the time (a) such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or (b) such Person was merged or consolidated with or into the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or (c) assets of such Person were acquired by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and such Indebtedness was assumed in connection therewith (excluding any such Indebtedness that is repaid contemporaneously with such event); provided that on the date such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or the date such Person was merged or consolidated with or into the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or on the date of such asset acquisition, as applicable, either:

 

(1)           immediately after giving effect to such transaction on a pro forma basis as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, would be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.09(a) hereof, or

 

(2)           immediately after giving effect to such transaction on a pro forma basis as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Company would be equal to or greater than the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the Company immediately prior to such transaction.

 

“Permitted Business” means any business that is the same as, or reasonably related, ancillary or complementary to, any of the businesses in which the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries are engaged on the date of this Indenture.

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“Permitted Investments” means:

 

(1)          any Investment in the Company or in a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;

 

(2)          any Investment in Cash Equivalents;

 

(3)          any Investment by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in a Person, if as a result of such Investment:

 

(a)       such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; or

 

(b)       such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;

 

(4)          any Investment made as a result of the receipt of non-cash consideration from an Asset Sale that was made pursuant to and in compliance with Section 4.10 hereof;

 

(5)          an acquisition of assets or Capital Stock in any Person solely in exchange for the issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company;

 

(6)         any Investments received in compromise or resolution of (a) obligations of trade creditors or customers that were incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement upon the bankruptcy (quiebra) or insolvency (concurso mercantil) of any trade creditor or customer or (b) litigation, arbitration or other disputes;

 

(7)          Investments represented by Hedging Obligations;

 

(8)          loans or advances to employees made in the ordinary course of business of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $1.0 million at any one time outstanding;

 

(9)          Investments in any Person to the extent such Investments consist of prepaid expenses, negotiable instruments held for collection and lease, utility and workers compensation, performance and other similar deposits made in the ordinary course of business by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(10)        any guarantee of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by Section 4.09 hereof other than a guarantee of Indebtedness of an Affiliate of the Company that is not a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;

 

(11)       any Investment existing on, or made pursuant to binding commitments existing on, the date of this Indenture and any Investment consisting of an extension, modification or renewal of any Investment existing on, or made pursuant to a binding commitment existing on, the date of this Indenture; provided that the amount of any such Investment may be increased as required by the terms of such Investment as in existence on the date of this Indenture or as otherwise permitted under this Indenture;

 

(12)        Investments acquired after the date of this Indenture as a result of the acquisition by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of another Person, including by way of a merger, amalgamation or consolidation with or into the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, or all or substantially all of the assets of another Person, in each case, in a transaction that is not prohibited by Section 5.01 hereof after the date of this Indenture to the extent that such Investments were not made in contemplation of such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation and were in existence on the date of such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation;

 

(13)        repurchase of the Notes; and

 

(14)       Liens of the type described in clause (9) of the definition of Permitted Liens.

 

With respect to any Permitted Investment, the Company may, in its sole discretion, allocate all or any portion of any Permitted Investment and later re-allocate all or any portion of any Permitted Investment to one or more of the above clauses (1) through (14) so that the entire Permitted Investment would be a Permitted Investment.

 

“Permitted Joint Venture” means any entity characterized as a joint venture, however structured, engaged in a Permitted Business in which the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary has an ownership interest; provided that such joint venture is not a Subsidiary of the Company.

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“Permitted Liens” means:

 

(1)           Liens held by the Priority Lien Collateral Agent securing (a) Priority Lien Debt in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding the Priority Lien Cap and (b) all related Priority Lien Obligations;

 

(2)           Liens to secure the Notes and the Note Guarantees issued on the date of this Indenture, and any obligations owing to the Trustee or the Collateral Agent under this Indenture, the Security Documents or the Intercreditor Agreement in connection therewith;

 

(3)           Liens to secure Hedging Obligations so long as such Hedging Obligations are permitted to be incurred under this Indenture;

 

(4)           Liens on property of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or is merged with or into or consolidated with the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; provided that such Liens were in existence prior to the contemplation of such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or such merger or consolidation and do not extend to any assets other than those of the Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company or is merged with or into or consolidated with the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company (plus improvements and accessions to such property or proceeds or distributions thereof);

 

(5)            Liens on property (including Capital Stock) existing at the time of acquisition of the property by the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company; provided that such Liens were in existence prior to such acquisition and not incurred in contemplation of, such acquisition;

 

(6)           Liens on cash and Cash Equivalents to secure the performance of statutory obligations, insurance, surety or appeal bonds, workers compensation obligations, performance bonds or other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business (including Liens to secure letters of credit issued to assure payment of such obligations);

 

(7)            Liens to secure Indebtedness (including Capital Lease Obligations) permitted by Section 4.09(b)(iv) hereof covering only the assets acquired with or financed by such Indebtedness (plus improvements and accessions to such property or proceeds or distributions thereof);

 

(8)            Liens to secure Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries permitted to be incurred under this Indenture, to the extent such Liens relate only to assets and properties of Foreign Subsidiaries or the Equity Interests in such Foreign Subsidiaries;

 

(9)            Liens on the Capital Stock of any Unrestricted Subsidiary or any Permitted Joint Venture granted by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to the extent securing Non-Recourse Debt of such Unrestricted Subsidiary or Permitted Joint Venture;

 

(10)          Liens existing on the date of this Indenture, other than Liens securing Indebtedness and other obligations incurred pursuant to Section 4.09(b)(i) hereof;

 

(11)          Liens for taxes, assessments or governmental charges or claims that are not yet delinquent by more than 30 days or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently concluded; provided that any reserve or other appropriate provision as is required in conformity with GAAP has been made therefor;

 

(12)          Liens imposed by law, such as carriers, warehousemens, landlords and mechanics Liens, in each case, incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

(13)         survey exceptions, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights-of- way, sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real property that were not incurred in connection with Indebtedness and that do not in the aggregate materially adversely affect the value of said properties or materially impair their use in the operation of the business of such Person;

 

(14)         [intentionally omitted];

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(15)         Liens to secure any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under this Indenture; provided, however, that:

 

(a)       the new Lien is limited to all or part of the same property and assets that secured or, under the written agreements pursuant to which the original Lien arose, could secure the original Lien (plus improvements and accessions to, such property or proceeds or distributions thereof); and

 

(b)       the Indebtedness secured by the new Lien is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of (x) the outstanding principal amount, or, if greater, committed amount, of the Indebtedness renewed, refunded, refinanced, replaced, defeased or discharged with such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness and (y) an amount necessary to pay any fees and expenses, including premiums, related to such renewal, refunding, refinancing, replacement, defeasance or discharge;

 

(16)         Liens on insurance policies and proceeds thereof, or other deposits, to secure insurance premium financings;

 

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

 

(18)         bankers Liens, rights of setoff, Liens arising out of judgments or awards not constituting an Event of Default and notices of lis pendens and associated rights related to litigation being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been made;

 

(19)         Liens on cash, Cash Equivalents or other property arising in connection with the defeasance, discharge or redemption of Indebtedness;

 

(20)         Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods (and the proceeds thereof) of any Person securing such Persons obligations in respect of bankers acceptances issued or created in the ordinary course of business for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods;

 

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

 

(22)         Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for the sale of goods entered into in the ordinary course of business;

 

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

 

(24)         Liens in favor of the Company or any of the Guarantors;

 

(25)         Liens on cash collateral or Cash Equivalents for letters of credit and/or bank guarantees permitted under Section 4.09(b)(xix) hereof, not to exceed 105% of the face amount thereof; provided that the aggregate book value of the assets encumbered by all Liens permitted by this clause (25) shall not exceed $10.0 million in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;

 

(26)          Liens arising under this Indenture in favor of the Trustee for its own benefit and similar Lien in favor of other trustees, agents and representatives arising under instruments governing Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under this Indenture; provided, however, that such Liens are solely for the benefit of the trustees, agents or representatives in their capacities as such and not for the benefit of the holders of such Indebtedness;

 

(27)         Liens to secure Additional Notes permitted to be incurred under Section 4.09(b)(iii) hereof and Note Guarantees related thereto (together with any Indebtedness incurred to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease or refund such Indebtedness); provided such Liens shall be subject to the Intercreditor Agreement;

 

(28)         [Intentionally Omitted]; and

 

(29)         Liens to secure Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to Section 4.09(b)(xxii), provided such Liens are subject to the Intercreditor Agreement.

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“Permitted Prior Liens” means:

 

(1)           Liens described in clause (1) of the definition of Permitted Liens;

 

(2)           Liens described in clauses (4), (5), (7), (10), (16), (18), (19), (20) and (26) of the definition of Permitted Liens; and

 

(3)           Permitted Liens that arise by operation of law and are not voluntarily granted, to the extent entitled by law to priority over the Liens created by the Priority Lien Security Documents or the Security Documents.

 

“Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or any Disqualified Stock of the Company incurred or issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease, discharge, refund or otherwise retire for value, in whole or in part, any other Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than intercompany Indebtedness) or any Disqualified Stock of the Company (the “Refinanced Indebtedness”), provided that:

 

(1)           the principal amount, or in the case of Disqualified Stock, the amount thereof as determined in accordance with the definition of Disqualified Stock, of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of the Refinanced Indebtedness (plus all accrued and unpaid interest on or accrued and unpaid dividends on the Refinanced Indebtedness, as the case may be, and the amount of all fees, expenses and premiums incurred in connection therewith) (or, if such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness refinances Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility or other agreement providing for a commitment for subsequent borrowings, with a maximum commitment not to exceed the maximum commitment under such revolving credit facility or other agreement);

 

(2)           such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity date or redemption date, as applicable, later than or equal to the shorter of (a) 91 days following the Stated Maturity or (b) the final maturity or redemption date as applicable, of the Refinanced Indebtedness;

 

(3)           such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity at the time such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is incurred that is no shorter than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the portion of the Indebtedness being renewed, refunded, refinanced, replaced, defeased or discharged;

 

(4)           if the Refinanced Indebtedness is contractually subordinated or otherwise junior in right of payment to the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees, such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is contractually subordinated or otherwise junior in right of payment to the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees on terms at least as favorable to the Holders of Notes as those contained in the documentation governing the Refinanced Indebtedness;

 

(5)           such Indebtedness is incurred either by the Company or by the Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that was the obligor on the Indebtedness being renewed, refunded, refinanced, replaced, defeased or discharged and is guaranteed only by Persons who were obligors on the Indebtedness being renewed, refunded, refinanced, replaced, defeased or discharged (or by any Person that was required by the documents governing such Indebtedness to guarantee such Indebtedness); and

 

(6)           the proceeds of the Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall be used substantially concurrently with the incurrence thereof to redeem, refinance, replace, defease, discharge, refund or otherwise retire for value the Refinanced Indebtedness, unless the Refinanced Indebtedness is not then due and is not redeemable or prepayable at the option of the obligor thereof or is redeemable or prepayable only with notice, in which case such proceeds shall be held in a segregated account of the obligor of the Refinanced Indebtedness until the Refinanced Indebtedness becomes due or redeemable or prepayable or such notice period lapses and then shall be used to refinance the Refinanced Indebtedness; provided that in any event the Refinanced Indebtedness shall be redeemed, refinanced replaced, defeased, discharged, refunded or otherwise retired for value within 120 days of the incurrence of the Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) any Indebtedness incurred under Credit Facilities (other than to redeem, refinance, replace, defease, discharge, refund or otherwise retire for value the Legacy Notes prior to the Stated Maturity of Legacy Notes) shall be subject to the refinancing provision of the definition of Credit Facilities and not pursuant to the requirements set forth in this definition of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness, and (ii) any Senior Indebtedness incurred, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 4.09, to redeem, refinance, replace, defease, discharge, refund or otherwise retire for value the Legacy Notes prior to the Stated Maturity of Legacy Notes provided that such Senior Indebtedness, except in the case of Additional Notes (which may have a Stated Maturity date equal to the Stated Maturity date of the Notes), have a Stated Maturity date at least 90 days after the Stated Maturity date of the Notes.

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“Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company or government or other entity.

 

Physical Note” means a Note (other than a Global Note) that is represented by a certificate substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A, registered in the name of the Holder of such Note and duly executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee.

 

“Priority Lien” means a Lien granted by a Priority Lien Security Document to the Priority Lien Collateral Agent, at any time, upon any property of the Company or any other Guarantor to secure Priority Lien Obligations.

 

“Priority Lien Cap” means, as of any date, the maximum aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by clause (1) of the definition of Permitted Debt. For purposes of this definition, all letters of credit will be valued at the face amount thereof, whether or not drawn.

 

“Priority Lien Collateral Agent” means PNC, in its capacity as Collateral Agent under the Priority Lien Security Documents, together with its successors in such capacity.

 

“Priority Lien Debt” means:

 

(1)          Indebtedness of the Company under the Credit Agreement that was permitted to be incurred and secured under each applicable Secured Debt Document (or as to which the lenders under the Credit Agreement obtained an Officers Certificate at the time of incurrence to the effect that such Indebtedness was permitted to be incurred and secured by all applicable Secured Debt Documents); and

 

(2)          Indebtedness of the Company under any other Credit Facility that is secured equally and ratably with the Credit Agreement by a Priority Lien that was permitted to be incurred and so secured under each applicable Secured Debt Document; provided, in the case of any Indebtedness referred to in this clause (2), that:

 

(a)       on or before the date on which such Indebtedness is incurred by the Company, such Indebtedness is designated by the Company, in an Officers’ Certificate delivered to each Priority Lien Representative, the Priority Lien Collateral Agent and the Collateral Agent, as “Priority Lien Debt” for the purposes of the Secured Debt Documents; provided that no Series of Secured Debt may be designated as both Second Lien Debt and Priority Lien Debt;

 

(b)       such Indebtedness is governed by a credit agreement or other agreement that includes a Lien Sharing and Priority Confirmation; and

 

(c)       all requirements set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement as to the confirmation, grant or perfection of the Priority Lien Collateral Agent’s Lien to secure such Indebtedness or Obligations in respect thereof are satisfied (and the satisfaction of such requirements and the other provisions of this clause (c) will be conclusively established if the Company delivers to the Priority Lien Collateral Agent and the Collateral Agent an Officers’ Certificate stating that such requirements and other provisions have been satisfied and that such Indebtedness is “Priority Lien Debt”).

 

“Priority Lien Documents” means the Credit Agreement and any other Credit Facility pursuant to which any Priority Lien Debt is incurred and the Priority Lien Security Documents.

 

“Priority Lien Obligations” means the Priority Lien Debt and all other Obligations in respect of Priority Lien Debt, including without limitation the “Secured Obligations” as such term is defined in the Priority Lien Security Documents as of the date of this Indenture.

 

“Priority Lien Representative” means (1) the Credit Agreement Agent or (2) in the case of any other Series of Priority Lien Debt, the trustee, agent or representative of the holders of such Series of Priority Lien Debt who maintains the transfer register for such Series of Priority Lien Debt and is appointed as a representative of the Priority Lien Debt (for purposes related to the administration of the Priority Lien Security Documents) pursuant to the Credit Agreement or other agreement governing such Series of Priority Lien Debt and who has become a party to the Intercreditor Agreement by executing a joinder in the form required under the Intercreditor Agreement.

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“Priority Lien Security Documents” means the Intercreditor Agreement, each Lien Sharing and Priority Confirmation, and all security documents, pledge agreements, collateral assignments, mortgages, deeds of trust, collateral agency agreements, control agreements or other grants or transfers for security executed and delivered by the Company or any other Guarantor creating (or purporting to create) a Priority Lien upon collateral in favor of the Priority Lien Collateral Agent, in each case, as amended, modified, renewed, restated or replaced, in whole or in part, from time to time, in accordance with its terms.

 

Record Date” means, with respect to any dividend, distribution or other transaction or event in which the holders of the Company’s Common Stock (or other applicable security) have the right to receive any cash, securities or other property or in which the Company’s Common Stock (or such other security) is exchanged for or converted into any combination of cash, securities or other property, the date fixed for determination of holders of the Company’s Common Stock (or such other security) entitled to receive such cash, securities or other property (whether such date is fixed by the Company’s Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee thereof, statute, contract or otherwise).

 

Redemption Date” means, with respect to any Note, the date on which such Note is redeemed pursuant to this Indenture.

 

Redemption Notice” means that notice delivered by the Company pursuant to this Indenture to a holder whose Notes are being redeemed. A Redemption Notice will be delivered at least 30 but no more than 60 days before the Redemption Date to each holder of Notes to be redeemed at its registered address, except that such Redemption Notice may be delivered 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. A Redemption Notice, including, without limitation, issued upon an Equity Offering, may, at the Company’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, completion of the related Equity Offering. If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the Redemption Notice that relates to that Note will state the portion of that Note that is to be redeemed.

 

Reference Property” means the kind and amount of stock, or other securities or other property or assets (including cash or any combination thereof) that a holder of a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the Conversion Rate immediately prior to any (i) recapitalization, reclassification, or change of the Company’s Common Stock (other than changes resulting from a subdivision or combination), (ii) any consolidation, merger, or combination involving us, (iii) any sale, lease or other transfer to a third party of the consolidated assets of the Company and its subsidiaries substantially as an entirety, or (iv) any statutory share exchange would have owned or been entitled to receive upon such transaction.

 

Regular Record Date” means, with respect to each Interest Payment Date, the close of business on the fifteenth (15th) calendar day preceding such Interest Payment Date.

 

Reporting Default” means the failure by the Company for 180 days after notice from the Trustee or Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding to comply with the provisions described in Section 4.03 hereof.

 

“Responsible Officer,” when used with respect to the Trustee, means any officer within the corporate trust administration of the Trustee (or any successor group of the Trustee) or any other officer of the Trustee customarily performing functions similar to those performed by any of the above designated officers and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his or her knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject, and who, in each case, shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.

 

Restricted Investment” means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.

 

Restricted Subsidiary” of a Person means any Subsidiary of the referent Person that is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

Rights Offering” means the granting of a right to all holders of the Company’s Common Stock to participate in an offering pursuant to which each holder shall have the right to subscribe for its pro rata share (with over-subscription rights) of up to $50 million in Notes, issued at par, or Common Stock issued at $2.57 per share.

 

“Sale of Collateral” means any Asset Sale involving a sale or other disposition of Collateral.

23

 

Scheduled Trading Day” means a day that is scheduled to be a trading day on the principal U.S. national or regional securities exchange or market on which the Company’s Common Stock is listed or admitted for trading. If the Company’s Common Stock is not so listed or admitted for trading, “scheduled trading day” means a “Business Day.”

 

“SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

“Second Lien” means a Lien granted by a Security Document to the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Second Lien Secured Parties, at any time, upon any property of the Company or any other Guarantor to secure Second Lien Obligations.

 

“Second Lien Debt” means, collectively, (i) the Notes and (ii) any Indebtedness secured on a pari passu basis to the Initial Notes permitted to be incurred under Section 4.09(b)(xxii).

 

“Second Lien Documents” means, collectively, the Note Documents and the Security Documents (other than any security documents that do not secure Second Lien Obligations).

 

“Second Lien Obligations” means Second Lien Debt and all other Obligations in respect thereof, including, without limitation, the fees and expenses (including attorneys’ fees and expenses) of the Trustee and the Collateral Agent.

 

“Second Lien Representative” means the Trustee, in its capacity as second lien representative under the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

“Second Lien Secured Party” means the Holders of the Notes, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent.

 

“Secured Debt Documents” means the Second Lien Documents and the Priority Lien Documents.

 

“Secured Debt Representative” means the Second Lien Representative and each Priority Lien Representative.

 

“Secured Obligations” means Second Lien Obligations and Priority Lien Obligations.

 

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

 

“Security Documents” means the Intercreditor Agreement, each Lien Sharing and Priority Confirmation, and all security documents, pledge agreements, collateral assignments, mortgages, deeds of trust, collateral agency agreements, control agreements or other grants or transfers for security executed and delivered by the Company or any Guarantor creating (or purporting to create) a Second Lien upon Collateral in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Second Lien Secured Parties, in each case, as amended, modified, renewed, restated or replaced, in whole or in part, from time to time, in accordance with its terms and the provisions described in Section 5.3 of the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

Senior Indebtedness” means the Priority Lien Debt, the Second Lien Debt, and any other Indebtedness expressly pari passu in right of payment to the Priority Lien Debt and the Second Lien Debt.

 

“Series of Priority Lien Debt” means, severally, the Indebtedness outstanding under the Credit Agreement and any other Credit Facility that constitutes Priority Lien Debt.

 

“Series of Secured Debt” means Second Lien Debt and each Series of Priority Lien Debt.

 

Settlement Method” means, with respect to a conversion of Notes, the Physical Settlement, Cash Settlement, or Combination Settlement, as elected (or deemed to have been elected), by the Company.

 

“Significant Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary that would be a “significant subsidiary” as defined in Article 1, Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act, as such Regulation is in effect on the date of this Indenture.

 

Specified Dollar Amount” means the cash equal to the maximum cash amount per $1,000 principal amount of Notes to be received upon conversion as specified (or deemed specified) in the notice specifying the Company’s chosen Settlement Method.

 

“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 shall not include any contingent obligations to repay, redeem or repurchase any such interest or principal prior to the date originally scheduled for the payment thereof; provided that, in the case of debt securities that are by their terms convertible into Capital Stock (or cash or a combination of cash and Capital Stock based on the value of the Capital Stock) of the Company, any obligation to offer to repurchase such debt securities on a date(s) specified in the original terms of such securities, which obligation is not subject to any condition or contingency, will be treated as a Stated Maturity date of such convertible debt securities.

24

 

“Subsidiary” means, with respect to any specified Person:

 

(1)           any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency and after giving effect to any voting agreement or stockholders agreement that effectively transfers voting power) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees of the corporation, association or other business entity is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person (or a combination thereof); and

 

(2)            any partnership or limited liability company of which (a) more than 50% of the capital accounts, distribution rights, total equity and voting interests or general and limited partnership interests, as applicable, are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, whether in the form of membership, general, special or limited partnership interests or otherwise, and (b) such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person is a controlling general partner or otherwise controls such entity.

 

“TIA” has the meaning assigned to it in the preamble to this Indenture.

 

Trading Day” means a day on which (i) there is no “market disruption event” (as defined below) and (ii) trading in the Company’s Common Stock generally occurs on the NYSE or, if the Company’s Common Stock is not then listed on the NYSE, on the principal other U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which the Company’s Common Stock is then listed or, if the Company’s Common Stock is not then listed on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange, on the principal other market on which the Company’s Common Stock is then listed or admitted for trading. If the Company’s Common Stock is not so listed or admitted for trading, “trading day” means a “Business Day.”

 

“Treasury Rate” means, as of any Redemption Date, the yield to maturity as of the earlier of (a) such Redemption Date or (b) the date on which such Notes are defeased or satisfied and discharged, of the most recently issued United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) that has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to such date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from the Redemption Date to December 15, 2023; provided, however, that if the period from the Redemption Date to December 15, 2023, is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year will be used. Any such Treasury Rate shall be obtained by the Company.

 

“Trustee” means UMB Bank, National Association, in its capacity as trustee, until a successor replaces it in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture and thereafter means the successor serving hereunder.

 

“Unrestricted Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Company that is designated by the Board of Directors of the Company as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors, but only to the extent that such Subsidiary:

 

(1)            has total assets, as of the date of designation as an Unrestricted Subsidiary (after giving effect to any Investments made or expected to be made in such Unrestricted Subsidiary), (i) of less than $2.5 million in book value, and (ii) together with all other Unrestricted Subsidiaries, of less than $5.0 million in book value;

 

(2)            has no Indebtedness other than Non-Recourse Debt;

 

(3)            except as permitted by Section 4.11 hereof, is not party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding with the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company unless the terms of any such agreement, contract, arrangement or understanding are no less favorable to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons who are not Affiliates of the Company;

 

(4)            is a Person with respect to which neither the Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has any direct or indirect obligation (a) to subscribe for additional Equity Interests or (b) to maintain or preserve such Persons financial condition or to cause such Person to achieve any specified levels of operating results; and

25

 

(5)           has not guaranteed or otherwise directly or indirectly provided credit support for any Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (except (a) to the extent such guarantee or credit support would be released upon such designation and (b) for Liens of the type described in clause (9) of the definition of Permitted Liens).

 

All Subsidiaries of an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall also be Unrestricted Subsidiaries.

 

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

 

“Voting Stock” of any specified Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person entitling the holder thereof (whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of Capital Stock has voting power by reason of any contingency) that is at the time entitled to vote, to vote in the election of the Board of Directors of such Person.

 

“Weighted Average Life to Maturity” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing:

 

(1)            the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect of the Indebtedness, by (b) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one- twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment; by

 

(2)            the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.

 

Section 1.02 Other Definitions.

 

Term   Defined In Section
“Affiliate Transaction”   4.11
“Alternate Offer”   4.14
“Asset Sale Offer”   3.09
“Authentication Order”   2.02
“Change of Control Offer”   4.14
“Change of Control Payment”   4.14
“Change of Control Payment Date”   4.14
“Covenant Defeasance”   8.03
“Covenant Suspension Event”   4.17
“DTC”   2.03
“Event of Default”   6.01
“Excess Proceeds”   4.10
“incur”   4.09
“Indemnified Party”   7.07
“Interest Payment Date”   Exhibit A
“Investment Grade”   4.17
“Legal Defeasance”   8.02
“Offer Amount”   3.09
“Offer Period”   3.09
“Paying Agent”   2.03
“Payment Default”   6.01
“Permitted Debt”   4.09
“Purchase Date”   3.09
“Registrar”   2.03
“Restricted Payments”   4.07
“Reversion Date”   4.17
“Suspended Covenants”   4.17

 

Section 1.03 Incorporation by Reference of Trust Indenture Act.

 

Whenever this Indenture refers to a provision of the TIA, the provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture.

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The following TIA terms used in this Indenture have the following meanings:

 

“indenture securities” means the Notes;

 

“indenture security Holder” means a Holder of a Note;

 

“indenture to be qualified” means this Indenture;

 

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

 

“obligor” on the Notes and the Note Guarantees means the Company and the Guarantors, respectively, and any successor obligor upon the Notes and the Note Guarantees, respectively.

 

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

 

Section 1.04 Rules of Construction.

 

Unless the context otherwise requires:

 

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

 

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

 

(iii)          or is not exclusive;

 

(iv)          including is not limiting;

 

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

 

(vi)          will shall be interpreted to express a command;

 

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

 

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

 

Article 2
THE NOTES

 

Section 2.01 Form and Dating.

 

(a)           General. The Notes and the Trustees certificate of authentication will be substantially in the form of Exhibit A hereto. 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 minimum denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

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 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 Custodian in accordance with instructions given by the Holder thereof as required by Section 2.06 hereof.

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(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 the Global Note that are held by Participants through Euroclear or Clearstream.

 

Section 2.02 Execution and Authentication.

 

At least one Officer must sign the Notes for the Company by manual or electronic 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 electronic or 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 two Officers (an “Authentication Order”), authenticate (i) Initial Notes for original issue in an aggregate principal amount of $116,193,000, and (ii) if issued, any Additional Notes in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the amount permitted by Section 4.09(b)(iii). An Authentication Order shall specify the amount of the Notes to be authenticated, the date on which the original issue of Notes is to be authenticated. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Indenture, any issuance of Additional Notes after the Issue Date shall be in a principal amount of at least $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $1,000 and shall not exceed the aggregate principal amount permitted by Section 4.09(b)(iii). 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 or an Affiliate of the Company.

 

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 registered Holders 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.

 

The Company initially appoints the Trustee to act as the Registrar and Paying Agent with respect to the Notes and to act as Custodian with respect to the Global Notes.

 

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 on, the Notes, and will notify the Trustee, in writing, 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) will have no further liability for the money. If the Company or a Subsidiary 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. If the Company or a Subsidiary acts as Paying Agent, upon any bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings relating to the Company, the Trustee will serve as Paying Agent for the Notes.

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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 and shall otherwise comply with TIA §312(a). 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 of Notes and the Company shall otherwise comply with TIA §312(a).

 

Section 2.06 Transfer and Exchange.

 

(a)           Transfer and Exchange of Global Notes. A Global Note may not be transferred except as a whole 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:

 

(i)            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 is no longer 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;

 

(ii)           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

 

(iii)          there has occurred and is continuing a Default or Event of Default with respect to the Notes.

 

Upon the occurrence of any of the preceding events in (i), (ii) or (iii) above, Definitive Notes shall be issued in such names as the Depositary shall instruct 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 Sections 2.07 or 2.10 hereof, shall be authenticated and delivered by the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, in the form of, and shall be, a Global Note. 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 (f) hereof.

 

(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. Transfers of beneficial interests in the Global Notes also will require compliance with subparagraph (i):

 

(i)           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)(i) above, the transferor of such beneficial interest must deliver to the Registrar either:

 

(A)        both:

 

(1) 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

 

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

 

(B)         both:

 

(1) 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

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(2) 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.

 

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(h) hereof.

 

(c)           Transfer and Exchange of Definitive Notes for Definitive Notes. Upon request by a Holder of Definitive Notes and such Holders compliance with the provisions of this Section 2.06(c), 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).

 

(d)          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.

 

(i)            Global Note Legend. Each Global Note will bear a legend in substantially the following form:

 

“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(a) 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 ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION.

 

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 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.”

 

(e)          Cancellation and/or Adjustment of Global Notes. At such time as all beneficial interests in a particular Global Note have been exchanged for beneficial interests in another Global Note or 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.

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(f)           General Provisions Relating to Transfers and Exchanges.

 

(i)             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.

 

(ii)           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, 3.09, 4.10, 4.14 and 9.05 hereof).

 

(iii)           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.

 

(iv)          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.

 

(v)          Neither the Trustee, 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 selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Note being redeemed in part; or

 

(C)           to register the transfer of or to exchange a Note between a record date and the next succeeding Interest Payment Date.

 

(vi)          Prior to due presentment for the registration of a transfer of any Note, the Trustee, any Agent and the Company may deem and treat the Person in whose name any Note is registered 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.

 

(vii)        [Intentionally omitted.]

 

(viii)       All 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.

 

(ix)         Neither the Trustee nor any agent of the Trustee shall have any responsibility for any actions taken or not taken by the Depositary.

 

(x)          The Trustee shall have no responsibility or obligation to any Participant or Indirect Participant or any other Person with respect to the accuracy of the books or records, or the acts or omissions, of the Depositary or its nominee or of any participant or member thereof, with respect to any ownership interest in the Notes or with respect to the delivery to any Participant or Indirect Participant or other Person (other than the Depositary) of any notice (including any notice of redemption) or the payment of any amount, under or with respect to such Notes. All notices and communications to be given to the Holders and all payments to be made to Holders under the Notes shall be given or made only to or upon the order of the registered Holders (which shall be the Depositary or its nominee in the case of a Global Note). The rights of beneficial owners in any Global Note shall be exercised only through the Depositary subject to the customary procedures of the Depositary. The Trustee may rely and shall be fully protected in relying upon information furnished by the Depositary with respect to its Participants or Indirect Participants or any other Person.

 

(xi)         The Trustee shall have no obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Note (including any transfers between or among Participants or Indirect Participants in any Global Note) other than to require delivery of such certificates and other documentation or evidence as are expressly required by, and to do so if and when expressly required by, the terms of this Indenture, and to examine the same to determine substantial compliance as to form with the express requirements hereof.

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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, security or an indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee or the Company, as applicable, must be supplied by the Holder 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 Holder must also provide the Trustee any other documents (including a lost note affidavit) that the Trustee may request. The Company and/or the Trustee may charge for its expenses in replacing a Note.

 

If, after delivery of such new Note, a protected purchaser of the predecessor Note presents for payment, transfer or exchange such replaced Note, the Company, the Trustee, any Agent and any authenticating agent shall be entitled to recover such new Note from the Person to whom it was delivered or any Person taking therefrom, and shall be entitled to recover upon the security or indemnity provided therefor to the extent of any loss, damage, cost or expense incurred by the Company, the Trustee, any Agent and any authenticating agent in connection therewith.

 

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; however, Notes held by the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company shall not be deemed to be outstanding for purposes of Section 3.07(a) hereof.

 

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 the Maturity Date, money sufficient to pay Notes payable on Redemption Date or the Maturity Date, as applicable, 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 a Responsible Officer of the Trustee receives an Officers’ Certificate from the Company that such Notes are so owned will be so disregarded. Upon request of the Trustee, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee promptly an Officers’ Certificate listing and identifying all Notes, if any, known by the Company to be owned or held by or for the account of any of the above described Persons, and the Trustee shall be entitled to accept and rely upon such Officers’ Certificate as conclusive evidence of the facts therein set forth and of the fact that all Notes not listed therein are outstanding for the purpose of any determination.

 

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, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, 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 destroy canceled Notes in its customary manner. Certification of the destruction of all canceled Notes will be delivered to the Company upon its written request therefor. 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 mail or cause to be mailed 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 Series A Preferred Stock.

 

(a)           The Company will issue one (1) share of Series A Preferred Stock (the Series A Preferred Stock) to be held in trust by the Trustee on behalf of Holders to (i) provide certain rights and protections to the holders of the Notes and (ii) allow, under certain circumstances detailed below, the Holders to vote on an as-converted basis. The Trustee shall take direction from Holders of fifty and one-tenth percent (50.1%) of the Notes for any action requiring the consent of the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock or each act on which the Holder of the Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to vote.

 

(b)           Following a Default or Event of Default under this Indenture, the Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to vote with the Common Stock of the Company as a single class and having voting power equal to the number of shares of Common Stock of the Company issuable upon the conversion of the Notes.

 

(c)           At all times when the Common Stock is entitled to vote thereon, the Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to vote with the Common Stock of the Company as a single class and having voting power equal to the number of shares of Common Stock of the Company issuable upon the conversion of the Notes for any transaction: (a) modifying, amending, supplementing, or waiving any provision of the Companys organizational documents or (b) entering into any merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or other business combination transaction.

 

(d)           The holder of the Series A Preferred Stock shall have the right to appoint two (2) directors to the Board, both of whom shall be independent.

 

(e)           One (1) share of Series A Preferred Stock shall (i) rank pari passu in respect of voting rights with respect to the Common Stock of the Company, (ii) have a liquidation preference equal to $1.00, (iii) not produce preferred dividends or ordinary dividends, (iv) not be transferable, except to a successor Trustee under the terms of this Indenture, and (v) not be granted registration rights. The Series A Preferred Stock shall be governed in all respects by the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

(f)            The Series A Preferred Stock may be redeemed by the Company upon the exercise into Common Stock of, in the aggregate, seventy-five percent (75%) or more of the Notes that were issued on the Issue Date. The redemption price shall be $1.00.

 

(g)          The Trustee is not obligated to solicit the consent or request the approval of the Holders to requests or actions pursuant to Series A Preferred Stock. A consent solicitation agent appointed by the Company will solicit such vote and will provide to the Holders notice of such requests or actions and a ballot to vote to consent or approve or deny the action with instructions to return such ballot to it. The Trustee shall then act in accordance with the direction of a majority of Holders of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock, as calculated by the consent solicitation agent. The Trustee shall have no liability for any failure to act resulting from the late return of, or failure to return, any proxy sent by the Company or consent solicitation agent to the Holders.

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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 30 days but not more than 60 days before a Redemption Date, an Officers’ Certificate setting forth:

 

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

 

(ii)            the Redemption Date;

 

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

 

(iv)          the redemption price.

 

Section 3.02 Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed or Purchased.

 

If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed or purchased in an offer to purchase at any time, the Company will select Notes for redemption or purchase on a pro rata basis or, in the case of Global Notes, based on a method as DTC may require unless otherwise required by law or applicable stock exchange or depositary requirements.

 

The Company will promptly notify the Trustee in writing of the Notes selected for redemption or purchase and, in the case of any Note selected for partial redemption or purchase, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed or purchased. Notes and portions of Notes selected will be in amounts of $1,000 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. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, provisions of this Indenture that apply to Notes called for redemption or purchase also apply to portions of Notes called for redemption or purchase.

 

Section 3.03 Notice of Redemption.

 

Subject to the provisions of Section 3.09 hereof, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a Redemption Date, the Company will send or cause to be sent, a notice of redemption to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address, except that Redemption Notices may be given 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 12 hereof. Notice of any redemption, including, without limitation, upon an Equity Offering, may, at the Company’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, completion of the related Equity Offering.

 

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

 

(i)            the Redemption Date;

 

(ii)           the redemption price;

 

(iii)           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 upon cancellation of the original Note;

 

(iv)          the name and address of the Paying Agent for purposes of the redemption;

 

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

 

(vi)          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;

 

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

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(viii)        that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Notes.

 

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 (unless a shorter time shall be acceptable to the Trustee) to the Redemption Date, an Officers’ Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such notice and setting forth the information to be stated in such notice as provided in the preceding paragraph.

 

Section 3.04 Effect of Notice of Redemption.

 

Once notice of redemption is mailed in accordance with Section 3.03 hereof, Notes called for redemption become due and payable on the Redemption Date at the redemption price, unless the redemption is subject to a condition precedent that is not satisfied or waived.

 

Section 3.05 Deposit of Redemption or Purchase Price.

 

At least one Business Day prior to the redemption or purchase date, the Company will deposit with the Trustee or with the Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the redemption or purchase price of, and accrued interest on all Notes to be redeemed or purchased on that date and to pay any amounts owing to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent. 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, accrued interest on all Notes to be redeemed or purchased and to pay any amounts owing to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent.

 

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 accepted for 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. If any Note called for redemption or purchase is not so paid upon surrender for redemption or tendered for 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 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 December 15, 2023, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem all or a part of the Notes, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, at a redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed, plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest to the applicable Redemption Date, subject to the rights of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date. The Company shall calculate the Applicable Premium prior to the applicable Redemption Date and deliver an Officers Certificate to the Trustee setting forth the Applicable Premium and showing the calculation thereof in reasonable detail.

 

(b)           On or after December 15, 2023, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem all or a part of the Notes, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, at a redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the applicable Redemption Date subject to the rights of holders of Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest on the relevant Interest Payment Date.

 

Unless the Company defaults in the payment of the redemption price, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption on the applicable Redemption Date.

 

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

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Section 3.08 Mandatory Redemption.

 

Except as set forth below under Sections 4.10 and 4.14 hereof, the Company is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes or to repurchase the Notes at the option of Holders of the Notes.

 

Section 3.09 Offer to Purchase by Application of Excess Proceeds.

 

In the event that, pursuant to Section 4.10 hereof, the Company is required to commence an offer to all Holders to purchase Notes (an “Asset Sale Offer”), it will follow the procedures specified below.

 

The Asset Sale Offer shall be made to all Holders and all holders of Second Lien Debt containing provisions similar to those set forth in this Indenture with respect to offers to purchase, prepay or redeem with the proceeds of sales of assets. The Asset Sale Offer shall remain open for a period of at least 20 Business Days following its commencement and not more than 30 Business Days, except to the extent that a longer period is required by applicable law (the “Offer Period”). No later than three Business Days after the termination of the Offer Period (the “Purchase Date”), the Company will apply all Excess Proceeds (the “Offer Amount”) to the purchase of Notes and such other Second Lien Debt (on a pro rata basis based on the principal amount of Notes and such other Second Lien Debt surrendered, if applicable) or, if less than the Offer Amount has been tendered, all Notes and other Second Lien Debt tendered in response to the Asset Sale Offer. Payment for any Notes so purchased will be made in the same manner as interest payments are made.

 

If the Purchase Date is on or after an interest record date and on or before the related Interest Payment Date, any accrued and unpaid interest will be paid to the Person in whose name a Note is registered at the close of business on such record date, and no additional interest will be payable to Holders who tender Notes pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer.

 

Upon the commencement of an Asset Sale Offer, the Company will send, by first class mail, a notice to the Trustee and each of the Holders, with a copy to the Trustee. The notice will contain all instructions and materials necessary to enable such Holders to tender Notes pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer. The notice, which will govern the terms of the Asset Sale Offer, will state:

 

(i)            that the Asset Sale Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 3.09 and Section 4.10 hereof and the length of time the Asset Sale Offer will remain open;

 

(ii)           the Offer Amount, the purchase price and the Purchase Date;

 

(iii)          that any Note not tendered or accepted for payment will continue to accrue interest;

 

(iv)          that, unless the Company defaults in making such payment, any Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer will cease to accrue interest after the Purchase Date;

 

(v)           that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer may elect to have Notes purchased in denominations of $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof;

 

(vi)          that Holders electing to have Notes purchased pursuant to any Asset Sale Offer will be required to surrender the Note, with the form entitled Option of Holder to Elect Purchase attached to the Notes completed, or transfer by book-entry transfer, to the Company, a Depositary, if appointed by the Company, or a Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice at least three days before the Purchase Date;

 

(vii)         that Holders will be entitled to withdraw their election if the Company, the Depositary or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, receives, not later than the expiration of the Offer Period, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Note the Holder delivered for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his or her election to have such Note purchased;

 

(viii)        that, if the aggregate principal amount of Notes and other Second Lien Debt surrendered by holders thereof exceeds the Offer Amount, the Company will select the Notes and other Second Lien Debt to be purchased on a pro rata basis based on the principal amount of Notes and such other Second Lien Debt surrendered (with such adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Company so that only Notes in denominations of $1,000, or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof, will be purchased); and

 

(ix)           that Holders whose Notes were purchased only in part will be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered (or transferred by book-entry transfer).

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On or before the Purchase Date, the Company will, to the extent lawful, accept for payment, on a pro rata basis to the extent necessary, the Offer Amount of Notes or portions thereof tendered pursuant to the Asset Sale Offer, or if less than the Offer Amount has been tendered, all Notes tendered, and will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes properly accepted together with an Officers’ Certificate stating that such Notes or portions thereof were accepted for payment by the Company in accordance with the terms of this Section 3.09. The Company, the Depositary or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, will promptly (but in any case not later than five days after the Purchase Date) mail or deliver to each tendering Holder an amount equal to the purchase price of the Notes tendered by such Holder and accepted by the Company for purchase, and the Company will promptly issue a new Note, and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, will authenticate and mail or deliver (or cause to be transferred by book entry) such new Note to such Holder, in a principal amount equal to any unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered. Any Note not so accepted shall be promptly mailed or delivered by the Company to the Holder thereof. The Company will publicly announce the results of the Asset Sale Offer on the Purchase Date.

 

Other than as specifically provided in this Section 3.09, any purchase pursuant to this Section 3.09 shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.01 through 3.06 hereof.

 

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. Eastern 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 under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at a rate that is 1% higher than the then applicable interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; it will pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest (without regard to any applicable grace period), at the same rate to the extent lawful.

 

Section 4.02 Maintenance of Office or Agency.

 

The Company will maintain 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 registration of transfer or for exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the 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. 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.

 

(a)          Whether or not required by the rules and regulations of the SEC, so long as any Notes are outstanding, the Company will furnish to the Holders of Notes (or file with the SEC for public availability), within the time periods specified in the SECs rules and regulations:

 

(i)            all quarterly and annual reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if the Company were required to file such reports, including a Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and, with respect to the annual information only, a report thereon by the Companys certified independent accountants; and

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(ii)           all current reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K if the Company were required to file such reports.

 

All such reports will be prepared in all material respects in accordance with all of the rules and regulations applicable to such reports. In addition, the Company will file a copy of each of the reports referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above with the SEC for public availability within the time periods specified in the rules and regulations applicable to such reports (unless the SEC will not accept such a filing) and will post the reports on its website within those time periods. The Company will at all times comply with TIA §314(a).

 

If, at any time, the Company is no longer subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act for any reason, the Company will nevertheless continue filing the reports specified in the preceding paragraphs with the SEC within the time periods specified above unless the SEC will not accept such a filing. The Company will not take any action for the purpose of causing the SEC not to accept any such filings. If, notwithstanding the foregoing, the SEC will not accept the Company’s filings for any reason, the Company will post the reports referred to in the preceding paragraphs on its website within the time periods that would apply if the Company were required to file those reports with the SEC.

 

(b)           If the Company has designated any of its Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries, then the quarterly and annual financial information required by paragraph (a) of this Section 4.03 will include a reasonably detailed presentation, either on the face of the financial statements or in the footnotes thereto, and in Managements 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.

 

(c)           For so long as any Notes remain outstanding, if at any time they are not required to file with the SEC the reports required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 4.03, the Company and the Guarantors will furnish to the 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.

 

(d)          Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustees receipt of such shall not constitute constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Companys compliance with any of its covenants hereunder (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officers Certificates).

 

Section 4.04 Compliance Certificate.

 

(a)           The Company and each Guarantor (to the extent that such Guarantor is so required under the TIA) shall deliver to the Trustee, within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year (beginning with the fiscal year ending on December 31, 2021), an Officers Certificate 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 kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its obligations under this Indenture and the Security Documents, and further stating, as to each such Officer signing such certificate, that to the best of his or her knowledge the Company has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and every covenant contained in this Indenture and the Security Documents and is not in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture or the Security Documents (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) and that to the best of his or her knowledge no event has occurred and remains in existence by reason of which payments on account of the principal of, premium on, if any, or interest on the Notes is prohibited or if such event has occurred, a description of the event 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, forthwith upon any Officer becoming 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 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.

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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 will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:

 

(i)            declare or pay any dividend or make any other payment or distribution on account of the Companys or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries Equity Interests (including, without limitation, any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) or to the direct or indirect holders of the Companys or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries Equity Interests in their capacity as such (other than dividends or distributions payable in Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company and other than dividends or distributions payable to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company);

 

(ii)           purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value (including, without limitation, in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Company) any Equity Interests of the Company or any direct or indirect parent of the Company;

 

(iii)         make any payment on or with respect to, or purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor that is contractually subordinated to the Notes or to any Note Guarantee (excluding any intercompany Indebtedness between or among the Company and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) or (excluding (A) the purchase, redemption, defeasance, repurchase or other acquisition or retirement for value of such Indebtedness in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value, and (B) a payment of interest or principal at the Stated Maturity thereof); or

 

(iv)         make any Restricted Investment (all such payments and other actions set forth in these clauses (i) through (iv) above being collectively referred to as Restricted Payments),

 

unless, at the time of and after giving effect to such Restricted Payment:

 

(A)        no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would occur as a consequence of such Restricted Payment;

 

(B)         the Company would, at the time of such Restricted Payment and after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such Restricted Payment had been made at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, have been permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.09(a) hereof; and

 

(C)         such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries since the Issue Date (excluding Restricted Payments permitted by clauses (ii) through (xiv) of paragraph (b) of this Section 4.07), is less than the sum, without duplication, of:

 

(1) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Company for the period (taken as one accounting period from the quarter preceding the Issue Date to the last day of the Companys last fiscal quarter ending prior to the Restricted Payment for which internal financial statements are in existence at the time of such Restricted Payment (or, if such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, less 100% of such deficit)); plus

 

(2) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds and the Fair Market Value of any Capital Stock of Persons engaged in a Permitted Business or any other assets that are used or useful in a Permitted Business in each case received by the Company after the Issue Date as a contribution to its common equity capital or from the issue or sale of Equity Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock); plus

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(3) (a) to the extent that any Restricted Investment that was made after the Issue Date is sold for cash (other than to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) or otherwise canceled, liquidated or repaid for cash, the cash return of capital to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to such Restricted Investment resulting from such sale, liquidation or repayment (less the out-of-pocket cost of any such disposition, if any) and (b) the net reduction in Restricted Investments resulting from repayments of loans or advances or other transfers of assets in each case to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary from any Person (including without limitation, Unrestricted Subsidiaries) and any dividends received in cash by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company from an Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Company (to the extent that such dividends were not otherwise included in the Consolidated Net Income of the Company for such period); plus

 

(4) the amount by which Indebtedness of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries is reduced on the Companys balance sheet upon the conversion or exchange (other than by a Subsidiary of the Company) subsequent to the Issue Date of any such Indebtedness of the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries into or for Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company (less the amount of any cash, or the Fair Market Value of any other property (other than such Equity Interests), distributed by the Company upon such conversion or exchange and excluding the net cash proceeds from the conversion or exchange financed, directly or indirectly, using funds borrowed from the Company or any Subsidiary), together with the net proceeds, if any, received by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries upon such conversion or exchange; plus

 

(5) to the extent that any Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Company designated as such after the Issue Date is redesignated as a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to the terms of this Indenture or is merged or consolidated with or into, or transfers or otherwise disposes of all or substantially all of its properties or assets to or is liquidated into, the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, the Fair Market Value of the Companys Restricted Investment in such Subsidiary (or of the properties or assets disposed of, as applicable) as of the date of such redesignation, merger, consolidation, transfer, disposition or liquidation.

 

(D)          The provisions of Section 4.07(a) hereof will not prohibit:

 

(v)          the payment of any dividend or the consummation of any irrevocable redemption within 60 days after the date of declaration of the dividend or giving of the Redemption Notice, as the case may be, if at the date of declaration or notice, the dividend or redemption payment would have complied with the provisions of this Indenture;

 

(vi)         the making of any Restricted Payment in exchange for, or out of or with the net cash proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than to a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company) of, Equity Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) or from the substantially concurrent contribution of common equity capital to the Company; provided that the amount of any such net cash proceeds that are utilized for any such Restricted Payment will be excluded from Section 4.07(a)(iv)(C)(2);

 

(vii)        the payment of any dividend (or, in the case of any partnership or limited liability company, any similar distribution) by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company to the holders of its Equity Interests on a pro rata basis or on a basis more favorable to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(viii)       the repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value of Indebtedness of the Company or any Guarantor that is contractually subordinated to the Notes or to any Note Guarantee with the net cash proceeds from a substantially concurrent incurrence of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness;

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(ix)         so long as no Default (other than a Reporting Default) or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the repurchase, redemption or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Equity Interests of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company held by any current or former officer, director or employee of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to any equity subscription agreement, stock option agreement, shareholders agreement or similar agreement; provided that the aggregate price paid for all such repurchased, redeemed, acquired or retired Equity Interests may not exceed $1.0 million in any twelve-month period; provided, further, that the Company may carry over and make in subsequent twelve-month periods, in addition to the amounts permitted for such twelve- month period, up to $1.0 million of unutilized capacity under this clause (v) attributable to the immediately preceding twelve-month period; provided, further, that such amount in any twelve-month period may be increased by an amount not to exceed:

 

(A)         the cash proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests of the Company and, to the extent contributed to the Company as common equity capital, the cash proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests of any of the Companys direct or indirect parent companies, in each case to members of management, directors or consultants of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its direct or indirect parent companies that occurs after the date of this Indenture to the extent the cash proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests have not otherwise been applied to the making of Restricted Payments pursuant to Sections 4.07(a)(iv)(C)(2) or Section 4.07(b)(ii) or to an optional redemption of Notes pursuant to Section 3.07 hereof; plus

 

(B)          the cash proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries after the date of this Indenture; and

 

in addition, cancellation of Indebtedness owing to the Company from any current or former officer, director or employee (or any permitted transferees thereof) of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or any direct or indirect parent company thereof), in connection with a repurchase of Equity Interests of the Company from such Persons will not be deemed to constitute a Restricted Payment for purposes of this Section 4.07 or any other provisions of this Indenture;

 

(x)          the repurchase of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon the exercise of stock or other equity options to the extent such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of those stock or other equity options and any repurchase or other acquisition of Equity Interests made in lieu of withholding taxes in connection with any exercise or exchange of stock options, warrants, incentives or other rights to acquire Equity Interests;

 

(xi)         so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the declaration and payment of regularly scheduled or accrued dividends to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Stock of the Company, or any preferred stock of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company issued on or after the date of this Indenture in accordance with the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test described in Section 4.09(a) hereof;

 

(xii)        payments of cash, dividends, distributions, advances or other Restricted Payments by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to allow the payment of cash in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares upon (i) the exercise of options or warrants or (ii) the conversion or exchange of Capital Stock of any such Person;

 

(xiii)       repurchases of Indebtedness that is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or a Note Guarantee at a purchase price not greater than (i) 101% of the principal amount of such subordinated Indebtedness in the event of a Change of Control or (ii) 100% of the principal amount of such subordinated Indebtedness in the event of an Asset Sale, in each case plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, in connection with any Change of Control Offer or Asset Sale Offer required by the terms of such Indebtedness, but only if:

 

(A)          in the case of a Change of Control, the Company has first complied with and fully satisfied its obligations under Section 4.14 hereof; or

 

(B)          in the case of an Asset Sale, the Company has complied with and fully satisfied its obligations in accordance with Sections 3.09 and 4.10 hereof;

 

(xiv)      [Intentionally Omitted];

 

(xv)       [Intentionally Omitted];

 

(xvi)      declaration and payment of distributions effecting poison pill rights plans provided that any securities or rights so distributed have a nominal fair market value at the time of declaration;

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(xvii)       so long as no Default (other than a Reporting Default) or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would be caused thereby, (i) Restricted Investments (other than an Investment in an Unrestricted Subsidiary) in an aggregate amount not to exceed $5.0 million at any one time outstanding and (ii) other Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $1.0 million in the case of clause (i) hereof, after giving effect to any dividends, interest payments, return of capital and subsequent reduction in the amount of any Investments made pursuant to this Section 4.07(b)(xiv) as a result of the repayment or other disposition thereof, in an amount not to exceed the amount of such Investments previously made pursuant to in this Section 4.07(b)(xiii); provided, however, that if this Section 4.07(b)(xiii) is used to make an Investment in any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company at the date of the making of such Investment and such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company after such date, such Investment shall thereafter be deemed to have been made pursuant to clause (1) of the definition of Permitted Investments and shall cease to have been made pursuant to this Section 4.07(b)(xiii) for so long as such Person continues to be a Restricted Subsidiary; and

 

(xviii)       the repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value of any Legacy Notes on the date of this Indenture in connection with the Exchange Offer or any time thereafter.

 

(b)          The amount of all Restricted Payments (other than cash) will be the Fair Market Value on the date of the Restricted Payment of the asset(s) or securities proposed to be transferred or issued by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, pursuant to the Restricted Payment. The Fair Market Value of any assets or securities that are required to be valued by this Section 4.07 will be determined, in the case of amounts in excess of $25.0 million, by the Board of Directors of the Company whose resolution with respect thereto will be delivered to the Trustee.

 

(c)          For purposes of this Section 4.07, a contribution, sale or incurrence will be deemed to be substantially concurrent if effected within 120 days before or after such contribution, sale or incurrence, as the case may be.

 

(d)          For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.07, in the event that a Restricted Payment meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Restricted Payments described in Section 4.07(b)(i) through Section 4.07(b)(xiv) above, or as a Permitted Investment or is entitled to be made pursuant to Section 4.07(a), the Company will be permitted to divide or classify (or later divide, classify or reclassify in whole or in part in its sole discretion) such Restricted Payment in any manner that complies with this Section 4.07.

 

Section 4.08 Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

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

 

(i)           pay dividends or make any other distributions on its Capital Stock to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, or with respect to any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits, or pay any indebtedness owed to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that the priority that any series of preferred stock of a Restricted Subsidiary has in receiving dividends, distributions or liquidating distributions before dividends, distributions or liquidating distributions are paid in respect of Common Stock of such Restricted Subsidiary shall not constitute a restriction on the ability to make dividends or distributions on Capital Stock for purposes of this Section 4.08;

 

(ii)          make loans or advances to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (it being understood that the subordination of loans or advances made to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to other Indebtedness incurred by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries shall not be deemed a restriction on the ability to make loans or advances); or

 

(iii)         sell, lease or transfer any of its properties or assets to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

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

 

(i)           agreements governing Existing Indebtedness and Credit Facilities as in effect on the date of this Indenture and any amendments, restatements, modifications, renewals, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of those agreements; provided that the amendments, restatements, modifications, renewals, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings are not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, with respect to such dividend and other payment restrictions than those contained in those agreements on the date of this Indenture;

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(ii)           this Indenture, the Notes, the Note Guarantees, and the Security Documents;

 

(iii)          agreements governing other Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by the Company or any Guarantor under Section 4.09 hereof and any amendments, restatements, modifications, renewals, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of those agreements; provided that the encumbrances or restrictions contained therein are not, in the reasonable good faith judgment of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those contained in this Indenture, the Notes and the Note Guarantees;

 

(iv)          applicable law, rule, regulation or order;

 

(v)           any instrument governing 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 is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person, or the property or assets or Subsidiaries of the Person, so acquired (plus improvements and accessions to, such property or proceeds or distributions thereof) and any amendments, restatements, modifications, renewals, extensions, supplements, increases, refundings, replacements or refinancings thereof; provided that the encumbrances and restrictions in any such amendments, restatements, modifications, renewals, extensions, supplements, increases, refundings, replacements or refinancings are, in the reasonable good faith judgment of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, no more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those in effect on the date of the acquisition; provided, further, that in the case of Indebtedness, such Indebtedness was permitted by the terms of this Indenture to be incurred;

 

(vi)         customary non-assignment provisions in contracts and licenses entered into in the ordinary course of business;

 

(vii)        purchase money obligations and mortgage financings for property acquired in the ordinary course of business and Capital Lease Obligations that impose restrictions on the property purchased or leased of the nature described in clause (iii) of Section 4.08(a) hereof;

 

(viii)       any agreement for the sale or other disposition of a Restricted Subsidiary that restricts distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary pending its sale or other disposition;

 

(ix)          Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness; provided that the restrictions contained in the agreements governing such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness are not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those contained in the agreements governing the Indebtedness being refinanced;

 

(x)           Liens permitted to be incurred under the provisions of Section 4.12 hereof that limit the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets subject to such Liens;

 

(xi)          provisions limiting the disposition or distribution of assets or property in joint venture agreements, asset sale agreements, sale-leaseback agreements, stock sale agreements and other similar agreements (including agreements entered into in connection with a Restricted Investment) entered into with the approval of the Companys Board of Directors, which limitation is applicable only to the assets that are the subject of such agreements;

 

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

 

(xiii)        any agreement or instrument relating to any property or assets acquired after the date of this Indenture, so long as such encumbrance or restriction relates only to the property or assets so acquired (plus improvements and accessions to, such property or proceeds or distributions thereof) and is not and was not created in anticipation of such acquisition; and

 

(xiv)        existing under, by reason of or with respect to provisions with respect to any Indebtedness incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary in compliance with Section 4.09 hereof, or any agreement pursuant to which such Indebtedness is issued, if the encumbrance or restriction is not materially more disadvantageous to the Holders of the Notes than is customary in comparable financings (as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company) and the Board of Directors of the Company determines that any such encumbrance or restriction will not materially affect the Companys ability to pay interest or principal on the Notes.

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Section 4.09         Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock.

 

(a)          The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or otherwise become directly or indirectly liable, contingently or otherwise, with respect to (collectively, “incur”) any Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt), and the Company will not issue any Disqualified Stock and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to issue any shares of preferred stock; provided, however, that the Company may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) or issue Disqualified Stock, and the Guarantors may incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Debt) or issue preferred stock, if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company’s most recently ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding the date on which such additional Indebtedness is incurred or such Disqualified Stock or such preferred stock is issued, as the case may be, would have been at least 2.0 to 1.0, determined on a pro forma basis (including a pro forma application of the net proceeds therefrom), as if the additional Indebtedness had been incurred or the Disqualified Stock or the preferred stock had been issued, as the case may be, at the beginning of such four- quarter period.

 

(b)          The provisions of Section 4.09(a) hereof will not prohibit the incurrence of any of the following items of Indebtedness (collectively, “Permitted Debt”):

 

(i)           the incurrence by the Company and any Guarantor of additional Indebtedness and letters of credit under one or more Credit Facilities in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding under this clause (i) (with letters of credit being deemed to have a principal amount equal to the maximum potential liability of the Company and any Guarantor thereunder) not to exceed $75.0 million less (x) the amount of Indebtedness incurred by Foreign Subsidiaries outstanding under clause (xxi) below, and (y) the amount of Indebtedness outstanding under clause (xix) below except to the extent subject to a Lien permitted by item (25) of the definition of “Permitted Liens,” and (z) the amount of Indebtedness outstanding under clause (xx) below;

 

(ii)          the incurrence by the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries of the Existing Indebtedness;

 

(iii)         the incurrence by the Company and the Guarantors of Indebtedness represented by (A) the Notes and the related Note Guarantees, to be issued on the date of this Indenture (or to be issued in connection with the Rights Offering) and (B) any Additional Notes issued within three months from the date of this Indenture and related Note Guarantees, as the case may be, including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to renew, refund, refinance, replace, defease or discharge any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (iii), provided that the aggregate outstanding principal amount at any time under this clause (iii)(B), shall not exceed an amount equal to $50.0 million, less the aggregate principal amount of any Notes issued in the Rights Offering; and provided, further, that fifty percent (50%) of proceeds raised in excess of $35 million from the Rights Offering and any Additional Notes shall be used to make an offer to repurchase Notes at 100% of the aggregate principal amount thereof;

 

(iv)         the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness represented by Capital Lease Obligations (other than Deemed Capitalized Leases), mortgage financings or purchase money obligations, in each case, incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price or cost of design, construction, installation or improvement of property, plant or equipment used in the business of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (whether through (a) the direct purchase of such assets or (b) the purchase of the Capital Stock of a Person owning such assets (but no other material assets) the result of which is that such Person becomes a Subsidiary of the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary) and related financing costs, in an aggregate principal amount, including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to renew, refund, refinance, replace, defease or discharge any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (iv), not to exceed $15.0 million at any time outstanding, and in each case at arms-length and on market terms (as determined by an Officer of the Company in such Officer’s reasonable discretion);

 

(v)          the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to renew, refund, refinance, replace, defease or discharge any Indebtedness (other than intercompany Indebtedness) that was permitted by this Indenture to be incurred under Section 4.09(a) or clauses (ii), (iii), (iv), (v) or (xii) of this Section 4.09(b);

 

(vi)         the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of intercompany Indebtedness between or among the Company and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, however, that:

 

(A)           if the Company or any Guarantor is the obligor on such Indebtedness and the payee is not the Company or a Guarantor, such Indebtedness must be unsecured and expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of all Obligations then due with respect to the Notes, in the case of the Company, or the Note Guarantee, in the case of a Guarantor; and

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(B)            (1) any subsequent issuance or transfer of Equity Interests that results in any such Indebtedness being held by a Person other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company and (2) any sale or other transfer of any such Indebtedness to a Person that is not either the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company,

 

will be deemed, in each case, to constitute an incurrence of such Indebtedness by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, that was not permitted by this clause (vi);

 

(vii)        the issuance by any of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries to the Company or to any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of shares of preferred stock; provided, however, that:

 

(A)           any subsequent issuance or transfer of Equity Interests that results in any such preferred stock being held by a Person other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company; and

 

(B)           any sale or other transfer of any such preferred stock to a Person that is not either the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company, will be deemed, in each case, to constitute an issuance of such preferred stock by such Restricted Subsidiary that was not permitted by this clause (vii);

 

(viii)       the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Hedging Obligations in the ordinary course of business to protect the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries against bona fide risk arising out of fluctuation in interest rates, currency exchange rates or commodity prices and not for speculative purposes;

 

(ix)         the guarantee by the Company or any of the Guarantors of Indebtedness of the Company (excluding the guarantee of Indebtedness incurred by a Foreign Subsidiary under clause (xxi) of this Section 4.09(b)) or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company and the guarantee by any Foreign Subsidiary of Indebtedness of another Foreign Subsidiary, in each case, to the extent that the guaranteed Indebtedness was permitted to be incurred by another provision of this Section 4.09; provided that if the Indebtedness being guaranteed is subordinated to or pari passu with the Notes, then the Note Guarantee must be subordinated or pari passu, as applicable, to the same extent as the Indebtedness guaranteed;

 

(x)          the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness in respect of workers’ compensation claims, self-insurance obligations and bankers’ acceptances in the ordinary course of business;

 

(xi)         the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument inadvertently drawn against insufficient funds, so long as such Indebtedness is covered within five Business Days;

 

(xii)        the incurrence by the Company or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries of Permitted Acquisition Indebtedness;

 

(xiii)       the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness arising from agreements of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company providing for indemnification, adjustment of purchase price, earn outs, or similar obligations, in each case, incurred or assumed in connection with the disposition or acquisition of any business, assets or Capital Stock of a Subsidiary in a transaction permitted by this Indenture, other than guarantees of Indebtedness incurred or assumed by any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or Subsidiary for the purpose of financing such acquisition;

 

(xiv)       the incurrence by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness provided that sufficient net proceeds thereof are promptly deposited to defease or satisfy all of the Notes as described in Articles 8 or 12 hereof;

 

(xv)        the incurrence by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness consisting of the financing of insurance premiums in customary amounts consistent with the operations and business of the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(xvi)       intercompany Indebtedness between or among the Company and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with cash pooling or other cash management arrangements;

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(xvii)      the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness in respect of bid, performance, surety, appeal, reimbursement and similar bonds issued for the account of the Company and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business, including guarantees and obligations of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to letters of credit supporting such obligations (in each case other than an obligation for borrowed money);

 

(xviii)     [Intentionally Omitted];

 

(xix)        letters of credit and/or bank guarantees issued in the ordinary course of business by a financial institution other than a lender or Affiliate of a lender under the Credit Agreement if the Company has reasonably determined that neither such lender or Affiliate is able to issue such letter of credit or bank guaranty, up to a maximum total for all such letters of credit at any one time outstanding of the lesser of (x) $10.0 million and (y) the difference between $85.0 million and the amount incurred and outstanding under clauses (i) and (xix) of this Section 4.09(b);

 

(xx)         the incurrence by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of additional Indebtedness (excluding Second Lien Debt and Indebtedness of the type described in clause (b)(iii)) or the issuance by the Company of additional Disqualified Stock in an aggregate principal amount (or accreted value, as applicable) at any time outstanding, including all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness incurred to renew, refund, refinance, replace, defease or discharge any Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (xx), not to exceed of the lesser of (x) $25.0 million and (y) the difference between $75.0 million and the amount incurred and outstanding under clauses (i) and (xx) of this Section 4.09(b);

 

(xxi)        the incurrence of Indebtedness by Foreign Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount not to exceed $25.0 million; and

 

(xxii)       the incurrence of Indebtedness secured on a pari passu or junior priority basis to the Notes, in an aggregate principal amount outstanding equal to the amount of Notes redeemed on or prior to the date of such incurrence.

 

For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 4.09, in the event that an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Permitted Debt described in Section 4.09(b)(i) through Section 4.09(b)(xxii) above, or is entitled to be incurred pursuant to Section 4.09(a), the Company will be permitted to divide, classify and reclassify such item of Indebtedness on the date of its incurrence, or later redivide or reclassify all or a portion of such item of Indebtedness, in any manner that complies with this Section 4.09. Indebtedness under Credit Facilities outstanding on the date on which Notes are first issued and authenticated under this Indenture will be deemed to have been incurred on such date in reliance on the exception provided by Section 4.09(b)(i). The accrual of interest or preferred stock dividends, the 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 reclassification of preferred stock as Indebtedness due to a change in accounting principles, and the payment of dividends on preferred stock or Disqualified Stock in the form of additional shares of the same class of preferred stock or Disqualified Stock will not be deemed to be an incurrence of Indebtedness or an issuance of preferred stock or Disqualified Stock for purposes of this Section 4.09; provided, in each such case, that the amount thereof is included in Fixed Charges of the Company as accrued. 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 utilized, calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was incurred. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 4.09, the maximum amount of Indebtedness that the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary may incur pursuant to this Section 4.09 shall not be deemed to be exceeded solely as a result of fluctuations in exchange rates or currency values.

 

The amount of any Indebtedness outstanding as of any date will be:

 

(1)          the accreted value of the Indebtedness, in the case of any Indebtedness issued with original issue discount;

 

(2)          the principal amount of the Indebtedness, in the case of any other Indebtedness; and

 

(3)          in respect of Indebtedness of another Person secured by a Lien on the assets of the specified Person, the lesser of:

 

(a)            the Fair Market Value of such assets at the date of determination; and

 

(b)            the amount of the Indebtedness of the other Person.

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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:

 

(i)           the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (as the case may be) receives consideration at the time of the Asset Sale at least equal to the Fair Market Value (measured as of the date of the definitive agreement with respect to such Asset Sale) of the assets or Equity Interests issued or sold or otherwise disposed of; and

 

(ii)          at least 85% of the consideration received in the Asset Sale by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiaries (measured as of the date of the definitive agreement with respect to such Asset Sale) and all other Asset Sales since the Issue Date is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents. For purposes of this provision, each of the following will be deemed to be cash:

 

(A)          any liabilities, as shown on the Company’s most recent consolidated balance sheet, of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than contingent liabilities and liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Notes or any Note Guarantee) that are forgiven or assumed by the transferee of any such assets pursuant to a customary novation or indemnity agreement that releases the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary or indemnifies against further liability;

 

(B)           any securities, notes or other obligations received by the Company or any such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are, within 90 days after the Asset Sale, converted by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash, to the extent of the cash received in that conversion;

 

(C)           any stock or assets of the kind referred to in Section 4.10(b)(ii) or (iv) hereof;

 

(D)           accounts receivable of a business retained by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, following the sale of such business, provided that such accounts receivable do not have a payment date greater than 90 days from the date of the invoices creating such accounts receivable and are not past due; and

 

(E)            Indebtedness (other than contingent liabilities and liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Notes or a Note Guarantee) of any Restricted Subsidiary that is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such Asset Sale; provided that the Company and each other Restricted Subsidiary are released from any Guarantee of such Indebtedness in connection with such Asset Sale;

 

provided that in the case of any Asset Sale pursuant to a condemnation, appropriation or similar taking, including by deed in lieu of condemnation, such Asset Sale shall not be required to satisfy the requirements of Sections 4.10(a)(i) and 4.10(a)(ii) above. Notwithstanding the preceding, the 85% limitation referred to above shall be deemed satisfied with respect to any Asset Sale in which the cash or Cash Equivalents portions of the consideration received therefrom, determined in accordance with the preceding provision on an after-tax basis, is equal to or greater than what the after-tax proceeds would have been had such Asset Sale complied with the aforementioned 85% limitation.

 

(b)          Within 180 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale, other than a Sale of Collateral, the Company or one or more of its Restricted Subsidiaries may at its option apply cash in an amount equal to the amount of such Net Proceeds to any combination of the following:

 

(i)           to repay (or cash collateralize) (A) Priority Lien Obligations and, (B) to the extent required by the documents governing such Indebtedness, Indebtedness permitted to be incurred pursuant to Section 4.09(b)(iv) hereof, provided that such Indebtedness was incurred for the purpose of financing all or part of the purchase price or cost of the design, construction, installation or improvement of such assets;

 

(ii)          to acquire all or substantially all of the assets of, or any Capital Stock of, another Permitted Business, if, after giving effect to any such acquisition of Capital Stock, the Permitted Business is or becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company;

 

(iii)         to make capital expenditures in the Permitted Business, including investments in multi- client data libraries; or

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(iv)          to acquire other assets that are not classified as current assets under GAAP and that are used or useful in a Permitted Business.

 

The requirement of clause (ii) or (iv) of this Section 4.10(b) shall be deemed to be satisfied if a bona fide binding contract committing to make the investment referred to therein is entered into by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with a Person other than an Affiliate of the Company within the time period specified in the preceding paragraph and such Net Proceeds are subsequently applied in accordance with such contract within 180 days following the date such agreement is entered into. Pending the final application of any Net Proceeds, the Company (or any Restricted Subsidiary) may invest the Net Proceeds in any manner that is not prohibited by this Indenture.

 

(c)          Within 180 days after the receipt of any Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale that constitutes a Sale of Collateral, the Company (or the Restricted Subsidiary that owned those assets, as the case may be) may at its option apply cash in an amount equal to the amount of such Net Proceeds to any combination of the following: (1) to purchase or invest in other long-term assets that would constitute Collateral; (2) to repay (or cash collateralize) Priority Lien Obligations or (3) to make capital expenditures in the Permitted Business, including investments in multi-client data libraries in each case, comprising Collateral; provided, however, that the aggregate amount of Net Proceeds that may be applied or invested pursuant to clauses (1) through (3) above shall not exceed $25.0 million in the aggregate during any fiscal year.

 

(d)          All of the Net Proceeds from an Asset Sale that constitutes a Sale of Collateral shall be deposited directly into the Collateral Account; provided, that the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries will not be required to cause any Net Proceeds to be held in the Collateral Account except to the extent that the aggregate amount of Net Proceeds from all Asset Sales that constitute a Sale of Collateral which are not held in the Collateral Account exceeds $25.0 million in the aggregate during any fiscal year. Any Net Proceeds from Asset Sales that are not applied or invested as provided in Section 4.10(b) hereof will constitute “Excess Proceeds. When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $1.0 million, the Company may (and when the Excess Proceeds exceeds $10.0 million shall), within five days thereof, to the extent permitted by the Intercreditor Agreement and the Credit Agreement, each as in effect as of the Issue Date, make an Asset Sale Offer to all Holders of Notes and all holders of Second Lien Debt containing provisions similar to those set forth in this Indenture with respect to offers to purchase, prepay or redeem with the proceeds of sales of assets in accordance with Section 3.09 hereof to purchase, prepay or redeem the maximum principal amount of Notes and such other Second Lien Debt (plus all accrued interest on the Indebtedness and the amount of all fees and expenses, including premiums, incurred in connection therewith) that may be purchased, prepaid or redeemed out of the Excess Proceeds. The offer price in any Asset Sale Offer will be equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase, prepayment or redemption, subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date, and will be payable in cash. If any Excess Proceeds remain after consummation of an Asset Sale Offer (or expiration of the offer if no Holder accepts), the Company may use those Excess Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by this Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of Notes and other Second Lien Debt tendered in (or required to be prepaid or redeemed in connection with) such Asset Sale Offer exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Company will select the Notes and such other Second Lien Debt to be purchased on a pro rata basis (except that any Notes represented by a note in global form will be selected by such method as DTC or its nominee or successor may require or a method that most nearly approximates pro rata selection unless otherwise required by law), based on the amounts tendered or required to be prepaid or redeemed (with such adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Company so that only Notes in denominations of $1,000, or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof, will be purchased). Upon completion of each Asset Sale Offer (or expiration of the offer if no holder accepts), the amount of Excess Proceeds will be reset at zero.

 

(e)          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 those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with each repurchase of Notes pursuant to a Change of Control Offer or an Asset Sale Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of Section 3.09 hereof or this Section 4.10, the Company will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under Section 3.09 hereof or this Section 4.10 by virtue of such compliance.

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Section 4.11         Transactions with Affiliates.

 

(a)          The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, make any payment to or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of the Company (each, an “Affiliate Transaction”) involving aggregate payments or consideration in excess of $1.0 million, unless:

 

(i)           the Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are no less favorable to the Company or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that could have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person or, if in the good faith judgment of the Company’s Board of Directors, no comparable transaction is available with which to compare such Affiliate Transaction, such Affiliate Transaction is otherwise fair to the Company or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view; and

 

(ii)          the Company delivers to the Trustee:

 

(A)           with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $20.0 million, an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions complies with this covenant; and

 

(B)           with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $40.0 million, a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company set forth in an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions complies with this covenant and that such Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions has been approved by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

(b)          The following items will not be deemed to be Affiliate Transactions and, therefore, will not be subject to the provisions of Section 4.11(a) hereof:

 

(i)           any employment agreement or arrangement, equity award, equity option or equity appreciation agreement or plan, employee benefit plan, officer or director indemnification agreement, severance agreement or any similar arrangement entered into by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and payments, awards, grants or issuances pursuant thereto;

 

(ii)          transactions between or among the Company and/or its Restricted Subsidiaries (or an entity that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such transactions);

 

(iii)         transactions with a Person (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Company) that is an Affiliate of the Company solely because the Company owns, directly or through a Restricted Subsidiary, an Equity Interest in, or controls, such Person;

 

(iv)         payment of reasonable and customary fees and reimbursements of expenses (pursuant to indemnity arrangements or otherwise) of officers, directors, employees or consultants of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(v)          any issuance, dividend or distribution of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company to, or receipt of capital contributions from, Affiliates of the Company and the granting of registration rights and other customary rights in connection therewith;

 

(vi)         Permitted Investments and Restricted Payments that do not violate Section 4.07 hereof;

 

(vii)        payments to an Affiliate in respect of the Notes or any other Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary on the same basis as concurrent payments made or offered to be made in respect thereof to non-Affiliates;

 

(viii)       any transaction in which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, delivers to the Trustee a letter from an accounting, appraisal, advisory or investment banking firm of national standing stating that such transaction is fair to the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view or that such transaction meets the requirements of Section 4.11(a)(i);

 

(ix)         loans or advances to employees in the ordinary course of business not to exceed $5.0 million in the aggregate at any one time outstanding;

 

(x)          transactions with Unrestricted Subsidiaries, joint ventures, customers, clients, suppliers or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, or lessors or lessees of property, in each case in the ordinary course of business and otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Indenture which are, in the aggregate (taking into account all the costs and benefits associated with such transactions), not materially less favorable to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries than those that would have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated person, in the good faith determination of the Company’s Board of Directors or any Officer of the Company involved in or otherwise familiar with such transaction, or are on terms at least as favorable as might reasonably have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party;

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(xi)          transactions between the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and any Person that would not otherwise constitute an Affiliate Transaction except for the fact that one director of such other Person is also a director of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable; provided that such director abstains from voting as a director of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, on any matter involving such other Person;

 

(xii)         the existence of, and the performance of obligations of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries under the terms of, any written agreement to which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is a party on the date of this Indenture, as these agreements may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time; provided, however, that any amendment, modification or supplement entered into after the date of this Indenture will be permitted to the extent that its terms are not materially more disadvantageous, taken as a whole, to the Holders of the Notes than the terms of the agreements in effect on the date of this Indenture (as conclusively evidenced by a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company);

 

(xiii)        transactions entered into by a Person prior to the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or is merged or consolidated into the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary (provided that such transaction is not entered into in contemplation of such merger or consolidation);

 

(xiv)        dividends and distributions to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries by any Unrestricted Subsidiary or joint venture;

 

(xv)         any transaction where the only consideration paid by the Company or Restricted Subsidiary is Equity Interests of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock); and

 

(xvi)        (A) guarantees by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of performance of obligations of the Company’s Unrestricted Subsidiaries or joint ventures in the ordinary course of business, except for guarantees of Indebtedness of Unrestricted Subsidiaries in respect of borrowed money, and (B) pledges by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company of Equity Interests in Unrestricted Subsidiaries or joint ventures for the benefit of lenders or other creditors of the Company’s Unrestricted Subsidiaries or joint ventures, in each case as permitted by the terms of this Indenture.

 

Section 4.12          Liens.

 

The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien of any kind securing Indebtedness, Attributable Debt or trade payables on any asset now owned or hereafter acquired, except Permitted Liens.

 

Section 4.13          Corporate Existence.

 

Subject to Article 5 and Section 11.04 hereof, the Company shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect:

 

(i)            its corporate existence, and the corporate, partnership or other existence of each of its Subsidiaries, in accordance with the respective organizational documents (as the same may be amended from time to time) of the Company or any such Subsidiary; and

 

(ii)           the rights (charter and statutory), licenses and franchises of the Company and its Subsidiaries; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve any such right, license or franchise, or the corporate, partnership or other existence of any of its Subsidiaries, 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, and that the loss thereof is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders of the Notes.

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Section 4.14          Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control.

 

(a)          Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company will make an offer (a “Change of Control Offer”) to each Holder to repurchase all or any part (equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof) of that Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes repurchased to the date of purchase, subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date (the “Change of Control Payment”). Within ten days following any Change of Control, the Company will mail a notice to each Holder describing the transaction or transactions that constitute the Change of Control and stating:

 

(i)            that the Change of Control Offer is being made pursuant to this Section 4.14 and that all Notes tendered will be accepted for payment;

 

(ii)           the purchase price and the purchase date, which date shall be no earlier than 30 days and no later than 60 days from the date such notice is mailed (the “Change of Control Payment Date”);

 

(iii)          that any Note not tendered will continue to accrue interest;

 

(iv)          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;

 

(v)           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 prior to the close of business on the third Business Day preceding the Change of Control Payment Date;

 

(vi)          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 telegram, telex, 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 its election to have the Notes purchased; and

 

(vii)         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 $1,000 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 those laws and regulations are applicable in connection with the repurchase of the Notes as a result of a Change of Control. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Section 4.14, the Company will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Section 4.14 by virtue of such compliance.

 

(b)          Promptly following the expiration of the Change of Control Offer, the Company will, to the extent lawful, accept for payment all Notes or portions of Notes properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer. Promptly after such acceptance, the Company will, on the Change of Control Payment Date:

 

(i)            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

 

(ii)           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 by the Company.

 

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 of Notes properly tendered the Change of Control Payment for such Notes (or, if all of the Notes are then in global form, make such payment through the facilities of DTC), and the Trustee will, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, 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. 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.

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(c)           Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4.14, 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 the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Section 4.14 and purchases all Notes properly tendered and not withdrawn under the Change of Control Offer, (2) notice of redemption has been given pursuant to Section 3.07 hereof, and all conditions precedent to such redemption have been satisfied or waived, unless and until there is a default in payment of the applicable redemption price or (3) in connection with or in contemplation of any Change of Control, the Company has made an offer to purchase (an “Alternate Offer”) any and all Notes validly tendered at a cash price equal to or higher than the Change of Control Payment and has purchased all Notes properly tendered in accordance with the terms of such Alternate Offer. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, a Change of Control Offer or Alternate 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 or Alternate Offer is made.

 

(d)           Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, a Change of Control Offer or Alternate 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 or Alternate Offer is made.

 

(e)           In the event that Holders of not less than 90% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes accept a Change of Control Offer or Alternate Offer and the Company (or any third party making such Change of Control Offer or Alternate Offer in lieu of the Company) purchases all of the Notes held by such Holders, the Company will have the right, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice to the Trustee and the Holders, given not more than 30 days following the purchase pursuant to the Change of Control Offer or Alternate Offer, to redeem all of the Notes that remain outstanding following such purchase at a redemption price equal to the Change of Control Payment plus, to the extent not included in the Change of Control Payment, accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes that remain outstanding, to the Redemption Date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on an Interest Payment Date that is on or prior to the Redemption Date). Any redemption pursuant to this Section 4.14(e) shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Sections 3.01 through 3.06 hereof.

 

Section 4.15          Additional Note Guarantees.

 

If the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries acquires or creates another Domestic Subsidiary (other than an Immaterial Subsidiary) or any other Restricted Subsidiary guarantees Indebtedness of the Company or any Domestic Subsidiary in excess of a De Minimis Guaranteed Amount, then such Subsidiary will become a Guarantor and execute a supplemental indenture and deliver an Opinion of Counsel satisfactory to the Trustee within 30 Business Days of the date on which it was acquired or created or on which it guaranteed such Indebtedness. The form of such supplemental indenture is attached as Exhibit E hereto.

 

Section 4.16          Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries.

 

The Board of Directors of the Company may designate any Restricted Subsidiary to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary if that designation would not cause a Default or an Event of 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 either an Investment made as of the time of the designation and will reduce the amount available for Restricted Payments under Section 4.07 hereof or represent a Permitted Investment under one or more clauses of the definition of Permitted Investments, as determined by the Company. That 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. The Board of Directors of the Company may redesignate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary if that redesignation would not cause a Default or an Event of Default.

 

Any designation of a Subsidiary of the Company as an Unrestricted Subsidiary will be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a certified copy of a resolution of the Board of Directors giving effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the preceding conditions and was permitted by Section 4.07 hereof. In the case of any designation by the Company of a Person as an Unrestricted Subsidiary on the first day that such Person is a Subsidiary of the Company in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, such designation shall be deemed to have occurred for all purposes of this Indenture simultaneously with, and automatically upon, such Person becoming a Subsidiary. 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 hereof, the Company will be in default of such covenant. The Board of Directors of the Company may at any time designate 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 (a) such Indebtedness is permitted under Section 4.09 hereof, calculated on a pro forma basis as if such designation had occurred at the beginning of the applicable reference period; and (b) no Default or Event of Default would be in existence following such designation; provided, further, that (i) upon a redesignation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, the Company shall be deemed to continue to have a permanent Investment in such Subsidiary at the time of redesignation in an amount (if positive) equal to (x) the Company’s Investment in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation less (y) the portion (proportionate to the Company’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation, and (ii) any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Company) at the time of such transfer.

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Neither the Company nor any Restricted Subsidiary will transfer the ownership of any intellectual property that is material to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole to an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

Section 4.17          Covenant Suspension.

 

(a)           If on any date following the date of this Indenture (i) the Notes are rated Baa3 or better by Moody’s and BBB- or better by S&P (or, if either such entity ceases to rate the Notes for reasons outside of the control of the Company, the equivalent investment grade credit rating from any other “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” registered under Section 15E of the Exchange Act selected by the Company as a replacement agency) (“Investment Grade”) and (ii) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing (the occurrence of the events described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) being collectively referred to as a “Covenant Suspension Event”), then, beginning on that day and subject to the provisions of the following paragraph, Sections 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 4.10 (provided that those provisions relating to the Sale of Collateral and the application of the proceeds therefrom shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be suspended), 4.11, 4.16 and 5.01(iv)(A) hereof shall be suspended (collectively, the “Suspended Covenants”).

 

(b)           During any period that the Suspended Covenants have been suspended as a result of a Covenant Suspension Event, the Company’s Board of Directors may not designate any of its Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries pursuant to Section 4.16 hereof or the second paragraph of the definition of Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

(c)           Notwithstanding the foregoing, if on any subsequent date, the Notes cease to maintain Investment Grade ratings, the Suspended Covenants will be reinstituted as of and from the date of such rating decline (a “Reversion Date”). Calculations under the reinstated Section 4.07 will be made as if Section 4.07 had been in effect since the date of this Indenture except that no default will be deemed to have occurred solely by reason of a Restricted Payment made while Section 4.07 was suspended.

 

(d)           Upon the occurrence of a Covenant Suspension Event or a Reversion Date, the Company shall provide written notice to the Trustee, the Collateral Agent and the Holders, and file with the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such suspension or reversion complied with the foregoing provisions.

 

(e)           The Trustee shall not be responsible or liable for monitoring the ratings of the Notes or otherwise determining or confirming whether any covenants are suspended or reinstituted pursuant to the above or provide notice to the Holders of Notes of any Covenant Suspension Event or Reversion Date.

 

Section 4.18          Further Assurances; Insurance.

 

(a)           The Company and each of the other Guarantors shall do or cause to be done all acts and things that may be necessary or desirable, or that the Collateral Agent, acting in accordance with the Intercreditor Agreement, from time to time may reasonably request, to assure and confirm that the Collateral Agent holds, for the benefit of the Second Lien Secured Parties, duly created and enforceable and perfected Second Liens upon the Collateral (including any property or assets that are acquired or otherwise become Collateral after the Notes are issued), in each case, as contemplated by, and with the Lien priority required under, the Second Lien Documents.

 

(b)           If necessary or desirable or upon the request of the Collateral Agent, acting at the direction of Holders, or any Second Lien Representative, acting in accordance with the Intercreditor Agreement, at any time and from time to time, the Company and each of the other Guarantors shall promptly execute, acknowledge and deliver such security documents, instruments, certificates, notices and other documents, and take such other actions as shall be reasonably necessary or desirable to create, perfect, protect, assure or enforce the Liens and benefits intended to be conferred, in each case as contemplated by the Second Lien Documents for the benefit of the holders of Second Lien Obligations.

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(c)          The Company and the other Guarantors will:

 

(i)            keep their properties adequately insured at all times by financially sound and reputable insurers;

 

(ii)           maintain such other insurance, to such extent and against such risks (and with such deductibles, retentions and exclusions), including fire and other risks insured against by extended coverage and coverage for acts of terrorism, as is customary with companies in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations, including public liability insurance against claims for personal injury or death or property damage occurring upon, in, about or in connection with the use of any properties owned, occupied or controlled by them;

 

(iii)          maintain such other insurance as may be required by law; and

 

(iv)          maintain such other insurance as may be required by the Security Documents.

 

(d)          Upon the request of the Collateral Agent, acting upon the request of Holders, the Company and the other Guarantors shall furnish to the Collateral Agent full information as to their property and liability insurance carriers, certified as true and correct. Holders of Second Lien Obligations, as a class, shall be named as additional insureds, with a waiver of subrogation, on all insurance policies of the Company and the other Guarantors covering the Collateral and the Collateral Agent shall be named as loss payee, with 30 days’ notice of cancellation or material change, on all property and casualty insurance policies of the Company and the other Guarantors covering the Collateral.

 

Section 4.19          Impairment of Security Interest.

 

Except as permitted by the Intercreditor Agreement, the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, take or knowingly or negligently omit to take, any action which action or omission might or would have the result of materially impairing the security interest with respect to the Collateral for the benefit of the Trustee, the Collateral Agent and the other Second Lien Secured Parties, and the Company shall not, and shall not permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, except as permitted under the terms of this Indenture, grant to any Person other than the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of itself, the Trustee and the other Second Lien Secured Parties and the other beneficiaries described in the Security Documents, any interest whatsoever in any of the Collateral.

 

Section 4.20          After-Acquired Property.

 

Promptly following the acquisition by the Company or any Guarantor of any After-Acquired Property, the Company or such Guarantor shall promptly execute and deliver such mortgages, deeds of trust, security instruments, financing statements and certificates and Opinions of Counsel as shall be reasonably necessary to vest in the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Second Lien Secured Parties, a perfected second priority security interest in such After-Acquired Property and to have such After-Acquired Property added to the Collateral and thereupon all provisions of the indenture relating to the Collateral shall be deemed to relate to such After-Acquired Property to the same extent and with the same force and effect.

 

Section 4.21          Limitation on Layered Indebtedness.

 

Notwithstanding anything in this Indenture to the contrary, the Company shall not, and will not permit any Guarantor to incur any Indebtedness (including Permitted Debt) that is contractually subordinated either in right of payment or in respect of the grant or the application of proceeds of Collateral to any other Indebtedness of the Company or such Guarantor (including by way of “last out” tranches but excluding the customary waterfall payments among protective advances, swing line advances, advances and Hedging Obligations constituting the same tranche of Priority Lien Debt, such as those set forth in Section 11.5 of the Credit Agreement), unless such Indebtedness is also contractually subordinated in right of payment or in respect of the grant and the application of proceeds of Collateral, as the case may be, to the Notes and the applicable Guarantee on substantially identical terms. For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing shall not prohibit any Permitted Refinancing of the Credit Agreement with other Priority Lien Debt.

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Article 5
SUCCESSORS

 

Section 5.01         Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets.

 

The Company shall not, directly or indirectly: (1) consolidate or merge with or into another Person (whether or not the Company is the surviving corporation), or (2) sell, assign, transfer, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole, in one or more related transactions, to another Person, unless:

 

(i)           either:

 

(A)           the Company is the surviving corporation; or

 

(B)            the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition has been made is an entity organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state of the United States or the District of Columbia; and, if such entity is not a corporation, a co-obligor of the Notes is a corporation organized or existing under any such laws;

 

(ii)          the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company) or the Person to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition has been made assumes all the obligations of the Company under the Notes, this Indenture and the Security Documents pursuant to supplemental indentures and such joinders to the Security Documents as may be reasonably necessary;

 

(iii)         immediately after such transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists; and

 

(iv)         the Company or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than the Company), or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance or other disposition has been made would, on the date of such transaction after giving pro forma effect thereto and any related financing transactions as if the same had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period (A) be permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 4.09(a) hereof or (B) have had a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio equal to or greater than the actual Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Company for such four-quarter period.

 

In addition, the Company will not, directly or indirectly, lease all or substantially all of the properties and assets of it and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole, in one or more related transactions, to any other Person. This Section 5.01 will not apply to any sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance, lease or other disposition of assets between or among the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries or to the merger or consolidation of any Restricted Subsidiary with or into the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary. Clauses (iii) and (iv) of this Section 5.01 will not apply to any merger or consolidation of the Company (x) with or into one of its Restricted Subsidiaries for any purpose or (y) with or into an Affiliate solely for the purpose of reincorporating the Company in another jurisdiction.

 

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; provided, however, that the predecessor Company shall not be relieved from the obligation to pay the principal of, premium on, if any, and interest 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”:

 

(i)           default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on the Notes;

 

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

 

(iii)         failure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to comply with the provisions of Sections 4.07, 4.09, 4.10, 4.14, and 5.01;

 

(iv)         (A) failure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries for 60 days after notice to the Company by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding voting as a single class to comply with any of the other agreements in this Indenture or the Security Documents or (B) failure by the Company for 180 days after notice from the Trustee or Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding to comply with the provisions of Section 4.03 hereof;

 

(v)          default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument under which there may be issued or by which there may be secured or evidenced any Indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or the payment of which is guaranteed by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries), whether such Indebtedness or Guarantee now exists, or is created after the date of this Indenture, if that default:

 

(A)           is caused by a failure to pay principal of, premium on, if any, or interest, if any, on, such Indebtedness prior to the expiration of the grace period provided in such Indebtedness on the date of such default (a “Payment Default”); or

 

(B)           results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its Stated Maturity,

 

and, in each case, the principal amount of any such Indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such Indebtedness under which there has been a Payment Default or the maturity of which has been so accelerated, aggregates $20.0 million or more; provided, however, if, prior to any acceleration of the Notes, (x) any such Payment Default is cured or waived, (y) any such acceleration is rescinded, or (z) such Indebtedness is repaid within 10 Business Days commencing upon the end of any applicable grace period for such Payment Default or the occurrence of such acceleration, as the case may be, any Default or Event of Default (but not any acceleration of the Notes) caused by such Payment Default or acceleration shall be automatically rescinded, so long as such rescission does not conflict with any judgment, decree or applicable law;

 

(vi)         failure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to pay final judgments entered by a court or courts of competent jurisdiction aggregating in excess of $20.0 million (to the extent not covered by insurance by a reputable and creditworthy insurer as to which the insurer has not disclaimed coverage), which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed, for a period of 60 days;

 

(vii)        the occurrence of any of the following:

 

(A)           except as permitted by this Indenture or the Intercreditor Agreement, any Security Document ceases for any reason to be fully enforceable; provided that it will not be an Event of Default under this clause (vii)(A) if the sole result of the failure of one or more security documents to be fully enforceable is that any Second Lien purported to be granted under such Security Documents on Collateral, individually or in the aggregate, having a Fair Market Value of not more than $10.0 million ceases to be an enforceable and perfected second priority Lien, subject only to Permitted Prior Liens;

 

(B)           any Second Lien purported to be granted under any security document on Collateral, individually or in the aggregate, having a Fair Market Value in excess of $10.0 million ceases to be an enforceable and perfected second priority Lien, subject only to Permitted Prior Liens; or

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(C)           the Company or any other Guarantor, or any Person acting on behalf of any of them, denies or disaffirms, in writing, any obligations of the Company or any other Guarantor set forth in or arising under any Security Document;

 

(viii)       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,

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(ix)         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;

 

(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 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

 

(x)          except as permitted by this Indenture, any Note Guarantee is held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or ceases for any reason to be in full force and effect, or any Guarantor, or any Person acting on behalf of any Guarantor, denies or disaffirms its obligations under its Note Guarantee.

 

Section 6.02         Acceleration.

 

In the case of an Event of Default set forth in clause (viii) or (ix) of Section 6.01 hereof, with respect to the Company, any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, all outstanding Notes will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. If any other Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare all the Notes to be due and payable immediately.

 

Upon any such declaration, the Notes shall become due and payable immediately.

 

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, rescind an acceleration or waive any existing Default or Event of Default and its consequences under this Indenture, if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree and if all existing Events of Default (except nonpayment of principal of, premium on, if any, or interest on the Notes that has become due solely because of the acceleration) have been cured or waived.

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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 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.

 

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 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 of Notes or that may involve the Trustee in liability or expense.

 

Section 6.06          Limitation on Suits.

 

Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, when due, no Holder of a Note may pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Notes unless:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(v)           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.

 

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 of Notes to Receive Payment.

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder of a Note to receive payment of principal of, premium on, if any, or interest 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; provided that a Holder shall not have the right to institute any such suit for the enforcement of payment if and to the extent that the institution or prosecution thereof or the entry of judgment therein would, under applicable law, result in the surrender, impairment, waiver or loss of the Lien of this Indenture upon any property subject to such Lien.

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Section 6.08          Collection Suit by Trustee and Collateral Agent.

 

If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.01(i) or (ii) hereof occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Collateral Agent is authorized to recover judgment (a) in its own name and (b)(i) in the case of the Trustee, as trustee of an express trust or (ii) in the case of the Collateral Agent, as collateral agent on behalf of the Holders, in each case against the Company for the whole amount of principal of, premium on, if any, and interest remaining unpaid on the Notes and, to the extent lawful, interest on overdue principal and 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, the Collateral Agent and their respective agents and counsel.

 

Section 6.09          Trustee May File Proofs of Claim.

 

The Trustee or the Collateral Agent 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 or the Collateral Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, the Collateral Agent and their respective 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 or the Collateral Agent, and in the event that the Trustee or the Collateral Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, any amount due to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, the Collateral Agent and their respective agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee or the Collateral Agent under Section 7.07 hereof. To the extent that the payment of any such compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, the Collateral Agent and their respective agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee or the Collateral Agent 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 or the Collateral Agent to authorize or consent to or 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 or the Collateral Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in any such proceeding.

 

Section 6.10          Priorities.

 

If the Trustee collects any money or property pursuant to this Article 6, it shall pay out the money or property in the following order:

 

First: to the Trustee, the Collateral Agent and their respective 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 Collateral Agent and the costs and expenses of collection;

 

Second: subject to the Intercreditor Agreement, to Holders of Notes for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, and interest, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, and interest, respectively; and

 

Third: to the 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 of Notes 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 or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, for any action taken or omitted by it as a Trustee or the Collateral Agent, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section 6.11 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, 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.

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Article 7
TRUSTEE

 

Section 7.01          Duties of Trustee.

 

(a)          If an Event of Default of which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has written notice 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 of which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has written notice:

 

(i)            the duties of the Trustee will be determined solely 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

 

(ii)           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, in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee will examine 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 grossly negligent action, its own grossly negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, in each case as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to a final and non-appealable decision, except that:

 

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

 

(ii)           the Trustee will not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer, unless it is proved in a court of competent jurisdiction in a final and non-appealable decision that the Trustee was grossly negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and

 

(iii)          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 from the Company or a majority of Holders (or such other lower or greater amount required under the Note Documents) in accordance with the Note Documents.

 

(d)          Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to this Article 7.

 

(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 Holder, unless such Holder has offered to the Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against any cost, loss, liability or expense.

 

(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.

 

Section 7.02          Rights of Trustee.

 

(a)          The Trustee may conclusively rely upon and shall be fully protected in acting upon any document believed by it to be genuine (whether in original or facsimile form) and to have been signed or presented by the proper Person. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in the document and may conclusively rely as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein.

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(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. As to any fact or matter the manner of ascertainment of which is not specifically described herein, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive and may for all purposes hereof conclusively rely on a certificate, signed by an officer of any duly authorized Person, as to such fact or matter, and such certificate shall constitute full protection to the Trustee for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in reliance thereon. The Trustee may consult with counsel and the 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, custodian, nominees and agents and will not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of, or for the supervision of, any attorneys, custodian, nominees or 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 or any other Note Document.

 

(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.

 

(f)            The Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture or any other Note Document 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, liabilities, costs and expenses that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.

 

(g)           The Trustee may request that the Company deliver an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of Officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to the Note Documents.

 

(h)           The Company shall provide prompt written notice to the Trustee of any change to its fiscal year (it being expressly understood that the failure to provide such notice to the Trustee shall not be deemed a Default or Event of Default under this Indenture).

 

(i)            The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has received written notice of any event which is in fact such a Default is received by the Trustee at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, and such notice references the Notes and this Indenture. For purposes of any determination as to whether a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall be deemed to have actual knowledge of any of the foregoing events, the Trustee shall have no obligation to inquire into, or investigate as to, the occurrence of any such event.

 

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

 

(k)           The Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or surety in respect of the performance of its powers and duties hereunder.

 

(l)            The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by (i) the Trustee in each of its capacities (including as an Agent) hereunder and under the Note Documents and (ii) the entity serving as the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder and in each of its capacities as under any other Note Document or any related document whether or not specifically set forth therein, and each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder or thereunder; provided that during an Event of Default only the Trustee, and not any Agent or agent, shall be subject to the prudent person standard. The foregoing shall survive the resignation or removal of the Trustee, Agent, agent or other Person and the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture.

 

(m)          The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into (i) the performance or observance by the Company or any other Person of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth in the Note Documents or in any related document, (ii) the occurrence of any default, or the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of any Note Document, any related document or any other agreement, instrument or document, (iii) the creation, perfection or priority of any Lien purported to be created by this any Note Document or any related document, (iv) the value or the sufficiency of any Collateral or (v) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in any Note Document or any related document.

 

(n)           The Trustee shall not have any duty or responsibility in respect of (i) any recording, filing, or depositing of this Indenture, any other Note Document or any other agreement or instrument, monitoring or filing any financing statement or continuation statement evidencing a security interest, the maintenance of any such recording, filing or depositing or to any re-recording, re-filing or re-depositing of any thereof, or otherwise monitoring the perfection, continuation of perfection or the sufficiency or validity of any security interest in or related to the Collateral, (ii) the acquisition or maintenance of any insurance or (iii) the payment or discharge of any tax, assessment, or other governmental charge or any lien or encumbrance of any kind owing with respect to, assessed or levied against, any part of the Collateral.

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(o)           Each Holder, by its acceptance of a Note hereunder, represents that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Trustee or any other Person, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own investment decision in respect of the Notes. Each Holder also represents that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Trustee or any other Person, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under this Indenture and in connection with the Notes. Except for notices, reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to the Holders by the Trustee hereunder, the Trustee shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Holder with any other information concerning the Company or any other parties to any related documents which may come into the possession of the Trustee or any of its officers, directors, employees, agents, representatives or attorneys-in-fact.

 

(p)           If the Trustee requests instructions from the Company or the Holders with respect to any action or omission in connection with any Note Document, the Trustee shall be entitled (without incurring any liability therefor) to refrain from taking such action and continue to refrain from acting unless and until the Trustee shall have received written instructions from the Company or the requisite percentage of Holders of the aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes, as applicable, with respect to such request.

 

(q)           In order to comply with laws, rules, regulations and executive orders in effect from time to time applicable to banking institutions, including those relating to the funding of terrorist activities and money laundering (“Applicable Law”), the Trustee is required to obtain, verify and record certain information relating to individuals and entities which maintain a business relationship with the Trustee. Accordingly, each of the parties and each Holder agrees to provide to the Trustee upon its request from time to time such identifying information and documentation as may be available for such party in order to enable the Trustee to comply with Applicable Law.

 

(r)            In no event shall the Trustee be liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations under any Note Document or any related documents because of circumstances beyond the Trustee’s control, including, but not limited to, a failure, termination, or suspension of a clearing house, securities depositary, settlement system or central payment system in any applicable part of the world or acts of God, flood, pandemic, war (whether declared or undeclared), civil or military disturbances or hostilities, nuclear or natural catastrophes, political unrest, explosion, severe weather or accident, earthquake, terrorism, fire, riot, labor disturbances, strikes or work stoppages for any reason, embargo, government action, including any laws, ordinances, regulations or the like (whether domestic, federal, state, county or municipal or foreign) which delay, restrict or prohibit the providing of the services contemplated by the Note Documents or any related documents, or the unavailability of communications or computer facilities, the failure of equipment or interruption of communications or computer facilities, or the unavailability of the Federal Reserve Bank wire or telex or other wire or communication facility, or any other causes beyond the Trustee’s control whether or not of the same class or kind as specified above.

 

(s)           The Trustee shall not be liable for failing to comply with its obligations under any Note Document in so far as the performance of such obligations is dependent upon the timely receipt of instructions and/or other information from any other person which are not received or not received by the time required.

 

(t)            The Trustee shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under any Note Document or any other related document if such action (A) would, in the reasonable opinion of the Trustee, in good faith (which may be based on the advice or opinion of counsel), be contrary to applicable law, any Note Document or any other related document, or (B) is not provided for in the Note Documents or any other related document.

 

(u)           The Trustee shall not be required to take any action under any Note Document or any related document if taking such action (A) would subject the Trustee to a tax in any jurisdiction where it is not then subject to a tax, or (B) would require the Trustee to qualify to do business in any jurisdiction where it is not then so qualified.

 

(v)           In no event shall the Trustee be liable for any special, indirect, punitive or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, lost profits), even if the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action.

 

(w)          To secure the obligations owed to the Trustee hereunder, the Trustee shall have a lien prior on all money or property held or collected by it in its capacity as Trustee, and may withhold or set-off any amounts due and owing to it under this Indenture from any money or property held or collected by it in its capacity as Trustee.

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(x)           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.

 

(y)           Neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Agent shall be under any obligation to insure any of the Collateral or any certificate, note, bond or evidence in respect thereof, or to require any other Person to maintain any such insurance and neither shall be responsible for any loss, expense or liability which may be suffered as a result of any assets comprised in the Collateral being uninsured or inadequately insured.

 

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 SEC for permission to continue as trustee (if this Indenture has been qualified under the TIA) or resign. Any Agent may do the same with like rights and duties. The Trustee is also subject to Sections 7.10 and 7.11 hereof.

 

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, 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 any other document in connection with the sale of the Notes or pursuant to this Indenture other than its certificate of authentication.

 

Section 7.05          Notice of Defaults.

 

If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing and a Responsible Officer of the Trustee receives written notice of the same, the Trustee shall send to Holders of Notes, with a copy to the Collateral Agent, a notice of the Default or Event of Default within 90 days after it occurs or within 15 Business Days after it received written notice, if later than 90 days after occurrence. Except in the case of a Default or Event of Default in payment of principal of, premium on, if any, or interest on, any Note, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as the Trustee 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 of the Notes.

 

(a)           Within 60 days after each November 15 beginning with the November 15 following the date of this Indenture, and for so long as Notes remain outstanding, the Trustee will mail to the Holders of the Notes a brief report dated as of such reporting date that complies with TIA §313(a) (but if no event described in TIA §313(a) has occurred within the twelve months preceding the reporting date, no report need be transmitted). The Trustee also will comply with TIA §313(b)(2). The Trustee will also transmit by mail all reports as required by TIA §313(c).

 

(b)           A copy of each report at the time of its mailing to the Holders of Notes will be mailed by the Trustee to the Company and filed with the SEC and each stock exchange on which the Notes are listed in accordance with TIA §313(d). The Company will promptly notify the Trustee, in writing, when the Notes are listed on any stock exchange or of any delisting thereof.

 

Section 7.07          Compensation and Indemnity.

 

(a)           The Company will pay to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent (and together with their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives, attorneys and agents, the “Indemnified Parties”, and each, an “Indemnified Party”) from time to time such compensation as agreed to in a separate fee agreement for its acceptance of this Indenture, the Security Documents and services related thereto, hereunder and thereunder. The Trustee’s compensation will not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Company and the Guarantors, on a joint and several basis, will reimburse each Indemnified Party 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, but are not limited to, costs of collection, costs of preparing and reviewing reports, certificates and other documents, costs of preparation and mailing of notices to Holders and the reasonable compensation, costs disbursements and expenses of each Indemnified Party’s agents and counsel.

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(b)          The Company and the Guarantors will indemnify, defend and hold harmless, on a joint and several basis, each Indemnified Party against any and all losses, liabilities or expenses incurred by it arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of its duties under this Indenture or the other Note Documents, 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 any other Person) or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties under the Note Documents, except to the extent any such loss, liability or expense may be attributable to its gross negligence or willful misconduct as proven in a court of competent jurisdiction in a final and non-appealable decision. An Indemnified Party will notify the Company promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity. Failure by an Indemnified Party to so notify the Company will not relieve the Company or any of the Guarantors of their obligations hereunder. The Company or such Guarantor will defend the claim and the subject Indemnified Party will cooperate in the defense. An Indemnified Party may have separate counsel and the Company will pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel. Neither the Company nor any Guarantor need pay for any settlement made without its consent, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld and neither the Company nor any Guarantor may agree to any settlement without consent of the Indemnified Parties, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.

 

(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 termination of the Note Documents or earlier resignation or removal of the Trustee or any Agent, as applicable.

 

(d)          To secure the Company’s and the Guarantors’ payment obligations in this Section 7.07, each Indemnified Party will have a Lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, in its capacity as trustee, or the Collateral Agent, in its capacity as collateral agent, except, in the case of the Trustee, that held in trust to pay principal of, premium on, if any, or interest on, particular Notes. Such Lien will survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or earlier resignation or removal of the Trustee.

 

(e)          When an Indemnified Party incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in clause (vii) or (viii) 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.

 

(f)           The Trustee will comply with the provisions of TIA §313(b)(2) to the extent applicable.

 

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 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 by providing 30 days’ notice to the Trustee and the Company in writing. The Company may remove the Trustee if:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(iv)          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, 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.

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(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.

 

(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.

 

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 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 $100.0 million as set forth in its most recent published annual report of condition.

 

This Indenture will always have a Trustee who satisfies the requirements of TIA §310(a)(1), (2) and (5). The Trustee is subject to TIA §310(b).

 

Section 7.11          Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company.

 

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

 

Section 7.12          Collateral Agent.

 

References to the Trustee in Sections 7.01(b) through (f) (“Duties of Trustee”), 7.02 (“Rights of Trustee”), 7.03 (“Individual Rights of Trustee”), 7.04 (“Trustee’s Disclaimer”), 7.07 (“Compensation and Indemnity”), 7.08 (“Replacement of Trustee”) and 7.09 (“Successor Trustee by Merger, etc.”) shall be read to apply to the Collateral Agent and the Security Documents, mutatis mutandis, in addition to this Indenture; provided that the Collateral Agent’s standard of care of gross negligence or willful misconduct shall not be affected or changed after the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default. The privileges, rights, indemnities, immunities and exculpatory provisions contained in this Indenture, including the right to be indemnified, shall apply to the Collateral Agent, whether it is acting under this Indenture or the Security Documents, and shall be enforceable by the Collateral Agent. Each Holder of Notes, by its acceptance of the Notes (a) consents to the terms of the Note Documents, (b) agrees that it will be bound by, and will take no actions contrary to, the provisions of the Note Documents and (c) authorizes and instructs the Collateral Agent, on behalf of each Holder of Notes to enter into the Note Documents.

 

Section 7.13          Separate Trustees and Co-Trustees

 

(a)           Notwithstanding any other provisions hereof, at any time, for the purpose of meeting legal requirements applicable to it in the performance of its duties hereunder, the Trustee shall have the power to, and shall execute and deliver all instruments to, appoint one or more Persons to act as separate trustees or co-trustees hereunder of any portion of the Collateral subject to this Indenture, and any such Persons shall be such separate trustee or co-trustee, with such powers and duties consistent with this Indenture as shall be specified in the instrument appointing such Person. If the Trustee shall request the Company to do so, the Company shall join with the Trustee in the execution of such instrument, but the Trustee shall have the power to make such appointment without making such request. A separate trustee or co-trustee appointed pursuant to this Section 7.13 need not meet the eligibility requirements of Section 7.10. No trustee hereunder shall be personally liable because of any act or omission of any other trustee hereunder and any appointed separate or co-trustee hereunder shall not be deemed an agent of the appointing trustee.

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(b)          Every separate trustee and co-trustee shall, to the extent not prohibited by law, be subject to the following terms and conditions:

 

(i)            the rights, powers, duties and obligations conferred or imposed upon such separate or co- trustee shall be conferred or imposed upon and exercised or performed by the Trustee and such separate or co-trustee jointly, as shall be provided in the appointing instrument, except to the extent that under any law of any jurisdiction in which any particular act is to be performed any nonresident trustee shall be incompetent or unqualified to perform such act, in which event such rights, powers, duties and obligations shall be exercised and performed by such separate trustee or co-trustee at the direction of the Trustee;

 

(ii)           all powers, duties, obligations and rights conferred upon the Trustee, in respect of the custody of all cash deposited hereunder shall be exercised solely by the Trustee; and

 

(iii)          the Trustee may at any time by written instrument accept the resignation of or remove any such separate trustee or co-trustee, and, upon the request of the Trustee, the Company shall join with the Trustee in the execution, delivery and performance of all instruments and agreements necessary or proper to make effective such resignation or removal, but the Trustee shall have the power to accept such resignation or to make such removal without making such request. A successor to a separate trustee or co-trustee so resigning or removed may be appointed in the manner otherwise provided herein.

 

(c)          Such separate trustee or co-trustee, upon acceptance of such trust, shall be vested with the estates or property specified in such instruments, jointly with the Trustee, and the Trustee shall take such action as may be necessary to provide for (i) the appropriate interest in the Collateral to be vested in such separate trustee or co- trustee and (ii) the execution and delivery of any transfer documentation or bond powers that may be necessary to give effect to the transfer of the Lien hereof to the co-trustee. Any separate trustee or co-trustee may, at any time, by written instrument constitute the Trustee, its agent or attorney-in-fact with full power and authority, to the extent permitted by law, do all acts and things and exercise all discretion authorized or permitted by it, for and on behalf of it and in its name. The Trustee shall not be responsible for any action or inaction of any separate trustee or co-trustee. If any separate trustee or co-trustee shall be dissolved, become incapable of acting, resign, be removed or die, all the estates, property, rights, powers, trusts, duties and obligations of said separate trustee or co-trustee, so far as permitted by law, shall vest in and be exercised by the Trustee, without the appointment of a successor to said separate trustee or co-trustee, until the appointment of a successor to said separate trustee or co-trustee is necessary as provided in this Indenture.

 

(d)          Any notice, request or other writing, by or on behalf of any Holder, delivered to the Trustee shall be deemed to have been delivered to all separate trustees and co-trustees.

 

(e)          [Intentionally Omitted.]

 

(f)           No appointment of a separate trustee or co-trustee pursuant to this Section 7.13 shall relieve the Trustee of any of its obligations, duties or responsibilities hereunder in any way or to any degree.

 

Article 8
LEGAL DEFEASANCE AND COVENANT DEFEASANCE

 

Section 8.01          Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance.

 

The Company may at any time, at the option of its Board of Directors evidenced by a resolution set forth in an Officers’ Certificate, elect to have either Section 8.02 or 8.03 hereof be applied to all outstanding Notes 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 (i) and (ii) below, and to have satisfied all their other obligations under such Notes, the Note Guarantees and this Indenture (and the Trustee, at the written request and sole 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:

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

 

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

 

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

 

(iv)         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 4.07, 4.08, 4.09, 4.10, 4.11, 4.12, 4.13, 4.15, 4.16, 4.17, 4.18, 4.19 and 4.20 hereof and clause (iv) of Section 5.01 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(iii), (iv), (v), (vi), (vii) and (x) 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:

 

(i)           the Company must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable Government Securities, or a combination thereof, in amounts as will be sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized investment bank, appraisal firm or firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal of, premium on, 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, and the Company must specify whether the Notes are being defeased to such stated date for payment or to a particular Redemption Date;

 

(ii)          in the case of an election under Section 8.02 hereof, the Company must deliver to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent 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 federal income tax law,

 

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

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(iii)          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 of the outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred;

 

(iv)          no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and is continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit (and any similar concurrent deposit relating to other Indebtedness), and the granting of Liens to secure such borrowings);

 

(v)           such Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement or instrument (other than this Indenture and the agreements governing any other Indebtedness being defeased, discharged or replaced) to which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is bound;

 

(vi)          the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Company with the intent of preferring the Holders of Notes over the other creditors of the Company with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding any creditors of the Company or others; and

 

(vii)         the Company must deliver to the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent relating to the Legal Defeasance or the Covenant Defeasance have been complied with.

 

The Collateral will be released from the Lien securing the Notes and the other Note Documents, as provided in Section 10.04 hereof, upon a Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance in accordance with the provisions described above.

 

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), 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.

 

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 expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee (which may be the opinion delivered under Section 8.04(i) 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.

 

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; provided, however, that the Trustee or such Paying Agent, before being required to make any such repayment, may at the expense of the Company cause to be published once, in the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal (national edition), notice that such money remains unclaimed and that, after a date specified therein, which will not be less than 30 days from the date of such notification or publication, any unclaimed balance of such money then remaining will be repaid to the Company.

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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 of Notes.

 

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

 

(i)            to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;

 

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

 

(iii)          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;

 

(iv)          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;

 

(v)           to comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA;

 

(vi)          to conform the text of this Indenture, the Notes, the Note Guarantees or the Security Documents to any provision of the “Description of The New Notes” section of the Offer to Exchange, relating to the initial offering of the Notes, to the extent that such provision in that “Description of Notes” was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of this Indenture, the Notes, the Note Guarantees or the Security Documents, which intent shall be evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate to that effect;

 

(vii)         to enter into additional or supplemental Security Documents;

 

(viii)        to make, complete or confirm any grant of Collateral permitted or required by this Indenture or any of the Security Documents or any release of Collateral that becomes effective as set forth in this Indenture or any of the Security Documents;

 

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

 

(x)           to allow any Guarantor to execute a supplemental indenture and/or a Note Guarantee with respect to the Notes; or

 

(xi)          with respect to the Security Documents to amend this Indenture or any of the Security Documents, as provided in the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

Upon the request of the Company accompanied by a resolution of its Board of Directors authorizing the execution of any such amendment or supplemental indenture, and upon receipt by the Trustee and the Collateral Agent of the documents described in Section 9.06 hereof, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent will join with the Company and the Guarantors in the execution of any amendment 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 neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Agent will be obligated to enter into such amended or supplemental indenture that affects its own rights, duties or immunities under the Note Documents or otherwise.

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Section 9.02          With Consent of Holders of Notes.

 

Except as provided below in this Section 9.02, the Company, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent, if applicable, may amend or supplement this Indenture (including, without limitation, Sections 3.09, 4.10, and 4.14 hereof), the Notes, the Note Guarantees or any other Note Documents 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 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 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 amendment or supplemental indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee and/or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, of evidence satisfactory to the Trustee and/or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, of the consent of the Holders of Notes as aforesaid, and upon receipt by the Trustee and/or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, of the documents described in Section 9.06 hereof, the Trustee and/or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, will join with the Company and the Guarantors in the execution of such amendment or supplemental indenture unless such amendment or supplemental indenture directly affects the Trustee’s and/or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture, the other Note Documents or otherwise, in which case the Trustee and/or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, may in its discretion, but will not be obligated to, enter into such amendment or supplemental Indenture.

 

It is not necessary for the consent of the Holders of Notes 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 to the Holders of Notes 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):

 

(i)            reduce the principal amount of Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

 

(ii)           reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity of any Note or alter or waive any of the provisions with respect to the redemption or repurchase of the Notes (except as provided above with respect to Sections 3.09, 4.10 and 4.14 hereof);

 

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

 

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

 

(v)           make any Note payable in money other than that stated in the Notes;

 

(vi)          make any change in the provisions of this Indenture relating to waivers of past Defaults or the rights of Holders of Notes to receive payments of principal of, premium, if any, on, interest on the Notes (other than as permitted by clause (vii) below);

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(vii)         waive a redemption payment with respect to any Note (other than a payment required by Sections 3.09, 4.10 or 4.14 hereof);

 

(viii)        release any Guarantor from any of its obligations under its Note Guarantee or this Indenture, except in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; or

 

(ix)          make any change in the preceding amendment and waiver provisions.

 

In addition, any amendment to, or waiver of, the provisions of this Indenture or any security document that has the effect of releasing all or substantially all of the Collateral from the Liens securing the Notes or releasing all or substantially all of the Guarantors from their respective Guarantees will require the consent of the Holders of at least 662/3% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding.

 

In determining with 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 any of their respective Subsidiaries, will be considered as though not outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee will be protecting in relying on any such direction, waiver, or consent, only Notes that a Responsible Officer of the Trustee receives an Officers’ Certificate from the Company that such Notes are so owned will be so disregarded. Upon request of the Trustee, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee promptly an Officers’ Certificate listing and identifying all Notes, if any, known by the Company to be owned or held by or for the account of any of the above described Persons, and the Trustee shall be entitled to accept and rely upon such Officers’ Certificate as conclusive evidence of the facts therein set forth and of the fact that all Notes not listed therein are outstanding for the purpose of any such determination.

 

Section 9.03          Trust Indenture Act.

 

Every amendment or supplement to this Indenture or the Notes will be set forth in an amended or supplemental indenture that complies with the TIA as then in effect.

 

Section 9.04          Revocation and Effect of Consents.

 

Until an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder 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 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 9.05          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 9.06          Trustee to Sign Amendments, etc.

 

The Trustee will sign any amendment 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. The Company may not sign an amendment or supplemental indenture until the Board of Directors of the Company approves it. In executing any amendment or supplemental indenture, the Trustee will be entitled to receive and (subject to Section 7.01 hereof) will be fully protected in relying upon, in addition to the documents required by Section 14.04 hereof, an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such amendment or supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture and that such amendment, supplement or waiver is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company and any Guarantors party thereto, enforceable against them in accordance with its terms, subject to customary exceptions.

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Article 10
COLLATERAL AND SECURITY

 

Section 10.01        Security Documents.

 

The due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium on, if any, and interest on, the Notes when and as the same shall be due and payable, whether on an Interest Payment Date, at maturity, by acceleration, repurchase, redemption or otherwise, and interest on the overdue principal of, premium on, if any, and interest (to the extent permitted by law), on the Notes and performance of all other obligations of the Company to the Holders of Notes or the Trustee under this Indenture and the Notes (including, without limitation, the Note Guarantees), according to the terms hereunder or thereunder, are secured as provided in the Security Documents, which the Company has entered into simultaneously with the execution of this Indenture. Each Holder of Notes, by its acceptance thereof, consents and agrees to the terms of the Security Documents (including, without limitation, the provisions providing for foreclosure and release of Collateral) as the same may be in effect or may be amended from time to time in accordance with its terms and authorizes and directs the Collateral Agent to enter into the Security Documents and to perform its obligations and exercise its rights thereunder in accordance therewith. The Company will deliver to the Trustee copies of all documents delivered to the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Security Documents, and will do or cause to be done all such acts and things as may be necessary or proper, or as may be required by the provisions of the Security Documents, to assure and confirm to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent the security interest in the Collateral contemplated hereby, by the Security Documents or any part thereof, as from time to time constituted, so as to render the same available for the security and benefit of this Indenture and of the Notes secured hereby, according to the intent and purposes herein expressed. The Company will take, and will cause its Subsidiaries to take any and all actions necessary or proper or as may be reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent to cause the Security Documents to create and maintain, as security for the Obligations of the Company hereunder, a valid and enforceable perfected second priority Lien in and on all the Collateral, in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Holders of Notes, superior to and prior to the rights of all third Persons and subject to no other Liens other than Permitted Prior Liens.

 

Section 10.02        Recording and Opinions.

 

(a)          The Company will furnish to the Collateral Agent and the Trustee on April 20 in each year beginning with April 20, 2021, an Opinion of Counsel, dated as of such date, either:

 

(i)            (A) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, action has been taken with respect to the recording, registering, filing, re-recording, re-registering and re-filing of all supplemental indentures, financing statements, continuation statements or other instruments of further assurance as is necessary to maintain the Lien of the Security Documents and reciting with respect to the security interests in the Collateral the details of such action or referring to prior Opinions of Counsel in which such details are given, and (B) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, based on relevant laws as in effect on the date of such Opinion of Counsel, all financing statements and continuation statements have been executed and filed that are necessary as of such date and during the succeeding 12 months fully to preserve and protect, to the extent such protection and preservation are possible by filing, the rights of the Holders of Notes and the Collateral Agent and the Trustee hereunder and under the Security Documents with respect to the security interests in the Collateral;

 

(ii)           stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, no such action is necessary to maintain such Lien and assignment.

 

(b)          The Company will comply with the provisions of TIA § 314; provided that the Company will not be required to comply with all or any portion of TIA §314(d) if it determines in good faith based on the advice of counsel, that under the terms of TIA §314(d) and/or any interpretation or guidance as to the meaning thereof of the SEC and its staff, including “no-action” letters or exemptive orders (whether issued to the Company or any other person), all or any portion of TIA §314(d) is inapplicable to the released Collateral.

 

Section 10.03        Release of Liens on Collateral.

 

The Collateral Agent’s Second Liens upon the Collateral will be released in any one or more of the circumstances set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement, and in any such event, each of the Trustee and Collateral Agent shall release the Collateral upon request from Priority Lien Collateral Agent or the Priority Lien Representative, and neither the Trustee nor Collateral Agent shall be liable for verifying whether such release is authorized or permitted pursuant to the Indenture or any Note Document and each of the Trustee and the Collateral Agent may conclusively rely on such request, and incur no liability for any releases effected pursuant to such request.

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Section 10.04        Release of Liens in Respect of Notes.

 

(a)          The Collateral Agent’s Second Liens upon the Collateral will no longer secure the Notes outstanding under this Indenture or any other Obligations under this Indenture, and the right of the Holders of the Notes and such Obligations to the benefits and proceeds of the Collateral Agent’s Second Liens on the Collateral shall terminate and be discharged:

 

(i)            upon satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as set forth in Article 12 hereof;

 

(ii)           upon a Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance of the Notes as set forth in Article 8 hereof;

 

(iii)          upon payment in full and discharge of all Notes outstanding under this Indenture and all Obligations that are outstanding, due and payable under this Indenture at the time the Notes are paid in full and discharged;

 

(iv)          in whole or in part, with the consent of the Holders of the requisite percentage of Notes in accordance with the provisions of Article 9 hereof;

 

(v)           after the satisfaction of the Lien Release Conditions, on the date the Notes are rated Investment Grade and no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;

 

(vi)          as provided in Intercreditor Agreement; or

 

(vii)         to enable the disposition of assets that constitute Collateral to the extent not prohibited by Section 4.10.

 

(b)          Upon the full and final payment and performance of all Obligations of the Company under this Indenture and the Notes or upon Legal Defeasance, Covenant Defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture in accordance with Article 12 hereof, the Company will deliver a certificate to the Collateral Agent stating that such Obligations have been paid in full, and instruct the Collateral Agent to release the Liens pursuant to this Indenture and the Security Documents.

 

Section 10.05        Certificates of the Company.

 

The Company will furnish to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent, prior to each proposed release of Collateral pursuant to the Security Documents:

 

(i)            all documents required by TIA §314(d);

 

(ii)           an Officers’ Certificate certifying that all conditions precedent under this Indenture and the Note Documents if any, to such release have been met and any necessary or proper instruments of termination, satisfaction or release prepared by the Company; and

 

(iii)          solely in the case of a release described in Section 10.04(a)(i) through (vi) or a release of all or substantially all of the Collateral, an Opinion of Counsel, which may be rendered by internal counsel to the Company in accordance with Section 14.04.

 

The Trustee and the Collateral Agent may accept as conclusive evidence of compliance with the foregoing provisions the appropriate statements contained in such documents and such Opinion of Counsel. Neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Agent shall be liable for any such release undertaken in good faith in reliance upon any such Officers’ Certificate or Opinion of Counsel, and notwithstanding any term hereof or in any Note Document to the contrary, the Trustee and Collateral Agent shall not be under any obligation to release any such Lien and security interest, or execute and deliver any such instrument of release, satisfaction or termination, unless and until it receives such Officers’ Certificate and Opinion of Counsel.

 

Section 10.06        Certificates of the Trustee.

 

Neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Agent shall have any duty to confirm the legality, sufficiency, genuineness, accuracy, contents or validity of any documents (or any signature appearing therein). Neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Agent shall be liable for any such release undertaken in good faith in reliance upon any documents delivered to them pursuant to Section 10.05 hereof, and notwithstanding any term hereof or in any Note Document to the contrary, neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Agent shall be under any obligation to release any such Lien and security interest, or execute and deliver any such instrument of release, satisfaction or termination, unless and until it receives such documents.

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Section 10.07        Authorization of Actions to Be Taken Under the Security Documents.

 

Subject to the provisions of Section 7.01 and 7.02 hereof and to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, the Trustee and the Collateral Agent may, on behalf of the Holders of Notes, take all actions to:

 

(i)            enforce any of the terms of the Security Documents; and

 

(ii)           collect and receive any and all amounts payable in respect of the Obligations of the Company hereunder and under the Security Documents.

 

The Collateral Agent will have power to institute and maintain such suits and proceedings as it may deem expedient to prevent any impairment of the Collateral by any acts that may be unlawful or in violation of the Security Documents or this Indenture, and such suits and proceedings to preserve or protect its interests and the interests of the Holders of Notes in the Collateral (including power to institute and maintain suits or proceedings to restrain the enforcement of or compliance with any legislative or other governmental enactment, rule or order that may be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid if the enforcement of, or compliance with, such enactment, rule or order would impair the security interest hereunder or be prejudicial to the interests of the Holders of Notes, of the Collateral Agent or of the Trustee). Nothing in this Section 10.07 shall be considered to impose any such duty or obligation to act on the part of the Trustee or the Collateral Agent.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Collateral Agent or the Trustee may, at the expense of the Company, request the direction of the Holders of Notes with respect to any such actions and upon receipt of the written consent of Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes, shall take such actions; provided that all actions so taken shall, at all times, be in conformity with the requirements of the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

Section 10.08        Authorization of Receipt of Funds by the Trustee Under the Security Documents.

 

Subject to the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, proceeds in respect of the Collateral received by the Collateral Agent shall be passed on to the Trustee. The Trustee is authorized to receive any funds for the benefit of the Holders of Notes distributed under the Security Documents, and to make further distributions of such funds to the Holders of Notes according to the provisions of this Indenture.

 

Section 10.09        Collateral Agent.

 

(a)          UMB Bank, National Association, is hereby appointed as Collateral Agent and shall be authorized to appoint co-Collateral Agents as necessary in its sole discretion. Each Holder agrees that any action taken by the Collateral Agent in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture and the Security Documents, and the exercise by the Collateral Agent of any rights or remedies set forth herein and therein shall be authorized and binding upon all Holders. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained elsewhere in this Indenture and the Security Documents, the duties of the Collateral Agent shall be ministerial and administrative in nature, and the Collateral Agent shall not have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein and in the other documents to which the Collateral Agent is a party, nor shall the Collateral Agent have or be deemed to have any trust or other fiduciary relationship with the Trustee, any Holder, the Company or any Guarantor, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Indenture and the Security Documents or otherwise exist against the Collateral Agent. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, the use of the term “agent” in this Indenture with reference to the Collateral Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable law. Instead, such term is used merely as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between independent contracting parties.

 

(b)          The Collateral Agent makes no representations as to, and shall not be responsible for the existence, genuineness, value, sufficiency or condition of any of the Collateral or as to the security afforded or intended to be afforded thereby, hereby or by any Security Document, or for the validity, perfection, priority or enforceability of the Liens or security interests in any of the Collateral created or intended to be created by any of the Security Documents, whether impaired by operation of law or by reason of any action or omission to act on its part hereunder, for the validity or sufficiency of the Collateral, any Security Documents or any agreement or assignment thereof contained in any provision thereof, for the validity of the title of the Company or any Guarantor to the Collateral, for insuring the Collateral or for the payment of taxes, charges, assessments or Liens upon the Collateral or otherwise as to the maintenance of the Collateral, all such responsibilities and obligations being responsibilities and obligations of the Company and the Guarantors. The Collateral Agent shall not have any responsibility for recording, registering, filing, re-recording, re-registering or refiling any supplemental indenture, financing statement, continuation statement, document, instrument or other notice in any public office at any time or times or to otherwise take any action to perfect or maintain the perfection of any security interest granted to it under the Security Documents or otherwise (except for the safe custody of any Collateral in its possession and the accounting for moneys actually received by it hereunder or under any Security Document) and such responsibility shall be solely that of the Company.

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(c)          The Collateral Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any writing, resolution, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram, facsimile, certification, telephone message, statement, or other communication, document or conversation (including those by telephone or e- mail) believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent, or made by the proper Person or Persons, and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including, without limitation, counsel to the Company or any Guarantor), independent accountants and other experts and advisors selected by the Collateral Agent. The Collateral Agent shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, or other paper or document. The Collateral Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Indenture or the Security Documents in accordance with a request, direction, instruction or consent of the Company, the Trustee or the Holders of a requisite percentage in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes.

 

This Article 10 and the provisions of each other Security Document are subject to the terms, conditions and benefits set forth in the Intercreditor Agreement. The Company and each Guarantor consents to, and agrees to be bound by, the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement, as the same may be in effect from time to time, and to perform its obligations thereunder in accordance with the terms thereof. Each Holder of Notes, by its acceptance of the Notes (a) consents to the terms provided for in the Intercreditor Agreement, (b) agrees that it will be bound by, and will take no actions contrary to, the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement and (c) authorizes and instructs the Trustee and the Collateral Agent, in each case, on behalf of each Holder of Notes to enter into the Intercreditor Agreement as Second Lien Representative and as Second Lien Collateral Agent (as such terms are defined in the Intercreditor Agreement), in each case, on behalf of such Holders of Notes. In addition, each Holder of Notes authorizes and instructs the Trustee and the Collateral Agent to enter into any amendments or joinders to the Intercreditor Agreement, without the consent of any Holder, to add additional Indebtedness as Second Lien Debt and add other parties (or any authorized agent or trustee therefor) holding such Indebtedness thereto and to establish that the Lien on any Collateral securing such Indebtedness ranks equally with the Liens on such Collateral securing the other Second Lien Debt then outstanding. The foregoing provisions are intended as an inducement to the lenders under the Credit Agreement to extend credit to the Company and certain of its Subsidiaries, and such lenders are intended third party beneficiaries of such provisions and the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

(d)          In addition, to the extent required under the laws of any jurisdiction other than within the United States and for Mexican law purposes, each Holder hereby grants to the Collateral Agent a comisión mercantil con representación in accordance with Articles 273, 274 and any other applicable Articles of the Commerce Code of Mexico (Código de Comercio) to act on its behalf as its agent in connection with this Agreement and the Security Documents, and authorizes the Collateral Agent to enter into the Security Documents governed by the laws of Mexico and to hold the Liens granted to it under such documents acting on behalf of itself and for the benefit of the Second Lien Secured Parties under this Agreement to secure the Second Lien Obligations; furthermore, each Holder hereby authorizes the Collateral Agent to delegate the above mentioned comisión mercantil con representación pursuant to Article 280 and any other applicable Articles of the Commerce Code of Mexico (Código de Comercio) to the extent permitted by and under the Secured Debt Documents. Without limiting the foregoing, each Holder hereby authorizes the Collateral Agent to execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations under, each of the Security Documents to which the Collateral Agent is a party, and to exercise all rights, powers and remedies that the Collateral Agent may have under such Security Documents, provided, however, the Collateral Agent does not have an obligation to undertake any action unless directed in writing by a majority of Holders (or the Trustee acting upon direction of the same) and it has been provided indemnity and or security satisfactory to it.

 

Article 11
NOTE GUARANTEES

 

Section 11.01        Guarantee.

 

(a)          Subject to this Article 11, each of the Guarantors hereby, jointly and severally, unconditionally guarantees to each Holder of a Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and to the Trustee and the Collateral Agent and their respective successors and assigns, irrespective of the validity and enforceability of this Indenture, the Notes, the Security Documents or the obligations of the Company hereunder or thereunder, that:

 

(i)            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 and the Collateral Agent hereunder or thereunder or under any Security Document will be promptly paid in full or performed, all in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof; and

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(ii)           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.

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the amount of the obligations guaranteed hereunder by GX Geoscience shall not exceed the amount of the obligations guaranteed by GX Geoscience under the Credit Agreement.

 

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)          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 (concurso mercantil) or bankruptcy (quiebra) 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, the Collateral Agent or the Trustee is required by any court or otherwise to return to the Company, the Guarantors or any custodian, trustee, liquidator, visitador, conciliador, síndico or other similar official acting in relation to either the Company or the Guarantors, any amount paid by either to the Trustee, the Collateral Agent 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, the Collateral Agent 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 11.02        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 for purposes of Bankruptcy Law, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, the Ley General de Concursos Mercantiles of Mexico or any similar federal or state 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 11, result in the obligations of such Guarantor under its Note Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent transfer or conveyance.

 

Section 11.03        Execution and Delivery of Note Guarantee.

 

To evidence its Note Guarantee set forth in Section 11.01 hereof, each Guarantor hereby agrees that a notation of such Note Guarantee substantially in the form attached as Exhibit E hereto will be endorsed by an Officer of such Guarantor on each Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and that this Indenture will be executed on behalf of such Guarantor by one of its Officers.

 

Each Guarantor hereby agrees that its Note Guarantee set forth in Section 11.01 hereof will remain in full force and effect notwithstanding any failure to endorse on each Note a notation of such Note Guarantee.

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If an Officer whose signature is on this Indenture or on the Note Guarantee no longer holds that office at the time the Trustee authenticates the Note on which a Note Guarantee is endorsed, 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.

 

In the event that the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries creates or acquires any Domestic Subsidiary after the date of this Indenture, if required by Section 4.15 hereof, the Company will cause such Domestic Subsidiary to comply with the provisions of Section 4.15 hereof and this Article 11, to the extent applicable.

 

Section 11.04       Guarantors May Consolidate, etc., on Certain Terms.

 

Except as otherwise provided in Section 11.05 hereof, no Guarantor may sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets to, or consolidate with or merge with or into (whether or not such Guarantor is the surviving Person) another Person, other than the Company or another Guarantor, unless:

 

(i)           immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists;

 

and

 

(ii)          either:

 

(A)           subject to Section 11.05 hereof, the Person acquiring the property in any such sale or disposition or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger unconditionally assumes all the obligations of that Guarantor under its Note Guarantee, this Indenture and the Security Documents on the terms set forth herein or therein, pursuant to a supplemental indenture and appropriate security documents in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee; or

 

(B)           the Net Proceeds of such sale or other disposition are applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture, including without limitation, Section 4.10 hereof.

 

In case of any such consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance and upon the assumption by the successor Person, by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee, of the Note Guarantee endorsed upon the Notes 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. Such successor Person thereupon may cause to be signed any or all of the Note Guarantees to be endorsed upon all of the Notes issuable hereunder which theretofore shall not have been signed by the Company and delivered to the Trustee. 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 clauses (ii)(A) and (B) 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 or conveyance of the property of a Guarantor as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to the Company or another Guarantor.

 

Section 11.05       Releases.

 

(a)          The Note Guarantee of a Guarantor will automatically be released:

 

(i)           In connection with any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of that 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, if the sale or other disposition does not violate the provisions described in Section 4.10 hereof;

 

(ii)          in connection with any sale or other disposition of Capital Stock of that 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, if the sale or other disposition does not violate the provisions described in Section 4.10 hereof and the Guarantor ceases to be a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company as a result of the sale or other disposition;

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(iii)         if the Company designates any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Guarantor to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with the applicable provisions of this Indenture;

 

(iv)         upon Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance as provided in Article 8 hereof or upon the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as provided in Article 12 hereof;

 

(v)          upon the liquidation or dissolution of such Guarantor provided no Default or Event of Default has occurred or is continuing; or

 

(b)          if consent to such release has been given by an Act of Supermajority of Debtholders.

 

(c)          Any Guarantor not released from its obligations under its Note Guarantee as provided in this Section 11.05 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 11.

 

Section 11.06       Waiver by GX Geoscience.

 

GX Geoscience expressly acknowledges that this Note Guarantee is governed by the laws of the State of New York and expressly agrees that any rights and privileges that such Guarantor might otherwise have under the laws Mexico shall not be applicable to this Note Guarantee, including, but not limited to, any benefit of orden, excusiόn, divisiόn, quita, novaciόn, espera and modificaciόn which may be available to it under articles 2813, 2814, 2815, 2816, 2817, 2818, 2820, 2821, 2822, 2823, 2827, 2836, 2840, 2842, 2846, 2847, 2848, 2849 of the Federal Civil Code of Mexico and the corresponding articles under the Civil Code in effect for the Federal District of Mexico and in all other states of Mexico. GX Geoscience represents that it is familiar with the contents of these articles and agrees that they need not to be reproduced herein. Additionally, GX Geoscience acknowledges and represents that it (i) will receive valuable direct or indirect benefits as a result of the entering into of this Indenture, the Notes and any other Note Document to which it is a party; (ii) it is solvent pursuant to Mexican law, including without limitation, pursuant to Article 2166 of the Mexican Federal Civil Code (Código Civil Federal) and its correlative provisions of the Civil Codes of the States of Mexico and Articles 9, 10, or 11 of the Mexican Ley de Concursos Mercantiles; and (iii) is not subject to concurso mercantil, bankruptcy (quiebra) or other similar insolvency procedure in Mexico and it has no reason to believe that it will be declared in concurso mercantil, bankruptcy (quiebra) or other similar insolvency procedure in Mexico.

 

Article 12
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE

 

Section 12.01       Satisfaction and Discharge.

 

This Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect as to all Notes issued hereunder (except as to surviving rights of registration, of transfer or exchange of the Notes and as otherwise provided in this Indenture), when:

 

(i)           either:

 

(A)          all Notes that have been authenticated, except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes that have been replaced or paid and Notes for whose payment money has been deposited in trust and thereafter repaid to the Company, have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

 

(B)          all Notes that have not been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation have become due and payable by reason of the mailing of a notice of redemption or otherwise or will become due and payable within one year and the Company or any Guarantor has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as trust funds in trust solely for the benefit of the Holders, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable Government Securities, or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient, without consideration of any reinvestment of interest, to pay and discharge the entire Indebtedness on the Notes not delivered to the Trustee for cancellation for principal, premium, if any, and interest to the date of maturity or redemption;

 

(ii)          in respect of subclause (B) of clause (i) of this Section 12.01, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing on the date of the deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit and any similar deposit relating to other Indebtedness and, in each case, the granting of Liens to secure such borrowings) and the deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, any other instrument to which the Company or any Guarantor is a party or by which the Company or any Guarantor is bound (other than with respect to the borrowing of funds to be applied concurrently to make the deposit required to effect such satisfaction and discharge and any similar concurrent deposit relating to other Indebtedness, and in each case the granting of Liens to secure such borrowings);

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(iii)          the Company or any Guarantor has paid or caused to be paid all sums payable by it under this Indenture; and

 

(iv)          the Company has delivered irrevocable instructions to the Trustee under this Indenture to apply the deposited money toward the payment of the Notes at maturity or on the Redemption Date, as the case may be.

 

In addition, the Company must deliver an Officers’ Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the Trustee stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge have been satisfied.

 

The Collateral will be released from the Lien securing the Notes and the other Note Documents, as provided in Section 10.04 hereof, upon a satisfaction and discharge in accordance with the provisions described above. Nothing in this Section 12.01 will be deemed to preclude the Company from repurchasing Notes, including, but not limited to, in the open market, through a tender offer or exchange offer, through privately negotiated transactions, or other similar transactions.

 

Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, if money has been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (B) of clause (i) of this Section 12.01, the provisions of Sections 12.02 and 8.06 hereof will survive. In addition, nothing in this Section 12.01 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 12.02        Application of Trust Money.

 

Subject to the provisions of Section 8.06 hereof, all money deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 12.01 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), 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 12.01 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 12.01 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.

 

Article 13
CONVERSION OF NOTES

 

Section 13.01        Conversion Privilege.

 

Subject to and upon compliance with the provisions of this Article 13 (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the restrictions set forth in Section 13.12), each Holder of a Note shall have the right, at such Holder’s option, to convert all or any portion (if the portion to be converted is $1,000 principal amount or an integral multiple thereof) of such Note at any time prior to the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date at an initial conversion rate of 333.3333 shares of Common Stock (subject to adjustment as provided in this Article 13) (the “Conversion Rate”) per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (subject to, and in accordance with, the settlement provisions of Section 13.02, the “Conversion Obligation”). With respect to any Notes that are converted after the date of issuance of a Redemption Notice and prior to the close of business on the Scheduled Trading Day immediately preceding the related Redemption Date (unless the Company fails to pay the redemption price as required under Section 3.07 (in which case a Holder may convert such Note until the redemption price, including the Applicable Premium (if any), has been paid or duly provided for), in addition to the payment or delivery of the consideration due upon conversion as described in Section 13.02, the Company shall pay or deliver, as the case may be, the Applicable Premium in cash, shares of Common Stock or a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock, as specified in the Redemption Notice and described in Section 3.07.

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Section 13.02       Conversion Procedure.

 

(a)          Subject to this Section 13.02, Section 13.03(b), Section 13.07(a) and Section 13.12, upon conversion of any Note, the Company shall pay or deliver, as the case may be, to the converting Holder, in respect of each $1,000 principal amount of Notes being converted, cash (“Cash Settlement”), shares of Common Stock, together with cash, if applicable, in lieu of delivering any fractional share of Common Stock in accordance with subsection (j) of this Section 13.02 (“Physical Settlement”) or a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock, together with cash, if applicable, in lieu of delivering any fractional share of Common Stock in accordance with subsection (j) of this Section 13.02 (“Combination Settlement”), at its election, as set forth in this Section 13.02. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent the Board of Directors determines in good faith that the issuance of any shares of Common Stock upon any conversion of the Notes or in respect of any Applicable Premium could cause the Company to undergo an “ownership change” as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder or otherwise could materially and adversely affect the Company’s ability to preserve its ability to utilize its net operating loss carryforwards for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Company may elect to settle such conversion through Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement and to settle such Applicable Premium in cash or in a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock, in each case, to the extent of such determination.

 

(i)           All conversions for which the relevant Conversion Date occurs on or after September 15, 2025, and all conversions for which the relevant Conversion Date occurs after the Company’s issuance of a Redemption Notice with respect to the Notes and prior to the related Redemption Date, shall be settled using the same Settlement Method.

 

(ii)          Except for any conversions for which the relevant Conversion Date occurs after the Company’s issuance of a Redemption Notice with respect to the Notes but prior to the related Redemption Date, any conversions for which the relevant Conversion Date occurs on or after September 15, 2025, the Company shall use the same Settlement Method for all conversions with the same Conversion Date, but the Company shall not have any obligation to use the same Settlement Method with respect to conversions with different Conversion Dates.

 

(iii)         If, in respect of any Conversion Date (or one of the periods described in the third immediately succeeding set of parentheses, as the case may be), the Company elects a Settlement Method in respect of such Conversion Date (or such period, as the case may be), the Company shall deliver or cause delivery of a notice (the “Settlement Notice”) of the relevant Settlement Method to converting Holders and the Conversion Agent (and the Trustee if not the Conversion Agent) no later than the close of business on the Trading Day immediately following the relevant Conversion Date (or, in the case of any conversions for which the relevant Conversion Date occurs (x) after the date of issuance of a Redemption Notice with respect to the Notes and prior to the related Redemption Date, in such Redemption Notice or (y) on or after September 15, 2025, no later than September 15, 2025). Such Settlement Notice shall specify the relevant Settlement Method and in the case of an election of Combination Settlement, the relevant Settlement Notice shall indicate the Specified Dollar Amount per $1,000 principal amount of Notes. If the Company does not elect a Settlement Method prior to the deadline set forth in the immediately preceding sentence, the Company shall no longer have the right to elect Cash Settlement or Physical Settlement and the Company shall be deemed to have elected Combination Settlement in respect of its Conversion Obligation, and the Specified Dollar Amount per $1,000 principal amount of Notes shall be equal to $1,000.

 

If the Company delivers a Settlement Notice electing Combination Settlement in respect of its Conversion Obligation but does not indicate a Specified Dollar Amount per $1,000 principal amount of Notes in such Settlement Notice, the Specified Dollar Amount per $1,000 principal amount of Notes shall be deemed to be $1,000. For the avoidance of doubt, this clause (iii) and the provisions hereof are subject to the provisions of Section 13.12.

 

(iv)         The cash, shares of Common Stock or combination of cash and shares of Common Stock in respect of any conversion of Notes (the “Settlement Amount”) shall be computed by the Company as follows:

 

(A)           if the Company elects to satisfy its Conversion Obligation in respect of such conversion by Physical Settlement, the Company shall deliver to the converting Holder in respect of each $1,000 principal amount of Notes being converted a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the Conversion Rate in effect on the Conversion Date (plus cash in lieu of any fractional share of Common Stock issuable upon conversion in accordance with Section 13.02(j));

 

(B)           if the Company elects to satisfy its Conversion Obligation in respect of such conversion by Cash Settlement, the Company shall pay to the converting Holder in respect of each $1,000 principal amount of Notes being converted cash in an amount equal to the sum of the Daily Conversion Values for each of the 30 consecutive Trading Days during the related Observation Period; and

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(C)           if the Company elects (or is deemed to have elected) to satisfy its Conversion Obligation in respect of such conversion by Combination Settlement, the Company shall pay or deliver, as the case may be, to the converting Holder in respect of each $1,000 principal amount of Notes being converted, a Settlement Amount equal to the sum of the Daily Settlement Amounts for each of the 30 consecutive Trading Days during the related Observation Period (plus cash in lieu of any fractional share of Common Stock issuable upon conversion in accordance with Section 13.02(j)).

 

(v)          The Daily Settlement Amounts (if applicable) and the Daily Conversion Values (if applicable) shall be determined by the Company promptly following the last day of the Observation Period. Promptly after such determination of the Daily Settlement Amounts or the Daily Conversion Values, as the case may be, and the amount of cash payable in lieu of delivering any fractional share of Common Stock, the Company shall notify the Trustee and the Conversion Agent (if other than the Trustee) in writing of the Daily Settlement Amounts or the Daily Conversion Values, as the case may be, and the amount of cash payable in lieu of delivering fractional shares of Common Stock. The Trustee and the Conversion Agent (if other than the Trustee) shall have no responsibility for any such determination.

 

(b)          Subject to Section 13.02(e), before any Holder of a Note shall be entitled to convert a Note as set forth above, such Holder shall (i) in the case of a Global Note, comply with the procedures of the Depositary in effect at that time and, if required, pay funds equal to interest payable on the next Interest Payment Date to which such Holder is not entitled as set forth in Section 13.02(h) and (ii) in the case of a Physical Note (1) complete, manually sign and deliver an irrevocable notice to the Conversion Agent as set forth in the Form of Notice of Conversion (or a facsimile thereof) (a “Notice of Conversion”) at the office of the Conversion Agent and state in writing therein the principal amount of Notes to be converted and the name or names (with addresses) in which such Holder wishes the certificate or certificates for any shares of Common Stock to be delivered upon settlement of the Conversion Obligation to be registered, (2) surrender such Notes, duly endorsed to the Company or in blank (and accompanied by appropriate endorsement and transfer documents), at the office of the Conversion Agent, (3) if required, furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and (4) if required, pay funds equal to interest payable on the next Interest Payment Date to which such Holder is not entitled as set forth in Section 13.02(h). The Trustee (and if different, the Conversion Agent) shall notify the Company of any conversion pursuant to this Article 13 on the Conversion Date for such conversion. No Notice of Conversion with respect to any Notes may be surrendered by a Holder thereof if such Holder has also delivered a Fundamental Change repurchase notice to the Company in respect of such Notes and has not validly withdrawn such Fundamental Change repurchase notice in accordance with Section 15.03.

 

If more than one Note shall be surrendered for conversion at one time by the same Holder, the Conversion Obligation (including any Applicable Premium) with respect to such Notes shall be computed on the basis of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes (or specified portions thereof to the extent permitted thereby) so surrendered.

 

(c)          A Note shall be deemed to have been converted immediately prior to the close of business on the date (the “Conversion Date”) that the Holder has complied with the requirements set forth in subsection (b) above. Except as set forth in Section 13.03(b) and Section 13.07(a), the Company shall pay or deliver, as the case may be, the consideration due in respect of the Conversion Obligation (including any Applicable Premium) on the third Business Day immediately following the relevant Conversion Date, if the Company elects Physical Settlement, or on the third Business Day immediately following the last Trading Day of the Observation Period, in the case of any other Settlement Method. If any shares of Common Stock are due to converting Holders or in respect of any Applicable Premium, the Company shall issue or cause to be issued, and deliver to the Conversion Agent or to such Holder, or such Holder’s nominee or nominees, certificates or a book-entry transfer through the Depositary for the full number of shares of Common Stock to which such Holder shall be entitled in satisfaction of the Company’s Conversion Obligation.

 

(d)          In case any Note shall be surrendered for partial conversion, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to or upon the written order of the Holder of the Note so surrendered a new Note or Notes in authorized denominations in an aggregate principal amount equal to the unconverted portion of the surrendered Note, without payment of any service charge by the converting Holder but, if required by the Company or Trustee, with payment of a sum sufficient to cover any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax or similar governmental charge required by law or that may be imposed in connection therewith as a result of the name of the Holder of the new Notes issued upon such conversion being different from the name of the Holder of the old Notes surrendered for such conversion.

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(e)           If a Holder submits a Note for conversion or is entitled to receive any shares of Common Stock in respect of any Applicable Premium, the Company shall pay any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax due on the issue of any shares of Common Stock upon conversion or in respect of such Applicable Premium, unless the tax is due because the Holder requests such shares to be issued in a name other than the Holder’s name, in which case the Holder shall pay that tax. The Conversion Agent may refuse to deliver the certificates representing the shares of Common Stock being issued in a name other than the Holder’s name until the Trustee receives a sum sufficient to pay any tax that is due by such Holder in accordance with the immediately preceding sentence.

 

(f)            Except as provided in Section 13.04, no adjustment shall be made for dividends on any shares of Common Stock issued upon the conversion of any Note as provided in this Article 13.

 

(g)           Upon the conversion of an interest in a Global Note, the Trustee, or the Custodian at the direction of the Trustee, shall make a notation on such Global Note as to the reduction in the principal amount represented thereby. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of any conversion of Notes effected through any Conversion Agent other than the Trustee.

 

(h)           Upon conversion, a Holder shall not receive any separate cash payment for accrued and unpaid interest, if any, except as set forth below and other than any Applicable Premium, if applicable. The Company’s settlement of the full Conversion Obligation shall be deemed to satisfy in full its obligation to pay the principal amount of the Note and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the relevant Conversion Date. As a result, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the relevant Conversion Date shall be deemed to be paid in full rather than cancelled, extinguished or forfeited. Upon a conversion of Notes into a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock, accrued and unpaid interest will be deemed to be paid first out of the cash paid upon such conversion. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Notes are converted after the close of business on a Regular Record Date, Holders of such Notes as of the close of business on such Regular Record Date will receive the full amount of interest payable on such Notes on the corresponding Interest Payment Date notwithstanding the conversion. Notes surrendered for conversion during the period from the close of business on any Regular Record Date to the open of business on the immediately following Interest Payment Date must be accompanied by funds equal to the amount of interest payable on the Notes so converted; provided that no such payment shall be required (1) for conversions following the Regular Record Date immediately preceding the Maturity Date; (2) if the Company has specified a Redemption Date that is after a Regular Record Date and on or prior to the Business Day immediately following the corresponding Interest Payment Date; (3) if the Company has specified a Make-Whole Fundamental Change Repurchase Date that is after a Regular Record Date and on or prior to the Business Day immediately following the corresponding Interest Payment Date; or (4) to the extent of any defaulted amounts, if any defaulted amounts exists at the time of conversion with respect to such Note. Therefore, for the avoidance of doubt, all Holders of record on the Regular Record Date immediately preceding the Maturity Date or any Redemption Date shall receive the full interest payment due on the Maturity Date or such Redemption Date, as applicable, regardless of whether their Notes have been converted following such Regular Record Date.

 

(i)            The Person in whose name the shares of Common Stock shall be issuable upon conversion shall be treated as a stockholder of record as of the close of business on the relevant Conversion Date (if the Company elects to satisfy the related Conversion Obligation by Physical Settlement) or the last Trading Day of the relevant Observation Period (if the Company elects to satisfy the related Conversion Obligation by Combination Settlement), as the case may be. Upon a conversion of Notes, such Person shall no longer be a Holder of such Notes surrendered for conversion.

 

(j)            The Company shall not issue any fractional share of Common Stock upon conversion of the Notes and shall instead pay cash in lieu of delivering any fractional share of Common Stock issuable upon conversion based on the Daily VWAP for the relevant Conversion Date (in the case of Physical Settlement) or based on the Daily VWAP for the last Trading Day of the relevant Observation Period (in the case of Combination Settlement). For each Note surrendered for conversion, if the Company has elected Combination Settlement, the full number of shares that shall be issued upon conversion thereof shall be computed on the basis of the aggregate Daily Settlement Amounts for the relevant Observation Period and any fractional shares remaining after such computation shall be paid in cash.

 

Section 13.03 Increased Conversion Rate Applicable to Certain Notes Surrendered in Connection with Make-Whole Fundamental Change.

 

(a)           If the Effective Date of a Make-Whole Fundamental Change occurs prior to the Maturity Date and a Holder elects to convert its Notes in connection with such Make-Whole Fundamental Change, the Company shall, under the circumstances described below, increase the Conversion Rate for the Notes so surrendered for conversion by a number of additional shares of Common Stock (the “Additional Shares”), as described below. A conversion of Notes shall be deemed for these purposes to be “in connection with” such Make-Whole Fundamental Change if the relevant Notice of Conversion is received by the Conversion Agent from, and including, the Effective Date of the Make-Whole Fundamental Change up to, and including, the Business Day immediately prior to the related Make-Whole Fundamental Change Repurchase Date (or, in the case of a Make-Whole Fundamental Change that would have been a Fundamental Change but for the proviso in clause (b) of the definition thereof, the 35th Trading Day immediately following the Effective Date of such Make-Whole Fundamental Change).

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(b)          Upon surrender of Notes for conversion in connection with a Make-Whole Fundamental Change, the Company shall, at its option, satisfy the related Conversion Obligation by Physical Settlement, Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement in accordance with Section 13.02 based on the Conversion Rate as increased to reflect the Additional Shares pursuant to the table set forth in Section 13.03(e) below; provided, however, that if, at the effective time of a Make-Whole Fundamental Change described in clause (b) of the definition of Fundamental Change, the Reference Property following such Make-Whole Fundamental Change is composed entirely of cash, for any conversion of Notes following the Effective Date of such Make-Whole Fundamental Change, the Conversion Obligation shall be calculated based solely on the Stock Price for the transaction and shall be deemed to be an amount of cash per $1,000 principal amount of converted Notes equal to the Conversion Rate (including any adjustment for Additional Shares), multiplied by such Stock Price. In such event, the Conversion Obligation shall be paid to Holders in cash on the third Business Day following the Conversion Date. The Company shall notify the Holders of Notes, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent (if other than the Trustee) of the Effective Date of any Make-Whole Fundamental Change and issue a press release announcing such Effective Date no later than five Business Days after such Effective Date.

 

(c)          The number of Additional Shares, if any, by which the Conversion Rate shall be increased shall be determined by reference to the table set forth in Section 13.03(e) below, based on the date on which the Make-Whole Fundamental Change occurs or becomes effective (the “Effective Date”) and the price (the “Stock Price”) paid (or deemed to be paid) per share of the Common Stock in the Make-Whole Fundamental Change. If the holders of the Common Stock receive in exchange for their Common Stock only cash in a Make-Whole Fundamental Change described in clause (b) of the definition of Fundamental Change, the Stock Price shall be the cash amount paid per share. Otherwise, the Stock Price shall be the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices of the Common Stock over the five Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the Effective Date of the Make-Whole Fundamental Change. The Board of Directors shall make appropriate adjustments to the Stock Price, in its good faith determination, to account for any adjustment to the Conversion Rate that becomes effective, or any event requiring an adjustment to the Conversion Rate where the Ex-Dividend Date, Effective Date (as such term is used in Section 13.04) or expiration date of the event occurs during such five consecutive Trading Day period.

 

(d)          The Stock Prices set forth in the column headings of the table set forth in Section 13.03(e) below shall be adjusted as of any date on which the Conversion Rate of the Notes is otherwise adjusted. The adjusted Stock Prices shall equal the Stock Prices applicable immediately prior to such adjustment, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the Conversion Rate immediately prior to such adjustment giving rise to the Stock Price adjustment and the denominator of which is the Conversion Rate as so adjusted. The number of Additional Shares set forth in the table set forth in Section 13.03(e) below shall be adjusted in the same manner and at the same time as the Conversion Rate as set forth in Section 13.04.

 

(e)          The following table sets forth the number of Additional Shares of Common Stock by which the Conversion Rate shall be increased per $1,000 principal amount of Notes pursuant to this Section 13.03 for each Stock Price and Effective Date set forth below:

 

Effective Date     $2.57       $3.00       $3.50       $5.00       $7.50       $10.00       $20.00       $30.00  
Issue Date     55.7743       39.4400       32.9743       22.2040       13.8307       9.6450       3.3645       1.2740  
One Year Anniversary of Issue Date     55.7743       18.7033       14.7971       9.9820       6.2373       4.3650       1.5575       0.6213  
1½ Anniversary of Issue Date     55.7743       7.8122       0       0       0       0       0       0  

 

The exact Stock Prices and Effective Dates may not be set forth in the table above, in which case:

 

(i)            if the Stock Price is between two Stock Prices in the table above or the Effective Date is between two Effective Dates in such table, the number of Additional Shares shall be determined by a straight-line interpolation between the number of Additional Shares set forth for the higher and lower Stock Prices and the earlier and later Effective Dates, as applicable, based on a 365-day year;

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(ii)           if the Stock Price is greater than $30.00 per share (subject to adjustment in the same manner as the Stock Prices set forth in the column headings of the table above pursuant to subsection (d) above), no Additional Shares shall be added to the Conversion Rate; and

 

(iii)          if the Stock Price is less than $2.57 per share (subject to adjustment in the same manner as the Stock Prices set forth in the column headings of the table above pursuant to subsection (d) above), no Additional Shares shall be added to the Conversion Rate.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Conversion Rate per $1,000 principal amount of Notes exceed 55.7743 shares of Common Stock, subject to adjustment in the same manner as the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 13.04.

 

(f)           Nothing in this Section 13.03 shall prevent an adjustment to the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 13.04 in respect of a Make-Whole Fundamental Change

 

Section 13.04        Adjustment of Conversion Rate.

 

The Conversion Rate shall be adjusted from time to time by the Company if any of the following events occurs, except that the Company shall not make any adjustments to the Conversion Rate if Holders of the Notes participate (other than in the case of (x) a share split or share combination or (y) a tender or exchange offer), at the same time and upon the same terms as holders of the Common Stock and solely as a result of holding the Notes, in any of the transactions described in this Section 13.04, without having to convert their Notes, as if they held a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the Conversion Rate, multiplied by the principal amount (expressed in thousands) of Notes held by such Holder.

 

(a)          If the Company exclusively issues shares of Common Stock as a dividend or distribution on shares of the Common Stock, or if the Company effects a share split or share combination, the Conversion Rate shall be adjusted based on the following formula:

 

 

 where,

 

CR0 = the Conversion Rate in effect immediately prior to the open of business on the Ex-Dividend Date of such dividend or distribution, or immediately prior to the open of business on the effective date of such share split or share combination, as applicable;
CR’ = the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after the open of business on such Ex-Dividend Date or effective date;
OS0 = the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the open of business on such Ex-Dividend Date or effective date; and
OS’ = the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to such dividend, distribution, share split or share combination.

 

(b)          Any adjustment made under this Section 13.04(a) shall become effective immediately after the open of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such dividend or distribution, or immediately after the open of business on the Effective Date for such share split or share combination, as applicable. If any dividend or distribution of the type described in this Section 13.04(a) is declared but not so paid or made, the Conversion Rate shall be immediately readjusted, effective as of the date the Board of Directors or a committee thereof determines not to pay such dividend or distribution, to the Conversion Rate that would then be in effect if such dividend or distribution had not been declared.

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(c)          If, other than with respect to the Rights Offering, if any, the Company issues to all or substantially all holders of the Common Stock any rights, options or warrants entitling them, for a period of not more than 60 calendar days after the announcement date of such issuance, to subscribe for or purchase shares of the Common Stock at a price per share that is less than the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices of the Common Stock for the 10 consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of announcement of such issuance, the Conversion Rate shall be increased based on the following formula:

 

 

where,

 

CR0 = the Conversion Rate in effect immediately prior to the open of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such issuance;
CR’ = the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after the open of business on such Ex-Dividend Date;
OS0 = the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the open of business on such Ex-Dividend Date;
X = the total number of shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to such rights, options or warrants; and
Y = the number of shares of Common Stock equal to the aggregate price payable to exercise such rights, options or warrants, divided by the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices of the Common Stock over the 10 consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of announcement of the issuance of such rights, options or warrants.

 

Any increase made under this Section 13.04(b) shall be made successively whenever any such rights, options or warrants are issued and shall become effective immediately after the open of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such issuance. To the extent that shares of the Common Stock are not delivered after the expiration of such rights, options or warrants, the Conversion Rate shall be decreased to the Conversion Rate that would then be in effect had the increase with respect to the issuance of such rights, options or warrants been made on the basis of delivery of only the number of shares of Common Stock actually delivered. If such rights, options or warrants are not so issued, the Conversion Rate shall be decreased to the Conversion Rate that would then be in effect if such Ex-Dividend Date for such issuance had not occurred.

 

For purposes of this Section 13.04(b), in determining whether any rights, options or warrants entitle the holders to subscribe for or purchase shares of the Common Stock at less than such average of the Last Reported Sale Prices of the Common Stock for the 10 consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of announcement for such issuance, and in determining the aggregate offering price of such shares of Common Stock, there shall be taken into account any consideration received by the Company for such rights, options or warrants and any amount payable on exercise or conversion thereof, the value of such consideration, if other than cash, to be determined by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof.

 

(d)           If, other than with respect to the Rights Offering, if any, the Company distributes shares of its Capital Stock, evidences of its indebtedness, other assets or property of the Company or rights, options or warrants to acquire its Capital Stock or other securities, to all or substantially all holders of the Common Stock, excluding (i) dividends, distributions or issuances as to which an adjustment was effected pursuant to Section 13.04(a) or Section 13.04(b), (ii) dividends or distributions paid exclusively in cash as to which the provisions set forth in Section 13.04(d) shall apply, and (iii) Spin-Offs as to which the provisions set forth below in this Section 13.04(c) shall apply (any of such shares of Capital Stock, evidences of indebtedness, other assets or property or rights, options or warrants to acquire Capital Stock or other securities, the “Distributed Property”), then the Conversion Rate shall be increased based on the following formula:

 

 

 where,

 

CR0 = the Conversion Rate in effect immediately prior to the open of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution;
CR’ = the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after the open of business on such Ex-Dividend Date;
SP0 = the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices of the Common Stock over the 10 consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution; and
FMV = the fair market value (as determined by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof) of the Distributed Property with respect to each outstanding share of the Common Stock on the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution.

 

Any increase made under the portion of this Section 13.04(c) above shall become effective immediately after the open of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution. If such distribution is not so paid or made, the Conversion Rate shall be decreased to the Conversion Rate that would then be in effect if such distribution had not been declared. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if “FMV” (as defined above) is equal to or greater than “SP0” (as defined above), in lieu of the foregoing increase, each Holder of a Note shall receive, in respect of each $1,000 principal amount thereof, at the same time and upon the same terms as holders of the Common Stock receive the Distributed Property, the amount and kind of Distributed Property such Holder would have received if such Holder owned a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the Conversion Rate in effect on the Ex-Dividend Date for the distribution. If the Board of Directors determines the “FMV” (as defined above) of any distribution for purposes of this Section 13.04(c) by reference to the actual or when-issued trading market for any securities, it shall in doing so consider the prices in such market over the same period used in computing the Last Reported Sale Prices of the Common Stock over the 10 consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution.

85

 

With respect to an adjustment pursuant to this Section 13.04(c) where there has been a payment of a dividend or other distribution on the Common Stock of shares of Capital Stock of any class or series, or similar equity interest, of or relating to a Subsidiary or other business unit of the Company, that are, or, when issued, will be, listed or admitted for trading on a U.S. national securities exchange (a “Spin-Off”), the Conversion Rate shall be increased based on the following formula:

 

 

where,

 

CR0 = the Conversion Rate in effect immediately prior to the end of the Valuation Period;
CR’ = the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after the end of the Valuation Period;
FMV0 = the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices of the Capital Stock or similar equity interest distributed to holders of the Common Stock applicable to one share of the Common Stock (determined by reference to the definition of Last Reported Sale Price as set forth in Section 1.01 as if references therein to Common Stock were to such Capital Stock or similar equity interest) over the first 10 consecutive Trading Day period after, and including, the Ex-Dividend Date of the Spin-Off (the “Valuation Period”); and
MP0 = the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices of the Common Stock over the Valuation Period.

 

The increase to the Conversion Rate under the preceding paragraph shall occur on the last Trading Day of the Valuation Period; provided that (x) in respect of any conversion of Notes for which Physical Settlement is applicable, if the relevant Conversion Date occurs during the Valuation Period, references in the portion of this Section 13.04(c) related to Spin-Offs to a “10 consecutive Trading Day period” shall be deemed to be replaced with such lesser number of Trading Days as have elapsed between the Ex-Dividend Date of such Spin-Off and the Conversion Date in determining the Conversion Rate and (y) in respect of any conversion of Notes for which Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement is applicable, for any Trading Day that falls within the relevant Observation Period for such conversion and within the Valuation Period, the reference to “10” in the preceding paragraph shall be deemed replaced with such lesser number of Trading Days as have elapsed between the Ex-Dividend Date for such Spin-Off and such Trading Day in determining the Conversion Rate as of such Trading Day. If the Ex-Dividend Date of the Spin-Off is after the 10th Trading Day immediately preceding, and including, the end of any Observation Period in respect of a conversion of Notes, references to “10” or “10th” in the preceding paragraph and in this paragraph shall be deemed to be replaced, solely in respect of that conversion of Notes, with such lesser number of Trading Days as have elapsed from, and including, the Ex-Dividend Date for the Spin-Off to, and including, the last Trading Day of such Observation Period.

 

For purposes of this Section 13.04(c) (and subject in all respects to Section 13.11), rights, options or warrants distributed by the Company to all holders of the Common Stock entitling them to subscribe for or purchase shares of the Company’s Capital Stock, including Common Stock (either initially or under certain circumstances), which rights, options or warrants, until the occurrence of a specified event or events (“Trigger Event”): (i) are deemed to be transferred with such shares of the Common Stock; (ii) are not exercisable; and (iii) are also issued in respect of future issuances of the Common Stock, shall be deemed not to have been distributed for purposes of this Section 14.04(c) (and no adjustment to the Conversion Rate under this Section 13.04(c) will be required) until the occurrence of the earliest Trigger Event, whereupon such rights, options or warrants shall be deemed to have been distributed and an appropriate adjustment (if any is required) to the Conversion Rate shall be made under this Section 13.04(c). If any such right, option or warrant, including any such existing rights, options or warrants distributed prior to the date of this Indenture, are subject to events, upon the occurrence of which such rights, options or warrants become exercisable to purchase different securities, evidences of indebtedness or other assets, then the date of the occurrence of any and each such event shall be deemed to be the date of distribution and Ex-Dividend Date with respect to new rights, options or warrants with such rights (in which case the existing rights, options or warrants shall be deemed to terminate and expire on such date without exercise by any of the holders thereof). In addition, in the event of any distribution (or deemed distribution) of rights, options or warrants, or any Trigger Event or other event (of the type described in the immediately preceding sentence) with respect thereto that was counted for purposes of calculating a distribution amount for which an adjustment to the Conversion Rate under this Section 13.04(c) was made, (1) in the case of any such rights, options or warrants that shall all have been redeemed or purchased without exercise by any holders thereof, upon such final redemption or purchase (x) the Conversion Rate shall be readjusted as if such rights, options or warrants had not been issued and (y) the Conversion Rate shall then again be readjusted to give effect to such distribution, deemed distribution or Trigger Event, as the case may be, as though it were a cash distribution, equal to the per share redemption or purchase price received by a holder or holders of Common Stock with respect to such rights, options or warrants (assuming such holder had retained such rights, options or warrants), made to all holders of Common Stock as of the date of such redemption or purchase, and (2) in the case of such rights, options or warrants that shall have expired or been terminated without exercise by any holders thereof, the Conversion Rate shall be readjusted as if such rights, options and warrants had not been issued.

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For purposes of Section 13.04(a), Section 13.04(b) and this Section 13.04(c), if any dividend or distribution to which this Section 13.04(c) is applicable also includes one or both of:

 

(A)          a dividend or distribution of shares of Common Stock to which Section 13.04(a) is applicable (the “Clause A Distribution”); or

 

(B)           a dividend or distribution of rights, options or warrants to which Section 13.04(b) is applicable (the “Clause B Distribution”),

 

then, in either case, (1) such dividend or distribution, other than the Clause A Distribution and the Clause B Distribution, shall be deemed to be a dividend or distribution to which this Section 13.04(c) is applicable (the “Clause C Distribution”) and any Conversion Rate adjustment required by this Section 13.04(c) with respect to such Clause C Distribution shall then be made, and (2) the Clause A Distribution and Clause B Distribution shall be deemed to immediately follow the Clause C Distribution and any Conversion Rate adjustment required by Section 13.04(a) and Section 13.04(b) with respect thereto shall then be made, except that, if determined by the Company (I) the “Ex-Dividend Date” of the Clause A Distribution and the Clause B Distribution shall be deemed to be the Ex-Dividend Date of the Clause C Distribution and (II) any shares of Common Stock included in the Clause A Distribution or Clause B Distribution shall be deemed not to be “outstanding immediately prior to the open of business on such Ex-Dividend Date or Effective Date” within the meaning of Section 13.04(a) or “outstanding immediately prior to the open of business on such Ex-Dividend Date” within the meaning of Section 13.04(b).

 

(e)           If any cash dividend or distribution is made to all or substantially all holders of the Common Stock, the Conversion Rate shall be increased based on the following formula:

 

 

where,

 

CR0 = the Conversion Rate in effect immediately prior to the open of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such dividend or distribution;
CR’ = the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after the open of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such dividend or distribution;
SP0 = the Last Reported Sale Price of the Common Stock on the Trading Day immediately preceding the Ex-Dividend Date for such dividend or distribution; and
C = the amount in cash per share the Company distributes to all or substantially all holders of the Common Stock.

 

Any increase pursuant to this Section 13.04(d) shall become effective immediately after the open of business on the Ex-Dividend Date for such dividend or distribution. If such dividend or distribution is not so paid, the Conversion Rate shall be decreased, effective as of the date the Board of Directors or a committee thereof determines not to make or pay such dividend or distribution, to be the Conversion Rate that would then be in effect if such dividend or distribution had not been declared. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if “C” (as defined above) is equal to or greater than “SP0” (as defined above), in lieu of the foregoing increase, each Holder of a Note shall receive, for each $1,000 principal amount of Notes, at the same time and upon the same terms as holders of shares of the Common Stock, the amount of cash that such Holder would have received if such Holder owned a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the Conversion Rate on the Ex-Dividend Date for such cash dividend or distribution.

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(f)            If the Company or any of its Subsidiaries make a payment in respect of a tender or exchange offer for the Common Stock, to the extent that the cash and value of any other consideration included in the payment per share of the Common Stock exceeds the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices of the Common Stock over the 10 consecutive Trading Day period commencing on, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the last date on which tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant to such tender or exchange offer, the Conversion Rate shall be increased based on the following formula:

 

 

 where,

 

CR0 = the Conversion Rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the 10th Trading Day immediately following, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the date such tender or exchange offer expires;
CR’ = the Conversion Rate in effect immediately after the close of business on the 10th Trading Day immediately following, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the date such tender or exchange offer expires;
AC = the aggregate value of all cash and any other consideration (as determined by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof) paid or payable for shares of Common Stock purchased in such tender or exchange offer;
OS0 = the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the date such tender or exchange offer expires (prior to giving effect to the purchase of all shares of Common Stock accepted for purchase or exchange in such tender or exchange offer);
OS’ = the number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after the date such tender or exchange offer expires (after giving effect to the purchase of all shares of Common Stock accepted for purchase or exchange in such tender or exchange offer); and
SP’ = the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices of the Common Stock over the 10 consecutive Trading Day period commencing on, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the date such tender or exchange offer expires.

 

The increase to the Conversion Rate under this Section 13.04(e) shall occur at the close of business on the 10th Trading Day immediately following, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the date such tender or exchange offer expires; provided that (x) in respect of any conversion of Notes for which Physical Settlement is applicable, if the relevant Conversion Date occurs during the 10 Trading Days immediately following, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the expiration date of any tender or exchange offer, references in this Section 13.04(e) with respect to “10” or “10th” shall be deemed replaced with such lesser number of Trading Days as have elapsed between the date that such tender or exchange offer expires and the Conversion Date in determining the Conversion Rate and (y) in respect of any conversion of Notes for which Cash Settlement or Combination Settlement is applicable, for any Trading Day that falls within the relevant Observation Period for such conversion and within the 10 Trading Days immediately following, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the date such tender or exchange offer expires, references to “10” or “10th” in the preceding paragraph and this paragraph shall be deemed replaced with such lesser number of Trading Days as have elapsed between the date such tender or exchange offer expires and such Trading Day in determining the Conversion Rate as of such Trading Day. In addition, if the Trading Day next succeeding the date such tender or exchange offer expires is after the 10th Trading Day immediately preceding, and including, the end of any Observation Period in respect of a conversion of Notes, references to “10” or “10th” in the preceding paragraph and this paragraph shall be deemed to be replaced, solely in respect of that conversion of Notes, with such lesser number of Trading Days as have elapsed from, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the date such tender or exchange offer expires to, and including, the last Trading Day of such Observation Period.

 

(g)           Notwithstanding this Section 13.04 or any other provision of this Indenture or the Notes, if a Conversion Rate adjustment becomes effective on any Ex-Dividend Date, and a Holder that has converted its Notes on or after such Ex-Dividend Date and on or prior to the related Record Date would be treated as the record holder of the shares of Common Stock as of the related Conversion Date as described under Section 13.02(i) based on an adjusted Conversion Rate for such Ex-Dividend Date, then, notwithstanding the Conversion Rate adjustment provisions in this Section 13.04, the Conversion Rate adjustment relating to such Ex-Dividend Date shall not be made for such converting Holder. Instead, such Holder shall be treated as if such Holder were the record owner of the shares of Common Stock on an unadjusted basis and participate in the related dividend, distribution or other event giving rise to such adjustment.

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(h)          Except as stated herein, the Company shall not adjust the Conversion Rate for the issuance of shares of the Common Stock or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of the Common Stock or the right to purchase shares of the Common Stock or such convertible or exchangeable securities.

 

(i)           In addition to those adjustments required by clauses (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this Section 13.04, and to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to the applicable rules of any exchange on which any of the Company’s securities are then listed, the Company from time to time may increase the Conversion Rate by any amount for a period of at least 20 Business Days if the Board of Directors determines that such increase would be in the Company’s best interest. In addition, to the extent permitted by applicable law and subject to the applicable rules of any exchange on which any of the Company’s securities are then listed, the Company may (but is not required to) increase the Conversion Rate to avoid or diminish any income tax to holders of Common Stock or rights to purchase Common Stock in connection with a dividend or distribution of shares of Common Stock (or rights to acquire shares of Common Stock) or similar event. Whenever the Conversion Rate is increased pursuant to either of the preceding two sentences, the Company shall deliver to the Holder of each Note at its last address appearing on the Note Register a notice of the increase at least 15 days prior to the date the increased Conversion Rate takes effect, and such notice shall state the increased Conversion Rate and the period during which it will be in effect.

 

(j)           Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article 13, the Conversion Rate shall not be adjusted:

 

(i)            upon the issuance of any shares of Common Stock pursuant to any present or future plan providing for the reinvestment of dividends or interest payable on the Company’s securities and the investment of additional optional amounts in shares of Common Stock under any plan;

 

(ii)           upon the issuance of any shares of Common Stock or options or rights to purchase those shares pursuant to any present or future employee, director or consultant benefit plan or program of or assumed by the Company or any of the Company’s Subsidiaries;

 

(iii)          upon the issuance of any shares of the Common Stock pursuant to any option, warrant, right or exercisable, exchangeable or convertible security not described in clause (ii) of this subsection and outstanding as of the date the Notes were first issued;

 

(iv)          solely for a change in the par value of the Common Stock;

 

(v)           for the Rights Offering, if any; or

 

(vi)          for accrued and unpaid interest, if any.

 

(k)          All calculations and other determinations under this Article 13 shall be made by the Company and shall be made to the nearest one-ten thousandth (1/10,000th) of a share.

 

(l)           Whenever the Conversion Rate is adjusted as herein provided, the Company shall promptly file with the Trustee (and the Conversion Agent if not the Trustee) an Officers’ Certificate setting forth the Conversion Rate after such adjustment and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment. Unless and until a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have received such Officers’ Certificate, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any adjustment of the Conversion Rate and may assume without inquiry that the last Conversion Rate of which it has knowledge is still in effect. Promptly after delivery of such certificate, the Company shall prepare a notice of such adjustment of the Conversion Rate setting forth the adjusted Conversion Rate and the date on which each adjustment becomes effective and shall deliver such notice of such adjustment of the Conversion Rate to each Holder at its last address appearing on the Note Register. Failure to deliver such notice shall not affect the legality or validity of any such adjustment.

 

(m)         For purposes of this Section 13.04, the number of shares of Common Stock at any time outstanding shall not include shares of Common Stock held in the treasury of the Company so long as the Company does not pay any dividend or make any distribution on shares of Common Stock held in the treasury of the Company, but shall include shares of Common Stock issuable in respect of scrip certificates issued in lieu of fractions of shares of Common Stock.

 

Section 13.05        Adjustment of Prices.

 

Whenever any provision of this Indenture requires the Company to calculate the Last Reported Sale Prices, the Daily VWAPs, the Daily Conversion Values or the Daily Settlement Amounts over a span of multiple days (including an Observation Period and the period for determining the Stock Price for purposes of a Make-Whole Fundamental Change), the Board of Directors shall make appropriate adjustments to each to account for any adjustment to the Conversion Rate that becomes effective, or any event requiring an adjustment to the Conversion Rate where the Ex-Dividend Date, Effective Date or expiration date, as the case may be, of the event occurs, at any time during the period when the Last Reported Sale Prices, the Daily VWAPs, the Daily Conversion Values or the Daily Settlement Amounts are to be calculated.

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Section 13.06        Shares to Be Fully Paid.

 

The Company shall provide, free from preemptive rights, out of its authorized but unissued shares or shares held in treasury, sufficient shares of Common Stock to provide for conversion of the Notes from time to time as such Notes are presented for conversion (assuming delivery of the maximum number of Additional Shares pursuant to Section 13.03 and that at the time of computation of such number of shares, all such Notes would be converted by a single Holder and that Physical Settlement were applicable).

 

Section 13.07        Effect of Recapitalizations, Reclassifications, and Changes of the Common Stock.

 

(a)          In the case of:

 

(i)            any recapitalization, reclassification or change of the Common Stock (other than changes resulting from a subdivision or combination),

 

(ii)           any consolidation, merger or combination involving the Company,

 

(iii)          any sale, lease or other transfer to a third party of the consolidated assets of the Company and the Company’s Subsidiaries substantially as an entirety or

 

(iv)          any statutory share exchange,

 

in each case, as a result of which the Common Stock would be converted into, or exchanged for, stock, other securities, other property or assets (including cash or any combination thereof) (any such event, a “Merger Event”), then, at and after the effective time of such Merger Event, the right to convert each $1,000 principal amount of Notes shall be changed into a right to convert such principal amount of Notes into the kind and amount of shares of stock, other securities or other property or assets (including cash or any combination thereof) that a holder of a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the Conversion Rate immediately prior to such Merger Event would have owned or been entitled to receive (the “Reference Property,” with each “unit of Reference Property” meaning the kind and amount of Reference Property that a holder of one share of Common Stock is entitled to receive) upon such Merger Event and, prior to or at the effective time of such Merger Event, the Company or the successor or purchasing Person, as the case may be, shall execute with the Trustee a supplemental indenture providing for such change in the right to convert each $1,000 principal amount of Notes; provided, however, that at and after the effective time of the Merger Event (A) the Company shall continue to have the right to determine the form of consideration to be paid or delivered, as the case may be, upon conversion of Notes in accordance with Section 13.02 and (B) (I) any amount payable in cash upon conversion of the Notes in accordance with Section 14.02 shall continue to be payable in cash, (II) any shares of Common Stock that the Company would have been required to deliver upon conversion of the Notes in accordance with Section 13.02 (including, if applicable, any shares of Common Stock deliverable in connection with any Applicable Premium) or in connection with any delivery of shares of Common Stock in respect of any Applicable Premium deliverable upon a conversion price redemption shall instead be deliverable in the amount and type of Reference Property that a holder of that number of shares of Common Stock would have been entitled to receive in such Merger Event and (III) the Daily VWAP shall be calculated based on the value of a unit of Reference Property.

 

If the Merger Event causes the Common Stock to be converted into, or exchanged for, the right to receive more than a single type of consideration (determined based in part upon any form of stockholder election), then (i) the Reference Property into which the Notes will be convertible shall be deemed to be (x) the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration received by the holders of Common Stock that affirmatively make such an election or (y) if no holders of Common Stock affirmatively make such an election, the types and amounts of consideration actually received by the holders of Common Stock, and (ii) the unit of Reference Property for purposes of the immediately preceding paragraph shall refer to the consideration referred to in clause (i) attributable to one share of Common Stock. If the holders of the Common Stock receive only cash in such Merger Event, then for all conversions for which the relevant Conversion Date occurs after the effective date of such Merger Event (A) the consideration due upon conversion of each $1,000 principal amount of Notes shall be solely cash in an amount equal to the Conversion Rate in effect on the Conversion Date (as may be increased by any Additional Shares pursuant to Section 14.03), multiplied by the price paid per share of Common Stock in such Merger Event and (B) the Company shall satisfy the Conversion Obligation by paying cash to converting Holders on the third Business Day immediately following the relevant Conversion Date. The Company shall notify Holders, the Trustee and the Conversion Agent (if other than the Trustee) of such weighted average as soon as practicable after such determination is made.

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Such supplemental indenture described in the second immediately preceding paragraph shall provide for anti-dilution and other adjustments that shall be as nearly equivalent as is possible to the adjustments provided for in this Article 13. If, in the case of any Merger Event, the Reference Property includes shares of stock, securities or other property or assets (including cash or any combination thereof) of a Person other than the successor or purchasing corporation, as the case may be, in such Merger Event, then such supplemental indenture shall also be executed by such other Person and shall contain such additional provisions to protect the interests of the Holders of the Notes, including the right of Holders to require the Company to repurchase their Notes upon a Change of Control as described in Section 4.14, as the Board of Directors shall reasonably consider necessary by reason of the foregoing. The Company will not become a party to any Merger Event unless its terms are consistent with the foregoing.

 

(b)           When the Company executes a supplemental indenture pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section 13.07, the Company shall promptly file with the Trustee an Officers’ Certificate briefly stating the reasons therefor, the kind or amount of cash, securities or property or asset that will comprise a unit of Reference Property after any such Merger Event, any adjustment to be made with respect thereto and that all conditions precedent have been complied with, and shall promptly deliver notice thereof to all Holders. The Company shall cause notice of the execution of such supplemental indenture to be delivered to each Holder, at its address appearing on the Note Register provided for in this Indenture, within 20 days after execution thereof. Failure to deliver such notice shall not affect the legality or validity of such supplemental indenture.

 

(c)           The Company shall not become a party to any Merger Event unless its terms are consistent with this Section 13.07. None of the foregoing provisions shall affect the right of a holder of Notes to convert its Notes into cash, shares of Common Stock or a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock, as applicable, as set forth in Section 13.01 and Section 13.02 prior to the effective date of such Merger Event.

 

(d)           The above provisions of this Section shall similarly apply to successive Merger Events.

 

Section 13.08        Certain Covenants.

 

(a)           The Company covenants that all shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion of Notes or in respect of any Applicable Premium will be fully paid and non-assessable by the Company and free from all taxes, liens and charges with respect to the issue thereof.

 

(b)           The Company covenants that, if any shares of Common Stock to be provided for the purpose of conversion of Notes hereunder or in respect of any Applicable Premium require registration with or approval of any governmental authority under any federal or state law before such shares of Common Stock may be validly issued upon conversion or in respect of any Applicable Premium, the Company will, to the extent then permitted by the rules and interpretations of the SEC, secure such registration or approval, as the case may be.

 

(c)           The Company further covenants that if at any time the Common Stock shall be listed on any national securities exchange or automated quotation system the Company will list and keep listed, so long as the Common Stock shall be so listed on such exchange or automated quotation system, any Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes or in respect of any Applicable Premium.

 

Section 13.09        Responsibility of Trustee.

 

The Trustee and any Conversion Agent shall not at any time be under any duty or responsibility to any Holder to determine the Conversion Rate (or any adjustment thereto) or whether any facts exist that may require any adjustment (including any increase) of the Conversion Rate, or with respect to the nature or extent or calculation of any such adjustment when made, or with respect to the method employed, or herein or in any supplemental indenture provided to be employed, in making the same. The Trustee and any Conversion Agent shall not be accountable with respect to the validity or value (or the kind or amount) of any shares of Common Stock, or of any securities, property or cash that may at any time be issued or delivered upon the conversion of any Note; and the Trustee and any other Conversion Agent make no representations with respect thereto. Neither the Trustee nor any Conversion Agent shall be responsible for any failure of the Company to issue, transfer or deliver any shares of Common Stock or stock certificates or other securities or property or cash upon the surrender of any Note for the purpose of conversion or to comply with any of the duties, responsibilities or covenants of the Company contained in this Article. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Trustee nor any Conversion Agent shall be under any responsibility to determine the correctness of any provisions contained in any supplemental indenture entered into pursuant to Section 14.07 relating either to the kind or amount of shares of stock or securities or property (including cash) receivable by Holders upon the conversion of their Notes after any event referred to in such Section 14.07 or to any adjustment to be made with respect thereto, but, subject to the provisions of Section 7.01, may accept (without any independent investigation) as conclusive evidence of the correctness of any such provisions, and shall be protected in conclusively relying upon, the Officers’ Certificate (which the Company shall be obligated to file with the Trustee prior to the execution of any such supplemental indenture in addition to any other deliverables required hereunder in connection with the execution of such supplemental indenture) with respect thereto.

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Section 13.10        Notice to Holders Prior to Certain Actions.

 

In case of any:

 

(a)           action by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries that would require an adjustment in the Conversion Rate pursuant to Section 13.04 or Section 13.11;

 

(b)           Merger Event; or

 

(c)           voluntary or involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding-up of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

 

then, in each case (unless notice of such event is otherwise required pursuant to another provision of this Indenture), the Company shall cause to be filed with the Trustee and the Conversion Agent (if other than the Trustee) and to be delivered to each Holder at its address appearing on the Note Register, as promptly as possible but in any event at least 20 days prior to the applicable date hereinafter specified, a notice stating (i) the date on which a record is to be taken for the purpose of such action by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries or, if a record is not to be taken, the date as of which the holders of Common Stock of record are to be determined for the purposes of such action by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, or (ii) the date on which such Merger Event, dissolution, liquidation or winding-up is expected to become effective or occur, and the date as of which it is expected that holders of Common Stock of record shall be entitled to exchange their Common Stock for securities or other property deliverable upon such Merger Event, dissolution, liquidation or winding-up. Failure to give such notice, or any defect therein, shall not affect the legality or validity of such action by the Company or one of its Subsidiaries, Merger Event, dissolution, liquidation or winding-up.

 

Section 13.11        Stockholder Rights Plans.

 

If the Company has a stockholder rights plan in effect upon conversion of the Notes, each share of Common Stock, if any, issued upon such conversion shall be entitled to receive the appropriate number of rights, if any, and the certificates representing the Common Stock issued upon such conversion shall bear such legends, if any, in each case as may be provided by the terms of any such stockholder rights plan, as the same may be amended from time to time. However, if, prior to any conversion of Notes, the rights have separated from the shares of Common Stock in accordance with the provisions of the applicable stockholder rights plan, the Conversion Rate shall be adjusted at the time of separation as if the Company distributed the Distributed Property to all or substantially all holders of the Common Stock, as provided in Section 13.04(c), subject to readjustment in the event of the expiration, termination or redemption of such rights.

 

Section 13.12        [Intentionally Omitted.]

 

Section 13.13        Company Conversion.

 

(a)           On or after the day that is the eighteen (18) month anniversary of the Issue Date, the Company may require the conversion of all or part of the Notes, at its option, if the Company’s Common Stock, as determined by the Company, has a twenty-day volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of at least 175% of the conversion price then in effect ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date on which the Company provides Notice of Conversion (an “Optional Conversion”). If the Company undergoes an Optional Conversion prior to the third anniversary of the Issue Date, holders of the Notes will be entitled to a make-whole premium payment in cash equal to the Applicable Premium amount.

 

(b)           In the case of any Optional Conversion, the Company will provide note less than 45 nor more than 50 scheduled trading days’ notice before the Conversion Date to the Trustee, the Paying Agent, and each holder of Notes. The conversion price will be equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be converted, plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the Redemption Date (unless the Redemption Date falls after a regular record date but on or prior to the immediately succeeding Interest Payment Date, in which case the Company shall pay the full amount of accrued and unpaid interest to the holder of record as of the close of business on such regular record date, and the redemption price will be equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed). The Redemption Date must be on a Business Day and may not fall after the Maturity Date.

 

(c)           If pursuant to an Optional Conversion the Company elects to convert fewer than all of the outstanding Notes, the Trustee shall select the Notes to be converted (in principal amounts of $1,000 or multiples thereof) by lot, on a pro rata basis or another method the Trustee considers to be fair and appropriate, in each case, with respect to Global Notes, in accordance and subject to applicable DTC procedures or requirements.

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Article 14
MISCELLANEOUS

 

Section 14.01        Trust Indenture Act Controls.

 

This Indenture is subject to, and shall be governed by, the provisions of the TIA that are required to be part of and to govern indentures qualified under the TIA. If any provision of this Indenture limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by TIA § 318(c), the imposed duties will control.

 

Section 14.02        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), electronic image scan, facsimile transmission or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, to the others’ address:

 

If to the Company and/or any Guarantor:
ION Geophysical Corporation
2105 CityWest Boulevard, Suite 100
Houston, Texas 77042
Facsimile: (281) 879-3600
Attention: General Counsel
   

With a copy to:

Winston & Strawn LLP
800 Capitol Street, Suite 2400
Houston, Texas 77007
Counsel for the Company and the Guarantors
Facsimile: (713) 651-2700
Attention: J. Eric Johnson
   

If to the Trustee:

UMB Bank, National Association

120 S. 6th Street, Suite 1400

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Attention: Corporate Trust - ION Geophysical Corporation
   

If to the Collateral Agent:

UMB Bank, National Association, as Collateral Agent

120 S. 6th Street, Suite 1400

Minneapolis, MN 55402 

Attention: Corporate Trust - ION Geophysical Corporation

 

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

 

All notices and communications (other than those sent to Holders) 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 electronic image scan or facsimile; and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery.

 

Any notice or communication to a Holder 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. Any notice or communication will also be so given to any Person described in TIA §313(c), to the extent required by the TIA. Failure to send a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it will not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders.

93

 

If a notice or communication is given in the manner provided above within the time prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.

 

If the Company sends a notice or communication to Holders, it will send a copy to the Trustee and each Agent at the same time.

 

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or any Note, where this Indenture or any Note provides any notice (including any notice of redemption or offer to purchase) to a Holder of a Global Note (whether by mail or otherwise), such notice shall be sufficiently given if given to the Depositary for such Note (or its designee), pursuant to the Applicable Procedures of such Depositary.

 

Section 14.03        Communication by Holders of Notes with Other Holders of Notes.

 

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

 

Section 14.04        Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent.

 

Upon any request or application by the Company to the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, to take any action under this Indenture or any other Note Document, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, as applicable:

 

(i)            an Officers’ Certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, as applicable (which must include the statements set forth in Section 14.05 hereof), stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent and covenants, if any, provided for in this Indenture or any other Note Document relating to the proposed action have been satisfied; and

 

(ii)           an Opinion of Counsel in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee or the Collateral Agent, as applicable (which must include the statements set forth in Section 14.05 hereof), stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent and covenants have been satisfied.

 

Section 14.05        Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(iii)          a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, 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

 

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

 

Section 14.06        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 14.07        No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders.

 

No director, officer, employee, incorporator or other owner of Capital Stock 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, the Note Documents or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of Notes 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.

94

 

Section 14.08        Governing Law.

 

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 parties hereto hereby irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State or Federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York in any proceeding arising out of or relating to this Indenture, the Note and the Note Guarantees and the parties hereby irrevocably agree that all claims in respect of any such proceeding may be heard and determined in any such New York State or federal court. The parties hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent that they may legally do so, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such proceeding. The parties irrevocably consent to the service of process in any proceeding by the mailing or delivery of copies of such process as set forth in Section 14.02 hereof. The parties agree that a final non-appealable judgment in any such proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

 

EACH PARTY HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT THAT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY (BUT NO OTHER JUDICIAL REMEDIES) IN RESPECT OF ANY PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTE AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

Notwithstanding provisions set forth in this Indenture, the Notes, the Note Guarantee or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, with respect to any legal suit, action or proceeding out of, related to, or in connection with this Supplemental Indenture, the Notes, the Notes Guarantee and/or the transactions contemplated hereby, and any action arising under any New York State or Federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York, in each case, involving the GX Geoscience, each of the parties hereto (a) expressly, irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to submit for itself and its property, to the jurisdiction of any New York State or Federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York, and agrees that all claims in respect of such suit, action or proceeding may be determined in any such court, (b) waives any other jurisdiction to which it may be entitled by reason of its present or future domicile or otherwise, and (c) waives any objection to the courts described in the foregoing clause (a) on the ground of venue or forum non conveniens.

 

GX Geoscience shall appoint within 60 days following the execution of this Indenture a process agent (the “Process Agent”), as its agent and true and lawful attorney-in-fact in its name, place and stead to accept on behalf of GX Geoscience and its property and revenues service of copies of the summons and complaint and any other process which may be served in any such suit, action or proceeding brought in the State of New York, and GX Geoscience agrees that the failure of the Process Agent to give any notice of any such service of process to it shall not impair or affect the validity of such service or, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the enforcement of any judgment based thereon. GX Geoscience shall deliver to the Collateral Agent, within 65 days following the execution of this Indenture, (i) a letter indicating the Process Agent’s consent to its appointment as agent for service of process by GX Geoscience, and (ii) a certified copy of the public deed that contains a special irrevocable power of attorney for lawsuits and collections (poder para pleitos y cobranzas) in terms of the first and fourth paragraphs of Article 2554 of the Mexican Federal Civil Code (Código Civil Federal) and the corresponding provisions of the Civil Codes applicable in the States of Mexico (or any successor provisions) and in Mexico City (previously Federal District) in the presence of a Mexican notary public in favor of the Process Agent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent. Such appointment shall be irrevocable as long as the Secured Obligations remain outstanding, except that if for any reason the Process Agent appointed hereby ceases to act as such, GX Geoscience will, by an instrument reasonably satisfactory to the Collateral Agent, appoint another Person in the State of New York, as such Process Agent subject to the approval of the Collateral Agent.

 

Section 14.09        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.

 

Section 14.10        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 11.05 hereof.

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Section 14.11        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.

 

Section 14.12        Counterpart Originals.

 

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

 

Section 14.13        Table of Contents, Headings, etc.

 

The Table of Contents, Cross-Reference Table and Headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not to be considered a part of this Indenture and will in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

 

[Signatures on following page] 

96

 

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

 

 

ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION

     
 

By:

 /s/ Michael Morrison
  Name: Michael Morrison
  Title: EVP & CFO
     
 

GX TECHOLOGY CORPORATION

     
 

By:

 /s/ Michael Morrison
  Name: Michael Morrison
  Title: EVP & CFO
     
 

ION EXPLORATION PRODUCTS (U.S.A.), INC.

     
 

By:

 /s/ Michael Morrison
  Name: Michael Morrison
  Title: Vice President
     
 

I/O MARINE SYSTEMS, INC.

     
 

By:

 /s/ Michael Morrison
  Name: Michael Morrison
  Title: Vice President
     
 

GX GEOSCIENCE CORPORATION, S. DE R.L. DE C.V.

     
 

By:

 /s/ Michael Morrison 
  Name: Michael Morrison
  Title: Vice President and Attorney-in-Fact

 

 

  UMB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee and Collateral Agent
   
  By: /s/ Jacob H. Smith IV
  Name: Jacob H. Smith IV
  Title: Vice President

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

[Face of Note]

 

  CUSIP:  
  CINS:  

 

8.00% Senior Secured Second Priority Notes due 2025

 

No.   $  

 

ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION

 

promises to pay to ________ or registered assigns,

 

the principal sum of ________________________________ DOLLARS on December 15, 2025.

 

Interest Payment Dates: June 15 and December 15, commencing June 15, 2021.

 

Record Dates: June 1 and December 1

 A-1

 

  ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION
   
  By:  
  Name: Michael Morrison
  Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

Dated: April 20, 2021

 

This is one of the Notes referred to In the within-mentioned Indenture:

 

UMB Bank, National Association

 

By:    
  Authorized Signatory  

 A-2

 

[Back of Note]

 

8.00% Senior Secured Second Priority Notes due 2025

 

[Insert the Global Note 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.

 

(i)            INTEREST. ION Geophysical Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), promises to pay or cause to be paid interest on the principal amount of this Note at 8.00% per annum from April 20, 2021 until maturity. The Company will pay interest semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 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 June 15, 2021. The Company will pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at a rate that is 1% higher than the then applicable interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; it will pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of interest (without regard to any applicable grace period), at the same rate to the extent lawful. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

 

(ii)           METHOD OF PAYMENT. The Company will pay interest on the Notes (except defaulted interest) to the Persons who are registered Holders of Notes at the close of business on the June 1 and December 1 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 at the office or agency of the Paying Agent and Registrar within the City and State of New York, or, at the option of the Company, payment of interest 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 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. 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.

 

(iii)          PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR. Initially, UMB 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.

 

(iv)          INDENTURE AND SECURITY DOCUMENTS. The Company has issued the Notes under an Indenture dated as of April 20, 2021 (the “Indenture”) among the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee and the Collateral Agent. 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 and the TIA 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 the Indenture shall govern and be controlling. The Notes are secured obligations of the Company. The Notes are secured by a second priority Lien in and on all the Collateral pursuant to the Security Documents referred to in the Indenture.

 

(v)           OPTIONAL REDEMPTION.

 

(A)         At any time prior to December 15, 2023, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem all or a part of the aggregate principal amount of Notes issued under the Indenture, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at a redemption price equal to 100.000% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed, plus (1) the excess of (a) the present value of the Notes to be redeemed at such Redemption Date of (i) the redemption price of the Notes to be redeemed at December 15, 2023 plus (ii) all required interest payments due on the Notes to be redeemed through December 15, 2023 (excluded accrued but unpaid interest to the Redemption Date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate (as defined in the Indenture) as of such Redemption Date plus 50 basis points over (b) the principal amount of the Notes (the “Applicable Premium”) and (2) accrued and unpaid interest to the Redemption Date (subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest on the relevant Interest Payment Date).

 A-3

 

(B)          At any time on or after to December 15, 2023, the Company may on any one or more occasions redeem all or a part of the Notes, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed, plus the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest to the applicable Redemption Date, subject to the rights of Holders on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date.

 

(C)          Unless the Company defaults in the payment of the redemption price, interest will cease to accrue on the Notes or portions thereof called for redemption on the applicable Redemption Date.

 

(vi)          MANDATORY REDEMPTION. Except as set forth below under Sections 4.10 and 4.14 of the Indenture, the Company is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

 

(vii)         CONVERSION RIGHTS.

 

(A)         Subject to the provisions of the Indenture, the Holder hereof has the right, at its option, at any time prior to the close of business on the Business Day immediately preceding the Maturity Date, to convert any Notes or any portion thereof that is $1,000 or an integral multiple thereof, into cash, shares of Common Stock, or a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock, as applicable, at the Conversion Rate specified in the Indenture, as adjusted from time to time as provided in the Indenture.

 

(viii)        REPURCHASE AT THE OPTION OF HOLDER.

 

(A)         Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company will be required to make an offer (a “Change of Control Offer”) to each Holder to repurchase all or any part (equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof) (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional Notes) of that Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes repurchased to the date of purchase, subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date (the “Change of Control Payment”). Within ten days following any Change of Control, the Company will mail a notice to each Holder setting forth the procedures governing the Change of Control Offer as required by the Indenture.

 

(B)          If the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Company consummates any Asset Sales, within five days of each date on which the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $1.0 million, the Company may (and when Excess Proceeds exceeds $10.0 million, the Company shall), to the extent permitted by the Intercreditor Agreement and the Credit Agreement, each as in effect on the Issue Date, make an Asset Sale Offer to all Holders of Notes and all holders of Second Lien Debt containing provisions similar to those set forth in the Indenture with respect to offers to purchase, prepay or redeem with the proceeds of sales of assets to purchase, prepay or redeem the maximum principal amount of Notes and such other Second Lien Debt (plus all accrued interest on the Indebtedness and the amount of all fees and expenses, including premiums, incurred in connection therewith) that may be purchased, prepaid or redeemed out of the Excess Proceeds. The offer price in any Asset Sale Offer will be equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase, prepayment or redemption, subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date, and will be payable in cash. If any Excess Proceeds remain after consummation of an Asset Sale Offer (or expiration of the offer if no Holder accepts), the Company may use those Excess Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by the Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of Notes and other Second Lien Debt tendered in (or required to be prepaid or redeemed in connection with) such Asset Sale Offer exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Company will select the Notes and such other Second Lien Debt to be purchased on a pro rata basis (except that any Notes represented by a note in global form will be selected by such method as DTC or its nominee or successor may require), based on the amounts tendered or required to be prepaid or redeemed (with such adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Company so that only Notes in denominations of $1,000, or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof, will be purchased). Upon completion of each Asset Sale Offer (or expiration of the offer if no Holder accepts), the amount of Excess Proceeds will be reset at zero. Holders of Notes that are the subject of an offer to purchase will receive an Asset Sale Offer from the Company prior to any related purchase date and may elect to have such Notes purchased by completing the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” attached to the Notes.

 A-4

 

(ix)           NOTICE OF REDEMPTION. At least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a Redemption Date, the Company will mail or cause to be mailed, by first class mail, a notice of redemption to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed 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 12 thereof. Notes and portions of Notes selected will be in amounts of $1,000 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, including, without limitation, upon an Equity Offering, may, at the Company’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, completion of the related Equity Offering.

 

(x)            DENOMINATIONS, TRANSFER, EXCHANGE. The Notes are in registered form in minimum denominations of $1,000 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.

 

(xi)           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.

 

(xii)          AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER. Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture, the Notes, the Note Guarantees or any other Note Documents may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes including Additional Notes, if any, voting as a single class, and any existing Default or Event of Default or compliance with any provision of the Indenture or the Notes or the Note Guarantees may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes including Additional Notes, if any, voting as a single class. Without the consent of any Holder of Notes, the Indenture, the Notes, the Note Guarantees or any other Note Documents may be amended or supplemented to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes, to provide for the assumption of the Company’s or a Guarantor’s obligations to Holders of the Notes and Note Guarantees by a successor to the Company or such Guarantor pursuant to the Indenture, 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 under the Indenture of any Holder, to comply with the requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the TIA, to conform the text of the Indenture, the Notes, the Note Guarantees or the Security Documents to any provision of the “Description of the New Notes” section of the Offer to Exchange, relating to the initial offering of the Notes, to the extent that such provision in that “Description of Notes” was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of the Indenture, the Notes, the Note Guarantees or the Security Documents, which intent shall be evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate to that effect, to enter into additional or supplemental security documents, to make, complete or confirm any grant of Collateral permitted or required by the Indenture or any of the Security Documents or any release of Collateral that becomes effective as set forth in the Indenture or any of the Security Documents, to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the limitations set forth in the Indenture, or to allow any Guarantor to execute a supplemental indenture to the Indenture and/or a Note Guarantee with respect to the Notes. In determining whether the Holders of the required principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, wavier, or consent, Notes owned by the Company or any Guarantor, or any of their respective Subsidiaries, 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 a Responsible Officer of the Trustee receives an Officers’ Certificate from the Company that such Notes are so owned will be so disregarded.

 

(xiii)         DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES. Events of Default include: (a) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest on the Notes; (b) default in the payment when due (at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise) of the principal of, or premium on, if any, the Notes, (c) failure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to comply with the provisions of Sections 4.07, 4.09, 4.10, 4.14, or 5.01 of the Indenture; (d) (1) failure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries for 60 days after notice to the Company by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding voting as a single class to comply with any of the other agreements in the Indenture or the Security Documents, or (2) failure by the Company for 180 days after notice from the Trustee or Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding to comply with the provisions of Section 4.03 of the Indenture; (e) default under certain other agreements relating to Indebtedness of the Company which default is a Payment Default or results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity; (f) failure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to pay final judgments entered by a court or courts of competent jurisdiction aggregating in excess of $20.0 million (to the extent not covered by insurance by a reputable and creditworthy insurer as to which the insurer has not disclaimed coverage), which judgments are not paid, discharged or stayed, for a period of 60 days; (g) subject to certain exceptions and except as permitted by the Indenture, if any security document ceases for any reason to be fully enforceable, certain security interests created by any security documents cease to be in full force and effect, or the repudiation by the Company or any other Guarantor of any of their obligations under any security documents; (h) except as permitted by the Indenture, any Note Guarantee is held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or ceases for any reason to be in full force and effect, or any Guarantor, or any Person acting on behalf of any Guarantor, denies or disaffirms its obligations under its Note Guarantee; and (i) certain events of bankruptcy (quiebra) or insolvency (concurso mercantil) with respect to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary. In the case of an Event of Default arising from certain events of bankruptcy (quiebra) or insolvency (concurso mercantil) with respect to the Company, any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, all outstanding Notes will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. If any other Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare all the Notes to be due and payable immediately. Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture. Subject to certain limitations, 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. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of the Notes notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default (except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes by notice to the Trustee may, on behalf of all the Holders of Notes, rescind an acceleration or waive an existing Default or Event of Default and its respective consequences under the Indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of principal of, premium on, if any, or interest on, the Notes (including in connection with an offer to purchase). 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.

 A-5

 

(xiv)         TRUSTEE DEALINGS WITH COMPANY. 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.

 

(xv)          NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS. No director, officer, employee, incorporator or other owner of Capital Stock 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, the Note Documents or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of Notes 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.

 

(xvi)         AUTHENTICATION. This Note will not be valid until authenticated by the electronic manual signature of the Trustee or an authenticating agent.

 

(xvii)        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).

 

(xviii)       CUSIP NUMBERS. Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Company has caused CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Notes, and the Trustee may use CUSIP numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption, and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

 A-6

 

(xix)         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.

 

(xx)          The parties hereto and each Holder hereby irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State or Federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York in any proceeding arising out of or relating to this Indenture, the Note and the Note Guarantees and the parties and each Holder hereby irrevocably agree that all claims in respect of any such proceeding may be heard and determined in any such New York State or federal court. The parties and each Holder hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent that they may legally do so, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such proceeding. The parties and each Holder irrevocably consent to the service of process in any proceeding by the mailing or delivery of copies of such process as set forth in Section 14.02 hereof. The parties and each Holder agree that a final non- appealable judgment in any such proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

 

(xxi)         EACH PARTY AND EACH HOLDER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT THAT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY (BUT NO OTHER JUDICIAL REMEDIES) IN RESPECT OF ANY PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTE AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

The Company will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture. Requests may be made to:

 

ION Geophysical Corporation

2105 CityWest Boulevard, Suite 100

Houston, Texas 77042

Facsimile: (281) 879-3600

Attention: General Counsel

 A-7

 

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).

 

Option of Holder to Elect Purchase

 

If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.10, or 4.14 of the Indenture, check the appropriate box below:

 

  Section 4.10   Section 4.14  

 

If you want to elect to have only part of the Note purchased by the Company pursuant to Section 4.10, or Section 4.14 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.:  

 A-8

 

Signature
Guarantee*:
   

 

*            Participant in a recognized Signature Guarantee Medallion Program (or other signature guarantor acceptable to the Trustee).

 

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

 A-9

 

exhibit b

 

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER

 

ION Geophysical Corporation

2105 CityWest Boulevard, Suite 100

Houston, Texas 77042

Facsimile: (281) 879-3600

Attention: General Counsel

 

UMB Bank, National Association, as Trustee and Registrar

120 S. 6th Street, Suite 1400

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Attention: Corporate Trust – ION Geophysical

 

Re: 8.00% Senior Secured Priority Notes Due 2025

 

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of April 20, 2021 (the “Indenture”), among ION Geophysical Corporation, as issuer (the “Company”), the Guarantors party thereto, UMB Bank, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.

 

[Insert Name of Transferor], (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 [Insert Name of Transferee] (the “Transferee”), as further specified in Annex A hereto.

 

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:    

B-1

 

Annex A to Certificate of Transfer

 

1. The Transferor owns and proposes to transfer the following:
2. After the Transfer the Transferee will hold:
  in accordance with the terms of the Indenture.

B-2

 

EXHIBIT C

 

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF EXCHANGE

 

ION Geophysical Corporation

2105 CityWest Boulevard, Suite 100

Houston, Texas 77042

Facsimile: (281) 879-3600

Attention: General Counsel

 

UMB Bank, National Association, as Trustee and Registrar

120 S. 6th Street, Suite 1400

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Attention: Corporate Trust – ION Geophysical

 

Re: 8.00% Senior Secured Second Priority Notes Due 2025

 

Reference is hereby made to the Indenture, dated as of April 20, 2021 (the “Indenture”), among ION Geophysical Corporation, as issuer (the “Company”), the Guarantors party thereto, UMB Bank, National Association, as trustee and collateral agent. 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”).

 

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:    

C-1

 

EXHIBIT D

 

[FORM OF NOTATION OF GUARANTEE]

 

For value received, each Guarantor (which term includes any successor Person under the Indenture) has, jointly and severally, unconditionally guaranteed, to the extent set forth in the Indenture and subject to the provisions in the Indenture dated as of April 20, 2021 (the “Indenture”) among ION Geophysical Corporation (the “Company”), the Guarantors party thereto, UMB Bank, National Association, as Collateral Agent and trustee (the “Trustee”), (a) the due and punctual payment of the principal of, premium on, if any, and interest on, the Notes, whether at maturity, by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, the due and punctual payment of interest on overdue principal of, premium on, if any, and interest on, the Notes, if any, if lawful, and the due and punctual performance of all other obligations of the Company to the Holders or the Trustee all in accordance with the terms of the Indenture and (b) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or any of such other obligations, that the same will be promptly paid in full when due or performed in accordance with the terms of the extension or renewal, whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise. The obligations of the Guarantors to the Holders of Notes and to the Trustee pursuant to the Note Guarantee and the Indenture are expressly set forth in Article 11 of the Indenture and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for the precise terms of the Note Guarantee, including without limitation, each and all of the waivers made under such Article 11.

 

Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Indenture.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

D-1

 

  GX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
   
  By:  
  Name: Michael Morrison
  Title: EVP & CFO
   
  I/O MARINE SYSTEMS, INC.
   
  By:  
  Name: Michael Morrison
  Title: Vice President
   
  ION EXPLORATION PRODUCTS (U.S.A.) INC.
   
  By:  
  Name: Michael Morrison
  Title: Vice President
   
  GX GEOSCIENCE CORPORATION, S. DE R.L. DE C.V.
   
  By:  
  Name: Michael Morrison
  Title: Vice President and Attorney-in-Fact

D-2

 

EXHIBIT E

 

[FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

TO BE DELIVERED BY SUBSEQUENT GUARANTORS]

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (this “Supplemental Indenture”), dated as of ___________, is among _____________ (the “Guaranteeing Subsidiary”), a subsidiary of ION Geophysical Corporation (or its permitted successor), a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), the Company, the other Guarantors (as defined in the Indenture referred to herein), UMB Bank, National Association, as trustee under the Indenture referred to below (the “Trustee”), and UMB Bank, National Association, as collateral agent.

 

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 20, 2021 providing for the issuance of 8.00% Senior Secured Second Priority 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 herein (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 the Note Guarantee and in the Indenture including but not limited to Article 11 thereof.

 

3.       NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS. No director, officer, employee, incorporator or other owner of Capital Stock 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, the Note Documents or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of Notes 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.       COUNTERPARTS. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement.

 

6.       EFFECT OF HEADINGS. The Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

 

7.       THE TRUSTEE. The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or for or in respect of the recitals contained herein, all of which recitals are made solely by the Guaranteeing Subsidiary and the 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.

E-1

 

  [GUARANTEEING SUBSIDIARY]

 

  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

  [COMPANY]

 

  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

  [EXISTING GUARANTORS]

 

  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  

E-2

 

 

UMB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Trustee

   
  By:  
    Authorized Signatory

E-3

 

EXHIBIT F

 

[FORM OF INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT]

F-1

Exhibit 4.3

 

Execution Version

 

ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION,

 

THE GUARANTORS NAMED

 

HEREIN, AND

 

WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB,

 

as Trustee,

 

AND

 

WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB,

 

as Collateral Agent

 

FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

 

Dated as of April 20, 2021 to

 

Indenture

 

Dated as of April 28, 2016

 

9.125% Senior Secured Second Priority Notes due 2021

 

THIS FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE (this “Supplemental Indenture”), dated as of April 20, 2021, is by and among ION Geophysical Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Issuer”), the Guarantors listed on the signature pages hereof, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as Trustee (the “Trustee”) and Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as Collateral Agent (the “Collateral Agent”).

 

WHEREAS, the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Collateral Agent and the Trustee are parties to the Indenture, dated as of April 28, 2016, providing for the issuance of the Issuer’s 9.125% Senior Secured Second Priority Notes due 2021 (the “Notes”) (being herein called the “Indenture”);

 

WHEREAS, the Notes are secured pursuant to the Indenture and that certain Intercreditor Agreement dated as of April 28, 2016 (the “Existing Intercreditor Agreement”);

 

WHEREAS, on April 28, 2016, the Issuer issued $120,569,000 in aggregate principal amount of Notes;

 

WHEREAS, prior to giving effect to the Exchange Offer (as defined below) $120,569,000 in aggregate principal amount of Notes is currently outstanding;

 

WHEREAS, after giving effect to the Exchange Offer $7,097,000 in aggregate principal amount of Notes will be outstanding;

 

WHEREAS, Section 9.02 of the Indenture provides that, with the consent of Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including, without limitation, Additional Notes, if any), the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Collateral Agent and the Trustee may enter into an indenture supplemental to the Indenture for the purpose of amending or supplementing the Indenture or the Notes (subject to certain exceptions);

 

WHEREAS, Section 9.02 of the Indenture provides that, with the consent of Holders of at least 66-2/3% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes (including, without limitation, Additional Notes, if any), the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Collateral Agent and the Trustee may enter into a supplemental indenture that has the effect of releasing all or substantially all of the Collateral from Liens securing the Notes;

 

WHEREAS, the execution and delivery of this Supplemental Indenture have been authorized by the Board of Directors of the Issuer;

 

 

WHEREAS, the Issuer desires and has requested the Trustee and the Collateral Agent to join with it and the Guarantors in entering into this Supplemental Indenture for the purpose of amending the Indenture and the Notes in certain respects and terminating the security interest under the Indenture and the Existing Intercreditor Agreement as permitted by Section 9.02 of the Indenture;

 

WHEREAS, in conjunction with the Issuer’s offer to exchange the Notes for notes to be issued under that certain indenture (the “New Notes Indenture”) dated April 20, 2021, among the Issuer, the Guarantors and UMB Bank, National Association (the “New Notes Trustee”), as trustee and as collateral agent, the Issuer has solicited consents to the amendments effected by this Supplemental Indenture, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Exchange dated March 10, 2021, and the related Consent and Letter of Transmittal (which together, including any amendments, modifications or supplements thereto, constitute the “Exchange Offer”); and

 

WHEREAS, (1) Issuer has received the consent of the Holders of at least 66-2/3% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes (excluding any Notes owned by Issuer or any of its Affiliates), all as certified by an Officers’ Certificate delivered to the Trustee simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Supplemental Indenture, (2) the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee simultaneously with the execution and delivery of this Supplemental Indenture an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel relating to this Supplemental Indenture as contemplated by Section 9.06 of the Indenture and (3) the Issuer and the Guarantors have satisfied all other conditions required under the Indenture, including without limitation Article 9 thereof, to enable the Issuer, the Guarantors, the Collateral Agent and the Trustee to enter into this Supplemental Indenture.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above premises, each party hereby agrees, for the benefit of the others and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes, as follows:

 

ARTICLE 1

 

AMENDMENTS TO INDENTURE AND NOTES

 

Section 1.1   Amendments to Articles 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the Indenture. The Indenture is hereby amended by deleting the following Sections or clauses of the Indenture and all references and definitions related thereto in their entirety:

 

Section 3.09 (Offer to Purchase by Application of Excess Proceeds);

 

Clauses (a) - (c) of Section 4.03 (Reports);

 

Section 4.04 (Compliance Certificate);

 

Section 4.05 (Taxes);

 

Section 4.06 (Stay, Extension and Usury Laws);

 

Section 4.07 (Restricted Payments);

 

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

 

Section 4.09 (Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Preferred Stock);

 

Section 4.10 (Asset Sales);

 

Section 4.11 (Transactions with Affiliates); Section 4.12 (Liens);

 

Section 4.14 (Offer to Repurchase Upon Change of Control);

 

Section 4.15 (Additional Note Guarantees);

 

 

Section 4.18 (Further Assurances; Insurance);

 

Section 4.19 (Impairment of Security Interest);

 

Section 4.20 (After-Acquired Property);

 

Section 4.21 (Limitation on Layered Indebtedness);

 

Clause (iv) of Section 5.01 (Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets); and

 

Clauses (v), (vi), ((vii)(A)) and ((vii)(B)) of Section 6.01 (Events of Default).

 

Section 1.2      [Intentionally Omitted.]

 

Section 1.3 Amendment to Section 1.01. Section 1.01 of the Indenture is hereby amended by inserting in proper alphabetical order the following new definition:

 

“New Notes Indenture” means that certain Indenture, dated as of April 20, 2021, among the Issuer, the Guarantors, the trustee thereunder and the collateral agent thereunder, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Section 1.4 Amendment to Section 4.16. Section 4.16 of the Indenture is hereby amended in its entirety to provide as follows:

 

As of April 20, 2021, all Subsidiaries of the Company are Restricted Subsidiaries. If, after April 20, 2021, a Subsidiary is designated a “Restricted Subsidiary” or an “Unrestricted Subsidiary” under the New Notes Indenture, the Board of Directors of the Company shall similarly designate such Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary or an Unrestricted Subsidiary hereunder.

 

Any designation of a Subsidiary of the Company as an Unrestricted Subsidiary will be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a certified copy of a resolution of the Board of Directors giving effect to such designation and an Officers’ Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the preceding conditions. In the case of any designation by the Company of a Person as an Unrestricted Subsidiary on the first day that such Person is a Subsidiary of the Company in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture, such designation shall be deemed to have occurred for all purposes of this Indenture simultaneously with, and automatically upon, such Person becoming a Subsidiary. 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.

 

Section 1.5      [Intentionally Omitted].

 

Section 1.6      [Intentionally Omitted].

 

Section 1.7      Amendment to Section 10.01. Section 10.01 of the Indenture is hereby amended by deleting therefrom the phrase “The Company will take, and will cause its Subsidiaries to take any and all actions necessary or proper or as may be reasonably requested by the Collateral Agent to cause the Security Documents to create and maintain, as security for the Obligations of the Company hereunder, a valid and enforceable perfected second priority Lien in and on all the Collateral, in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Holders of Notes, superior to and prior to the rights of all third Persons and subject to no other Liens other than Permitted Prior Liens.”

 

Section 1.8      Amendments to Notes. The Notes are hereby amended to provide as set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto.

 

Section 1.9      Exhibit G. Exhibit G to the Indenture is hereby deleted.

 

 

Section 1.10 Amendment to the Title of the Notes. All references in the Indenture to the title of the Notes as “9.125% Senior Secured Second Priority Notes due 2021” are hereby amended to read “9.125 % Senior Notes due 2021.”

 

ARTICLE 2

 

SECURITY INTEREST

 

(1) Release of Existing Security Interests. Each Security Document in effect immediately prior to this Supplemental Indenture taking effect, including without limitation the Existing Intercreditor Agreement, is hereby terminated and all Liens granted pursuant thereto are hereby automatically deemed to be for all purposes fully and irrevocably satisfied, released and terminated without any further action by any party. The Issuer is hereby authorized to file, or cause to be filed, UCC3 termination statements terminating the UCC1 financing statements for the Liens granted at any time prior to this Supplemental Indenture taking effect pursuant to any Security Document, including without limitation the Existing Intercreditor Agreement.

 

ARTICLE 3

 

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

 

Section 3.1 Defined Terms. For all purposes of this Supplemental Indenture, except as otherwise defined or unless the context otherwise requires, terms used in capitalized form in this Supplemental Indenture and defined in the Indenture have the meanings specified in the Indenture.

 

Section 3.2 Indenture. Except as amended hereby, the Indenture and the Notes are in all respects ratified and confirmed and all the terms shall remain in full force and effect. This Supplemental Indenture shall form a part of the Indenture for all purposes, and every Holder of Notes heretofore or hereafter authenticated and delivered under the Indenture shall be bound hereby and all terms and conditions of both shall be read together as though they constitute a single instrument, except that in the case of conflict the provisions of this Supplemental Indenture shall control.

 

Section 3.3 Governing Law. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

Section 3.4 Successors. All agreements of the Issuer and the Guarantors in this Supplemental Indenture and the Notes shall bind their respective successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Supplemental Indenture shall bind its successors.

 

Section 3.5 Duplicate Originals. All parties may sign any number of copies of this Supplemental Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together shall represent the same agreement. It is the express intent of the parties to be bound by the exchange of signatures on this Supplemental Indenture via telecopy or other form of electronic transmission.

 

Section 3.6 Severability. In case any one or more of the provisions in this Supplemental Indenture or in the Notes shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable, in any respect for any reason, the validity, legality and enforceability of any such provision in every other respect and of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby, it being intended that all of the provisions hereof shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

Section 3.7 [Intentionally Omitted].

 

Section 3.8 Trustee and Collateral Agent Disclaimer. Each of the Trustee and the Collateral Agent accepts the amendments of the Indenture effected by this Supplemental Indenture and agrees to execute the trust created by the Indenture as hereby amended, but on the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture, including the terms and provisions defining and limiting the liabilities and responsibilities of the Trustee and the Collateral Agent, which terms and provisions shall in like manner define and limit its liabilities and responsibilities in the performance of the trust created by the Indenture as hereby amended, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Agent shall be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or with respect to any of the recitals or statements contained herein, all of which recitals or statements are made solely by the Issuer and the Guarantors, and neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Agent makes any representation with respect to any such matters. Additionally, neither the Trustee nor the Collateral Agent makes any representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture.

 

 

Section 3.9 Title of the Notes; Endorsement and Change of Form of Notes. Upon the effectiveness of this Agreement, the title of the Notes shall be “9.125 % Senior Notes due 2021.” Any Notes authenticated and delivered after the close of business on the date that this Supplemental Indenture becomes effective in substitution for Notes then outstanding, and all Notes presented or delivered to the Trustee on and after that date for such purpose, shall be (i) affixed to, stamped, imprinted or otherwise legended by the Issuer with, a notation that provides as follows:

 

“Effective as of April 20, 2021, substantially all of the restrictive covenants and certain events of default of Issuer have been eliminated and the second priority security interest in the collateral securing the Notes have been released, as further provided in that certain First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 20, 2021. Reference is hereby made to said First Supplemental Indenture, copies of which are on file with the Trustee.”

 

and (ii) in the form of Note attached hereto as Exhibit A.

 

Section 3.10 Effect of Headings. The Section headings herein are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction thereof.

 

[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

 

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

 

  ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION
   
  By: /s/ Michael Morrison
  Name: Michael Morrison
  Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
  GX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
   
  By: /s/ Michael Morrison
  Name: Michael Morrison
  Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
   
  ION EXPLORATION PRODUCTS (U.S.A.), INC.
   
  By: /s/ Michael Morrison
  Name: Michael Morrison
  Title: Vice President
   
  I/O MARINE SYSTEMS, INC.
   
  By: /s/ Michael Morrison
  Name: Michael Morrison
  Title: Vice President
   
  GX GEOSCIENCE CORPORATION, S. DE R.L. DE C.V.
   
  By: /s/ Michael Morrison
  Name: Michael Morrison
  Title: Vice President and Attorney-in-Fact

 

 

  WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, as Trustee and Collateral Agent
   
  By: /s/ Geoffrey J. Lewis
  Name: Geoffrey J. Lewis
  Title: Vice President

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

  CUSIP/CINS  

 

9.125% Senior Notes due 2021

 

No. $               

 

ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION

 

promises to pay to _________ or registered assigns,

 

the principal sum of DOLLARS on December 15, 2021.

 

Interest Payment Dates: June 15 and December 15, except that the interest otherwise payable on June 15, 2021 will be payable on December 15, 2021.

 

Record Dates: June 1 and December 1

 

Dated: ____________________

 

  ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION
     
  By:  
    Name:
    Title:

 

This is one of the Notes referred to
in the within-mentioned Indenture:

 

Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB
as Trustee

 

By:    
Authorized Signatory  

 

 

[Back of Note]
9.125% Senior Notes due 2021

 

[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.

 

(i)           INTEREST. ION Geophysical Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), promises to pay or cause to be paid interest on the principal amount of this Note at 9.125% per annum from April 20, 2021 until maturity. The Company will pay interest annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, except that the interest payment otherwise payable on June 15, 2021 will be payable on December 15, 2021, 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 June 15, 2021. The Company will pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at a rate that is 1% higher than the then applicable interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; it will pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue installments of (without regard to any applicable grace period), at the same rate to the extent lawful.

 

Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

 

METHOD OF PAYMENT. The Company will pay interest on the Notes (except defaulted interest) to the Persons who are registered Holders of Notes at the close of business on the June 1 and December 1 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 City and State of New York, 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. 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.

 

(ii)          PAYING AGENT AND REGISTRAR. Initially, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, 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.

 

(iii)         INDENTURE. The Company has issued the Notes under an Indenture dated as of April 28, 2016 (as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time, the “Indenture”) among the Company, the Guarantors and the Trustee and the Collateral Agent. 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 and the TIA 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 the Indenture shall govern and be controlling. The Indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of Notes that may be issued thereunder.

 

(iv)         MANDATORY REDEMPTION. The Company is not required to make mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the Notes.

 

 

(v)          REPURCHASE AT THE OPTION OF HOLDER. Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Company will be required to make an offer (a “Change of Control Offer”) to each Holder to repurchase all or any part (equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof) of that Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of Notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the Notes repurchased to the date of purchase, subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date (the “Change of Control Payment”). Within ten days following any Change of Control, the Company will mail a notice to each Holder setting forth the procedures governing the Change of Control Offer as required by the Indenture.

 

NOTICE OF REDEMPTION. At least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a redemption date, the Company will mail or cause to be mailed, by first class mail, a notice of redemption to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed 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 12 thereof.

 

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, including, without limitation, upon an Equity Offering, may, at the Company’s discretion, be subject to one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, completion of the related Equity Offering.

 

(vi)         DENOMINATIONS, TRANSFER, EXCHANGE. The Notes are in registered form in minimum 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.

 

(vii)        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.

 

AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER. Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture, the Notes, the Note Guarantees or any other Note Documents may be amended or supplemented with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes including Additional Notes, if any, voting as a single class, and any existing Default or Event of Default or compliance with any provision of the Indenture or the Notes or the Note Guarantees may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes including Additional Notes, if any, voting as a single class. Without the consent of any Holder of Notes, the Indenture, the Notes, the Note Guarantees or any other Note Documents may be amended or supplemented to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes, to provide for the assumption of the Company’s or a Guarantor’s obligations to Holders of the Notes and Note Guarantees by a successor to the Company or such Guarantor pursuant to the Indenture, 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 under the Indenture of any Holder, to comply with the requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the Indenture under the TIA, to conform the text of the Indenture, the Notes, or the Note Guarantees the Security Documents to any provision of the “Description of Notes” section of the Company’s registration statement on Form S-4 dated January 29, 2021, as amended, relating to the initial offering of the Notes, to the extent that such provision in that “Description of Notes” was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a provision of the Indenture, the Notes, or the Note Guarantees or the Security Documents, which intent shall be evidenced by an Officers’ Certificate to that effect, to enter into additional or supplemental security documents, to make, complete or confirm any grant of Collateral permitted or required by the Indenture or any of the Security Documents or any release of Collateral that becomes effective as set forth in the Indenture or any of the Security Documents, to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes in accordance with the limitations set forth in the Indenture, or to allow any Guarantor to execute a supplemental indenture to the Indenture and/or a Note Guarantee with respect to the Notes.

 

 

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES. Events of Default include: (a) default for 30 days in the payment when due of interest, if any, on, the Notes; (b) default in the payment when due (at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise) of the principal of, or premium on, if any, the Notes, (c) failure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to comply with the provisions of Section 5.01 of the Indenture; (d) (1) failure by the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries for 60 days after notice to the Company by the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding voting as a single class to comply with any of the other agreements in the Indenture or the Security Documents, or (2) failure by the Company for 180 days after notice from the Trustee or Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding to comply with the provisions of Section 4.03 of the Indenture; (e) [intentionally omitted]; (f) [intentionally omitted]; (g) [intentionally omitted]; (h) except as permitted by the Indenture, any Note Guarantee is held in any judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or ceases for any reason to be in full force and effect, or any Guarantor, or any Person acting on behalf of any Guarantor, denies or disaffirms its obligations under its Note Guarantee; and (i) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary. In the case of an Event of Default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to the Company, any Restricted Subsidiary of the Company that is a Significant Subsidiary or any group of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Company that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary, all outstanding Notes will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. If any other Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may declare all the Notes to be due and payable immediately. Holders may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture. Subject to certain limitations, 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. The Trustee may withhold from Holders of the Notes notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default (except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any,) if it determines that withholding notice is in their interest. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes by notice to the Trustee may, on behalf of all the Holders of Notes, rescind an acceleration or waive an existing Default or Event of Default and its respective consequences under the Indenture 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).

 

(viii)       TRUSTEE DEALINGS WITH COMPANY. 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.

 

(ix)          NO RECOURSE AGAINST OTHERS. No director, officer, employee, incorporator or other owner of Capital Stock 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, the Note Documents or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of Notes 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.

 

(xi)          AUTHENTICATION. This Note will not be valid until authenticated by the manual signature of the Trustee or an authenticating agent.

 

(xi)          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).

 

 

CUSIP NUMBERS. Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Company has caused CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Notes, and the Trustee may use CUSIP numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to Holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption, and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

 

(xii)         The parties hereto and each Holder hereby irrevocably submit to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of any New York State or Federal court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York in any proceeding arising out of or relating to this Indenture, the Note and the Note Guarantees and the parties and each Holder hereby irrevocably agree that all claims in respect of any such proceeding may be heard and determined in any such New York State or federal court. The parties and each Holder hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent that they may legally do so, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such proceeding. The parties and each Holder irrevocably consent to the service of process in any proceeding by the mailing or delivery of copies of such process as set forth in Section 13.02 hereof. The parties and each Holder agree that a final non-appealable judgment in any such proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

 

(xiii)        EACH PARTY AND EACH HOLDER HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT THAT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY (BUT NO OTHER JUDICIAL REMEDIES) IN RESPECT OF ANY PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTE AND THE NOTE GUARANTEES AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

(xiv)       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.

 

The Company will furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture. Requests may be made to:

 

ION Geophysical Corporation
2105 CityWest Boulevard, Suite 100
Houston, Texas 77042
Facsimile: 281-879-3600
Attention: General Counsel

 

 

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).

 -13-

Exhibit 4.4

 

CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATION,
POWERS, PREFERENCES AND RIGHTS
OF
SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK
OF
ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION

 

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

 

ION Geophysical Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), pursuant to the provisions of Section 151 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, hereby certifies that, pursuant to the authority expressly vested in the Corporation’s board of directors (the “Board of Directors”) by the Corporation’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended through February 4, 2016 (as may be further amended from time to time, the “Certificate of Incorporation”), the Board of Directors, by a unanimous vote of the members of the Board of Directors present at a meeting held on the 17th day of December, 2020, duly approved creating one series of preferred stock. Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Indenture, dated as of April 20, 2021, by and between the Corporation, the Guarantors (as defined therein), and UMB Bank, National Association as Trustee (the “Indenture Trustee”) and Collateral Agent (the “New Second Lien Indenture”).

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors is authorized within the limitations and restrictions stated in the Certificate of Incorporation to provide by resolution or resolutions for the issuance of up to five million (5,000,000) shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Corporation, in such series and with such designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions as the Board of Directors shall fix by resolution or resolutions providing for the issuance thereof duly adopted by the Board of Directors;

 

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors desires, pursuant to such authority, to authorize and fix the terms of a new series of the Corporation’s Preferred Stock and the number of shares constituting such series; and

 

RESOLVED, that as of the Effective Date there shall be and hereby is created and authorized one series of authorized preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Corporation, with the following powers (including voting powers), designations, preferences, and relative, participating, optional or other rights, and the following qualifications, limitations and restrictions:

 

Section 1.          Designation of Name and Amount.

 

Such series of preferred stock shall be designated the “Series A Preferred Stock” and the authorized number of shares constituting the Series A Preferred Stock shall be one (1), which shall not be subject to increase.

 

 

Section 2.          Rank.

 

The Series A Preferred Stock shall, upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, voluntarily or involuntarily (a “Liquidation”), (i) rank senior to the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Corporation (the “Common Stock”) and each other class or series of Equity Securities authorized and issued in the future that does not by its terms expressly provide that it ranks pari passu with, or senior to, the Series A Preferred Stock as to Liquidation (all of such Equity Securities are collectively referred to herein as the “Junior Securities”), (ii) rank pari passu with each class or series of Equity Securities issued in the future that by its terms ranks pari passu with the Series A Preferred Stock as to Liquidation (all of such Equity Securities are collectively referred to herein as the “Parity Securities”) and (iii) rank junior to each class or series of Equity Securities issued in the future that by its terms ranks senior to the Series A Preferred Stock as to Liquidation (all of such Equity Securities are collectively referred to herein as the “Senior Securities”). The respective definitions of Parity Securities, Junior Securities and Senior Securities shall also include any securities, rights or options exercisable or exchangeable for or convertible into any of the Parity Securities, Junior Securities or Senior Securities, as the case may be. At the time of the issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock, there will be no Senior Securities outstanding, no Junior Securities outstanding (other than the Common Stock) and no Parity Securities outstanding.

 

Section 3.          Dividends.

 

The Series A Preferred Stock shall not be entitled to receive any dividends or other distributions from the Corporation.

 

Section 4.          Conversion.

 

The Series A Preferred Stock shall not be convertible into any other class of equity or other securities of the Corporation.

 

Section 5.          Liquidation Preference.

 

In the event of a Liquidation, the Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to receive $1.00 (the “Liquidation Preference”) before any payment or distribution of the assets of the Corporation (whether capital or surplus) shall be made to or set apart for the holders of Junior Securities.

 

Section 6.          Redemption.

 

The Series A Preferred Stock may be redeemed by the Corporation (a “Redemption”) upon the conversion of, in the aggregate, 75% or more of the Notes issued on the Issue Date in accordance with the terms of the New Second Lien Indenture, in exchange for an aggregate redemption price equal to the Liquidation Preference.

 

Section 7.          Voting Rights and Power.

 

(a)          Except as otherwise provided herein or as otherwise required by the DGCL, the Series A Preferred Stock shall have no voting rights.

2 

 

(b)          Notwithstanding the foregoing:

 

(i)        at all times when the Common Stock is entitled to vote thereon, the Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to vote with the Common Stock of the Company, voting together as a single class on an “as-converted” basis, with the Series A Preferred Stock having a number of votes equal to the number of votes that the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of all of the Notes in accordance with the terms of the New Second Lien Indenture would be entitled to on any of the following matters: (x) modifying, amending, supplementing or waiving any provision of the Organizational Documents; and (y) entering into any merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or other business combination transaction; and

 

(ii)       Following the occurrence of a Default or Event of Default under the New Second Lien Indenture, the Series A Preferred Stock shall be entitled to vote with the Common Stock of the Company on any matters submitted to the holders of Common Stock, voting together as a single class on an “as-converted” basis, with the Series A Preferred Stock having a number of votes equal to the number of votes that the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the conversion of all of the Notes in accordance with the terms of the New Second Lien Indenture would be entitled to on any such matters.

 

(c)           Series A Directors

 

(i)        The Series A Holder shall have the exclusive right to elect two of the members of the Board of Directors (such directors are referred to as “Series A Directors”). If at the time the Series A Holder exercises their right to elect one or more Series A Directors there are not sufficient vacancies on the Board of Directors to permit such election, the size of the Board of Directors shall immediately and automatically be increased in order to permit that election. Failure by the Series A Holder at any time or from time to time to appoint any or all of the Series A Directors which the Series A Holder is entitled to elect as set forth above shall not act as a waiver of the Series A Holder’s right to elect the Series A Directors. Each Series A Director shall qualify as an independent director.

 

(ii)       A Series A Director may only be removed by the Series A Holder. If for any reason a Series A Director shall resign, be unable to perform his or her duties or otherwise be removed from Board of Directors, then his or her replacement shall be an individual selected by the Series A Holder who qualifies as an independent director. If for any reason, all Series A Directors shall have resigned or all simultaneously be unable to perform their respective duties or otherwise be removed from the Board of Directors, then Series A Director replacements shall be elected by the Series A Holder.

 

Section 8.          Transfer Restrictions.

 

(a)           The Series A Holder may at any time Transfer its Series A Preferred Stock to the extent permitted by this Section 8. Subject to the restrictions on Transfer set forth in this Section 8 or in any other agreement between the Corporation and the record holder of the Series A Preferred Stock related to the transferability of the Series A Preferred Stock, Series A Preferred Stock shall be Transferred only on the books and records of the Corporation by the holder in person or by an attorney upon surrender to the Corporation or its transfer agent or registrar of the certificate, if any, therefor properly endorsed or, if sought to be Transferred by attorney, accompanied by a written assignment or power of attorney properly executed, with transfer stamps (if necessary) affixed, and with such proof of the authenticity of signatures as the Corporation or its transfer agent or registrar may reasonably require.

3 

 

(b)           The holder of the Series A Preferred Stock shall not be permitted to Transfer any of the Series A Preferred Stock, except to any Person who replaces or succeeds to the rights and obligations of the Indenture Trustee in accordance with the terms of the New Second Lien Indenture. Any purported Transfer that, if effective, would result in a violation of the restriction contained in the immediately preceding sentence shall be void ab initio as to the Transfer of those Shares that would cause such violation, and the intended Transferee shall acquire no rights in such shares.

 

Section 9.          Certain Definitions.

 

The following terms shall have the following respective meanings herein:

 

Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such Person, and the term “control” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise: provided, that notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Series A Holder nor its Affiliates (solely by reason of the Series A Holder being the record owner of the Series A Preferred Stock) nor the holders of the Notes or any of their respective Affiliates shall be deemed to be Affiliates of the Corporation.

 

Applicable Law” means any federal state, local or foreign law, statute, code, ordinance, rule or regulation (including rules and regulations of self-regulatory organizations).

 

Board of Directors” has the meaning assigned to it in the introductory paragraph.

 

Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday or Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in New York City are authorized or required by Applicable Law or regulation to be closed.

 

By-Laws” means the Bylaws of the Corporation adopted by the Corporation on September 21, 2007, as may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

 

Certificate of Designation” means this certificate of the designations, powers, preferences and rights of the Series A Preferred Stock.

 

Certificate of Incorporation” has the meaning assigned to it in the introductory paragraph.

 

Common Stock” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 2 hereof.

4 

 

Corporation” has the meaning assigned to it in the introductory paragraph.

 

DGCL” means the Delaware General Corporation Law.

 

Effective Date” shall mean the date of the New Second Lien Indenture.

 

Equity Securities” means all of the Corporation’s capital stock and any other equity interest of the Company except for the Series A Preferred Stock.

 

Governmental Authority” means the government of the United States or any other nation, or of any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court or arbitrator, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supra national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank and whether public or private).

 

Junior Securities” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 2 hereof.

 

Liquidation” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 2 hereof.

 

Organizational Documents” means the Certificate of Incorporation, the By-Laws, this Certificate of Designation, the charter for each committee of the Board of Directors and any other charter, by-laws, limited liability company agreements or other governing documents or corporate governance documents of the Corporation or any of the Subsidiaries, as applicable.

 

Parity Securities” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 2 hereof.

 

Person” means any individual, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, firm, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, Governmental Authority or other entity.

 

Senior Securities” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 2 hereof.

 

Series A Directors” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 7(d)(i) hereof.

 

Series A Holder” means the Person in whose name the Series A Preferred Stock is recorded in the Corporation’s stock books as the owner thereof.

 

Series A Preferred Stock” has the meaning assigned to it in the introductory paragraph.

 

Subsidiary” means any Person of which a majority of the outstanding voting securities or other voting equity interests are owned, directly or indirectly, by the Corporation.

 

Transfer” (as a noun) means, with respect to any Series A Preferred Stock, a direct or indirect transfer, sale, exchange, assignment, mortgage, pledge, hypothecation or other encumbrance or other disposition of such Series A Preferred Stock, including the grant of an option or other right, whether directly or indirectly, whether voluntarily, involuntarily or by operation of law. “Transfer” (as a verb) shall have the correlative meaning.

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Transferee” has a correlative meaning to the term Transfer.

 

[Execution Page Follows]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate of Designation to be signed by Mike Morrison, its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, this 20th day April, 2021.

 

  By:  /s/ Mike Morrison
    Name: Mike Morrison
    Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

[Signature Page to Series A Certificate of Designation]

 

Exhibit 10.1

 

Execution Version

 

INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT

 

Dated as of April 20, 2021

 

among

 

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

as First Lien Representative and First Lien Collateral Agent for the First Lien Secured Parties,

 

UMB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Second Lien Representative for the Second Lien Secured Parties,

 

and

 

UMB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

as Second Lien Collateral Agent for the Second Lien Secured Parties,

 

and acknowledged and agreed to by

 

ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION,

as the Company and the other

Grantors referred to herein 

 

 

table of contents

 

      Page
       
SECTION 1. Definitions 2
  1.1 Defined Terms 2
SECTION 2. Lien Priorities 13
  2.1 Relative Priorities 13
  2.2 Prohibition on Contesting Liens: No Marshalling 13
  2.3 No New Liens 14
  2.4 Similar Liens and Agreements 15
  2.5 Perfection of Liens 16
SECTION 3. Enforcement 16
  3.1 Exercise of Remedies 16
  3.2 Actions Upon Breach: Specific Performance 20
SECTION 4. Payments 21
  4.1 Application of Proceeds 21
  4.2 Payments Over 22
SECTION 5. Other Agreements 23
  5.1 Releases 23
  5.2 Insurance 24
  5.3 Amendments to First Lien Documents and Second Lien Documents 25
  5.4 Confirmation of Subordination in Collateral Documents 26
  5.5 Gratuitous Bailee/Agent for Perfection 27
  5.6 When Discharge of Obligations Deemed to Not Have Occurred 28
SECTION 6. Insolvency or Liquidation Proceedings 30
  6.1 Finance and Sale Issues 30
  6.2 Relief from the Automatic Stay 31
  6.3 Adequate Protection and Other Agreements 32
  6.4 No Waiver 33
  6.5 Avoidance Issues 33
  6.6 Reorganization Securities 33
  6.7 Post-Petition Interest 33
  6.8 Waivers 34
  6.9 Separate Grants of Security and Separate Classification 34

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  6.10 Effectiveness in Insolvency or Liquidation Proceedings 35
SECTION 7. Reliance; Waivers; Etc. 35
  7.1 Reliance 35
  7.2 No Warranties or Liability 36
  7.3 No Waiver of Lien Priorities 36
  7.4 Obligations Unconditional 38
SECTION 8. Miscellaneous 39
  8.1 Integration/Conflicts 39
  8.2 Effectiveness; Continuing Nature of this Agreement; Severability 39
  8.3 Amendments; Waivers 40
  8.4 Information Concerning Financial Condition of the Grantors and their Subsidiaries 40
  8.5 Subrogation 41
  8.6 Application of Payments 42
  8.7 Additional Debt Facilities 42
  8.8 Submission to Jurisdiction; Certain Waivers 44
  8.9 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL 45
  8.10 Notices 46
  8.11 Further Assurances 46
  8.12 Agency Capacities 46
  8.13 GOVERNING LAW 47
  8.14 Binding on Successors and Assigns 47
  8.15 Section Headings 48
  8.16 Counterparts 48
  8.17 Authorization 48
  8.18 No Third Party Beneficiaries/ Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights 48
  8.19 No Indirect Actions 48

 

EXHIBITS    
Exhibit I - Joinder Agreement (Additional First Lien Debt)
Exhibit II - Joinder Agreement (Replacement First Lien Credit Agreement)
Exhibit III - Additional Debt Designation

ii 

 

INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT

 

INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of April 20, 2021 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “Agreement”), among PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (“PNC”), as administrative agent, as first lien representative for the First Lien Secured Parties (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacity, and together with any Replacement First Lien Representative, the “First Lien Representative”) and collateral agent, (or the equivalent) for the First Lien Secured Parties (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacity, and together with any Replacement First Lien Collateral Agent, the “First Lien Collateral Agent”), UMB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as trustee under the Indenture (as defined herein), as second lien representative for the Second Lien Secured Parties (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacity, the “Second Lien Representative”), UMB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as collateral agent under the Indenture for the Second Lien Secured Parties (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacity, the “Second Lien Collateral Agent”), and each First Lien Representative and First Lien Collateral Agent that from time to time becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.7, and acknowledged and agreed to by ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and the other Grantors referred to below Capitalized terms used in this Agreement have the meanings assigned to them in Section 1 below.

 

WHEREAS, the Company intends to issue 8.00% Senior Secured Second Priority Notes due 2025 (the “Second Lien Notes”) in an aggregate principal amount of $159,203,565 pursuant to an Indenture dated as of the date hereof (as amended, supplemented, amended and restated or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time, the “Indenture”) among the Company, the guarantors party thereto, the Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent;

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the other Grantors also intend to enter into the Second Lien Collateral Documents pursuant to which the Second Lien Collateral Agent will be granted a second priority security interest in the Second Lien Collateral, which security interest is subordinate to the security interest of the First Lien Representative; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company and the other Grantors have secured the First Lien Obligations under the First Lien Credit Agreement on a priority basis and, subject to such priority, intend to secure the Second Lien Obligations under the Indenture, with Liens on all present and future Collateral to the extent that such Liens have been provided for in the applicable Collateral Documents, and the Secured Parties desire to enter into this Agreement to confirm their relative rights with respect to the Collateral as provided in this Agreement.

 

In consideration of the foregoing, the mutual covenants and obligations herein set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency and receipt of which are hereby acknowledged, the First Lien Representative (for itself and on behalf of the First Lien Secured Parties), the Second Lien Representative (for itself and on behalf of the Second Lien Secured Parties), and the Second Lien Collateral Agent (for itself and on behalf of the Second Lien Secured Parties), intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

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SECTION 1.         Definitions.

 

1.1           Defined Terms. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

Additional First Lien Collateral Agent” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “First Lien Collateral Agent”.

 

Additional First Lien Debt” means any Indebtedness and guarantees thereof that is incurred, issued or guaranteed by the Company and/or any Grantor (other than the Initial First Lien Debt) which Indebtedness and guarantees are secured by the First Lien Collateral (or a portion thereof) on a basis senior to the Second Lien Obligations; provided, however, that with respect to any such Indebtedness incurred after the date hereof (i) such Indebtedness is permitted to be incurred, secured and guaranteed on such basis by each First Lien Document, each Second Lien Document, (ii) unless already a party with respect to that Series of Additional First Lien Debt, each of the First Lien Representative and the First Lien Collateral Agent for the holders of such Indebtedness shall have become party to (A) this Agreement pursuant to, and by satisfying the conditions set forth in, Section 8.7 hereof and (B) the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement pursuant to, and by satisfying the conditions set forth in, Section 5.14 thereof; provided, further, that, if such Indebtedness will be the initial Additional First Lien Debt incurred by the Company or any other Grantor after the date hereof, then the Grantors, the Initial First Lien Representative, the Initial First Lien Collateral Agent, the Second Lien Representative for such Indebtedness and the Second Lien Collateral Agent for such Indebtedness, shall have executed and delivered the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement and (iii) each of the other requirements of Section 8.7 shall have been complied with. The requirements of clause (i) shall be tested only as of (x) the date of execution of such Joinder Agreement, if pursuant to a commitment entered into at the time of such Joinder Agreement and (y) with respect to any later commitment or amendment to those terms to permit such Indebtedness, as of the date of such commitment and/or amendment. Additional First Lien Debt shall include any Registered Equivalent Notes and guarantees thereof by the Grantors issued in exchange therefor.

 

Additional First Lien Documents” means, with respect to any Series of Additional First Lien Debt, the loan agreements, promissory notes, indentures and other operative agreements evidencing or governing such Indebtedness, and the First Lien Collateral Documents securing such Series of Additional First Lien Debt.

 

Additional First Lien Obligations” means, with respect to any Series of Additional First Lien Debt,

 

(a)           principal, interest (including without limitation any Post-Petition Interest), premium (if any), penalties, fees, expenses (including, without limitation, fees, expenses and disbursements of agents, professional advisors and legal counsel), indemnifications, reimbursements, damages and other liabilities, and guarantees of the foregoing amounts, in each case whether or not allowed or allowable in an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, payable with respect to such Additional First Lien Debt, (b) all other amounts payable to the related Additional First Lien Secured Parties under the related Additional First Lien Documents (other than in respect of any Indebtedness not constituting Additional First Lien Debt), and (c) any renewals or extensions of the foregoing.

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Additional First Lien Representative” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “First Lien Representative”.

 

Additional First Lien Secured Parties” means, with respect to any Series of Additional First Lien Debt, the holders of such Indebtedness, the First Lien Representative with respect thereto, the First Lien Collateral Agent with respect thereto, any trustee or agent therefor under any related Additional First Lien Documents and the beneficiaries of each indemnification obligation undertaken by the Company or any other Grantor under any related Additional First Lien Documents and the holders of any other Additional First Lien Obligations secured by the First Lien Collateral Documents for such Series of Additional First Lien Debt.

 

Affiliate” means, as to any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, Controls, is Controlled by or is under common control with such Person or is a director or officer of such Person.

 

Bank Product Obligations” means, all obligations and liabilities (whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due or now existing or hereafter incurred) of the Company or any other Grantor, whether on account of principal, interest, reimbursement obligations, fees, indemnities, costs, expenses or otherwise, which may arise under, out of, or in connection with any treasury, investment, depository, clearing house, wire transfer, cash management or automated clearing house transfers of funds services or any related services, to any Person permitted to be a secured party in respect of such obligations under the applicable First Lien Documents.

 

Bankruptcy Case” means a case under the Bankruptcy Code or any other Bankruptcy Law.

 

Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code entitled “Bankruptcy,” as now and hereafter in effect, or any successor statute.

 

Bankruptcy Law” means the Bankruptcy Code and any similar federal, state or foreign law for the relief of debtors.

 

Business Day” means any day other than a Legal Holiday.

 

Cap Amount” has the meaning assigned to that term in the definition of First Lien Obligations.

 

Collateral” means, at any time, all properties and assets at any time owned or acquired by the Company or any other Grantor in which the holders of First Lien Obligations under at least one Series of First Lien Obligations (or their Collateral Agents or Representatives), the holders of Second Lien Obligations (or their Collateral Agent or Representative) hold, or purport to hold, a security interest at such time (or, in the case of the First Lien Obligations, are deemed pursuant to Article II to hold a security interest), including any property subject to Liens granted pursuant to Section 6.1, and shall exclude any properties and assets in which any Collateral Agent is required to release its Liens pursuant to Section 5.1; provided, that, if such Liens are required to be released as a result of the sale, transfer or other disposition of any properties or assets of the Company or any other Grantor, such assets or properties will cease to be excluded from the Collateral if the Borrower or any other Grantor thereafter acquires or reacquires such assets or properties.

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Collateral Agent” means any First Lien Collateral Agent, the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as the context may require.

 

Collateral Documents” means the First Lien Collateral Documents and the Second Lien Collateral Documents.

 

Company” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble to this Agreement.

 

Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto.

 

Designated First Lien Collateral Agent” means (i) if at any time there is only one Series of First Lien Obligations with respect to which the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has not occurred, the First Lien Collateral Agent for the First Lien Secured Parties in such Series and (ii) at any time when clause (i) does not apply, the “Applicable Collateral Agent” (as defined in the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement) at such time, as notified in writing to the Second Lien Representative and Second Lien Collateral Agent.

 

Designated First Lien Representative” means (i) if at any time there is only one Series of First Lien Obligations with respect to which the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has not occurred, the First Lien Representative for the First Lien Secured Parties in such Series and (ii) at any time when clause (i) does not apply, the “Applicable Representative” (as defined in the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement) at such time, as notified in writing to the Second Lien Representative and Second Lien Collateral Agent.

 

Designation” means a designation of Additional First Lien Indebtedness or Indebtedness under a Replacement First Lien Credit Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit II attached hereto.

 

DIP Financing” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.1.

 

Discharge” means, with respect to any Series of First Lien Obligations or Second Lien Obligations, as the case may be, except to the extent otherwise provided in Section 5 6:

 

(a)           payment in full in cash of the principal of and interest (including interest accruing on or after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, whether or not such interest would be allowed in such Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding) on all Indebtedness outstanding under the applicable First Lien Documents and constituting First Lien Obligations with respect to such Series of First Lien Obligations or the applicable Second Lien Documents and constituting Second Lien Obligations, as the case may be;

 

(b)           payment in full in cash of all Hedging Obligations constituting First Lien Obligations secured by the First Lien Collateral Documents or the cash collateralization of all such Hedging Obligations on terms satisfactory to each applicable counterparty (or the making of other arrangements satisfactory to the applicable counterparty);

 4

 

(c)           payment in full in cash of all other First Lien Obligations or Second Lien Obligations under the applicable First Lien Documents of such Series or the applicable Second Lien Documents, as the case may be, that are due and payable or otherwise accrued and owing at or prior to the time such principal and interest are paid (other than any indemnification obligations for which no claim or demand for payment, whether oral or written, has been made at such time);

 

(d)           termination or expiration of all commitments, if any, to extend credit that would constitute First Lien Obligations under such Series or Second Lien Obligations, as the case may be; and

 

(e)           termination or cash collateralization (in an amount and manner reasonably satisfactory to the applicable letter of credit issuer, but in no event in an amount greater than 105% of the aggregate undrawn face amount), or the making of other arrangements satisfactory to the applicable letter of credit issuer of all letters of credit issued under the applicable First Lien Documents constituting First Lien Obligations of such Series

 

The term “Discharged” shall have a corresponding meaning.

 

Discharge of First Lien Obligations” means, except to the extent otherwise provided in Section 5.6, the date on which the Discharge of each Series of First Lien Obligations has occurred; provided, that the Discharge of First Lien Obligations shall be deemed not to have occurred if a Replacement First Lien Credit Agreement is entered into.

 

Discharge of Second Lien Obligations” means the date on which the Discharge of Second Lien Obligations has occurred.

 

Disposition” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(b).

 

Enforcement Action” means any action to:

 

(a)           foreclose, execute, levy, or collect on, take possession or control of, sell or otherwise realize upon (judicially or non-judicially), or lease, license, or otherwise dispose of (whether publicly or privately), Collateral, or otherwise exercise or enforce remedial rights with respect to Collateral under the First Lien Documents or the Second Lien Documents (including by way of setoff, recoupment, notification of a public or private sale or other disposition pursuant to the UCC or other applicable law, notification to account debtors, notification to depositary banks under deposit account control agreements, or exercise of rights under landlord consents, if applicable);

 

(b)           solicit bids from third Persons, approve bid procedures for any proposed disposition of Collateral, conduct the liquidation or disposition of Collateral or engage or retain sales brokers, marketing agents, investment bankers, accountants, appraisers, auctioneers, or other third Persons for the purposes of valuing, marketing, promoting, and selling Collateral;

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(c)           receive a transfer of Collateral in satisfaction of Indebtedness or any other Obligation secured thereby;

 

(d)           otherwise enforce a security interest or exercise another right or remedy, as a secured creditor or otherwise, pertaining to the Collateral at law, in equity, or pursuant to the First Lien Documents or Second Lien Documents (including the commencement of applicable legal proceedings or other actions with respect to all or any portion of the Collateral to facilitate the actions described in the preceding clauses, and exercising voting rights in respect of equity interests comprising Collateral); or

 

(e)           the Disposition of Collateral by any Grantor after the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default under any of the First Lien Documents or the Second Lien Documents with the consent of the applicable First Lien Collateral Agent or Second Lien Collateral Agent.

 

Excess First Lien Obligations” means any Obligations that would constitute First Lien Obligations if not for the Cap Amount.

 

Excluded Assets” has the meaning given to such term in the Indenture as in effect on the date hereof.

 

First Lien Collateral” means any “Collateral” as defined in any First Lien Document or any other assets of the Company or any other Grantor with respect to which a Lien is granted or purported to be granted or required to be granted pursuant to a First Lien Document as security for any First Lien Obligations and shall include any property or assets subject to replacement Liens or adequate protection Liens in favor of any First Lien Secured Party.

 

First Lien Collateral Agent” means (i) in the case of any Initial First Lien Obligations or the Initial First Lien Secured Parties, the Initial First Lien Representative, acting in the capacity of a collateral agent under the First Lien Collateral Documents, together with its successors in such capacity and (ii) in the case of any Additional First Lien Obligations and the Additional First Lien Secured Parties thereunder, the Person serving as collateral agent (or the equivalent) for such Additional First Lien Obligations and that is named as the First Lien Collateral Agent in respect of such Additional First Lien Obligations in the applicable Joinder Agreement (each, an “Additional First Lien Collateral Agent”).

 

First Lien Collateral Documents” means the “Security Documents” or “Collateral Documents” (as defined in the applicable First Lien Documents) and any other agreement, document or instrument pursuant to which a Lien is granted securing any First Lien Obligations or pursuant to which any such Lien is perfected.

 

First Lien Credit Agreement” means that certain Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2014, among, inter alios, the Company, the First Lien Representative, and the lenders party thereto, as the same may be further amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time and shall also include any Replacement First Lien Credit Agreement.

 

First Lien Debt” means the Initial First Lien Debt and any Additional First Lien Debt.

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First Lien Documents” means the Initial First Lien Documents and any Additional First Lien Documents.

 

First Lien Obligations” means the Initial First Lien Obligations and any Additional First Lien Obligations; provided, that if the sum of: (1) Indebtedness constituting principal outstanding under the First Lien Credit Agreement and all other First Lien Documents; plus (2) the aggregate face amount of any letters of credit issued and outstanding under the First Lien Credit Agreement and all other First Lien Documents (whether or not drawn, but without duplication of any amounts included in clause (1)), exceeds an aggregate principal amount equal to $75,000,000 (the “Cap Amount”), then only that portion of such Indebtedness and such aggregate face amount of letters of credit (on a pro rata basis based on the aggregate outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness and face amount of letters of credit) equal to the Cap Amount shall be included in First Lien Obligations and interest and reimbursement obligations with respect to such Indebtedness and letters of credit shall only constitute First Lien Obligations to the extent related to Indebtedness and face amounts of letters of credit included in the First Lien Obligations. For avoidance of doubt, (1) Hedging Obligations, (2) Bank Product Obligations, (3) costs, expenses, indemnities and other liabilities arising under the First Lien Documents and (4) accrued, unpaid interest, fees and premium accruing in respect of or attributable to the aggregate principal amount of the First Lien Obligations, which do not exceed the Cap Amount, including, without limitation, any interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against the Company or any Grantor of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding, including guarantees of the foregoing, shall be deemed First Lien Obligations and shall not be subject to the Cap Amount.

 

First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement” means an agreement among each First Lien Representative and each First Lien Collateral Agent allocating rights among the various Series of First Lien Obligations.

 

First Lien Representative” means (i) in the case of the Initial First Lien Obligations or the Initial First Lien Secured Parties, the Initial First Lien Representative and (ii) in the case of any Additional First Lien Obligations and the Additional First Lien Secured Parties thereunder, each trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent and similar agent that is named as the First Lien Representative in respect of such Additional First Lien Obligations in the applicable Joinder Agreement (each, an “Additional First Lien Representative”).

 

First Lien Secured Parties” means the Initial First Lien Secured Parties and any Additional First Lien Secured Parties.

 

Governmental Authority” means any federal, state local or foreign court or governmental department, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body or other agency.

 

Grantors” means the Company and each Subsidiary which has granted a security interest pursuant to any Collateral Document to secure any Secured Obligations.

 7

 

Hedging Obligations” means, with respect to any specified Person, the obligations of such Person under:

 

(a)           interest rate swap agreements (whether from fixed to floating or from floating to fixed), interest rate cap agreements and interest rate collar agreements;

 

(b)           other agreements or arrangements designed to manage interest rates or interest rate risk; and

 

(c)           other agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in currency exchange rates or commodity prices.

 

Indebtedness” means indebtedness in respect of borrowed money; for avoidance of doubt, “Indebtedness” shall not include reimbursement or other obligations in respect of letters of credit, Hedging Obligations or Bank Product Obligations.

 

Initial First Lien Agreement” means the First Lien Credit Agreement.

 

Initial First Lien Debt” means the Indebtedness and guarantees thereof now or hereafter incurred pursuant to the Initial First Lien Documents.

 

Initial First Lien Documents” means that certain Initial First Lien Agreement and the other “Loan Documents” as defined in the Initial First Lien Agreement and any other document or agreement entered into for the purpose of evidencing, governing, securing or perfecting the Initial First Lien Obligations.

 

Initial First Lien Obligations” means the “Obligations” as defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement.

 

Initial First Lien Representative” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

 

Initial First Lien Secured Parties” means the “Secured Parties” as defined in the Initial First Lien Documents.

 

Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding” means:

 

(a)           any case commenced by or against the Company or any other Grantor under Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar federal or state law for the relief of debtors, any other proceeding for the reorganization, recapitalization or adjustment or marshalling of the assets or liabilities of the Company or any other Grantor, any receivership or assignment for the benefit of creditors relating to the Company or any other Grantor or any similar case or proceeding relative to the Company or any other Grantor or its creditors, as such, in each case whether or not voluntary;

 

(b)           any liquidation, dissolution, marshalling of assets or liabilities or other winding up of or relating to the Company or any other Grantor, in each case whether or not voluntary and whether or not involving bankruptcy or insolvency; or

 

(c)           any other proceeding of any type or nature in which substantially all claims of creditors of the Company or any other Grantor are determined and any payment or distribution is or may be made on account of such claims.

 8

 

Joinder Agreement” means a supplement to this Agreement in the form of Exhibit I or Exhibit II hereto, as applicable, required to be delivered by an Additional First Lien Representative, an Additional First Lien Collateral Agent or a Replacement First Lien Collateral Agent or Replacement First Lien Representative to each other then-existing Representative and Collateral Agent pursuant to Section 8.7 hereof in order to include Additional First Lien Debt or a Replacement First Lien Credit Agreement hereunder and to become the First Lien Representative or First Lien Collateral Agent, as the case may be, hereunder in respect thereof for the applicable Additional First Lien Secured Parties under such Additional First Lien Debt or the First Lien Secured Parties under such First Lien Debt.

 

Legal Holiday” means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which banking institutions in the City of New York or at a place of payment are authorized by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed. If a payment date is a Legal Holiday at a place of payment, payment may be made at that place on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall accrue on such payment for the intervening period.

 

Lien” means any lien (including, judgment liens and liens arising by operation of law), mortgage, pledge, assignment, security interest, charge or encumbrance of any kind (including any agreement to give any of the foregoing, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, and any lease in the nature thereof) and any option, call, trust (whether contractual, statutory, deemed, equitable, constructive, resulting or otherwise), UCC financing statement or other preferential arrangement having the practical effect of any of the foregoing, including any right of set-off or recoupment.

 

Obligations” means any principal (including reimbursement obligations with respect to loans, advances and letters of credit whether or not drawn), interest (including, to the extent legally permitted, all interest accrued thereon after the commencement of any insolvency or liquidation proceeding at the rate, including any applicable post-default rate, specified in the First Lien Documents, even if such interest is not enforceable, allowable or allowed as a claim in such proceeding), premium (if any), fees, indemnifications, reimbursements, expenses and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness.

 

Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.

 

Pledged Collateral” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.5.

 

Post-Petition Interest” means interest, fees, expenses and other charges that pursuant to the First Lien Documents or the Second Lien Documents, as applicable, continue to accrue after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, whether or not such interest, fees, expenses and other charges are allowed or allowable under the Bankruptcy Law or in any such Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding.

 

Purchase Option Triggering Event” means the occurrence of any one of the following events:  (a) the acceleration of all or any portion of the First Lien Obligations, (b) the occurrence of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding with respect to any Grantor, (c) the suspension or cessation of the making of revolving loans under the First Lien Credit Agreement for ten (10) or more consecutive Business Days notwithstanding the existence of undrawn availability under the First Lien Credit Agreement sufficient to make such revolving loans, (d) the initiation of any Enforcement Action by the First Lien Representative or any First Lien Secured Party, or (e) the request by the First Lien Representative for the Second Lien Representative or Second Lien Collateral Agent to release its liens upon the Collateral after the occurrence of an Event of Default under the First Lien Credit Agreement.

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Recovery” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.5.

 

Refinance” means, in respect of any Indebtedness, to refinance, extend, renew, defease, amend, modify, supplement, restructure, refund, replace or repay, or to issue other Indebtedness whether of the same principal amount or greater or lesser principal amount in exchange or replacement for such Indebtedness. “Refinanced” and “Refinancing” shall have correlative meanings.

 

Registered Equivalent Notes” means, with respect to any notes originally issued in a Rule 144A or other private placement transaction under the Securities Act of 1933, substantially identical notes (having the same guarantees) issued in a dollar-for-dollar exchange therefor pursuant to an exchange offer registered with the SEC.

 

Replacement First Lien Collateral Agent” means, in respect of any Replacement First Lien Credit Agreement, the collateral agent or person serving in similar capacity under the Replacement First Lien Credit Agreement.

 

Replacement First Lien Credit Agreement” means any loan agreement, indenture or other agreement that (i) Refinances the First Lien Credit Agreement so long as, after giving effect to such Refinancing, the agreement that was the First Lien Credit Agreement immediately prior to such Refinancing is no longer secured, or required to be secured, by any of the First Lien Collateral and (ii) becomes the First Lien Credit Agreement hereunder by designation as such pursuant to Section 8,7.

 

Replacement First Lien Representative” means, in respect of any Replacement First Lien Credit Agreement, the administrative agent, trustee or person serving in similar capacity under the Replacement First Lien Credit Agreement.

 

Representative” means any First Lien Representative and/or the Second Lien Representative, as the context may require.

 

Required Holders” means a majority of holders pursuant to the Indenture, or such other lower or greater amount required under the applicable “Note Documents” (as defined in the Indenture).

 

Responsible Officer” means the chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer or treasurer of the Company or the applicable Grantor.

 

SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and any successor agency thereto.

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Second Lien Collateral” means any “Collateral” as defined in any Second Lien Document or any other assets of the Company or any other Grantor with respect to which a Lien is granted or purported to be granted or required to be granted pursuant to a Second Lien Document as security for any Second Lien Obligation and shall include any property or assets subject to replacement Liens or adequate protection Liens in favor of any Second Lien Secured Party.

 

Second Lien Collateral Agent” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

 

Second Lien Collateral Documents” means the “Security Documents” or “Collateral Documents” (as defined in the applicable Second Lien Documents) and any other agreement, document or instrument pursuant to which a Lien is granted securing any Second Lien Obligations or pursuant to which any such Lien is perfected.

 

Second Lien Debt” means the Indebtedness and guarantees thereof now or hereafter incurred pursuant to the Second Lien Documents. Second Lien Debt shall include any Registered Equivalent Notes and guarantees thereof by the Grantor issued in exchange thereof.

 

Second Lien Default” means any Event of Default under, and as defined in, any Second Lien Document.

 

Second Lien Documents” means the Indenture and the other “Note Documents” as defined in the Indenture and any other document or agreement entered into for the purpose of evidencing, governing, securing or perfecting the Second Lien Obligations.

 

Second Lien Obligations” means the “Priority Lien Obligations” or the “Secured Obligations” or the “Second Lien Obligations”, as applicable and each as defined in the Second Lien Documents.

 

Second Lien Representative” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.

 

Second Lien Secured Parties” means the holders of the Second Lien Obligations, the Second Lien Collateral Agent and the Second Lien Representative.

 

Secured Obligations” means the First Lien Obligations and/or the Second Lien Obligations, as the context may require.

 

Secured Parties” means the First Lien Secured Parties and/or the Second Lien Secured Parties, as the context may require.

 

Series” means, (x) with respect to First Lien Debt, all First Lien Debt represented by the same Representative acting in the same capacity and (y) with respect to First Lien Obligations, all such obligations secured by the same First Lien Collateral Documents.

 

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of stock or other ownership interests entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of the Person or Persons (whether directors, managers, trustees or other Persons performing similar functions) having the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies thereof is at the time owned or Controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof.

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UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code (or any similar or equivalent legislation) as in effect in any applicable jurisdiction.

 

1.2          Terms Generally. The definitions of terms in this Agreement shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation.” The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall.” Unless the context requires otherwise:

 

(a)           any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, restated, supplemented, modified, renewed or extended and any reference herein to any statute or regulations shall include any amendment, renewal, extension or replacement thereof;

 

(b)           any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns;

 

(c)           the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder,” and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof;

 

(d)           all references herein to Sections shall be construed to refer to Sections of this Agreement; and

 

(e)           the words “asset” and “property” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

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SECTION 2.        Lien Priorities.

 

2.1          Relative Priorities. Notwithstanding the date, time, method, manner or order of grant, attachment or perfection of any Liens securing the Second Lien Obligations granted on the Collateral or of any Liens securing the First Lien Obligations granted on the Collateral and notwithstanding any provision of the UCC, or any other applicable law, the Second Lien Documents or any defect or deficiencies in, or failure to perfect or lapse in perfection of, or avoidance as a fraudulent conveyance or otherwise of, the Liens securing the First Lien Obligations, the subordination of such Liens to any other Liens, or any other circumstance whatsoever, whether or not any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against the Company or any other Grantor, the Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, hereby agrees that:

 

(a)           any Lien on the Collateral securing any First Lien Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of any First Lien Representative, any First Lien Collateral Agent or any First Lien Secured Parties or any agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be senior in all respects and prior to any Lien on the Collateral securing any Second Lien Obligations; and

 

(b)           any Lien on the Collateral securing any Second Lien Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent, any Second Lien Secured Parties or any agent or trustee therefor regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be junior and subordinate in all respects to all Liens on the Collateral securing any First Lien Obligations. All Liens on the Collateral securing any First Lien Obligations shall be and remain senior in all respects and prior to all Liens on the Collateral securing any Second Lien Obligations for all purposes, whether or not such Liens securing any First Lien Obligations are subordinated to any Lien securing any other obligation of the Company, any other Grantor or any other Person; and

 

(c)           any Lien on the Collateral securing any Excess First Lien Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of any First Lien Representative, any First Lien Collateral Agent, any First Lien Secured Parties or any agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, possession, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be junior and subordinate in all respects to any Lien on the Collateral securing any Second Lien Obligations.

 

It is acknowledged that, subject to the Cap Amount (as provided herein), (i) the aggregate amount of the First Lien Obligations may be increased from time to time pursuant to the terms of the First Lien Documents, (ii) a portion of the First Lien Obligations consists or may consist of Indebtedness that is revolving in nature, and the amount thereof that may be outstanding at any time or from time to time may be increased or reduced and subsequently reborrowed, and (iii) subject to Section 8.7(b), the First Lien Obligations may be increased, extended, renewed, replaced, restated, supplemented, restructured, repaid, refunded, refinanced or otherwise amended or modified from time to time, all without affecting the subordination of the Liens securing the Second Lien Obligations hereunder or the provisions of this Agreement defining the relative rights of the First Lien Secured Parties, the Second Lien Secured Parties.

 

2.2         Prohibition on Contesting Liens: No Marshalling.

 

2.2.1       Agreement of Secured Parties. The Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of each Second Lien Secured Party represented by it, and each First Lien Representative and each First Lien Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of each First Lien Secured Party represented by it, agrees that it will not (and hereby waives any right to) directly or indirectly contest or support any other Person in contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), the priority, validity, perfection, extent or enforceability of a Lien held, or purported to be held, by or on behalf of any of the First Lien Secured Parties in the First Lien Collateral or by or on behalf of any of the Second Lien Secured Parties in the Second Lien Collateral, as the case may be, or the provisions of this Agreement.

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2.2.2       Agreement of Second Lien Secured Parties. The Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of each Second Lien Secured Party represented by it, agrees that it (i) will not take or cause to be taken any action the purpose or effect of which is, or could be, to make any Liens pari passu with, or to give any Second Lien Secured Party any preference or priority relative to, any Lien securing the First Lien Obligations with respect to the Collateral or any part thereof, (ii) will not challenge or question in any proceeding the validity or enforceability of any First Lien Obligations or First Lien Document, or the validity or enforceability of the priorities, rights or duties established by the provisions of this Agreement, (iii) will not take or cause to be taken any action the purpose or effect of which is, or could be, to interfere, hinder or delay, in any manner, whether by judicial proceedings or otherwise, any sale, transfer or other Disposition of the Collateral permitted under the First Lien Documents and this Agreement by any First Lien Secured Party or any First Lien Collateral Agent acting on their behalf, (iv) shall have no right to (A) direct any First Lien Collateral Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party to exercise any right, remedy or power with respect to any Collateral or (B) consent to the exercise by any First Lien Collateral Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party of any right, remedy or power with respect to any Collateral, (v) except as permitted by this Agreement, will not institute any suit or assert in any suit or Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding any claim against any First Lien Collateral Agent or other First Lien Secured Party seeking damages from or other relief by way of specific performance, instructions or otherwise with respect to, and neither any First Lien Collateral Agent nor any other First Lien Secured Party shall be liable for, any action taken or omitted to be taken by the any First Lien Collateral Agent or other First Lien Secured Party with respect to any First Lien Collateral, (vi) will not attempt, directly or indirectly, whether by judicial proceedings or otherwise, to challenge the enforceability of any provision of this Agreement, (vii) object to forbearance by any First Lien Collateral Agent or any First Lien Secured Party, and (viii) until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations, will not assert, and hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any right to demand, request, plead or otherwise assert or claim the benefit of any marshaling, appraisal, valuation or other similar right that may be available under applicable law with respect to the Collateral or any similar rights a junior secured creditor may have under applicable law; provided that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent or impair the rights of any First Lien Representative, any First Lien Collateral Agent or any First Lien Secured Party to enforce this Agreement, including the provisions of this Agreement relating to the priority of the Liens securing the First Lien Obligations as provided in Sections 2.1 and 3.1.

 

2.3          No New Liens. So long as the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has not occurred, whether or not any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against the Company or any other Grantor, the parties hereto agree that the Company shall not, and shall not permit any other Grantor to:

 

(a)          grant or permit any additional Liens on any asset or property to secure any Second Lien Obligation unless it has granted or concurrently grants a Lien on such asset or property to secure the First Lien Obligations, the parties hereto agreeing that any such Lien shall be subject to Section 2.1 hereof; or

 

(b)          grant or permit any additional Liens on any asset or property to secure any First Lien Obligations (other than an Excluded Asset) unless it has granted or concurrently grants a Lien on such asset or property to secure the Second Lien Obligations.

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If the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or any Second Lien Secured Party shall hold any Lien on any assets or property of any Grantor securing any Second Lien Obligations that are not also subject to the first-priority Liens securing all First Lien Obligations under the First Lien Collateral Documents, such Second Lien Representative, Second Lien Collateral Agent or Second Lien Secured Party shall notify the Designated First Lien Representative promptly upon becoming aware thereof and, unless such Grantor shall promptly grant a similar Lien on such assets or property to each First Lien Collateral Agent as security for the First Lien Obligations represented by it, such Second Lien Representative, Second Lien Collateral Agent and Second Lien Secured Parties shall be deemed to hold and have held such Lien for the benefit of each First Lien Representative, each First Lien Collateral Agent and the other First Lien Secured Parties as security for the First Lien Obligations. To the extent that the foregoing provisions are not complied with for any reason, without limiting any other rights and remedies available to any First Lien Representative, any First Lien Collateral Agent and/or the First Lien Secured Parties, the Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, on behalf of the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, agrees that any amounts received by or distributed to any of them pursuant to or as a result of Liens granted in contravention of this Section 2.3 shall be subject to Section 4.2.

 

Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, cash and cash equivalents may be pledged to secure reimbursement obligations in respect of letters of credit without granting a Lien thereon to secure any other First Lien Obligations or any other Second Lien Obligations.

 

2.4         Similar Liens and Agreements. Except as provided in Section 2.3, except to the extent any asset constitutes an Excluded Asset, the parties hereto agree that it is their intention that the First Lien Collateral and the Second Lien Collateral be substantially identical. In furtherance of the foregoing and of Section 8.11, the parties hereto agree, subject to the other provisions of this Agreement:

 

(a)           upon request by any First Lien Collateral Agent or the Second Lien Collateral Agent, to cooperate in good faith from time to time in order to determine the specific items included in the First Lien Collateral and the Second Lien Collateral and the steps taken to perfect their respective Liens thereon and the identity of the respective parties obligated under the First Lien Documents and the Second Lien Documents;

 

(b)           that the documents and agreements creating or evidencing the First Lien Collateral and the Second Lien Collateral and guarantees for the First Lien Obligations and the Second Lien Obligations, subject to Section 2.3, shall be in all material respects the same forms of documents other than (i) with respect to the priority nature of the Liens created thereunder in such Collateral, (ii) such other modifications to such Second Lien Security Documents which are less restrictive than the corresponding First Lien Security Documents, and (iii) provisions in the Second Lien Security Documents which are solely applicable to the rights and duties of the Second Lien Representative and/or the Second Lien Collateral Agent, and

 

(c)           that at no time shall there be (i) any Grantor that is an obligor in respect of the Second Lien Obligations that is not also an obligor in respect of the First Lien Obligations or (ii) any Grantor that is an obligor in respect of the First Lien Obligations that is not also an obligor in respect of the Second Lien Obligations.

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The foregoing to the contrary notwithstanding, it is understood by each of the parties that to the extent that (y) any Collateral constitutes an Excluded Asset, or (z) any Lien on any Second Lien Collateral is released pursuant to the terms of the Second Lien Documents, the Collateral securing the First Lien Obligations and the Second Lien Obligations will not be identical, and the provisions of the documents, agreements and instruments evidencing such Liens also will not be substantively similar, and any such difference in the scope or extent of perfection with respect to the Collateral resulting therefrom are hereby expressly permitted by this Agreement.

 

2.5         Perfection of Liens. Except for the arrangements contemplated by Section 5.5, none of the First Lien Representatives, First Lien Collateral Agents or the First Lien Secured Parties shall be responsible for perfecting and maintaining the perfection of Liens with respect to the Collateral for the benefit of the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or the Second Lien Secured Parties, each of which shall be the responsibility of the Company. The provisions of this Agreement are intended solely to govern the respective Lien priorities as among the First Lien Secured Parties and the Second Lien Secured Parties and such provisions shall not impose on the First Lien Representatives, First Lien Collateral Agents, the First Lien Secured Parties, the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent, the Second Lien Secured Parties, or any agent or trustee therefor any obligations in respect of the disposition of proceeds of any Collateral which would conflict with prior-perfected claims therein in favor of any other Person or any order or decree of any court or governmental authority or any applicable law. For the avoidance of doubt, and notwithstanding anything herein or in the Collateral Documents to the contrary, the Collateral Agents shall have no responsibility for preparing, recording, filing, re-recording, or re-filing any financing statement, perfection statement, continuation statement or other instrument in any public office or for otherwise ensuring the perfection or maintenance of any security interest granted pursuant to this Agreement or any Collateral Document.

 

SECTION 3.       Enforcement

 

3.1          Exercise of Remedies

 

(a)         Until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has occurred, whether or not any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against the Company or any other Grantor, the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent and the Second Lien Secured Parties:

 

(1)       will not commence or maintain, or seek to commence or maintain, any Enforcement Action or otherwise exercise any rights or remedies with respect to the Collateral;

 

(2)       will not contest, protest or object to any foreclosure proceeding or action brought by any First Lien Representative, any First Lien Collateral Agent or any First Lien Secured Party or any other exercise by any First Lien Representative, any First Lien Collateral Agent or any First Lien Secured Party of any rights and remedies relating to the Collateral under the First Lien Documents or otherwise (including any Enforcement Action initiated by or supported by any First Lien Representative, any First Lien Collateral Agent or any First Lien Secured Party); and

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(3)       will not object to (and will waive any and all claims with respect to) the forbearance by any First Lien Representative, any First Lien Collateral Agent or the First Lien Secured Parties from bringing or pursuing any foreclosure proceeding or action or any other exercise of any rights or remedies relating to the Collateral, in each case so long as any proceeds received by any First Lien Representative in excess of those necessary to achieve a Discharge of First Lien Obligations are distributed in accordance with Section 4.1.

 

(b)         Until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has occurred, whether or not any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against the Company or any other Grantor, subject to Section 3.1(a)(1), the First Lien Representatives, the First Lien Collateral Agents and the First Lien Secured Parties shall have the exclusive right to commence and maintain an Enforcement Action or otherwise enforce rights, exercise remedies (including set-off, recoupment and the right to credit bid their debt (including debt related to any DIP Financing) in any sale, except that the Second Lien Representative shall have the credit bid rights set forth in Section 3.1(c)(5)), and subject to Section 5.1, make determinations regarding the release, disposition, or restrictions with respect to the Collateral without any consultation with or the consent of the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party; provided that any proceeds received by any First Lien Representative in excess of those necessary to achieve a Discharge of any First Lien Obligations are distributed in accordance with Section 4.1 hereof. In commencing or maintaining any Enforcement Action or otherwise exercising rights and remedies with respect to the Collateral, the First Lien Representatives, First Lien Collateral Agents and the First Lien Secured Parties may enforce the provisions of the First Lien Documents and exercise remedies thereunder, all in such order and in such manner as they may determine in the exercise of their sole discretion in compliance with any applicable law and without consultation with the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party and regardless of whether any such exercise is adverse to the interest of any Second Lien Secured Party. Such exercise and enforcement shall include the rights of an agent appointed by them to sell or otherwise dispose of Collateral upon foreclosure, to incur expenses in connection with such sale or disposition, and to exercise all the rights and remedies of a secured creditor under the UCC and of a secured creditor under Bankruptcy Laws of any applicable jurisdiction.

 

(c)          Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent and any Second Lien Secured Party may:

 

(1)      file a claim or statement of interest with respect to the Second Lien Obligations; provided that an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against the Company or any other Grantor;

 

(2)      take any action (not adverse to the priority status of the Liens on the Collateral securing the First Lien Obligations, or the rights of any First Lien Representative, any First Lien Collateral Agent or the First Lien Secured Parties to exercise remedies in respect thereof) in order to create, perfect, preserve or protect its Lien on the Collateral;

 

(3)      file any necessary responsive or defensive pleadings in opposition to any motion, claim, adversary proceeding or other pleading made by any person objecting to or otherwise seeking the disallowance of the claims of the Second Lien Secured Parties, including any claims secured by the Collateral, if any, in each case in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;

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(4)      subject to Section 6.1(b), vote on any plan of reorganization, arrangement, compromise or liquidation, file any proof of claim, make other filings and make any arguments and motions that are, in each case, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, with respect to the Second Lien Obligations and the Collateral; provided that no filing of any claim or vote, or pleading related to such claim or vote, to accept or reject a disclosure statement, plan of reorganization, arrangement, compromise or liquidation, or any other document, agreement or proposal similar to the foregoing by the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party may be inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement;

 

(5)      bid for or purchase Collateral at any public, private or judicial foreclosure upon such Collateral initiated by any First Lien Representative, any First Lien Collateral Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party, or any sale of Collateral during an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding; provided that such bid may not include a “credit bid” in respect of any Second Lien Obligations unless the cash proceeds of such bid are otherwise sufficient to cause the Discharge of First Lien Obligations; and

 

(6)      object to any proposed acceptance of Collateral by a First Lien Representative, a First Lien Collateral Agent or First Lien Secured Party pursuant to Section 9- 620 of the UCC.

 

The Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, agrees that it will not take or receive any Collateral or any proceeds of Collateral in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including set-off and recoupment) with respect to any Collateral in its capacity as a creditor, unless and until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has occurred, except in connection with any foreclosure expressly permitted by Section 3.1(a)(1) to the extent such Second Lien Representative or such Second Lien Collateral Agent and Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it are permitted to retain the proceeds thereof in accordance with Section 4.2 of this Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, unless and until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has occurred, except as expressly provided in Sections 3.1(a), 3.1(b) and this Section 3.1(c), the sole right of the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent and the other Second Lien Secured Parties with respect to the Collateral is to hold a Lien on the Collateral pursuant to the Second Lien Collateral Documents for the period and to the extent granted therein and to receive a share of the proceeds thereof, if any, after the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has occurred.

 

(d)          Subject to Sections 3.1(a) and (c):

 

(1)      the Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, agrees that such Second Lien Representative or such Second Lien Collateral Agent and such Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it will not take any action that would hinder any exercise of remedies under the First Lien Documents or is otherwise prohibited hereunder, including any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition of the Collateral, whether by foreclosure or otherwise;

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(2)      the Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, hereby waives any and all rights such Second Lien Representative or such Second Lien Collateral Agent or such Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it may have as a junior lien creditor or otherwise to object to the manner in which any First Lien Representative, any First Lien Collateral Agent or other First Lien Secured Party seeks to enforce or collect the First Lien Obligations or Liens securing the First Lien Obligations granted in any of the First Lien Collateral undertaken in accordance with this Agreement, regardless of whether any action or failure to act by or on behalf of any First Lien Representative, any First Lien Collateral Agent or other First Lien Secured Party is adverse to the interest of any Second Lien Secured Party; and

 

(3)      the Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, hereby acknowledges and agrees that no covenant, agreement or restriction contained in any Second Lien Document (other than this Agreement) shall be deemed to restrict in any way the rights and remedies of any First Lien Representative, any First Lien Collateral Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party with respect to the Collateral as set forth in this Agreement and the First Lien Documents

 

(e)          Except as specifically set forth in this Agreement, the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent (each at the written direction of the Required Holders under the Indenture) and the other Second Lien Secured Parties may exercise rights and remedies as unsecured creditors against the Company or any other Grantor that has guaranteed or granted Liens to secure the Second Lien Obligations in accordance with the terms of the Second Lien Documents and applicable law (other than initiating or joining in an involuntary case or proceeding under any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding with respect to any Grantor); provided that in the event that any Second Lien Secured Party becomes a judgment Lien creditor in respect of Collateral as a result of its enforcement of its rights as an unsecured creditor with respect to the Second Lien Obligations, such judgment Lien shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement for all purposes (including in relation to the First Lien Obligations) in the same manner as the other Liens securing the Second Lien Obligations are subject to this Agreement.

 

(f)           Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the receipt by the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party of the required payments of interest, principal and other amounts owed in respect of the Second Lien Obligations so long as such receipt is not the direct or indirect result of the exercise by the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party of rights or remedies as a secured creditor (including set-off and recoupment) or enforcement in contravention of this Agreement of any Lien held by any of them or as a result of any other violation by any Second Lien Secured Party of the express terms of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement impairs or otherwise adversely affects any rights or remedies any First Lien Representative, any First Lien Collateral Agent or other First Lien Secured Party may have with respect to the First Lien Collateral.

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(g)          The Second Lien Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Lien Secured Parties, hereby acknowledges and agrees that no covenant, agreement or restriction contained in any Second Lien Security Document or any other Second Lien Document shall be deemed to restrict in any way the rights and remedies of the First Lien Collateral Agent or the other First Lien Secured Parties with respect to the Collateral as set forth in this Agreement.

 

3.2          Actions Upon Breach: Specific Performance.

 

(a)           If any Second Lien Secured Party, in contravention of the terms of this Agreement, in any way takes, attempts to or threatens to take any action with respect to the Collateral (including, without limitation, any attempt to realize upon or enforce any remedy with respect to this Agreement), or fails to take any action required by this Agreement, this Agreement shall create an irrebuttable presumption and admission by such Second Lien Secured Party that relief against such Second Lien Secured Party by injunction, specific performance and/or other appropriate equitable relief is necessary to prevent irreparable harm to the First Lien Secured Parties, it being understood and agreed by the Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, on behalf of each Second Lien Secured Party represented by it, that (i) the First Lien Secured Parties’ damages from actions of any Second Lien Secured Party may at that time be difficult to ascertain and may be irreparable and (ii) each Second Lien Secured Party waives any defense that the Grantors and/or the First Lien Secured Parties cannot demonstrate damage and/or be made whole by the awarding of damages. Each of the First Lien Representatives and/or First Lien Collateral Agents may demand specific performance of this Agreement. The Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, hereby irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law and any other defense which might be asserted to bar the remedy of specific performance in any action which may be brought by any First Lien Representative, any First Lien Collateral Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party. No provision of this Agreement shall constitute or be deemed to constitute a waiver by any First Lien Representative or any First Lien Collateral Agent on behalf of itself and the First Lien Secured Parties represented by it of any right to seek damages from any Person in connection with any breach or alleged breach of this Agreement.

 

(b)          If any First Lien Secured Party, in contravention of the terms of this Agreement, in any way takes, attempts to or threatens to take any action with respect to the Collateral (including, without limitation, any attempt to realize upon or enforce any remedy with respect to this Agreement), or fails to take any action required by this Agreement, this Agreement shall create an irrebuttable presumption and admission by such First Lien Secured Party that relief against such First Lien Secured Party by injunction, specific performance and/or other appropriate equitable relief is necessary to prevent irreparable harm to the Second Lien Secured Parties, it being understood and agreed by each First Lien Representative and each First Lien Collateral Agent, on behalf of each First Lien Secured Party represented by it, that (i) the Second Lien Secured Parties’ damages from actions of any First Lien Secured Party may at that time be difficult to ascertain and may be irreparable and (ii) each First Lien Secured Party waives any defense that the Grantors, the Second Lien Secured Parties cannot demonstrate damage and/or be made whole by the awarding of damages. Each of the Second Lien Representative and/or Second Lien Collateral Agent may demand specific performance of this Agreement. Each First Lien Representative and each First Lien Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the First Lien Secured Parties represented by it, hereby irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law and any other defense which might be asserted to bar the remedy of specific performance in any action which may be brought by the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party. No provision of this Agreement shall constitute or be deemed to constitute a waiver by the Second Lien Representative or any Second Lien Collateral Agent on behalf of itself and the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it of any right to seek damages from any Person in connection with any breach or alleged breach of this Agreement.

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SECTION 4.     Payments

 

4.1          Application of Proceeds.

 

(a)           So long as the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has not occurred, whether or not any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against the Company or any other Grantor, any Collateral or any proceeds thereof received in connection with any Enforcement Action or other exercise of remedies by any First Lien Representative, any First Lien Collateral Agent or any First Lien Secured Party shall be applied by the Designated First Lien Collateral Agent and the other First Lien Collateral Agents or the First Lien Representatives, as applicable, to the First Lien Obligations in such order as specified in the relevant First Lien Documents and, if then in effect, the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement; provided, that any non-cash Collateral or non-cash proceeds may be held by the applicable First Lien Collateral Agent, in its discretion, as Collateral. To the extent any remedies are exercised by the Second Lien Representative or the Second Lien Collateral Agent for application towards the First Lien Obligations or the Second Lien Obligations in accordance with the terms hereof, the fees, costs and expenses (including counsel fees) of the Second Lien Representative and Second Lien Collateral Agent shall be paid pari passu with the payment of the fees, costs and expenses of the First Lien Representative and the First Lien Collateral Agent.

 

(b)          Upon the Discharge of First Lien Obligations, each First Lien Collateral Agent shall:

 

(1)        unless the Discharge of Second Lien Obligations has already occurred, deliver any proceeds of Collateral held by it to the Second Lien Collateral Agent, to be applied by the Second Lien Collateral Agent and the Second Lien Representative, as applicable, to the applicable Second Lien Obligations in such order as specified in the applicable Second Lien Collateral Documents;

 

(2)        [Reserved];

 

(3)        if the Discharge of Second Lien Obligations has already occurred, apply such proceeds of Collateral to any Excess First Lien Obligations in such order as specified in the relevant First Lien Documents, and

 

(4)        if there are no Excess First Lien Obligations, deliver such proceeds of Collateral to the Grantors, their successors or assigns, or to whomever may be lawfully entitled to receive the same.

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Without limiting the obligations of the Second Lien Secured Parties under Section 4.2 hereof, after the Discharge of First Lien Obligations, upon the Discharge of the Second Lien Obligations, the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall deliver any proceeds of Collateral held by it, (x) if there are any Excess First Lien Obligations, to the First Lien Collateral Agent, for application by the First Lien Collateral Agent to the Excess First Lien Obligations in such order as specified in the relevant First Lien Documents until the payment in full in cash of all Excess First Lien Obligations, and (y) if there are no such Excess First Lien Obligations, to the Grantors, their successors or assigns, or to whomever may be lawfully entitled to receive the same.

 

(c)          Whenever a Representative shall be required, in connection with the exercise of its rights or the performance of its obligations hereunder, to determine the existence or amount of any First Lien Obligations (or the existence of any commitment to extend credit that would constitute First Lien Obligations) or Second Lien Obligations, or the existence of any Lien securing any such obligations, or the Collateral subject to any such Lien, it may request that such information be furnished to it in writing by the other Representative and shall be entitled to make such determination on the basis of the information so furnished; provided, however, that if a Representative shall fail or refuse reasonably promptly to provide the requested information, the requesting Representative shall be entitled to make any such determination by such method as it may, in the exercise of its good faith judgment, determine, including by reliance upon a certificate of the Company. Each Representative may rely conclusively, and shall be fully protected in so relying, on any determination made by it in accordance with the provisions of the preceding sentence (or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction) and shall have no liability to the Company, Grantors or any of their subsidiaries, any Secured Party or any other person as a result of such determination.

 

4.2         Payments Over.

 

(a)          So long as the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has not occurred, whether or not any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against the Company or any other Grantor, any Collateral or any proceeds thereof (including assets or proceeds subject to Liens referred to in the final sentence of the second to last paragraph of Section 2.3 and any assets or proceeds subject to Liens that have been avoided or otherwise invalidated) received by the Second Lien Representative, Second Lien Collateral Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party in connection with any Enforcement Action or other exercise of any right or remedy relating to the Collateral in contravention of this Agreement in all cases shall be segregated and held in trust and forthwith paid over to the Designated First Lien Collateral Agent for the benefit of the First Lien Secured Parties in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. The Designated First Lien Collateral Agent is hereby authorized to make any such endorsements as agent for the Second Lien Representative, Second Lien Collateral Agent or any such other Second Lien Secured Party. This authorization is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations.

 

(b)          So long as the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has not occurred, if the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party shall receive Collateral or any distribution of money or other property in respect of the Collateral (including any assets or proceeds subject to Liens that have been avoided or otherwise invalidated) such money or other property shall be segregated and held in trust and forthwith paid over to the First Lien Collateral Agent for the benefit of the First Lien Secured Parties in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements. Any Lien received by the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party in respect of any of the Second Lien Obligations in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement.

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SECTION 5.       Other Agreements.

 

5.1          Releases.

 

(a)          If in connection with any Enforcement Action by any First Lien Representative or any First Lien Collateral Agent or any other exercise of any First Lien Representative’s or any First Lien Collateral Agent’s remedies in respect of the Collateral, in each case prior to the Discharge of First Lien Obligations, such First Lien Collateral Agent, for itself or on behalf of any of the First Lien Secured Parties, releases any of its Liens on any part of the Collateral or such First Lien Representative, for itself or on behalf of any of the First Lien Secured Parties releases any Grantor from its obligations under its guaranty of the First Lien Obligations, then the Liens, if any, of the Second Lien Collateral Agent, for itself or for the benefit of the Second Lien Secured Parties, on such Collateral, and the obligations of such Grantor under its guaranty of the Second Lien Obligations, shall be automatically, unconditionally and simultaneously released.

 

(1)       If in connection with any Enforcement Action or other exercise of rights and remedies by any First Lien Representative or any First Lien Collateral Agent, in each case prior to the Discharge of First Lien Obligations, the equity interests of any Person are foreclosed upon or otherwise disposed of and such First Lien Collateral Agent releases its Lien on the property or assets of such Person then the Liens of the Second Lien Collateral Agent with respect to the property or assets of such Person will be automatically released to the same extent as the Liens of such First Lien Collateral Agent.

 

(2)       The Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, for itself or on behalf of any Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, shall promptly execute and deliver to the First Lien Representatives, First Lien Collateral Agents or such Grantor such termination statements, releases and other documents as any First Lien Representative, First Lien Collateral Agent or such Grantor may prepare and reasonably request, in writing, to effectively confirm the foregoing releases.

 

(b)          If any First Lien Collateral Agent, for itself or on behalf of any of the First Lien Secured Parties represented by it, releases any of its Liens on any part of the Collateral, or any First Lien Representative, for itself or on behalf of any of the First Lien Secured Parties represented by it, releases any Grantor from its obligations under its guaranty of the First Lien Obligations, (including, without limitation) in connection with any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition of any Collateral by any Grantor (collectively, a “Disposition”) permitted under the terms of the First Lien Documents and not expressly prohibited under the terms of the Second Lien Documents (other than in connection with an Enforcement Action or other exercise of any First Lien Representative’s and/or First Lien Collateral Agent’s remedies in respect of the Collateral, which shall be governed by Section 5.1(a) above), in each case other than in connection with, or following, the Discharge of First Lien Obligations, then the Liens, if any, of the Second Lien Collateral Agent, for itself or for the benefit of the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, on such Collateral, and the obligations of such Grantor under its guaranty of the Second Lien Obligations, shall be automatically, unconditionally and simultaneously released. The Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of each Second Lien Secured Party represented by it, shall promptly execute and deliver to the First Lien Representatives, the First Lien Collateral Agents or such Grantor such termination statements, releases and other documents as any First Lien Representative, First Lien Collateral Agent or such Grantor may prepare and reasonably request, in writing, to effectively confirm such release.

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(c)          Until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations occurs, the Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the First Lien Collateral Agent and any officer or agent of the First Lien Collateral Agent, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority in the place and stead of such Second Lien Representative, such Second Lien Collateral Agent and such Second Lien Secured Parties or in the First Lien Collateral Agent’s own name, from time to time in the First Lien Collateral Agent’s discretion, for the purpose of carrying out the terms of this Section 5.1, to take any and all appropriate action and to execute any and all documents and instruments which may be necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Section 5.1, including any endorsements or other instruments of transfer or release. This power is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations.

 

(d)          Until the Discharge of the First Lien Obligations occurs, to the extent that any First Lien Collateral Agent, any First Lien Representative or First Lien Secured Parties (i) have released any Lien on Collateral or any Grantor from its obligation under its guaranty and any such Liens or guaranty are later reinstated or (ii) obtain any new liens or additional guarantees from any Grantor, then the Second Lien Collateral Agent, for itself and for the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, shall be granted a Lien on any such Collateral, subject to the lien subordination provisions of this Agreement, and the Second Lien Representative, for itself and for the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, shall be granted an additional guaranty, as the case may be.

 

(e)          In the event of a Discharge of the First Lien Obligations or a voluntary release of Liens securing the First Lien Obligations by the First Lien Secured Parties on all or substantially all of the Collateral (other than when such release occurs in connection with the First Lien Secured Parties’ foreclosure upon or other exercise of rights and remedies with respect to such Collateral), no release of the Liens on such Collateral securing the Second Lien Obligations shall be made unless (A) consent to the release of such Liens securing the Second Lien Obligations has been given by the requisite percentage or number of the Second Lien Secured Parties at the time outstanding as provided for in the applicable Second Lien Documents and (B) the Company has delivered an officers’ certificate to the Designated First Lien Collateral Agent, the Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent certifying that all such consents have been obtained and such release is otherwise authorized and permitted by the Second Lien Documents.

 

5.2          Insurance. Unless and until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has occurred, the First Lien Representatives, the First Lien Collateral Agents and the other First Lien Secured Parties shall have the sole and exclusive right, subject to the rights of the Grantors under the First Lien Documents, to adjust settlement for any insurance policy covering the Collateral in the event of any loss thereunder and to approve any award granted in any condemnation or similar proceeding (or any deed in lieu of condemnation) affecting the Collateral. Unless and until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has occurred, and subject to the rights of the Grantors under the First Lien Documents, all proceeds of any such policy and any such award (or any payments with respect to a deed in lieu of condemnation) if in respect of the Collateral shall be paid to the Designated First Lien Collateral Agent for the benefit of the First Lien Secured Parties pursuant to the terms of the First Lien Documents and, if then in effect, the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, (including for purposes of cash collateralization of letters of credit) and, thereafter, to the extent no First Lien Obligations are outstanding, and subject to the rights of the Grantors under the Second Lien Documents, to the Second Lien Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Second Lien Secured Parties to the extent required under the Second Lien Documents and then, to the extent no Second Lien Obligations are outstanding, to the owner of the subject property, such other Person as may be entitled thereto or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. Until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has occurred, if the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party shall, at any time, receive any proceeds of any such insurance policy or any such award or payment in contravention of this Agreement, it shall segregate and hold in trust and forthwith pay such proceeds over to the Designated First Lien Collateral Agent in accordance with the terms of Section 4.2. In addition, if by virtue of being named as an additional insured or loss payee of any insurance policy covering any of the Collateral, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party shall have the right to adjust or settle any claim under any such insurance policy, then unless and until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has occurred, the Second Lien Collateral Agent and any such Second Lien Secured Party shall follow the instructions of the Designated First Lien Collateral Agent, or of the Grantors under the First Lien Documents to the extent the First Lien Documents grant such Grantors the right to adjust or settle such claims, with respect to such adjustment or settlement.

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5.3          Amendments to First Lien Documents and Second Lien Documents.

 

(a)           Subject to Section 5.3(c), the First Lien Documents of any Series may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified in accordance with their terms and the First Lien Debt of any Series may be Refinanced subject to Section 5.6 and 8.7, in each case, without notice to, or the consent of, the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party, all without affecting the lien subordination or other provisions of this Agreement, provided that any such amendment, supplement or modification or Refinancing is not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement.

 

(b)           The Second Lien Documents may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified in accordance with their terms, in each case, without notice to, or the consent of, any First Lien Representative, any First Lien Collateral Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party, all without affecting the lien subordination or other provisions of this Agreement, to the extent the terms and conditions of such amendment, supplement, modification meet any applicable requirements set forth in the First Lien Documents; provided that any such amendment, supplement or modification is not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, as certified by the Company in an Officers’ Certificate (as defined in the Indenture) delivered to the Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent.

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(c)           In the event that prior to the Discharge of the First Lien Obligations any First Lien Collateral Agent or the applicable First Lien Secured Parties and the relevant Grantor enter into any amendment, waiver or consent in respect of any of the First Lien Collateral Documents for the purpose of adding to, or deleting from, or waiving or consenting to any departures from any provisions of, any First Lien Collateral Document or changing in any manner the rights of the applicable First Lien Collateral Agent, such First Lien Secured Parties, the Company or any other Grantor thereunder, then such amendment, waiver or consent shall apply automatically to any comparable provision of a Second Lien Collateral Document without the consent of the Second Lien Representative, Second Lien Collateral Agent or other Second Lien Secured Party and without any action by the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent, any other Second Lien Secured Party, the Company or any other Grantor, provided that:

 

(1)       no such amendment, waiver or consent shall have the effect of:

 

(A)      removing assets subject to the Lien of the Second Lien Collateral Documents, except to the extent that a release of such Lien is permitted or required by Section 5.1 and provided that there is a corresponding release of the Liens securing the First Lien Obligations;

 

(B)       imposing duties on, or adversely affecting the rights, immunities, indemnifications, protections and limitations of liability of, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or the Second Lien Representative without its prior written consent;

 

(C)       permitting other Liens on the Collateral not permitted under the terms of the Second Lien Documents or Section 6 hereof; or

 

(D)       being prejudicial to the interests of the Second Lien Secured Parties to a greater extent than the First Lien Secured Parties (other than by virtue of their relative priority and the rights and obligations hereunder); and

 

(2)        notice of such amendment, waiver or consent will be given to the Second Lien Collateral Agent by the applicable First Lien Collateral Agent no later than 30 days after its effectiveness, provided that the failure to give such notice will not affect the effectiveness and validity thereof nor create any liability of the First Lien Collateral Agent.

 

5.4           Confirmation of Subordination in Collateral Documents. The Company agrees that each Second Lien Collateral Document shall include the following language (or language to similar effect approved by the Designated First Lien Collateral Agent):

 

“Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the lien and security interest granted to the Collateral Agent pursuant to this Agreement and the exercise of any right or remedy by the Collateral Agent hereunder are subject to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of April 20, 2021 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Intercreditor Agreement”), among ION Geophysical Corporation, the Grantors from time to time party thereto, PNC Bank, National Association, as First Lien Representative (as defined therein), PNC Bank, National Association, as First Lien Collateral Agent (as defined therein), UMB Bank, National Association, as trustee, as Second Lien Representative (as defined therein), UMB Bank, National Association, as Second Lien Collateral Agent (as defined therein), and certain other persons party or that may become party thereto from time to time. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement and this Agreement, the terms of the Intercreditor Agreement shall govern and control.”

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5.5           Gratuitous Bailee/Agent for Perfection.

 

(a)           Each First Lien Collateral Agent agrees to hold that part of the Collateral that is in its possession or control (or in the possession or control of its agents or bailees) to the extent that possession or control thereof is taken to perfect a Lien thereon under the UCC (such Collateral being the “Pledged Collateral”) as gratuitous bailee for the Second Lien Collateral Agent (such bailment being intended, among other things, to satisfy the requirements of Sections 8- 106(d)(3), 8-301(a)(2) and 9-313(c) of the UCC) and any assignee thereof solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted under the First Lien Documents, the Second Lien Documents, respectively, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 5.5. Solely with respect to any deposit accounts under the control (within the meaning of Section 9-104 of the UCC) of any First Lien Collateral Agent, such First Lien Collateral Agent agrees to also hold control over such deposit accounts as gratuitous agent for the Second Lien Collateral Agent, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 5.5.

 

(b)          No First Lien Collateral Agent shall have any obligation whatsoever to the other First Lien Secured Parties, the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or the Second Lien Secured Parties to ensure that the Pledged Collateral is genuine or owned by any of the Grantors or to preserve rights or benefits of any Person except as expressly set forth in this Section 5.5. The duties or responsibilities of any First Lien Collateral Agent under this Section 5.5 shall be limited solely to holding the Pledged Collateral as bailee (and with respect to deposit accounts, agent) in accordance with this Section 5.5 and delivering the Pledged Collateral upon a Discharge of First Lien Obligations as provided in paragraph (d) below.

 

(c)           No First Lien Collateral Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party shall have by reason of the First Lien Collateral Documents, the Second Lien Collateral Documents, this Agreement or any other document a fiduciary relationship in respect of the Second Lien Representative or any other Second Lien Secured Party and the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent and the Second Lien Secured Parties hereby waive and release the First Lien Collateral Agents and the other First Lien Secured Parties from all claims and liabilities arising pursuant to any First Lien Collateral Agent’s role under this Section 5.5 as gratuitous bailee and gratuitous agent with respect to the Pledged Collateral. It is understood and agreed that the interests of the First Lien Collateral Agents and the other First Lien Secured Parties, on the one hand, and the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent and the other Second Lien Secured Parties, on the other hand may, differ and the First Lien Collateral Agents and the other First Lien Secured Parties shall be fully entitled to act in their own interest without taking into account the interests of the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or other Second Lien Secured Parties.

 

(d)          Upon the Discharge of First Lien Obligations, each First Lien Collateral Agent shall deliver the remaining Pledged Collateral in its possession (if any) together with any necessary endorsements (which endorsement shall be without recourse and without any representation or warranty), (x) unless the Discharge of Second Lien Obligations has not already occurred, to the Second Lien Collateral Agent, (y) if the Discharge of Second Lien Obligations has already occurred, to the Designated First Lien Collateral Agent to the extent Excess First Lien Obligations remain outstanding and (z) if there are no Excess First Lien Obligations, to the Company or to whomever may be lawfully entitled to receive the same.

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(e)          Following the Discharge of First Lien Obligations, each First Lien Collateral Agent further agrees to take all other action reasonably requested by the Second Lien Collateral Agent at the expense of the Company in connection with the Second Lien Collateral Agent obtaining a first-priority security interest in the Collateral.

 

5.6          When Discharge of Obligations Deemed to Not Have Occurred. If, at any time after the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has occurred, the Company thereafter enters into any Refinancing of any First Lien Document evidencing a First Lien Obligation which Refinancing is permitted hereunder, by the First Lien Documents and by the Second Lien Documents, then such Discharge of First Lien Obligations shall automatically be deemed not to have occurred for all purposes of this Agreement (other than with respect to any actions taken as a result of the occurrence of such first Discharge of First Lien Obligations), and, from and after the date on which the Replacement First Lien Representative and Replacement First Lien Collateral Agent in respect of such Refinancing each becomes a party to this Agreement in accordance with Section 8.7(b), the obligations under such Refinancing of the applicable First Lien Document shall automatically be treated as First Lien Obligations for all purposes of this Agreement, including for purposes of the Lien priorities and rights in respect of Collateral set forth herein, and the Replacement First Lien Representative and the Replacement First Lien Collateral Agent under such new First Lien Documents shall be a First Lien Representative and First Lien Collateral Agent, respectively, for all purposes of this Agreement.

 

5.7          Purchase Option.

 

(a)           Notice of Exercise. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of a Purchase Option Triggering Event, all or a portion of the Second Lien Secured Parties, acting as a single group, shall have the option at any time upon five (5) Business Days’ prior written notice to the First Lien Representative to purchase all, but not less than all, First Lien Obligations from the First Lien Secured Parties. Such notice from such Second Lien Secured Parties to the First Lien Representative shall be irrevocable.

 

(b)           Purchase and Sale. On the date specified by the relevant Second Lien Secured Parties in the notice contemplated by Section 5.7(a) above (which date shall not be more than twenty (20) Business Days after the receipt by the First Lien Representative of the notice of the relevant Second Lien Secured Parties’ election to exercise such option), the First Lien Secured Parties shall sell to the relevant Second Lien Secured Parties, and the relevant Second Lien Secured Parties shall purchase from the First Lien Secured Parties, all, but not less than all, First Lien Obligations, provided that, in connection with any such sale, the First Lien Representative and the First Lien Secured Parties shall retain all rights (i) to any Excess First Lien Obligations and to the Liens of the First Lien Representative and First Lien Collateral Agent in the Collateral securing Excess First Lien Obligations (subject to the lien priority set forth in Section 2.1) and (ii) to be indemnified or held harmless by the Grantors in accordance with the terms of the First Lien Documents.

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(c)           Payment of Purchase Price. Upon the date of such purchase and sale of all but not less than all of the First Lien Obligations, the relevant Second Lien Secured Parties, or holders of the Second Lien Obligations, as the case may be, shall (i) pay to the First Lien Representative for the benefit of the First Lien Secured Parties as the purchase price for the First Lien Obligations, the full amount of all First Lien Obligations then outstanding and unpaid (including principal, interest, fees and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and legal expenses, but excluding any prepayment premium, termination or similar fees), (ii) furnish cash collateral to the First Lien Representative in an amount equal to 105% of the aggregate amount available to be drawn under all letters of credit issued under the First Lien Credit Agreement and constituting part of the First Lien Obligations, (iii) furnish cash collateral to the First Lien Representative in an amount equal to 105% of the aggregate amount of Bank Product Obligations constituting part of the First Lien Obligations, and (iv) subject to Section 8.12, agree to indemnify and hold harmless the First Lien Representative with respect to the purchase of the First Lien Obligations from and against any loss, liability, claim, damage or expense (including reasonable fees and expenses of legal counsel) arising out of any claim asserted by a third party in respect of the First Lien Obligations as a direct result of any acts by any Second Lien Secured Party occurring after the date of such purchase. Such purchase price and cash collateral shall be remitted by wire transfer in federal funds to such bank account in New York, New York as the First Lien Representative may designate in writing for such purpose. In addition, upon the date of such purchase and sale (x) if the Second Lien Representative shall so request, the First Lien Representative and First Lien Collateral Agent shall resign as agent (including as collateral agent and as administrative agent), if then applicable, under the First Lien Credit Agreement and (y) the First Lien Representative and the Second Lien Representative shall modify this Agreement on terms reasonably satisfactory to each of them, including without limitations terms relating to lien priority set forth in Section 2.1, restrictions on rights to initiate and continue an Enforcement Action and application of proceeds of Collateral pursuant to an Enforcement Action.

 

(d)          Limitation on Representations and Warranties. Such purchase shall be expressly made without representation or warranty of any kind by the First Lien Representative or the First Lien Secured Parties and without recourse of any kind, except that each First Lien Secured Party shall represent and warrant: (i) the amount of the First Lien Obligations being purchased from such First Lien Secured Party, (ii) that such First Lien Secured Party owns the First Lien Obligations that such First Lien Secured Party is selling to the Second Lien Secured Parties, free and clear of any Liens or encumbrances and (iii) that such First Lien Secured Party has the right to assign the First Lien Obligations that such First Lien Secured Party is selling to the Second Lien Secured Parties, and the assignment is duly authorized.

 

(e)           Loan Party Consent.  Each Grantor irrevocably consents to any assignment effected to one or more Second Lien Secured Parties pursuant to, and in accordance with, this Section 5.7 as in effect on the date hereof and agrees that (i) each such Second Lien Secured Party shall be deemed to be a “Permitted Assignee,” as such term is defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement and (ii) no further consent from such Grantor shall be required in respect of such assignment pursuant to, and in accordance with, this Section 5.7 as in effect on the date hereof.

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SECTION 6.        Insolvency or Liquidation Proceedings.

 

6.1          Finance and Sale Issues.

 

(a)           Until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has occurred, if the Company or any other Grantor shall be subject to any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding and any First Lien Representative shall desire to permit the use of “Cash Collateral” (as such term is defined in Section 363(a) of the Bankruptcy Code), on which such First Lien Representative, such First Lien Collateral Agent or any other creditor has a Lien or to permit the Company or any other Grantor to obtain financing, whether from the First Lien Secured Parties or any other Person under Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar Bankruptcy Law (“DIP Financing”), then the Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, will not object to such Cash Collateral use or DIP Financing (including any proposed orders for such Cash Collateral use and/or DIP Financing which are acceptable to any First Lien Representative) and to the extent the Liens securing the First Lien Obligations are discharged, subordinated to or pari passu with such DIP Financing, the Second Lien Collateral Agent will subordinate its Liens in the Collateral to the Liens securing such DIP Financing (and all Obligations relating thereto) and the Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, will not request adequate protection or any other relief in connection therewith (except as expressly agreed by the Designated First Lien Representative or to the extent permitted by Section 6.3); provided that the aggregate principal amount of the DIP Financing, when taken together with any remaining First Lien Obligations, shall not exceed an amount equal to 110% of the aggregate principal amount of First Lien Obligations outstanding immediately prior to the commencement of such Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, and the Second Lien Representative and the other Second Lien Secured Parties retain the right to object to any ancillary agreements or arrangements regarding Cash Collateral use or the DIP Financing that are materially prejudicial to their interests.

 

No Second Lien Secured Party may provide DIP Financing to the Company or any other Grantor secured by Liens equal or senior in priority to the Liens securing any First Lien Obligations. The Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, agree that they will not seek consultation rights in connection with, and will not object to or oppose, a motion to sell, liquidate or otherwise dispose of Collateral under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code if the requisite First Lien Secured Parties have consented to such sale, liquidation or other disposition. The Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, further agrees that it will not directly or indirectly oppose or impede entry of any order in connection with such sale, liquidation or other disposition, including orders to retain professionals or set bid procedures in connection with such sale, liquidation or disposition, if the requisite First Lien Secured Parties have consented to (i) such retention of professionals and bid procedures in connection with such sale, liquidation or disposition of such assets and (ii) the sale, liquidation or disposition of such assets, in which event the Second Lien Secured Parties will be deemed to have consented to the sale or disposition of Collateral pursuant to Section 363(f) of the Bankruptcy Code and such motion does not impair the rights of the Second Lien Secured Parties under Section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code.

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(b)          The Second Lien Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Lien Secured Party agrees that in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, neither the Second Lien Collateral Agent nor any other Second Lien Secured Party shall propose, support or vote for any plan of reorganization or disclosure statement of the Company or any other Grantor unless such plan is accepted by the class of First Lien Secured Parties in accordance with Section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or otherwise provides for the payment in full in cash of all First Lien Obligations (including all post-petition interest, fees and expenses) on the effective date of such plan of reorganization.

 

(c)          So long as the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has not occurred, without the express written consent of the First Lien Collateral Agent, neither the Second Lien Collateral Agent nor any other Second Lien Secured Party shall (or shall join with or support any third party in opposing, objecting to or contesting, as the case may be), in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding involving any Grantor, (i) oppose, object to or contest the determination of the extent of any Liens held by any of First Lien Secured Parties or the value of any claims of any such holder under Section 506(a) of the Bankruptcy Code or (ii) oppose the payment to the First Lien Secured Parties of interest, fees or expenses under Section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code.

 

(d)          Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding a determination is made that any Lien encumbering any Collateral is not enforceable for any reason, then the Second Lien Collateral Agent for itself and on behalf of each other Second Lien Secured Party, agrees that, any distribution or recovery they may receive with respect to, or allocable to, the value of the assets constituting Collateral subject to an enforceable Lien in favor of the Second Lien Secured Parties or any proceeds thereof shall (for so long as the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has not occurred) be segregated and held in trust and forthwith paid over to the Designated First Lien Collateral Agent for the benefit of the First Lien Secured Parties in the same form as received without recourse, representation or warranty (other than a representation of the Second Lien Collateral Agent that it has not otherwise sold, assigned, transferred or pledged any right, title or interest in and to such distribution or recovery) but with any necessary endorsements or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct Until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations occurs, the Second Lien Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Lien Secured Party, hereby appoint the Designated First Lien Collateral Agent, and any officer or agent of the Designated First Lien Collateral Agent, with full power of substitution, the attorney-in-fact of each Second Lien Secured Party for the limited purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Section 6.1(e) and taking any action and executing any instrument that the Designated First Lien Collateral Agent may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Section 6 1(e), which appointment is irrevocable and coupled with an interest.

 

6.2          Relief from the Automatic Stay.

 

Until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has occurred, the Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, agrees that none of them shall: (i) seek (or support any other Person seeking) relief from the automatic stay or any other stay in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in respect of the Collateral, without the prior written consent of the First Lien Representatives or (ii) oppose (or support any other Person in opposing) any request by any First Lien Representative or First Lien Collateral Agent for relief from such stay.

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6.3           Adequate Protection and Other Agreements.

 

(a)          The Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of each other Second Lien Secured Party, agrees, that neither it nor any other Second Lien Secured Party will file or prosecute in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding any motion for adequate protection (or any comparable request for relief) based upon their interest in the Collateral, nor object to, oppose or contest (or join with or support any third party objecting to, opposing or contesting):

 

(1)       any request by any First Lien Representative, any First Lien Collateral Agent or other First Lien Secured Party for adequate protection under any Bankruptcy Law; or

 

(2)       any objection by any First Lien Representative, any First Lien Collateral Agent or other First Lien Secured Party to any motion, relief, action or proceeding based on such First Lien Representative, First Lien Collateral Agent or First Lien Secured Party claiming a lack of adequate protection.

 

(b)         Notwithstanding the foregoing, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding:

 

(1)       if the First Lien Secured Parties (or any subset thereof) are granted adequate protection in the form of additional collateral in connection with any DIP Financing or use of cash collateral under Section 363 or Section 364 of Title 11 of the United States Code or any similar Bankruptcy Law, then the Second Lien Representative, on behalf of itself and any applicable Second Lien Secured Party, (A) may seek or request adequate protection in the form of a replacement Lien on such additional collateral, which Lien is subordinated to the Liens securing the First Lien Debt and such DIP Financing (and all Obligations relating thereto) on the same basis as the Liens securing the Second Lien Debt are subordinated to the Liens securing First Lien Debt under this Agreement and (B) agrees that it will not seek or request, and will not accept, adequate protection in any other form, and

 

(2)       in the event the Second Lien Representative, on behalf of itself or any applicable Second Lien Secured Party, seeks or requests adequate protection and such adequate protection is granted in the form of additional collateral, then such Second Lien Representative, on behalf of itself or each such Second Lien Secured Party, agrees that the First Lien Representative shall also be granted a senior Lien on such additional collateral as security for the applicable First Lien Debt and any such DIP Financing and that any Lien on such additional collateral securing the Second Lien Debt shall be subordinated to the Liens on such collateral securing the First Lien Debt and any such DIP Financing (and all Obligations relating thereto) and any other Liens granted to the First Lien Secured Parties as adequate protection on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Second Lien Debt are subordinated to such Liens securing First Lien Debt under this Agreement.

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(c)          The Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, agrees that notice of a hearing to approve DIP Financing or use of Cash Collateral on an interim basis shall be adequate if delivered to such Second Lien Representative and Second Lien Collateral Agent at least two (2) Business Days in advance of such hearing and that notice of a hearing to approve DIP Financing or use of Cash Collateral on a final basis shall be adequate if delivered to such Second Lien Representative and Second Lien Collateral Agent at least fifteen (15) days in advance of such hearing.

 

6.4          No Waiver.

 

Subject to Section 6.7(b), nothing contained herein shall prohibit or in any way limit any First Lien Representative or any other First Lien Secured Party from objecting in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to any action taken by the Second Lien Representative or any other Second Lien Secured Party, including the seeking by the Second Lien Representative or any other Second Lien Secured Party of adequate protection or the asserting by the Second Lien Representative or any other Second Lien Secured Party of any of its rights and remedies under the Second Lien Documents or otherwise.

 

6.5          Avoidance Issues. If any First Lien Secured Party is required in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to turn over or otherwise pay to the estate of the Company or any other Grantor any amount paid, whether received as a payment from the proceeds of Collateral or other security, enforcement of set off rights, or otherwise, in respect of First Lien Obligations (a “Recovery”), then such First Lien Secured Party shall be entitled to a reinstatement of its First Lien Obligations with respect to all such recovered amounts on the date of such Recovery, and from and after the date of such reinstatement the Discharge of First Lien Obligations shall be deemed not to have occurred for all purposes hereunder. If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to any such Recovery, this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the obligations of the parties hereto from such date of reinstatement and to the extent the Cap Amount was decreased in connection with such payment of the First Lien Obligations, the Cap Amount shall be increased to such extent.

 

6.6          Reorganization Securities. If, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, debt obligations of the reorganized debtor Secured by Liens upon any property of the reorganized debtor are distributed pursuant to a plan of reorganization, arrangement, compromise or liquidation or similar dispositive restructuring plan, both on account of First Lien Obligations and on account of Second Lien Obligations, then, to the extent the debt obligations distributed on account of the First Lien Obligations and on account of the Second Lien Obligations are secured by Liens upon the same property, the provisions of this Agreement will survive the distribution of such debt obligations pursuant to such plan and will apply with like effect to the Liens securing such debt obligations.

 

6.7           Post-Petition Interest.

 

(a)           None of the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by any First Lien Representative, any First Lien Collateral Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of First Lien Obligations consisting of Post-Petition Interest to the extent of the value of the Lien of the First Lien Collateral Agents on behalf of the First Lien Secured Parties on the Collateral or any other First Lien Secured Party’s Lien, without regard to the existence of the Liens of the Second Lien Collateral Agent on behalf of the Second Lien Secured Parties on the Collateral.

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(b)          None of any First Lien Representative, First Lien Collateral Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party shall oppose or seek to challenge any claim by the Second Lien Representative, Second Lien Collateral Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party for allowance in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of Second Lien Obligations consisting of Post-Petition Interest to the extent of the value of the Lien of the Second Lien Collateral Agent on behalf of the Second Lien Secured Parties on the Collateral (after taking into account the value of the First Lien Obligations).

 

6.8          Waivers.

 

Until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has occurred, the Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it:

 

(a)          waives the right to make an election under, and any claim it may hereafter have against any First Lien Secured Party arising out of the election of any First Lien Secured Party of the application of Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code, and/or out of any cash collateral or financing arrangement or out of any grant of a security interest in connection with the Collateral in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, and agrees not to object to, oppose, support any objection or take any other action to impede, the right of any First Lien Secured Party to make an election under Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code, so long as such actions are not in express contravention of the terms of this Agreement; and

 

(b)          waives any right to serve and agrees that it will not serve on any official or ad hoc unsecured creditor committee or group of unsecured creditors in any Bankruptcy Case involving the Company or any of its Affiliates.

 

6.9          Separate Grants of Security and Separate Classification.

 

The Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, and each First Lien Representative and each First Lien Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the First Lien Secured Parties represented by it, acknowledges and agrees that:

 

(a)           the grants of Liens pursuant to the First Lien Collateral Documents and the Second Lien Collateral Documents constitute two separate and distinct grants of Liens; and

 

(b)          because of, among other things, their differing rights in the Collateral, the Second Lien Obligations are fundamentally different from the First Lien Obligations and must be separately classified in any plan of reorganization proposed or adopted in an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding.

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To further effectuate the intent of the parties as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, if it is held that the claims of the First Lien Secured Parties and the Second Lien Secured Parties in respect of the Collateral constitute only one secured claim (rather than separate classes of senior and junior secured claims), then each of the parties hereto hereby acknowledges and agrees that all distributions shall be made as if there were separate classes of senior and junior secured claims against the Grantors in respect of the Collateral (with the effect being that, to the extent that the aggregate value of the Collateral is sufficient (for this purpose ignoring all claims held by the Second Lien Secured Parties):

 

(1)        the First Lien Secured Parties shall be entitled to receive, in addition to amounts distributed to them in respect of principal, pre-petition interest and other claims, all amounts owing (or that would be owing if there were such separate classes of senior and junior secured claims) in respect of Post-Petition Interest (including any additional interest payable pursuant to the First Lien Documents, arising from or related to a default, which is disallowed as a claim in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding) before any distribution is made in respect of the claims held by the Second Lien Secured Parties, and

 

(2)        the Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, hereby acknowledging and agreeing to turn over to the Designated First Lien Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of the First Lien Secured Parties, Collateral or proceeds of Collateral otherwise received or receivable by them to the extent necessary to effectuate the intent of this sentence, even if such turnover has the effect of reducing the claim or recovery of the Second Lien Secured Parties.

 

6.10         Effectiveness in Insolvency or Liquidation Proceedings. The Parties acknowledge that this Agreement is a “subordination agreement” under Section 510(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, which will be effective before, during and after the commencement of an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding. All references in this Agreement to any Grantor will include such Person as a debtor-in-possession and any receiver or trustee for such Person in an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding.

 

SECTION 7.         Reliance; Waivers; Etc.

 

7.1           Reliance. Other than any reliance on the terms of this Agreement, each First Lien Representative and each First Lien Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the First Lien Secured Parties represented by it, acknowledges that it and such First Lien Secured Parties have, independently and without reliance on the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party, and based on documents and information deemed by them appropriate, made their own credit analysis and decision to enter into each of the First Lien Documents and be bound by the terms of this Agreement and they will continue to make their own credit decision in taking or not taking any action under the First Lien Documents or this Agreement. The Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, acknowledges that it and such Second Lien Secured Parties have, independently and without reliance on any First Lien Representative, any First Lien Collateral Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party, and based on documents and information deemed by them appropriate, made their own credit analysis and decision to enter into each of the Second Lien Documents and be bound by the terms of this Agreement and they will continue to make their own credit decision in taking or not taking any action under the Second Lien Documents or this Agreement.

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7.2          No Warranties or Liability.

 

(a)           Each First Lien Representative and each First Lien Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the First Lien Secured Parties represented by it, acknowledges and agrees that no Second Lien Representative or other Second Lien Secured Party has made any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectability or enforceability of any of the Second Lien Documents, the ownership of any Collateral or the perfection or priority of any Liens thereon. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Second Lien Secured Parties will be entitled to manage and supervise their respective extensions of credit under the Second Lien Documents in accordance with law and as they may otherwise, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate.

 

(b)          The Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, acknowledges and agrees that no First Lien Representative or other First Lien Secured Party has made any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectability or enforceability of any of the First Lien Documents, the ownership of any Collateral or the perfection or priority of any Liens thereon.

 

(c)          No Representative, the Collateral Agent or other Secured Parties shall have any duty to any other Representatives, the Agents or any of the other Secured Parties, to act or refrain from acting in a manner which allows, or results in, the occurrence or continuance of an event of default or default under any agreements with the Company or any other Grantor (including the First Lien Documents and the Second Lien Documents), regardless of any knowledge thereof which they may have or be charged with.

 

7.3          No Waiver of Lien Priorities.

 

(a)           No right of the First Lien Secured Parties, the First Lien Representatives, the First Lien Collateral Agents or any of them to enforce any provision of this Agreement or any First Lien Document shall at any time in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of the Company or any other Grantor or by any act or failure to act by any First Lien Secured Party, First Lien Representative or First Lien Collateral Agent, or by any noncompliance by any Person with the terms, provisions and covenants of this Agreement, any of the First Lien Documents, any of the Second Lien Documents, regardless of any knowledge thereof which any other First Lien Representative, First Lien Collateral Agent or any First Lien Secured Party, or any of them, may have or be otherwise charged with.

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(b)           Without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing paragraph (but subject to the rights of the Company and the other Grantors under the First Lien Documents and subject to the provisions of Section 1.1(a)), the First Lien Secured Parties, the First Lien Representatives, the First Lien Collateral Agents and any of them may, at any time and from time to time in accordance with the First Lien Documents and/or applicable law, without the consent of, or notice to, the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party, without incurring any liabilities to the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party, and without impairing or releasing the Lien priorities and other benefits provided in this Agreement (even if any right of subrogation or other right or remedy of the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party is affected, impaired or extinguished thereby) do any one or more of the following:

 

(1)        change the manner, place or terms of payment or change or extend the time of payment of, or amend, renew, exchange, increase or alter, the terms of any of the First Lien Obligations or any Lien on any First Lien Collateral or guaranty of any of the First Lien Obligations or any liability of the Company or any other Grantor, or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof (including any increase in or extension of the First Lien Obligations, without any restriction as to the tenor or terms of any such increase or extension) or otherwise amend, renew, exchange, extend, modify or supplement in any manner any Liens held by any First Lien Representative, any First Lien Collateral Agent or any of the other First Lien Secured Parties, the First Lien Obligations or any of the First Lien Documents;

 

(2)        sell, exchange, release, surrender, realize upon, enforce or otherwise deal with in any manner and in any order any part of the First Lien Collateral or any liability of the Company or any other Grantor to any of the First Lien Secured Parties, the First Lien Representatives or the First Lien Collateral Agents, or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof;

 

(3)        settle or compromise any First Lien Obligation or any other liability of the Company or any other Grantor or any security therefor or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof and apply any sums by whomsoever paid and however realized to any liability (including the First Lien Obligations) in any manner or order; and

 

(4)        exercise or delay in or refrain from exercising any right or remedy against the Company or any other Grantor or any other Person or any security, and elect any remedy and otherwise deal freely with the Company, any other Grantor or any First Lien Collateral and any security and any guarantor or any liability of the Company or any other Grantor to the First Lien Secured Parties or any liability incurred directly or indirectly in respect thereof.

 

(c)           Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, also agrees that the First Lien Secured Parties, the First Lien Representatives and the First Lien Collateral Agents shall have no liability to such Second Lien Representative, such Second Lien Collateral Agent or any such Second Lien Secured Parties, and such Second Lien Representative and such Second Lien Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, hereby waives any claim against any First Lien Secured Party, any First Lien Representative or any First Lien Collateral Agent arising out of any and all actions which the First Lien Secured Parties, any First Lien Representative or any First Lien Collateral Agent may take or permit or omit to take with respect to:

 

(1)        the First Lien Documents (other than this Agreement);

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(2)        the collection of the First Lien Obligations; or

 

(3)        the foreclosure upon, or sale, liquidation or other disposition of, any First Lien Collateral.

 

The Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, agrees that the First Lien Secured Parties, the First Lien Representatives and the First Lien Collateral Agents have no duty to them in respect of the maintenance or preservation of the First Lien Collateral, the First Lien Obligations or otherwise.

 

(d)          Until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations, the Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, agree not to assert and hereby waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any right to demand, request, plead or otherwise assert or otherwise claim the benefit of, any marshaling, appraisal, valuation or other similar right that may otherwise be available under applicable law with respect to any First Lien Collateral or any other similar rights a junior secured creditor may have under applicable law.

 

7.4          Obligations Unconditional.

 

(a)           All rights, interests, agreements and obligations of the First Lien Representatives, the First Lien Collateral Agents and the other First Lien Secured Parties, the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent and the other Second Lien Secured Parties, respectively, hereunder shall remain in full force and effect irrespective of:

 

(b)           any lack of validity or enforceability of any First Lien Documents or any Second Lien Documents;

 

(c)           except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other terms of, all or any of the First Lien Obligations or Second Lien Obligations, or any amendment or waiver or other modification, including any increase in the amount thereof, whether by course of conduct or otherwise, of the terms of any First Lien Document or any Second Lien Document;

 

(d)          any exchange, voiding, avoidance or non-perfection of any security interest in any Collateral or any other collateral, or any amendment, waiver or other modification, whether in writing or by course of conduct or otherwise, of all or any of the First Lien Obligations or Second Lien Obligations or any guaranty thereof;

 

(e)          the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in respect of the Company or any other Grantor; or

 

(f)           any other circumstances which otherwise might constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, the Company or any other Grantor in respect of any First Lien Representative, any First Lien Collateral Agent, the First Lien Obligations, any First Lien Secured Party, the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent, the Second Lien Obligations or any Second Lien Secured Party in respect of this Agreement.

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SECTION 8.         Miscellaneous.

 

8.1           Integration/Conflicts. This Agreement, the First Lien Documents and the Second Lien Documents represent the entire agreement of the Grantors, the First Lien Secured Parties and the Second Lien Secured Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof, and supercede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof and thereof. There are no promises, undertakings, representations or warranties by the First Lien Secured Parties or the Second Lien Secured Parties relative to the subject matter hereof and thereof not expressly set forth or referred to herein or therein. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of the First Lien Documents or the Second Lien Documents, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern and control.

 

8.2           Effectiveness; Continuing Nature of this Agreement; Severability. This Agreement shall become effective when executed and delivered by the parties hereto. This is a continuing agreement of lien subordination and the First Lien Secured Parties may continue, at any time and without notice to the Second Lien Representative or any other Second Lien Secured Party, to extend credit and other financial accommodations and lend monies to or for the benefit of the Company or any Grantor constituting First Lien Obligations in reliance hereon. The Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, hereby waives any right it may have under applicable law to revoke this Agreement or any of the provisions of this Agreement. The terms of this Agreement shall survive, and shall continue in full force and effect, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding. Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. The parties hereto shall endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace any invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to those of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions. All references to the Company or any other Grantor shall include the Company or such Grantor as debtor and debtor-in-possession and any receiver, trustee or similar person for the Company or any other Grantor (as the case may be) in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding. This Agreement shall terminate and be of no further force and effect:

 

(a)           with respect to any First Lien Representative and any First Lien Collateral Agent, the First Lien Secured Parties represented by it and their First Lien Obligations, on the date on which no First Lien Obligations of such First Lien Secured Parties are any longer Secured by, or required to be secured by, any of the First Lien Collateral pursuant to the terms of the applicable First Lien Documents, subject to the rights of the First Lien Secured Parties under Section 6.5; and

 

(b)           with respect to the Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it and their Second Lien Obligations, on the date on which no Second Lien Obligations of such Second Lien Secured Parties are any longer secured by, or required to be secured by, any of the Second Lien Collateral pursuant to the terms of the applicable Second Lien Documents.

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provided, however, that in each case, such termination shall not relieve any such party of its obligations incurred hereunder prior to the date of such termination.

 

8.3          Amendments; Waivers.

 

(a)           No amendment, modification or waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to be made unless the same shall be in writing signed on behalf of each party hereto or its authorized agent and each waiver, if any, shall be a waiver only with respect to the specific instance involved and shall in no way impair the rights of the parties making such waiver or the obligations of the other parties to such party in any other respect or at any other time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and the other Grantors shall not have any right to consent to or approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement except to the extent their rights are directly and adversely affected.

 

(b)           Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of any First Lien Secured Party or Second Lien Secured Party, any Representative and Collateral Agent may become a party hereto by execution and delivery of a Joinder Agreement in accordance with Section 8.7 of this Agreement and upon such execution and delivery, such Representative and Collateral Agent and the First Lien Secured Parties and First Lien Obligations or Additional First Lien Secured Parties or Additional First Lien Obligations of the Series for which such Representative and Collateral Agent is acting shall be subject to the terms hereof.

 

(c)           Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of any other Representative, Collateral Agent or First Lien Secured Party, the First Lien Representative may effect amendments and modifications to this Agreement to the extent necessary to reflect any incurrence of any First Lien Obligations or Additional First Lien Obligations in compliance with this Agreement.

 

8.4          Information Concerning Financial Condition of the Grantors and their Subsidiaries. The First Lien Representatives, the First Lien Collateral Agents and the First Lien Secured Parties, and the Second Lien Secured Parties, shall each be responsible for keeping themselves informed of (a) the financial condition of the Grantors and their Subsidiaries and all endorsers and/or guarantors of the First Lien Obligations or the Second Lien Obligations and (b) all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the First Lien Obligations or the Second Lien Obligations. Except as set forth in Section 4.1(b), none of the First Lien Representatives, the First Lien Collateral Agents, the other First Lien Secured Parties, the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or the other Second Lien Secured Parties shall have a duty to advise of information known to it or them regarding such condition or any such circumstances or otherwise.

 

(a)           In the event the First Lien Representatives, the First Lien Collateral Agents or any of the other First Lien Secured Parties, in its or their sole discretion, undertakes at any time or from time to time to provide any such information to the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or any other Second Lien Secured Party, it or they shall be under no obligation:

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(1)               to make, and the First Lien Representatives, the First Lien Collateral Agents and the other First Lien Secured Parties, shall not make, and shall be deemed not to have made, any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or validity of any such information so provided;

 

(2)               to provide any additional information or to provide any such information on any subsequent occasion;

 

(3)               to undertake any investigation; or

 

(4)               to disclose any information, which pursuant to accepted or reasonable commercial finance practices, such party wishes to maintain confidential or is otherwise required to maintain confidential.

 

(b)          In the event the Second Lien Representatives, the Second Lien Collateral Agents or any of the other Second Lien Secured Parties, in its or their sole discretion, undertakes at any time or from time to time to provide any such information to the First Lien Representative, the First Lien Collateral Agent or any other First Lien Secured Party, it or they shall be under no obligation:

 

(1)               to make, and the Second Lien Representatives, the Second Lien Collateral Agents and the other Second Lien Secured Parties, shall not make, and shall be deemed not to have made, any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or validity of any such information so provided;

 

(2)               to provide any additional information or to provide any such information on any subsequent occasion;

 

(3)               to undertake any investigation; or

 

(4)               to disclose any information, which pursuant to accepted or reasonable commercial finance practices, such party wishes to maintain confidential or is otherwise required to maintain confidential.

 

8.5           Subrogation.

 

With respect to the value of any payments or distributions in cash, property or other assets that any of the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent or the other Second Lien Secured Parties pays over to any of the First Lien Representatives, the First Lien Collateral Agents or the other First Lien Secured Parties under the terms of this Agreement, such Second Lien Secured Parties, Second Lien Representative and Second Lien Collateral Agent shall be subrogated to the rights of such First Lien Representatives, First Lien Collateral Agents and First Lien Secured Parties; provided that the Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, hereby agrees not to assert or enforce any such rights of subrogation it may acquire as a result of any payment hereunder until the Discharge of First Lien Obligations has occurred. The Company and the other Grantors each acknowledges and agrees that the value of any payments or distributions in cash, property or other assets received by the Second Lien Representative, Second Lien Collateral Agent or other Second Lien Secured Party that are paid over to any First Lien Representative, First Lien Collateral Agent or other First Lien Secured Party pursuant to this Agreement shall not reduce any of the Second Lien Obligations.

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8.6          Application of Payments.

 

All payments received by any First Lien Representative, First Lien Collateral Agent or other First Lien Secured Party may be applied, reversed and reapplied, in whole or in part, to such part of the First Lien Obligations provided for in the First Lien Documents. The Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, agrees to any extension or postponement of the time of payment of the First Lien Obligations or any part thereof and to any other indulgence with respect thereto, to any substitution, exchange or release of any security which may at any time secure any part of the First Lien Obligations and to the addition or release of any other Person primarily or secondarily liable therefor.

 

8.7          Additional Debt Facilities.

 

(a)           To the extent, but only to the extent, permitted by the provisions of the First Lien Documents and the Second Lien Documents, the Company may (x) incur or issue and sell one or more series or classes of Indebtedness that the Company designates as Additional First Lien Debt or (y) incur Indebtedness under any Replacement First Lien Credit Agreement that is secured on an equal and ratable basis with the Liens securing the First Lien Obligations.

 

Any Indebtedness and other First Lien Obligations under any Replacement First Lien Credit Agreement may be secured by Liens on an equal and ratable basis, in each case under and pursuant to the First Lien Documents, if and subject to the condition that the Replacement First Lien Representative and Replacement First Lien Collateral Agent, acting on behalf of the holders of such First Lien Obligations, each becomes a party to this Agreement by satisfying the conditions set forth in clauses (1) through (3) of paragraph (b) of this Section 8.7. Upon any Replacement First Lien Representative and Replacement First Lien Collateral Agent, as the case may be, so becoming a party hereto, all First Lien Obligations under any Replacement First Lien Credit Agreement shall also be entitled to be so secured by a senior Lien on the Collateral in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof.

 

Any such series or class of Additional First Lien Debt may be secured by a first-priority, superior Lien on the Collateral, in each case under and pursuant to the relevant First Lien Collateral Documents for such Series of Additional First Lien Debt, if and subject to the condition, unless such Indebtedness is part of an existing Series of Additional First Lien Debt represented by a First Lien Representative and First Lien Collateral Agent already party to this Agreement and the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, the Additional First Lien Representative and Additional First Lien Collateral Agent of any such Additional First Lien Debt each becomes a party to this Agreement and the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement by satisfying the conditions set forth in clauses (1) through (3) of paragraph (b) of this Section 8.7. Upon any Additional First Lien Representative so becoming a party hereto and becoming a party to the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement in accordance with the terms thereof, all Additional First Lien Obligations of such Series shall also be entitled to be so secured by a superior Lien on the Collateral in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof.

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(b)           In order for an Additional First Lien Representative and an Additional First Lien Collateral Agent, or, in the case of a Replacement First Lien Credit Agreement, in order for the Replacement First Lien Representative and the Replacement First Lien Collateral Agent in respect thereof, to become a party to this Agreement:

 

(1)               such Additional First Lien Representative and such Additional First Lien Collateral Agent or such Replacement First Lien Representative and such Replacement First Lien Collateral Agent shall have executed and delivered to each other then-existing Representative a Joinder Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit I hereto (if such Representative is an Additional First Lien Representative and such Collateral Agent is an Additional First Lien Collateral Agent) or Exhibit II hereto (in the case of a Replacement First Lien Credit Agreement) (with such changes as may be reasonably approved by the First Lien Representative and such Representative and such Collateral Agent) pursuant to which such (x) such Additional First Lien Representative becomes a Representative hereunder, such Additional First Lien Collateral Agent becomes a Collateral Agent hereunder and the related First Lien Secured Parties become subject hereto and bound hereby or (y) Replacement First Lien Representative becomes the First Lien Representative hereunder, such Replacement First Lien Credit Agreement becomes the First Lien Credit Agreement hereunder and such First Lien Obligations and holders of such First Lien Obligations become subject hereto and bound hereby;

 

(2)               the Company shall have delivered a Designation to each other then-existing Collateral Agent substantially in the form of Exhibit III hereto, pursuant to which a Responsible Officer of the Company shall (A) identify the Indebtedness to be designated as Additional First Lien Obligations or First Lien Obligations, as applicable, and the initial aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness, (B) specify the name and address of the applicable Additional First Lien Representative and Additional First Lien Collateral Agent or the Replacement First Lien Representative and Replacement First Lien Collateral Agent, (C) certify that such Additional First Lien Debt or First Lien Obligations are permitted to be incurred, secured and guaranteed by each First Lien Document and Second Lien Document and that the conditions set forth in this Section 8.7 are satisfied with respect to such Additional First Lien Debt or First Lien Obligations, as applicable, and (D) in the case of a Replacement First Lien Credit Agreement, expressly state that such agreement giving rise to the new Indebtedness satisfies the requirements of a Replacement First Lien Credit Agreement and is designated as a Replacement First Lien Credit Agreement; and

 

(3)               the Company shall have delivered to each other Collateral Agent true and complete copies of each of the First Lien Documents relating to such Additional First Lien Debt, or the Replacement First Lien Credit Agreement, as applicable, certified as being true and correct by a Responsible Officer of the Company.

 

(c)          The Additional First Lien Documents relating to such Additional First Lien Obligations shall provide that each of the applicable Secured Parties with respect to such Additional First Lien Obligations will be subject to and bound by the provisions of this Agreement in its capacity as a holder of such Additional First Lien Obligations.

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(d)          Upon the execution and delivery of a Joinder Agreement by an Additional First Lien Representative and an Additional First Lien Collateral Agent or the Replacement First Lien Representative and the Replacement First Lien Collateral Agent, in each case, in accordance with this Section 8.7, each other Representative and Collateral Agent shall acknowledge receipt thereof by countersigning a copy thereof and returning the same to such Additional First Lien Representative and such Additional First Lien Collateral Agent or the Replacement First Lien Representative and the Replacement First Lien Collateral Agent, as the case may be; provided that the failure of any Representative or Collateral Agent to so acknowledge or return the same shall not affect the status of such Additional First Lien Obligations as Additional First Lien Obligations, or a Replacement First Lien Credit Agreement if the other requirements of this Section 8.7 are complied with.

 

(e)           With respect to any incurrence, issuance or sale of Indebtedness after the date hereof under the Additional First Lien Documents of a Series of Additional First Lien Debt whose Representative and Collateral Agent is already each a party to this Agreement or First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement, as applicable, the requirements of Section 8.7(b) shall not be applicable and such Indebtedness shall automatically constitute Additional First Lien Debt so long as (i) such Indebtedness is permitted to be incurred, Secured and guaranteed by each First Lien Document and Second Lien Document and (ii) the provisions of paragraph (c) above have been complied with; provided, further, however that with respect to any such Indebtedness incurred, issued or sold pursuant to the terms of any Additional First Lien Documents of such existing Series of Additional First Lien Debt as such terms existed on the date the Representative and Collateral Agent for such Series of Additional First Lien Debt executed the Joinder Agreement, the requirements of clause (i) of this paragraph (e) shall be tested only as of (x) the date of execution of such Joinder Agreement, if pursuant to a commitment entered into at the time of such Joinder Agreement and (y) with respect to any later commitment or amendment to those terms to permit such Indebtedness, as of the date of such commitment and/or amendment.

 

8.8          Submission to Jurisdiction; Certain Waivers. Each of the Company, each other Grantor, and each Representative and each Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the applicable Secured Parties for whom it is acting, hereby irrevocably and unconditionally:

 

(a)          submits for itself and its property in any legal action or proceeding relating to this Agreement and the Collateral Documents (whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise) to which it is a party, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, to the exclusive general jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan, the courts of the United States for the Southern District of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan, and appellate courts from any thereof;

 

(b)          agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding shall be heard and determined in such New York state court or, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, in such federal court;

 

(c)          agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law and that nothing in this Agreement or any other First Lien Document shall affect any right that any Secured Party may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other First Lien Document or Second Lien Document against such Grantor or any of its assets in the courts of any jurisdiction;

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(d)          waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Collateral Document in any court referred to in paragraph (a) of this Section 8.8 (and irrevocably waives to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court);

 

(e)          consents to service of process in any such proceeding in any such court by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the applicable party at its address provided in accordance with Section 8.10 (and agrees that nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party hereto to serve process in any other manner permitted by applicable law); provided, however, that this Section 8.8(e) shall not apply to the Second Lien Representative or the Second Lien Collateral Agent;

 

(f)           agrees that service as provided in paragraph (e) above is sufficient to confer personal jurisdiction over the applicable party in any such proceeding in any such court, and otherwise constitutes effective and binding service in every respect; provided, however, that this Section 8.8(f) shall not apply to the Second Lien Representative or the Second Lien Collateral Agent and

 

(g)          waives, to the maximum extent not prohibited by law, any right it may have to claim or recover any special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages.

 

8.9          WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO AND THE COMPANY AND THE OTHER GRANTORS HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER FIRST LIEN DOCUMENT OR SECOND LIEN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, BREACH OF DUTY, COMMON LAW, STATUTE OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO AND THE COMPANY AND THE OTHER GRANTORS (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PERSON HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PERSON WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER FIRST LIEN DOCUMENTS AND SECOND LIEN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION. EACH PARTY HERETO AND THE COMPANY AND THE OTHER GRANTORS FURTHER REPRESENTS AND WARRANTS THAT IT HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH ITS LEGAL COUNSEL AND THAT IT KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES IT JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.

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8.10          Notices. All notices to the Second Lien Secured Parties and the First Lien Secured Parties permitted or required under this Agreement shall be sent to the Second Lien Representative and the applicable First Lien Representative, respectively. Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, any notice hereunder shall be in writing and may be personally served or sent by facsimile or United States mail or courier service and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered in person or by courier service and signed for against receipt thereof, upon receipt of facsimile, or three Business Days after depositing it in the United States mail with postage prepaid and properly addressed. For the purposes hereof, the addresses of the parties hereto shall be as set forth below each party’s name on the signature pages hereto or in the Joinder Agreement pursuant to which it becomes a party hereto, or, as to each party, at such other address as may be designated by such party in a written notice to all of the other parties.

 

8.11          Further Assurances. Each First Lien Representative and each First Lien Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the First Lien Secured Parties represented by it, the Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and the Second Lien Secured Parties represented by it, and the Company and each other Grantor, agree that each of them shall take such further action and shall execute and deliver such additional documents and instruments (in recordable form, if requested) as any First Lien Representative and First Lien Collateral Agent or the Second Lien Representative and Second Lien Collateral Agent may reasonably request to effectuate the terms of and the Lien priorities contemplated by this Agreement.

 

8.12          Agency Capacities. Except as expressly provided herein, PNC is acting in the capacity of First Lien Representative solely for the First Lien Secured Parties. Except as expressly provided herein, each other Representative and Collateral Agent is acting in the capacity of Representative and Collateral Agent, respectively, solely for the Secured Parties under the First Lien Documents or Second Lien Documents for which it is the named Representative or Collateral Agent, as the case may be, in the applicable Joinder Agreement. UMB Bank, National Association (“UMB”), is entering into this Agreement not in its individual or corporate capacity but solely in its capacity as trustee and collateral agent under the Indenture. All the rights, powers, protections, immunities and indemnities afforded to the trustee and collateral agent, respectively, under the Indenture shall be applicable to UMB as the Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent, respectively, hereunder. Neither the Second Lien Representative nor the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall have any obligation to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any liability, financial or otherwise, in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers if it shall have reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or indemnity satisfactory to it against such risk or liability is not assured to it. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, and for the avoidance of doubt, the obligations of the Second Lien Representative or Second Lien Collateral Agent to indemnify, compensate or reimburse any other party, including the First Lien Representative, under the terms of this Agreement, shall be (i) an obligation of the Second Lien Representative or Second Lien Collateral Agent solely in their capacity as trustee or collateral agent, respectively, under the Second Lien Documents; and (ii) limited solely to the funds available to it under the Second Lien Documents at any point in time. The obligation of the Second Lien Representative or Second Lien Collateral Agent to indemnify, or reimburse or pay any amounts, under the terms of this Agreement shall not be an obligation of UMB, in its individual or corporate capacity. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall the Second Lien Representative or the Second Lien Collateral Agent be liable for special, indirect, punitive, incidental or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including but not limited to lost profits), even if the Second Lien Representative or the Second Lien Collateral Agent have been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action. Neither the Second Lien Representative nor the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except as directed in writing by the Required Holders; provided, the Second Lien Representative and the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall each be entitled to refrain from any act or the taking of any action hereunder or from the exercise of any power or authority vested in it hereunder unless and until the Second Lien Representative or the Second Lien Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall have received instructions from the Required Holders, and if the Second Lien Representative or the Second Lien Collateral Agent deems necessary, satisfactory indemnity, and shall not be liable for any such delay in acting. Neither the Second Lien Representative nor the Second Lien Collateral Agent shall be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Second Lien Representative or the Second Lien Collateral Agent to liability or that is contrary to any Collateral Documents or applicable law, including for the avoidance of doubt any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any bankruptcy or insolvency law. For purposes of clarity, phrases such as “satisfactory to”, “approved by”, “acceptable to”, “as determined by”, “in the discretion of”, “selected by”, “requested by” the Second Lien Representative or the Second Lien Collateral Agent and phrases of similar import authorize and permit the Second Lien Representative or the Second Lien Collateral Agent to approve, disapprove, determine, act or decline to act in its discretion.

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8.13          GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT, AND ANY DISPUTE, CLAIM OR CONTROVERSY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT (WHETHER ARISING IN CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICTS OF LAW RULES THAT WOULD RESULT IN THE APPLICATION OF A DIFFERENT GOVERNING LAW (OTHER THAN ANY MANDATORY PROVISIONS OF THE UCC RELATING TO THE LAW GOVERNING PERFECTION AND THE EFFECT OF PERFECTION OR PRIORITY OF THE SECURITY INTERESTS).

 

8.14          Binding on Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon the First Lien Representatives, the First Lien Secured Parties, the other First Lien Secured Parties, the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Secured Parties, the other Second Lien Secured Parties, the Company and the other Grantors, and their respective successors and assigns. If any of the First Lien Representatives, the First Lien Collateral Agents, the Second Lien Representative or the Second Lien Collateral Agent resigns or is replaced pursuant to the First Lien Documents or the Second Lien Documents, as applicable, its successor shall be deemed to be a party to this Agreement and shall have all the rights of, and be subject to all the obligations of, this Agreement. No provision of this Agreement will inure to the benefit of a trustee, debtor-in-possession, creditor trust or other representative of an estate or creditor of any Grantor, including where any such trustee, debtor-in-possession, creditor trust or other representative of an estate is the beneficiary of a Lien securing Collateral by virtue of the avoidance of such Lien in an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding.

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8.15          Section Headings. Section headings and the Table of Contents used in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to affect the construction hereof or be taken into consideration in the interpretation hereof.

 

8.16          Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed by one or more of the parties to this Agreement on any number of separate counterparts (including by facsimile or other electronic imaging means), and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery of an executed signature page of this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission (e.g. “pdf” or “tif” format) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.

 

8.17          Authorization. By its signature, each Person executing this Agreement, on behalf of such party or Grantor but not in his or her personal capacity as a signatory, represents and warrants to the other parties hereto that it is duly authorized to execute this Agreement.

 

8.18          No Third Party Beneficiaries/ Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights. This Agreement and the rights and benefits hereof shall inure to the benefit of each of the parties hereto and its respective successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of each of the First Lien Secured Parties and the Second Lien Secured Parties. The provisions of this Agreement are and are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the First Lien Representatives, the First Lien Collateral Agents and the other First Lien Secured Parties, on one hand, and the Second Lien Representative, the Second Lien Collateral Agent and the other Second Lien Secured Parties, on the other hand. Nothing herein shall be construed to limit the relative rights and obligations as among the First Lien Secured Parties, as among the Second Lien Secured Parties, and as among the First Lien Secured Parties, such rights and obligations are governed by, and any provisions herein regarding them are therefore subject to, the provisions of the First Lien Pari Passu Intercreditor Agreement. Other than as set forth in Section 8 3, none of the Company, any other Grantor or any other creditor thereof shall have any rights hereunder and neither the Company nor any Grantor may rely on the terms hereof. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or shall impair the obligations of the Company or any other Grantor, which are absolute and unconditional, to pay the First Lien Obligations and the Second Lien Obligations as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terms.

 

8.19          No Indirect Actions. Unless otherwise expressly stated, if a party may not take an action under this Agreement, then it may not take that action indirectly, or support any other Person in taking that action directly or indirectly. “Taking an action indirectly” means taking an action that is not expressly prohibited for the party but is intended to have substantially the same effects as the prohibited action.

 

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

 

  PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as First Lien Representative and First Lien Collateral Agent
   
  By: /s/ Brad Miller
    Name: Brad Miller
    Title: Vice President
   
  PNC Bank, National Association
  PNC Agency Services
  PNC Firstside Center
  500 First Avenue, 4th Floor
  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219
  Attention Trina Barkley
  Facsimile No.: (412) 705-2006
   
  cc:
   
  PNC Bank, National Association
  2100 Ross Avenue, Suite 1850
  Dallas, Texas 75201
  Attention: Kayla Vaughan
  Phone No.: (214) 871-1237
  Facsimile No.: (214) 871-2015

 1

 

  UMB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Second Lien Representative
   
  By: /s/ Jacob H. Smith IV
    Name: Jacob H. Smith IV
    Title: Vice President
     
 

UMB Bank, National Association,

120 S. 6th Street, Suite 1400,

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Facsimile No.: 612-337-7039

Attention: Jay Smith

 

  UMB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Second Lien Collateral Agent
   
  By: /s/ Jacob H. Smith IV
    Name: Jacob H. Smith IV
    Title: Vice President
     
 

UMB Bank, National Association,

120 S. 6th Street, Suite 1400,

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Facsimile No.: 612-337-7039

Attention: Jay Smith

 1

 

Acknowledged and Agreed to by Grantors:

 

ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION

 

By: /s/ Michael Morrison  
  Name: Michael Morrison  
  Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  

 

2105 CityWest Blvd., Suite 100

Houston, Texas 77042-2839

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

Phone: (281) 781-1046 Fax: (281) 879-3674

 

GX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

 

By: /s/ Michael Morrison  
  Name: Michael Morrison  
  Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  

 

2105 CityWest Blvd., Suite 100

Houston, Texas 77042-2839

Attention: Chief Financial Officer

Phone: (281) 781-1046 Fax: (281) 879-3674

 

ION EXPLORATION PRODUCTS (U.S.A.), INC.

 

By: /s/ Michael Morrison  
  Name: Michael Morrison  
  Title: Vice President  

 

2105 CityWest Blvd., Suite 100

Houston, Texas 77042-2839

Attention: Vice President

Phone: (281) 781-1046

Fax: (281) 879-3674

 2

 

I/O MARINE SYSTEMS, INC.

 

By: /s/ Michael Morrison  
  Name: Michael Morrison  
  Title: Vice President  

 

5200 Toler Street

Harahan, Louisiana 70123

Attention: Vice President

Phone: (281) 781-1046 Fax: (281) 879-3674 f

 

GX GEOSCIENCE CORPORATION, S. DE R.L. DE C.V.

 

By: /s/ Michael Morrison  
  Name: Michael Morrison  
  Title: Vice President  

 

2105 CityWest Blvd., Suite 100

Houston, Texas 77042-2839

Attention: Vice President

Phone: (281) 781-1046

Fax: (281) 879-3674

 3

 

Exhibit 10.2

 

Execution Version

 

FOURTH AMENDMENT TO
REVOLVING CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

This FOURTH AMENDMENT TO REVOLVING CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT (this “Amendment”) is made and entered into as of April 19, 2021, to be effective as of the Effective Date (defined below) by and among ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (“Geophysical”), ION EXPLORATION PRODUCTS (U.S.A.), INC., a Delaware corporation (“Exploration”), I/O MARINE SYSTEMS, INC., a Louisiana corporation (“Marine”), GX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, a Texas corporation (“GXT”), GX Geoscience Corporation, S. de R.L. de C.V., a Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada de Capital Variable organized under the laws of Mexico (“GX Geoscience” and, together with Geophysical, Exploration, Marine and GXT, collectively, the “Borrowers”, and each a “Borrower”), the financial institutions a party hereto as lenders (collectively, the “Lenders” and each individually a “Lender”) and PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (“PNC”), as agent for Lenders (PNC, in such capacity, together with its successors and assignees in such capacity, the “Agent”).

 

PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS

 

A.            Borrowers, Agent and Lenders are parties to that certain Revolving Credit and Security Agreement dated August 22, 2014 (as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified prior to the date hereof, the “Credit Agreement”);

 

B.             Borrowers have requested that Agent and the Lenders make certain amendments to the Credit Agreement;

 

C.             Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Agent and the Lenders are willing to make certain amendments to the Credit Agreement, all as set forth herein; and

 

D.             This Amendment shall constitute an Other Document and these recitals shall be construed as part of this Amendment.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties, intending to be legally bound, agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I
Definitions

 

1.01       Capitalized terms used in this Amendment are defined in the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, unless otherwise stated.

 

[ION] Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement 

 

 

ARTICLE II
Amendment

 

2.01          Amendments to Credit Agreement. Effective as of the date hereof, the Credit Agreement is hereby amended (a) to delete the red or green stricken text (indicated textually in the same manner as the following examples: stricken text and stricken text) and (b) to add the blue or green double-underlined text (indicated textually in the same manner as the following examples: double-underlined text and double-underlined text), in each case, as set forth in the marked copy of the Credit Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A hereto and made a part hereof for all purposes.

 

ARTICLE III 

Conditions Precedent AND CONDITIONS SUBSEQUENT

 

3.01       Conditions Precedent to Effectiveness. This Amendment shall become effective only upon the satisfaction in full, in a manner satisfactory to the Agent, of the following conditions precedent (the first date upon which all such conditions have been satisfied being herein called the “Effective Date”):

 

(a)           Agent shall have received the following documents or items, each in form and substance satisfactory to Agent and its legal counsel:

 

(i)            this Amendment duly executed by Borrowers, the Lenders and Agent;

 

(ii)           the New Second Priority Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, duly executed by Borrowers, Agent, New Second Priority Indenture Trustee and New Second Priority Notes Collateral Agent;

 

(iii)          the New Second Priority Notes Documents duly executed by each party thereto, and all related agreements, documents and instruments as in effect on the date hereof;

 

(iv)          the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of the date hereof, duly executed by Borrowers and Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as Trustee and Collateral Agent;

 

(v)           each of the:

 

(i) Deposit Account Control Agreement (Springing Agreement), dated as of the date hereof, duly executed by PNC, as Bank, PNC, as First Secured Party, UMB Bank, National Association (“UMB”), as Second Secured Party, and ION, as Customer regarding deposit accounts ending in 4709, 9168, 9117,9109 and 9088;

 

(ii) Deposit Account Control Agreement (Springing Agreement), dated as of the date hereof, duly executed by PNC, as Bank, PNC, as First Secured Party, UMB, as Second Secured Party, and ION, as Customer regarding the deposit account ending in 0286;

 

[ION] Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement

 2

 

(iii) Deposit Account Control Agreement (Springing Agreement), dated as of the date hereof, duly executed by PNC, as Bank, PNC, as First Secured Party, UMB, as Second Secured Party, and GXT, as Customer regarding deposit accounts ending in 9125, 9133, 9029 and 9045;

 

(iv) Deposit Account Control Agreement (Springing Agreement), dated as of the date hereof, duly executed by PNC, as Bank, PNC, as First Secured Party, UMB, as Second Secured Party, and Marine, as Customer regarding deposit accounts ending in 9141, 9061 and 9053;

 

(v) Deposit Account Control Agreement (Springing Agreement), dated as of the date hereof, duly executed by PNC, as Bank, PNC, as First Secured Party, UMB, as Second Secured Party, and Exploration, as Customer regarding the deposit account ending in 8825;

 

(vi) Deposit Account Control Agreement (First Lien/Second Lien), dated as of the date hereof, duly executed by Citibank, N.A., as Bank, PNC, as Senior Agent, UMB, as Subordinated Agent, and ION as Customer regarding the deposit account ending in 1884;

 

(vii) Amendment No. 1 to Bank Deposit Account Control Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, duly executed by BOKF, NA d/b/a Bank of Texas, as Bank, PNC, as First Lien Agent, UMB, as New Second Lien Agent, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB (“WSFS”), as Resigning Second Lien Agent, and ION as the Company;

 

(viii) Amendment No. 1 to Deposit Account Control Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, duly executed by Texas Capital Bank, N.A., as Bank, PNC, as First Lien Agent, UMB, as New Second Lien Agent, WSFS, as Resigning Second Lien Agent, and ION as the company;

 

(ix) termination letter, dated as of the date hereof, addressed by each of PNC, as First Lien Agent, WSFS, as Second Lien Agent and U.S. Bank, National Association (“U.S. Bank”), as Third Lien Agent to PNC, as Bank and ION, as Customer to terminate the Amended and Restated Deposit Account Control Agreement dated as of the 27th day of May, 2016; and

 

(x) Release Notice, dated as of the date hereof, addressed by each of PNC, as First Lien Agent, WSFS, as Second Lien Agent and U.S. Bank, as Third Lien Agent to Citibank, N.A., as Bank and ION, as Customer to terminate the Amended and Restated Deposit Account Control Agreement (First Lien / Second Lien / Third Lien) dated as of the 27th day of May, 2016.

 

[ION] Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement

 3

 

(vi)          evidence of termination of the Liens that secured the 2016 Notes prior to the Effective Date;

 

(vii)         a $225,000 amendment fee, in immediately available funds, which fee shall be fully earned and non-refundable as of the date hereof;

 

(viii)        a certificate certified by the Secretary of each Borrower (A) confirming that the organizational documents of such Borrower that were certified to the Agent on and as of the Closing Date remain in full force and effect and have not been modified, (B) providing the names of the officers of such Borrower authorized to sign this Amendment and the Other Documents to which such Borrower is or will be a party to, together with specimen signatures of such officers, (C) attaching written consents and resolutions of each Borrower authorizing the execution, delivery and performance by each Borrower of this Amendment and (D) attaching good standing certificates for such Borrower dated not more than thirty (30) days prior to the Effective Date, issued by the Secretary of State or other appropriate official of such Borrower’s jurisdiction of incorporation;

 

(ix)           evidence that all other fees and expenses due and owing by Borrowers to Agent have been paid in full; and

 

(ix)           such other documentation as Agent may request in its Permitted Discretion.

 

(b)           The representations and warranties of Borrowers contained herein and in the Credit Agreement and the Other Documents, as each is amended hereby, shall be true and correct in all material respects as of the date hereof, as if made on the date hereof, except to the extent that such representations and warranties relate solely to an earlier date (in which case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct on and as of such earlier date) or relate to transactions permitted under the Credit Agreement and the Other Documents; and

 

(c)           No Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

3.02       Conditions Subsequent. The effectiveness of this Amendment shall also be subject to the Borrowers’ delivery to Agent of the following items on or before the applicable deadline set forth below:

 

(a)           Within sixty (60) days after the Effective Date, or within such longer period as the Agent may agree at its sole option, an amendment to (and registration before the Registro  Único de Garantias Mobiliarias and any other registry as may be required) the (i) Contrato de Prenda sobre Partes Sociales en Primer Lugar y Grado de Prelación, by and among Exploration, as Deudor Prendario, GXT, as Deudor Prendario, and PNC, as Acreedor Prendario, as recognized and accepted by GX Geoscience, and (ii) Contrato de Prenda sin Transmisión de Posesión en Primer Lugar y Grado de Prelación, by and among GX Geoscience, as Deudor Prendario, PNC, as Acreedor Prendario, as recognized and accepted by each of Exploration and GXT, in each case, in form and substance satisfactory to PNC.

 

[ION] Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement

 4

 

ARTICLE IV 

NO waiver

 

4.01          No Waiver. Nothing contained in this Amendment shall be construed as a waiver by the Agent or any Lender of any covenant or provision of the Credit Agreement (as amended hereby), the Other Documents (including, without limitation, this Amendment), or of any other contract or instrument between any Borrower and the Agent or any Lender, and the failure of the Agent or any Lender at any time or times hereafter to require strict performance by any Borrower of any provision thereof shall not waive, affect or diminish any right of the Agent to thereafter demand strict compliance therewith. The Agent and each Lender hereby reserves all rights granted under the Credit Agreement, the Other Documents (including, without limitation, this Amendment) and any other contract or instrument between any Borrower, Lenders and the Agent.

 

ARTICLE V
Ratification

 

5.01          Ratifications. The terms and provisions set forth in this Amendment shall modify and supersede all inconsistent terms and provisions set forth in the Credit Agreement and the Other Documents, and, except as expressly modified and superseded by this Amendment, the terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement and the Other Documents are ratified and confirmed and shall continue in full force and effect. Each Borrower hereby agrees that all liens and security interest securing payment of the Obligations under the Credit Agreement are hereby collectively renewed, ratified and brought forward as security for the payment and performance of the Obligations. Each Borrower and the Agent agree that the Credit Agreement and the Other Documents, as amended hereby, shall continue to be legal, valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.

 

5.02          Representations and Warranties with respect to Other Documents. Each Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Agent that (a) the execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment and any and all Other Documents executed and/or delivered in connection herewith have been authorized by all requisite corporate action on the part of each Borrower and will not violate the Organizational Documents of any Borrower; and (b) each Borrower is in full compliance with all covenants and agreements contained in the Credit Agreement and the Other Documents, as amended hereby.

 

ARTICLE VI 

Miscellaneous Provisions

 

6.01       Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations and warranties made in the Credit Agreement or the Other Documents, including, without limitation, this Amendment and any document furnished in connection with this Amendment, shall survive the execution and delivery of this Amendment and the Other Documents, and no investigation by the Agent or any Lender shall affect the representations and warranties or the right of the Agent and Lenders to rely upon them.

 

[ION] Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement

 5

 

6.02       Reference to Credit Agreement. Each of the Credit Agreement and the Other Documents, and any and all other agreements, documents or instruments now or hereafter executed and delivered pursuant to the terms hereof or pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, are hereby amended so that any reference in the Credit Agreement and such Other Documents to the Credit Agreement shall mean a reference to the Credit Agreement as amended hereby.

 

6.03       Expenses of Agent. Each Borrower jointly and severally agrees to pay on demand, in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement (as amended hereby) all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by Agent in connection with any and all amendments, modifications, and supplements to the Other Documents, including, without limitation, the costs and fees of Agent’s legal counsel, and all costs and expenses incurred by Agent in connection with the enforcement or preservation of any rights under the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, or any Other Documents, including, without, limitation, the costs and fees of Agent’s legal counsel.

 

6.04       Severability. Any provision of this Amendment held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unenforceable shall not impair or invalidate the remainder of this Amendment and the effect thereof shall be confined to the provision so held to be invalid or unenforceable.

 

6.05       Successors and Assigns. This Amendment is binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of Agent, the Lenders and each Borrower and their respective successors and permitted assigns, except that no Borrower may assign or transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of Agent.

 

6.06        Counterparts. This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of this Amendment by facsimile transmission or other electronic means shall be equally effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Amendment.

 

6.07       Headings. The headings, captions, and arrangements used in this Amendment are for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Amendment.

 

6.08       Applicable Law. THIS AMENDMENT AND ALL OTHER AGREEMENTS EXECUTED PURSUANT HERETO SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN MADE AND TO BE PERFORMABLE IN AND SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (WITHOUT REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES (OTHER THAN SECTION 5-1401 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATION LAW)).

 

6.09       Further Assurances. Each Borrower hereby agrees, upon Agent’s request (i) to execute and deliver to Agent such fully authorized and executed agreements and instruments, including, but not limited to, any amendments to the Other Documents, and (ii) to take such actions as Agent deems necessary and appropriate in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Amendment.

 

[ION] Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement

 6

 

6.10       Final Agreement. THE CREDIT AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER DOCUMENTS, EACH AS AMENDED HEREBY, REPRESENT THE ENTIRE EXPRESSION OF THE PARTIES HERETO WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF ON THE DATE THIS AMENDMENT IS EXECUTED. THE CREDIT AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER DOCUMENTS, AS AMENDED HEREBY, MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES HERETO. THERE ARE NO UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES. NO MODIFICATION, RESCISSION, WAIVER, RELEASE OR AMENDMENT OF ANY PROVISION OF THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE MADE, EXCEPT BY A WRITTEN AGREEMENT SIGNED BY BORROWERS AND AGENT.

 

5.12       Release. EACH BORROWER HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS NO DEFENSE, COUNTERCLAIM, OFFSET, CROSS-COMPLAINT, CLAIM OR DEMAND OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WHATSOEVER THAT CAN BE ASSERTED TO REDUCE OR ELIMINATE ALL OR ANY PART OF ITS LIABILITY TO REPAY ANY LOANS OR EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT FROM AGENT AND LENDERS TO SUCH BORROWER UNDER THE CREDIT AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER DOCUMENTS OR TO SEEK AFFIRMATIVE RELIEF OR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND OR NATURE FROM LENDERS AND THE AGENT. EACH BORROWER HEREBY VOLUNTARILY AND KNOWINGLY RELEASES AND FOREVER DISCHARGES LENDERS, THE AGENT, THEIR PREDECESSORS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, FROM ALL POSSIBLE CLAIMS, DEMANDS, ACTIONS, CAUSES OF ACTION, DAMAGES, COSTS, EXPENSES, AND LIABILITIES WHATSOEVER, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, ANTICIPATED OR UNANTICIPATED, SUSPECTED OR UNSUSPECTED, FIXED, CONTINGENT, OR CONDITIONAL, AT LAW OR IN EQUITY, ORIGINATING IN WHOLE OR IN PART ON OR BEFORE THE DATE THIS AMENDMENT IS EXECUTED, WHICH SUCH BORROWER MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE AGAINST LENDERS AND THE AGENT, THEIR PREDECESSORS, AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS, IF ANY, AND IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER ANY SUCH CLAIMS ARISE OUT OF CONTRACT, TORT, VIOLATION OF LAW OR REGULATIONS, OR OTHERWISE, AND ARISING FROM ANY LOANS OR EXTENSIONS OF CREDIT FROM LENDERS AND THE AGENT TO SUCH BORROWER UNDER THE CREDIT AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER DOCUMENTS, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY CONTRACTING FOR, CHARGING, TAKING, RESERVING, COLLECTING OR RECEIVING INTEREST IN EXCESS OF THE HIGHEST LAWFUL RATE APPLICABLE, THE EXERCISE OF ANY RIGHTS AND REMEDIES UNDER THE CREDIT AGREEMENT OR OTHER DOCUMENTS, AND NEGOTIATION FOR AND EXECUTION OF THIS AMENDMENT.

 

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

[ION] Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement

 7

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has executed this Amendment as of the date first above written.

 

  BORROWERS:
   
  ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION
   
  By: /s/ Michael Morrison
  Name: Michael Morrison
  Title: EVP & CFO
   
  ION EXPLORATION PRODUCTS (U.S.A.), INC.
   
  By: /s/ Michael Morrison
  Name: Michael Morrison
  Title: Vice President
   
  I/O MARINE SYSTEMS, INC.
   
  By: /s/ Michael Morrison
  Name: Michael Morrison
  Title: Vice President
   
  GX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
   
  By: /s/ Michael Morrison
  Name: Michael Morrison
  Title: EVP & CFO
   
  GX GEOSCIENCE CORPORATION, S. DE R.L. DE C.V.
   
  By: /s/ Michael Morrison
  Name: Michael Morrison
  Title: Vice President

 

[ION] Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement

 

 

  AGENT AND LENDER:
   
  PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Lender and as Agent
   
  By:  /s/ Brad Miller
   
  Name: Brad Miller
  Title: Vice President

 

[ION] Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Amended Credit Agreement

 

See attached.

 

 

 

[ION] Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement

 

 

Execution Version

 

Exhibit A
To ThirdFourth Amendment

 

REVOLVING CREDIT

AND

SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

(AS LENDER AND AGENT),

 

THE LENDERS FROM TIME TO TIME PARTY HERETO

(AS LENDERS)

 

WITH

 

ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION,

ION EXPLORATION PRODUCTS (U.S.A.) INC.,

I/O MARINE SYSTEMS, INC.

GX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

AND

GX GEOSCIENCE CORPORATION, S. DE R.L. DE C.V.

(AS BORROWERS)

 

August 22, 2014

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page
I.           DEFINITIONS 1
1.1 Accounting Terms 1
1.2 General Terms 12
1.3 Uniform Commercial Code Terms 3947
1.4 Certain Matters of Construction 3947
1.5

Libor Notification

48

II.          ADVANCES, PAYMENTS

4048
2.1

Revolving Advances

4048
2.2

Procedures for Requesting Revolving Advances; Procedures for Selection of Applicable Interest Rates for All Advances

4150
2.3 Reserved 4352
2.4 Swing Loans 4352
2.5 Disbursement of Advance Proceeds 4453
2.6 Making and Settlement of Advances 4553
2.7 Maximum Advances 4655
2.8 Manner and Repayment of Advances 4755
2.9 Repayment of Excess Advances 4756
2.10 Statement of Account 4756
2.11 Letters of Credit 4857
2.12 Issuance of Letters of Credit 4857
2.13 Requirements for Issuance of Letters of Credit 4958
2.14 Disbursements., Reimbursement 4958
2.15 Repayment of Participation Advances 5160
2.16 Documentation 5160
2.17 Determination to Honor Drawing Request 5261
2.18 Nature of Participation and Reimbursement Obligations 5261
2.19 Liability for Acts and Omissions 5362
2.20 Mandatory Prepayments: Voluntary Reductions of Revolving Commitments 5564

i 

 

2.21 Use of Proceeds 5665
2.22 Defaulting Lender 5665
2.23 Payment of Obligations 5968
2.24 Increase in Maximum Revolving Advance Amount. 59
III.         INTEREST AND FEES 6269
3.1 Interest 6269
3.2 Letter of Credit Fees 6269
3.3 Facility Fee 6470
3.4 Fee Letter; Appraisals 6471
3.5 Computation of Interest and Fees 6471
3.6 Maximum Charges 6471
3.7 Increased Costs 6472
3.8 Basis For DeterminingAlternate Rate of Interest Rate Inadequate or Unfair 65 72
3.9 Capital Adequacy 6682
3.10 Taxes 6783
3.11 Replacement of Lenders 6985
IV.         COLLATERAL: GENERAL TERMS 7086
4.1 Security Interest in the Collateral 7086
4.2 Perfection of Security Interest 7086
4.3 Preservation of Collateral 7187
4.4 Ownership and Location of Collateral 7188
4.5 Defense of Agent’s and Lenders’ Interests 7288
4.6 Inspection of Premises: Field Examinations 7289
4.7 Appraisals 7389
4.8 Receivables; Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts 7390
4.9 Inventory 7693
4.10 Maintenance of Equipment 7693
4.11 Financing Statements 7693
V.          REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES 7693
5.1 Authority 7693
5.2 Formation and Qualification 7794

ii 

 

5.3 Survival of Representations and Warranties 7795
5.4 Tax Returns 7795
5.5 Financial Statements 7795
5.6 Entity Names 7895
5.7 o.s.h.a. Environmental Compliance; Flood Insurance 7895
5.8 Solvency; No Litigation, Violation, Indebtedness or Default; Erisa Compliance 7996
5.9 Patents, Trademarks 8098
5.10 Licenses and Permits 8098
5.11 Default of Indebtedness 8098
5.12 No Default 8199
5.13 No Burdensome Restrictions 8199
5.14 No Labor Disputes 8199
5.15 Margin Regulations 8199
5.16 Investment Company Act 8199
5.17 Disclosure 8199
5.18 Delivery of New Second Priority Notes Documents 81.                                                                                                        99
5.19 [reserved]  81Delivery of Junior Priority Debt Documents                                                                                                         100
5.205.21 Swaps 81100
5.215.22 Business and Property of Loan Parties 82100
5.225.23 Ineligible Securities 82100
5.23 [reserved]. 82
5.24 [reserved]. 100
5.25 Equity Interests 82100
5.255.26 Commercial Tort Claims 82100
5.265.27 Letter of Credit Rights 82101
5.275.28 Material Contracts 82101
5.29 Certificate of Beneficial Ownership 101
VI.         AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS 82101
6.1 Compliance with Laws 83101
6.2 Conduct of Business and Maintenance of Existence and Assets 83101
6.3 Books and Records 83101

iii 

 

6.4 Payment of Taxes 83102
6.5 Financial Covenants 83102
6.6 Insurance 84102
6.7 Payment of Indebtedness and Leasehold Obligations 85104
6.8 Environmental Matters 85104
6.9 Standards of Financial Statements 86105
6.10 Additional Loan Parties 87105
6.11 Execution of Supplemental Instruments 87105
6.12 [Reserved] 87105
6.13 Government Receivables 87105
6.14 [Reserved] 87106
6.15 Keepwell 87106
6.16 Certificate of Beneficial Ownership and Other Additional Information 106
VII.        NEGATIVE COVENANTS 88106
7.1 Merger, Consolidation., Acquisition and Sale of Assets 88106
7.2 Creation of Liens 88107
7.3 Guarantees 88107
7.4 Investments 89107
7.5 Loans 89108
7.6 Capital Expenditures 89108
7.7 Restricted Payments 89108
7.8 Indebtedness 90108
7.9 Nature of Business 90109
7.10 Transactions with Affiliates 90109
7.11 [Reserved] 90109
7.12 [Reserved] 90109
7.13 Fiscal Year and Accounting Changes 90109
7.14 Pledge of Credit 90109
7.15 Amendment of Organizational Documents 90109
7.16 Compliance with Erisa 91110
7.17 Prepayment of Indebtedness 91110
7.18 New Second Priority Notes  91 Debt and Other Junior Priority Debt 111

iv 

 

7.19 Other Agreements 92111
7.20 Membership / Partnership Interests 92112
7.21 Limitation On Restrictions On Subsidiary Distributions 92112
VIII.      CONDITIONS PRECEDENT 93112
8.1 Conditions to Initial Advances 93112
8.2 Conditions to Each Advance 96116
IX.         INFORMATION AS TO BORROWERS 97116
9.1 Disclosure of Material Matters 97116
9.2 Schedules 97117
9.3 Environmental Reports 97117
9.4 Litigation 98118
9.5 Material Occurrences 98118
9.6 Government Receivables 99119
9.7 Annual Financial Statements 99119
9.8 Quarterly Financial Statements 99119
9.9 Royalty Obligation Reports 99119
9.10 Other Reports 100119
9.11 Additional Information 100120
9.12 Projected Operating Budget 100120
9.13 [Reserved] 100120
9.14 Notice of Suits 100120
9.15 Erisa Notices and Requests 100120
9.16 Additional Documents 101121
9.17 Updates to Certain Schedules 101121
9.18 Financial Disclosure 101121
X.          EVENTS OF DEFAULT 101122
10.1 Nonpayment 101122
10.2 Breach of Representation 101122
10.3 Financial Information 102122
10.4 Judicial Actions 102122
10.5 Noncompliance 102122
10.6 Judgement 102122

v 

 

10.7 Bankruptcy 102123
10.8 [Reserved] 102; 123
10.9 Lien Priority 103123
10.10 New Second Priority Notes Default 103; Junior Priority Debt Default 123
10.11 Cross Default 103123
10.12 Breach of Guaranty or Pledge Agreement 103124
10.13 Change of Control 103124
10.14 Invalidity 103124
10.15 Seizures 103124
10.16 [Reserved] 103; 124
10.17 Pension Plans 104124
10.18 Anti-money Laundering/International Trade Law Compliance 104124
XI.        LENDERS’ RIGHTS AND REMEDIES AFTER DEFAULT 104124
11.1 Rights and Remedies 104124
11.2 Agent’s Discretion 105126
11.3 Setoff 106126
11.4 Rights and Remedies Not Exclusive 106126
11.5 Allocation of Payments After Event of Default 106126
XII.      WAIVERS AND JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS 107128
12.1 Waiver of Notice 107128
12.2 Delay 108128
12.3 Jury Waiver 108128
XIII.     EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERMINATION 108129
13.1 Term 108129
13.2 Termination 108129
XIV.      Regarding Agent 109130
14.1 Appointment 109130
14.2 Nature of Duties 109130
14.3 Lack of Reliance On Agent 110131
14.4 Resignation of Agent:; Successor Agent 110131
14.5 Certain Rights of Agent 111132
14.6 Reliance 111132

vi 

 

14.7 Notice of Default 111132
14.8 Indemnification 111132
14.9 Agent in its Individual Capacity 112133
14.10 Delivery of Documents 112133
14.11 Borrowers’ Undertaking to Agent 112133
14.12 No Reliance on Agent’s Customer Identification Program 112133
14.13 Other Agreements 112133
XV.       BORROWING AGENCY 112134
15.1 Borrowing Agency Provisions 113134
15.2 Waiver of Subrogation 113135
15.3 Limitationon Liability of GX Mexico 135
XVI.       MISCELLANEOUS 114135
16.1 Governing Law 114135
16.2 Entire Understanding 114136
16.3 Successors and Assigns; Participations; New Lenders 117140
16.4 Application of Payments 120142
16.5 Indemnity 120143
16.6 Notice 121144
16.7 Survival 123146
16.8 Severability 123146
16.9 Expenses 124146
16.10 Injunctive Relief 124147
16.11 Consequential Damages 124147
16.12 Captions 124147
16.13 Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures 124147
16.14 Construction 125147
16.15 Confidentiality; Sharing Information 125147
16.16 [reserved] 125148
16.17 Certifications from Banks and Participants; USA Patriot Act 125148
16.18 Anti-terrorism Laws 126148
16.19 New Second Priority Intercreditor Agreements 126Agreement 149
16.20 Reallocation of the Advances and the Commitment Amounts 149
16.21 Section 956 Matters 150

vii 

 

LIST OF EXHIBITS

 

Exhibits    
     
Exhibit 1.2   Borrowing Base Certificate
Exhibit 1.2(a)   Compliance Certificate
Exhibit 2.1(a)   Revolving Credit Note
Exhibit 2.4(a)   Swing Loan Note
Exhibit 5.5(b)   Financial Projections
Exhibit 8.1(d)   Financial Condition Certificate
Exhibit 16.3   Commitment Transfer Supplement

viii 

 

Exhibit A

 

To Third Amendment

 

REVOLVING CREDIT

AND

SECURITY AGREEMENT

 

Revolving Credit and Security Agreement dated as of August 22, 2014 among ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (“Geophysical”), ION EXPLORATION PRODUCTS (U.S.A.) INC., a Delaware corporation (“Exploration”), I/O MARINE SYSTEMS, INC., a Louisiana corporation (“Marine”), and GX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, a Texas corporation (“GXT”), and GX GEOSCIENCE CORPORATION, S. DE R.L. DE C.V., a Sociedad de Responsibilidad Limitada de Capital Variable organized under the laws of Mexico (“GX Mexico” and, together with Geophysical, Exploration, Marine, GXT and each Person joined hereto as a borrower from time to time, collectively, the “Borrowers”, and each a “Borrower”), the financial institutions which are now or which hereafter become a party hereto (collectively, the “Lenders” and each individually a “Lender”) and PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (“PNC”), as agent for Lenders (PNC, in such capacity, together with its successors and assignees in such capacity, the “Agent”).

 

IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual covenants and undertakings herein contained. Borrowers, Lenders and Agent hereby agree as follows:

 

I. DEFINITIONS.

 

1.1          Accounting Terms. As used in this Agreement, the Other Documents or any certificate, report or other document made or delivered pursuant to this Agreement, accounting terms not defined in Section 1.2 or elsewhere in this Agreement shall have the respective meanings given to them under GAAP; provided, however, that whenever such accounting terms are used for the purposes of determining compliance with the financial covenants in this Agreement, such accounting terms shall be defined in accordance with GAAP as applied in preparation of the audited financial statements of Borrowers for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014. If there occurs after the Closing Date any change in GAAP that affects in any respect the calculation of any covenant contained in this Agreement or the definition of any term defined under GAAP used in such calculations, Agent, Lenders and Borrowers shall negotiate in good faith to amend the provisions of this Agreement that relate to the calculation of such covenants with the intent of having the respective positions of Agent, Lenders and Borrowers after such change in GAAP conform as nearly as possible to their respective positions as of the Closing Date, provided, that, until any such amendments have been agreed upon, the covenants in this Agreement shall be calculated as if no such change in GAAP had occurred and Borrowers shall provide additional financial statements or supplements thereto, attachments to Compliance Certificates and/or calculations regarding financial covenants as Agent may reasonably require in order to provide the appropriate financial information required hereunder with respect to Borrowers both reflecting any applicable changes in GAAP and as necessary to demonstrate compliance with the financial covenants before giving effect to the applicable changes in GAAP.

1

 

1.2         General Terms. For purposes of this Agreement the following terms shall have the following meanings:

 

“2016 Indenture” shall have the meaning set forth in the definition of 2016 Notes.

 

“2016 Notes” shall mean, individually and collectively, the 9.125% notes due 2021 originally issued by Geophysical pursuant to that certain Indenture, dated as of April 28, 2016 (the “2016 Indenture”), among Geophysical, as issuer, the guarantors party thereto, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as trustee, and Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as collateral agent, as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time. For the avoidance of doubt, the 2016 Notes shall at all times remain unsecured.

 

“2016 Notes Documents” shall mean, collectively, any 2016 Notes, the 2016 Indenture and all agreements, documents and instruments executed or delivered in connection with any of the foregoing.

 

Advance Rates” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a)(y)(v) hereof. “Advances” shall mean and include the Revolving Advances, Letters of Credit and the

Swing Loans.

 

Affected Lender” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.11 hereof.

 

Affiliate” of any Person shall mean any Person which, directly or indirectly, is in control of, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Person. For purposes of this definition, control of a Person shall mean the power, direct or indirect, (x) to vote 1025% or more of the Equity Interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors of such Person or other Persons performing similar functions for any such Person, or (y) to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person whether by ownership of Equity Interests, contract or otherwise.

 

Agent” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement and shall include its successors and assigns.

 

Agreement” shall mean this Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Alternate Base Rate” shall mean, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the highest of (a) the Base Rate in effect on such day, (b) the sum of the Federal Funds OpenOvernight Bank Funding Rate in effect on such day plus one half of one percent (0.5%), and (c) the sum of the Daily LIBOR Rate in effect on such day plus one percent (1.0%), so long as a Daily LIBOR Rate is offered, ascertainable and not unlawful. Any change in the Alternate Base Rate (or any component thereof) shall take effect at the opening of business on the day such change occurs.

 

Alternate Source” shall have the meaning set forth in the definition of Federal Funds OpenOvernight Bank Funding Rate.

2

 

Anti-Terrorism Laws” shall mean any Laws relating to terrorism, trade sanctions programs and embargoes, import/export licensing, money laundering or bribery, and any regulation, order, or directive promulgated, issued or enforced pursuant to such Laws, all as amended, supplemented or replaced from time to time.

 

Applicable Law” shall mean all laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Person, conduct, transaction, covenant, Other Document or contract in question, including all applicable common law and equitable principles, all provisions of all applicable state, federal and foreign constitutions, statutes, rules, regulations, treaties, directives and orders of any Governmental Body, and all orders, judgments and decrees of all courts and arbitrators.

 

Applicable Margin” shall mean, as of the Third Amendment Effective Date and through and including the date immediately prior to the first Adjustment Date (as defined below), (a) an amount equal to three percent (3.00%) for (i) Revolving Advances consisting of Domestic Rate Loans, and (ii) Swing Loans and (b) an amount equal to four percent (4.00%) for Revolving Advances consisting of LIBOR Rate Loans.

 

Effective as of the date on which the quarterly financial statements of Borrowers on a consolidated and consolidating basis and related Compliance Certificate required under Section 9.7 for the most recently completed fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, and under Section 9.8 for the most recently completed fiscal quarter beginning with the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2018, are due to be delivered (each day on which such delivery is due, an “Adjustment Date”), the Applicable Margin for each type of Advance shall be adjusted, if necessary, to the applicable percent per annum set forth in the pricing table below corresponding to the Leverage Ratio for the trailing four quarter period ending on the last day of the most recently completed fiscal quarter prior to the applicable Adjustment Date:

 

LEVERAGE RATIO   APPLICABLE
MARGINS FOR
DOMESTIC RATE
LOANS
  APPLICABLE
MARGINS FOR LIBOR
RATE LOANS
Less than 2.0 to 1.0   2.00%   3.00%
Greater than or equal to 2.0 to 1.0 but less than 3.0 to 1.0   2.50%   3.50%
Greater than or equal to 3.0 to 1.0   3.00%   4.00%

 

If Borrowers shall fail to deliver the financial statements, certificates and/or other information required under Section 9.8 by the date required pursuant to such section, each Applicable Margin shall be conclusively presumed to equal the highest Applicable Margin specified in the pricing table set forth above until the date of delivery of such financial statements, certificates and/or other information, at which time the rate will be adjusted based upon the Leverage Ratio reflected in such statements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, (a) no downward adjustment in any Applicable Margin shall be made on any Adjustment Date on which any Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and (b) immediately and automatically upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, each Applicable Margin shall increase to and equal the highest Applicable Margin specified in the pricing table set forth above and shall continue at such highest Applicable Margin until the date (if any) on which such Event of Default shall be waived in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, at which time the rate will be adjusted based upon the Leverage Ratio reflected on the most recently delivered financial statements and Compliance Certificate delivered by Borrowers to Agent pursuant to Section 9.8. Any increase in interest rates and/or other fees payable by Borrowers under this Agreement and the Other Documents pursuant to the provisions of the foregoing sentence shall be in addition to and independent of any increase in such interest rates and/or other fees resulting from the occurrence of any Event of Default (including, if applicable, any Event of Default arising from a breach of Section 9.8 hereof) and/or the effectiveness of the Default Rate provisions of Section 3.1 hereof or the default fee rate provisions of Section 3.2 hereof.

3

 

If, as a result of any restatement of, or other adjustment to, the financial statements of Borrowers on a consolidated and consolidating basis or for any other reason, Agent determines that (a) the Leverage Ratio as previously calculated as of any applicable date for any applicable period was inaccurate, and (b) an accurate calculation of the Leverage Ratio for any such period would have resulted in different pricing for such period, then (i) if the accurate calculation of the Leverage Ratio would have resulted in a higher interest rate and/or fees (as applicable) for such period, automatically and immediately without the necessity of any demand or notice by Agent or any other affirmative act of any party, the interest accrued on the applicable outstanding Advances and/or the amount of the fees accruing for such period under the provisions of this Agreement and the Other Documents shall be deemed to be retroactively increased by, and Borrowers shall be obligated to immediately pay to Agent for the ratable benefit of Lenders an amount equal to the excess of the amount of interest and fees that should have been paid for such period over the amount of interest and fees actually paid for such period; and (ii) if the accurate calculation of the Leverage Ratio would have resulted in a lower interest rate and/or fees (as applicable) for such period, then the interest accrued on the applicable outstanding Advances and the amount of the fees accruing for such period under the provisions of this Agreement and the Other Documents shall be deemed to remain unchanged, and Agent and Lenders shall have no obligation to repay interest or fees to the Borrowers; provided, that, if as a result of any restatement or other event or other determination by Agent an accurate calculation of the Leverage Ratio would have resulted in a higher interest rate and/or fees (as applicable) for one or more periods and a lower interest rate and/or fees (as applicable) for one or more other periods (due to the shifting of income or expenses from one period to another period or any other reason), then the amount payable by Borrowers pursuant to clause (i) above shall be based upon the excess, if any, of the amount of interest and fees that should have been paid for all applicable periods over the amounts of interest and fees actually paid for such periods.

4

 

Approvals” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.7(b) hereof.

 

Approved Electronic Communication” shall mean each notice, demand, communication, information, document and other material transmitted, posted or otherwise made or communicated by e-mail, E-Fax, the StuckyNet System©, or any other equivalent electronic service agreed to by Agent, whether owned, operated or hosted by Agent, any Lender, any of their Affiliates or any other Person, that any party is obligated to, or otherwise chooses to, provide to Agent pursuant to this Agreement or any Other Document, including any financial statement, financial and other report, notice, request, certificate and other information material; provided that Approved Electronic Communications shall not include any notice, demand, communication, information, document or other material that Agent specifically instructs a Person to deliver in physical form.

 

Approved License” shall mean any agreement or other arrangement under Applicable Law between any Borrower and a Licensor pursuant to which (a) such Borrower is authorized to use or subsequently license any portion of or discrete collection of seismic data included in the Multi-Client Data Library subject to any such agreement or other arrangement under Applicable Law, as applicable and (b) Agent is granted or may obtain the right, vis-á-vis such Licensor, whether with or without the consent of the Licensor, to use, license, sell or otherwise dispose of any such portion of or such discrete collection of seismic data included in the Multi-Client Data Library.

 

Base Rate” shall mean the base commercial lending rate of PNC as publicly announced to be in effect from time to time, such rate to be adjusted automatically, without notice, on the effective date of any change in such rate. This rate of interest is determined from time to time by PNC as a means of pricing some loans to its customers and is neither tied to any external rate of interest or index nor does it necessarily reflect the lowest rate of interest actually charged by PNC to any particular class or category of customers of PNC.

 

Beneficial Owner” shall mean, for each Borrower, each of the following: (a) each individual, if any, who, directly or indirectly, owns 25% or more of such Borrower’s Equity Interests; and (b) a single individual with significant responsibility to control, manage, or direct such Borrower.

 

Benefited Lender” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(e) hereof.

 

Blocked Accounts” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.8(h) hereof.

 

Borrower” and “Borrowers” shall have the meanings set forth in the preamble to this Agreement and shall extend to all permitted successors and assigns of such Persons.

 

Borrowers on a Consolidated Basis” shall mean the consolidation in accordance with GAAP of the accounts or other items of Borrowers and their respective Subsidiaries.

5

 

Borrowers’ Account” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.10 hereof.

 

Borrowing Agent” shall mean Geophysical.

 

Borrowing Base Certificate” shall mean a certificate in substantially the form of Exhibit 1.2 hereto duly executed by the President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer or Controller of Borrowing Agent and delivered to the Agent, appropriately completed, by which such officer shall certify to Agent the Formula Amount and calculation thereof as of the date of such certificate.

 

Business Day” shall mean any day other than Saturday or Sunday or a legal holiday on which commercial banks are authorized or required by law to be closed for business in East Brunswick, New Jersey and, if the applicable Business Day relates to any LIBOR Rate Loans, such day must also be a day on which dealings are carried on in the London interbank market.

 

Capital Expenditures” shall mean expenditures made or liabilities incurred for the acquisition of any fixed assets or improvements (or of any replacements or substitutions thereof or additions thereto) which have a useful life of more than one year and which, in accordance with GAAP, would be classified as capital expenditures. Capital Expenditures shall include the total principal portion of Capitalized Lease Obligations.

 

Capitalized Lease Obligation” shall mean any Indebtedness represented by obligations under a lease that is required to be capitalized for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP.

 

Cash Dominion Trigger Event” shall mean (a) the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default or (b) Excess Availability is less than (i) $6,250,000 for five (5) consecutive Business Days or (ii) $5,000,000 on any given Business Day; provided that a Cash Dominion Trigger Event shall cease to exist, with respect to clause (a) above, upon the waiver of the applicable Event of Default, and with respect to clause (b) above, when Borrowers have Excess Availability, for sixty (60) consecutive days, exceeding $15,000,000.

 

Cash Management Products and Services” shall mean agreements or other arrangements under which Agent or any Lender or any Affiliate of Agent or a Lender provides any of the following products or services to any Borrower: (a) credit cards; (b) credit card processing services; (c) debit cards and stored value cards; (d) commercial cards; (e) ACH transactions; and (f)  cash management and treasury management services and products, including without limitation controlled disbursement accounts or services, lockboxes, automated clearinghouse transactions, overdrafts, interstate depository network services. The indebtedness, obligations and liabilities of any Borrower to the provider of any Cash Management Products and Services (including all obligations and liabilities owing to such provider in respect of any returned items deposited with such provider) (the “Cash Management Liabilities”) shall be “Obligations” hereunder, guaranteed obligations under the Guaranty and secured obligations under any Guarantor Security Agreement, as applicable, and otherwise treated as Obligations for purposes of each of the Other Documents. The Liens securing the Cash Management Products and Services shall be pari passu with the Liens securing all other Obligations under this Agreement and the Other Documents, subject to the express provisions of Section 11.5.

6

 

Cash Management Liabilities” shall have the meaning provided in the definition of “Cash Management Products and Services.”

 

CEA” shall mean the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C.§1 et seq.), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.

 

CFTC” shall mean the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

 

CERCLA” shall mean the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, 42 U.S.C. §§9601 et seq.

 

Certificate of Beneficial Ownership” shall mean, for each Borrower, a certificate in form and substance acceptable to Agent (as amended or modified by Agent from time to time in its sole discretion), certifying, among other things, the Beneficial Owner of such Borrower.

 

Change in Law” shall mean the occurrence, after the Closing Date, of any of the following: (a) the adoption or taking effect of any Applicable Law; (b) any change in any Applicable Law or in the administration, implementation, interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Body; or (c)the making or issuance of any request, rule, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Body; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, regulations, guidelines, interpretations or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith (whether or not having the force of Applicable Law) and (y) all requests, rules, regulations, guidelines, interpretations or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign regulatory authorities (whether or not having the force of law), in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a Change in Law regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued, promulgated or implemented.

 

Change of Control” shall mean: (a) any person or group of persons (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(a) of the Exchange Act) shall have acquired beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act) of 40% or more of the voting Equity Interests of Geophysical; (b) during any period of 12 consecutive months, a majority of the members of the board of directors of Geophysical cease to be composed of individuals (i) who were members of that board or equivalent governing body on the first day of such period, (ii) whose election or nomination to that board was approved by individuals referred to in clause (i) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board, or (iii) whose election or nomination to that board was approved by individuals referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above constituting at the time of such election or nomination at least a majority of that board; (c) any merger, consolidation or sale of substantially all of the property or assets of Geophysical; and (d) the occurrence of a “change of control” under any of the New Second Priority Notes Documents. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “change of control” shall not be deemed to have occurred as a result of (i) Geophysical’s issuance of Equity Interests designated as “Common Stock” in connection with the consummation of the Exchange Offer or the Rights Offering (in each case, as defined in the New Second Priority Notes Indenture, as in effect on April 20, 2021), or (ii) the conversion of any New Second Priority Notes into Equity Interests of Geophysical designated as “Common Stock”.

7

 

Charges” shall mean all taxes, charges, fees, imposts, levies or other assessments, including all net income, gross income, gross receipts, sales, use, ad valorem, value added, transfer, franchise, profits, inventory, capital stock, license, withholding, payroll, employment, social security, unemployment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation and property taxes, custom duties, fees, assessments, liens, claims and charges of any kind whatsoever, together with any interest and any penalties, additions to tax or additional amounts, imposed by any taxing or other authority, domestic or foreign (including the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any environmental agency or superfund), upon the Collateral or any Loan Party.

 

CIP Regulations” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 14.12 hereof.

 

Closing Date” shall mean August 22, 2014.

 

Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time, and any successor statute of similar import, and the rules and regulations thereunder, as from time to time in effect.

 

Collateral” shall mean and include all right, title and interest of each Loan Party in, to and under all of the following property and assets of such Loan Party, in each case whether now existing or hereafter arising or created and whether now owned or hereafter acquired and wherever located:

 

(a)          all Receivables;

 

(b)         all equipment and fixtures;

 

(c)         all general intangibles (including all payment intangibles and all software) and all supporting obligations related thereto;

 

(d)         all Inventory;

 

(e)         all Subsidiary Stock, securities, investment property, and financial assets;

 

(f)          all contract rights, rights of payment which have been earned under a contract rights, chattel paper (including electronic chattel paper and tangible chattel paper), commercial tort claims (whether now existing or hereafter arising); documents (including all warehouse receipts and bills of lading), deposit accounts, goods, instruments (including promissory notes), letters of credit (whether or not the respective letter of credit is evidenced by a writing) and letter-of-credit rights, cash, certificates of deposit, insurance proceeds (including hazard, flood and credit insurance), security agreements, eminent domain proceeds, condemnation proceeds, tort claim proceeds and all supporting obligations;

 

(g)         all ledger sheets, ledger cards, files, correspondence, records, books of account, business papers, computers, computer software (owned by any Loan Party or in which it has an interest), computer programs, tapes, disks and documents, including all of such property relating to the property described in clauses (a) through (h) of this definition; and

8

 

(h)         all proceeds and products of the property described in clauses (a) through (i) of this definition, in whatever form.

 

(i)          It is the intention of the parties that if Agent shall fail to have a perfected Lien in any particular property or assets of any Loan Party for any reason whatsoever, but the provisions of this Agreement and/or of the Other Documents, together with all financing statements and other public filings relating to Liens filed or recorded by Agent against any of the Loan Parties, would be sufficient to create a perfected Lien in any property or assets that such Loan Party may receive upon the sale, lease, license, exchange, transfer or disposition of such particular property or assets, then all such “proceeds” of such particular property or assets shall be included in the Collateral as original collateral that is the subject of a direct and original grant of a security interest as provided for herein and in the Other Documents (and not merely as proceeds (as defined in Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code) in which a security interest is created or arises solely pursuant to Section 9-315 of the Uniform Commercial Code).

 

Notwithstanding the forgoing, Collateral shall not include any Excluded Property, any Excluded Equity and any Excluded Account.

 

Commitment Transfer Supplement” shall mean a document in the form of Exhibit 16.3 hereto, properly completed and otherwise in form and substance satisfactory to Agent by which the Purchasing Lender purchases and assumes a portion of the obligation of Lenders to make Advances under this Agreement.

 

“Compliance Authority” means each and all of the (a) U.S. Treasury Department/Office of Foreign Assets Control, (b) U.S. Treasury Department/Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, (c) U.S. State Department/Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, (d) U.S. Commerce Department/Bureau of Industry and Security, (e) U.S. Internal Revenue Service, (f) U.S. Justice Department, and (g) U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

 

Compliance Certificate” shall mean a compliance certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit 1.2(a) hereto to be signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer or Controller of Borrowing Agent.

 

Consents” shall mean all filings and all licenses, permits, consents, approvals, authorizations, qualifications and orders of Governmental Bodies and other third parties, domestic or foreign, necessary to carry on any Borrower’s business or necessary (including to avoid a conflict or breach under any agreement, instrument, other document, license, permit or other authorization) for the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement and the Other Documents, including any Consents required under all applicable federal, state or other Applicable Law.

 

Consigned Inventory” shall mean Inventory of any Borrower that is in the possession of another Person on a consignment, sale or return, or other basis that does not constitute a final sale and acceptance of such Inventory.

9

 

Contract Rate” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1 hereof.

 

Control Account Bank” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.8(h) hereof.

 

Controlled Group” shall mean, at any tradetime, each Borrower and all members of a controlled group of corporations and all trades or businessbusinesses (whether or not incorporated) thatunder common control and all other entities which, together with any Borrower, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code or, solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, isare treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.

 

Covenant Testing Trigger Event” shall mean (a) the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default or (b) Excess Availability is less than (i) $6,250,000 for five (5) consecutive Business Days or (ii) $5,000,000 on any given Business Day; provided that a Covenant Testing Trigger Event shall cease to exist, with respect to clause (a) above, upon the waiver of the applicable Event of Default, and with respect to clause (b) above, when Borrowers have Excess Availability, for sixty (60) consecutive days, exceeding $15,000,000; provided, that a Covenant Testing Trigger Event shall not occur if Borrowers’ unencumbered (other than the lien of Agent) cash maintained in a Deposit Account established with PNC is greater than the then outstanding Obligations.

 

Covered Entity” shall mean (a) each Borrower, each other Loan Party and each Borrower’s and each other Loan Party’s respective Subsidiaries and Affiliates, all Guarantors and all pledgors of Collateral and (b) each Person that, directly or indirectly, is in control of a Person described in clause (a) above. For purposes of this definition, control of a Person shall mean the direct or indirect (x) ownership of, or power to vote, 25% or more of the issued and outstanding equity interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors of such Person or other Persons performing similar functions for such Person, or (y) power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person whether by ownership of equity interests, contract or otherwise.

 

Credit Rating” means the rating assigned by a Rating Agency to the senior unsecured long term Indebtedness of a Person.

 

Customer” shall mean and include the account debtor with respect to any Receivable and/or the prospective purchaser of goods, services or both with respect to any contract or contract right, and/or any party who enters into or proposes to enter into any contract or other arrangement with any Borrower, pursuant to which such Borrower is to deliver any personal property or perform any services.

 

Customs” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.13(b) hereof.

 

Daily LIBOR Rate” shall mean for any day, the rate per annum determined by the Agent by dividing (x) the Published Rate by (y) a number equal to 1.00 minus the Reserve Percentage.

 

Debt Payments” shall mean for any period, in each case, all cash actually expended by any Borrower to make: (a) interest payments on any Advances hereunder, plus (b) payments for all fees, commissions and charges set forth herein, plus (c) payments on Capitalized Lease Obligations, plus (d) payments with respect to any other Indebtedness for borrowed money, including New Second Priority Debt.

10

 

Default” shall mean an event, circumstance or condition which, with the giving of notice or passage of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

 

Default Rate” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.1 hereof.

 

Defaulting Lender” shall mean any Lender that: (a) has failed, within two (2) Business Days of the date required to be funded or paid, to (i) fund any portion of its Revolving Commitment Percentage, as applicable, of Advances, (ii) if applicable, fund any portion of its Participation Commitment in Letters of Credit or Swing Loans or (iii) pay over to Agent, Issuer, Swing Loan Lender or any Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder, unless, in the case of clause (i) above, such Lender notifies Agent in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent to funding (specifically identified and including a particular Default or Event of Default, if any) has not been satisfied; (b)  has notified Borrowers or Agent in writing, or has made a public statement to the effect, that it does not intend or expect to comply with any of its funding obligations under this Agreement (unless such writing or public statement indicates that such position is based on such Lender’s good faith determination that a condition precedent (specifically identified and including a particular Default or Event of Default, if any) to funding a loan under this Agreement cannot be satisfied) or generally under other agreements in which it commits to extend credit; (c) has failed, within two (2) Business Days after request by Agent or Borrowing Agent, acting in good faith, to provide a certification in writing from an authorized officer of such Lender that it will comply with its obligations (and is financially able to meet such obligations) to fund prospective Advances and, if applicable, participations in then outstanding Letters of Credit and Swing Loans under this Agreement, provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon Agent’s receipt of such certification in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent; (d) has become the subject of an Insolvency Event; or (e) has failed at any time to comply with the provisions of Section 2.6(e) with respect to purchasing participations from the other Lenders, whereby such Lender’s share of any payment received, whether by setoff or otherwise, is in excess of its pro rata share of such payments due and payable to all of the Lenders.

 

Depository Accounts” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.8(h) hereof.

 

Designated Lender” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 16.2(d) hereof.

 

Disqualified Equity Interest” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any Equity Interest of such Person that, by its terms, or by the terms of any Equity Interest into which it is convertible or for which it is putable or exchangeable, or upon the happening of any event, matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than solely for Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Equity Interests), other than as a result of a change of control or asset sale, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise, or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than as a result of a change of control or asset sale to the extent the terms of such Equity Interests provide that such Equity Interests shall not be required to be repurchased or redeemed until the Maturity Date has occurred or such repurchase or redemption is otherwise permitted by this Agreement (including as a result of a waiver hereunder)), in whole or in part, in each case prior to the date that is ninety-one (91) days after the Maturity Date hereunder; provided that, if such Equity Interests are issued to any plan for the benefit of employees of any Borrower or its Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Equity Interests shall not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests solely because it may be required to be repurchased by any Borrower or its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations; provided, further, that any Equity Interests held by any future, present or former employee, director, manager or consultant of any Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any Parent or any other entity in which any Borrower or Subsidiary has an Investment and is designated in good faith as an “affiliate” by the board of directors or managers of the Borrowing Agent, in each case pursuant to any equity holders’ agreement, management equity plan or stock incentive plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement, shall not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests solely because it may be required to be repurchased by a Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

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Document” shall have the meaning given to the term “document” in the Uniform Commercial Code.

 

Dollar” and the sign “$” shall mean lawful money of the United States of America.

 

Domestic Rate Loan” shall mean any Advance that bears interest based upon the Alternate Base Rate.

 

Domestic Receivables Advance Rate” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.l(a)(y)(i) hereof.

 

Drawing Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(b) hereof.

 

EBITDA” shall mean for any period with respect to Borrowers on a Consolidated Basis, the sum of (a) net income (or loss) for such period (excluding extraordinary gains and losses), plus (b) to the extent deducted from net income for such period, without duplication, (i) all interest expense for such period, plus (ii) all charges against income for such period for federal, state and local taxes, plus (iii) depreciation expenses for such period, plus (iv) amortization expenses for such period, plus (v) all non-cash charges for such period; provided, that, EBITDA in respect of Borrowers shall not include EBITDA of the Permitted Joint Venture except to the extent the Permitted Joint Venture has positive EBITDA and only to the extent cash is actually distributed by the Permitted Joint Venture to a Borrower or Loan Party. EBITDA of any Person acquired in a Permitted Acquisition subsequent to the Closing Date shall be, as of the date of acquisition, without duplication, such Person’s consolidated EBITDA calculated for the most recently completed twelve month period ended prior to such acquisition and, thereafter, its consolidated EBITDA calculated on a rolling four (4) quarter basis.

 

Effective Date” means the date indicated in a document or agreement to be the date on which such document or agreement becomes effective, or, if there is no such indication, the date of execution of such document or agreement.

 

Eligibility Date” shall mean, with respect to each Borrower and Guarantor and each Swap, the date on which this Agreement or any Other Document becomes effective with respect to such Swap (for the avoidance of doubt, the Eligibility Date shall be the Effective Date of such Swap if this Agreement or any Other Document is then in effect with respect to such Borrower or Guarantor, and otherwise it shall be the Effective Date of this Agreement and/or such Other Document(s) to which such Borrower or Guarantor is a party).

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Eligible Contract Participant” shall mean an “eligible contract participant” as defined in the CEA and regulations thereunder.

 

Eligible Multi-Client Data Library Asset” shall mean and include each portion of, or discrete collection of seismic data included in, the Multi-Client Data Library (whether owned by or subject to an Approved License in favor of one or more of the Borrowers and including, with respect to any joint data acquisition program, the portion thereof attributable to any Borrower) that the Agent, in its Permitted Discretion, shall deem to be eligible for inclusion in the Formula Amount. A Multi-Client Data Library shall not be deemed eligible unless such Multi-Client Data Library is subject to Agent’s first priority perfected security interest and no other Lien (other than Permitted Encumbrances).

 

Eligible Domestic Receivables” shall mean and include, each Receivable of a Borrower arising in the Ordinary Course of Business and which Agent, in its Permitted Discretion, shall deem to be an Eligible Domestic Receivable. A Receivable shall not be deemed eligible unless such Receivable is subject to Agent’s first priority perfected security interest and no other Lien (other than Permitted Encumbrances), and is evidenced by an invoice or other documentary evidence satisfactory to Agent. In addition, no Receivable shall be an Eligible Domestic Receivable if:

 

(a)         it arises out of a sale made by any Borrower to an Affiliate of any Borrower (other than an Affiliate listed on Schedule 1.2(a) as in effect on the Closing Date and as may be supplemented from time to time thereafter with the prior consent of the Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably conditioned, withheld or delayed));

 

(b)         it is due or unpaid more than ninety (90) days after the original invoice date or sixty (60) days after the original due date;

 

(c)         fifty percent (50%) or more of the Receivables from such Customer are not deemed Eligible Domestic Receivables under the foregoing clause (b);

 

(d)         any covenant, representation or warranty contained in this Agreement with respect to such Receivable has been breached in any material respect;

 

(e)         an Insolvency Event shall have occurred with respect to such Customer;

 

(f)          the sale is to a Customer having its chief executive office or corporate headquarters outside the continental United States of America and Canada, unless the sale is on letter of credit, guaranty or acceptance terms, in each case acceptable to Agent in its Permitted Discretion;

 

(g)         the sale to the Customer is (i) on a bill-and-hold, guaranteed sale, sale-and-return, sale on approval, consignment or any other repurchase or return basis or is evidenced by chattel paper or (ii) made in connection with a Joint Data Acquisition Program (unless, in the case of this clause (ii). Agent in its sole discretion agrees that the Receivable arising therefrom shall be an Eligible Domestic Receivable);

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(h)         Agent believes, in its Permitted Discretion, that collection of such Receivable is insecure or that such Receivable may not be paid by reason of the Customer’s financial inability to pay;

 

(i)          the Customer is the United States of America, any state or any department, agency or instrumentality of any of them, unless the applicable Borrower assigns its right to payment of such Receivable to Agent pursuant to the Assignment of Claims Act of 1940, as amended (31 U.S.C. Sub-Section 3727 et seq. and 41 U.S.C. Sub-Section 15 et seq.) or has otherwise complied with other applicable statutes or ordinances;

 

(j)          the goods giving rise to such Receivable have not been delivered to and accepted by the Customer or the services giving rise to such Receivable have not been performed by the applicable Borrower and accepted by the Customer or the Receivable otherwise does not represent a final sale;

 

(k)         the aggregate amount of Receivables owing by the Customer constitutes: (i) if such Customer has an Investment Grade Rating, more than 30% of the aggregate amount of all otherwise Eligible Domestic Receivables, Eligible Foreign Receivables and Eligible Unbilled Receivables; and (ii) if such Customer does not have an Investment Grade Rating, more than 20% of the aggregate amount of all otherwise Eligible Domestic Receivables, Eligible Foreign Receivables and Eligible Unbilled Receivables; provided that, in each case, the portion of the Receivables of any Customer not in excess of the applicable percentage for such Customer that otherwise satisfies the criteria set forth herein will be deemed Eligible Domestic Receivables, Eligible Foreign Receivables or Eligible Unbilled Receivables, as the case may be;

 

(l)          (i) the Receivable is subject to any offset, deduction, defense, dispute, credits or counterclaim, but only to the extent of such offset, deduction, defense, dispute, credits or counterclaim, (ii) the Customer is also a creditor or supplier of a Borrower and such Borrower then owes such Customer any amount in respect of an account payable, but only to the extent of the amount of such account payable or (iii) the Receivable is contingent (as determined in accordance with GAAP consistent with such Borrowers’ past practices) in any respect or for any reason;

 

(m)        the applicable Borrower has made any agreement with any Customer for any deduction therefrom, except for discounts or allowances made in the Ordinary Course of Business for prompt payment, all of which discounts or allowances are reflected in the calculation of the face value of each respective invoice related thereto;

 

(n)         any return, rejection or repossession of the merchandise has occurred or the rendition of services has been disputed in any material respect; or

 

(o)         such Receivable is not payable to a Borrower.

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Eligible Foreign Receivables” shall mean Receivables that satisfy the requirements of Eligible Domestic Receivables, except for one or more of clauses (b), (c) and (f) of such definition, provided that such Receivable is (a) not due or unpaid more than one hundred twenty (120) days after the original invoice date or ninety (90) days after the original due date, (b) owing by any Customer, fifty percent (50%) or more of the Receivables from which Customer are deemed ineligible under the foregoing clause (a), and (c) credit insured (the insurance carrier, amount and terms of such insurance shall be acceptable to Agent in its Permitted Discretion and shall name Agent as beneficiary or loss payee, as applicable). For the avoidance of doubt, Agent may in its Permitted Discretion establish reserves in respect of any co-insurance or deductible amount under any credit insurance policy; provided, that the aggregate amount advanced pursuant to Section 2.1(a)(y) in respect of Eligible Foreign Receivables related to GX Mexico shall not exceed $5,000,000 at any one time.

 

Eligible Unbilled Receivables” shall mean Receivables that satisfy the requirements of Eligible Domestic Receivables or Eligible Foreign Receivables, as applicable, except that an invoice for such Receivable has not been issued, provided that: (a) such Receivable is credit insured (the insurance carrier, amount and terms of such insurance shall be acceptable to Agent in its Permitted Discretion and shall name Agent as beneficiary or loss payee, as applicable), (b) with respect to licenses of completed multi-client data library projects, (i) a signed final master geophysical data license agreement and accompanying supplemental license agreement or letter of commitment have been returned by the customer, (ii) the purchase price for the license has been fixed, (iii) delivery or performance has occurred, and (iv) no significant uncertainty exists as to the customer’s obligation, willingness or ability to pay; (c) with respect to multi-client data acquisition projects in process, proprietary data acquisition projects in process, data processing projects, data imaging services and other related services, (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) the price has been fixed, and (iii) collectability is reasonably assured; (d) with respect to sales of seismic data acquisition systems and other seismic equipment, (i) evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) the price to the customer has been fixed, (iii) collectability is reasonably assured, and (iv) the acquisition system or other seismic equipment has been delivered to the customer and risk of ownership has passed to the customer, or, in the case in which a substantive customer-specified acceptance clause exists in the contract, if later, the customer-specified acceptance has been obtained; and (e) with respect to sales of navigation, survey and quality control software systems, (i) evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) the price to the customer has been fixed, (iii) collectability is reasonably assured, and (iv) the software has been delivered to the customer and risk of ownership has passed to the customer, or, in the case in which a substantive customer-specified acceptance clause exists in the contract, if later, the customer-specified acceptance has been obtained. For the avoidance of doubt, Agent may in its Permitted Discretion establish reserves in respect of any co-insurance or deductible amount under any credit insurance policy.

 

Eligible Inventory” shall mean and include Inventory, excluding work in process (for the avoidance of doubt, raw materials and finished goods in the possession, under the control or located at the premises of a third party processor shall be deemed “work in process” for the purposes hereof), valued at the lower of cost or market value, determined by the Borrowing Agent in accordance with its customary accounting procedures, and which Agent, in its Permitted Discretion, shall deem to be Eligible Inventory. Inventory shall not be deemed eligible unless such Inventory is subject to Agent’s first priority perfected security interest and no other Lien (other than Permitted Encumbrances). In addition, Inventory shall not be Eligible Inventory if it: (a) does not conform to all applicable standards imposed by any Governmental Body which has regulatory authority over such goods or the use or sale thereof; (b) is in-transit from a location outside the United States to any location within the United States or is in-transit within the United States (other than between locations of Borrowers); (c) is located outside the continental United States; (d) constitutes Consigned Inventory; (e) is the subject of an Intellectual Property Claim; (f) is subject to a License Agreement that limits, conditions or restricts the applicable Borrower’s or Agent’s right to sell or otherwise dispose of such Inventory, unless Agent is a party to a Licensor/Agent Agreement with the Licensor under such License Agreement (or Agent shall agree otherwise in its Permitted Discretion after establishing reserves against the Formula Amount with respect thereto as Agent shall deem appropriate in its Permitted Discretion); (g) is situated at a location not owned by a Borrower unless such location is listed on Schedule 4.4 and the owner or occupier of such location has executed in favor of Agent a Lien Waiver Agreement (provided that if a Borrower has not obtained a Lien Waiver Agreement after using commercially reasonable efforts to do so, Agent shall establish a reserve not to exceed the amount of three (3) month’s rent for such location against the Formula Amount with respect to Inventory held at such location as Agent shall deem appropriate in its Permitted Discretion); or (h) or if the sale of such Inventory would result in an ineligible Receivable.

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“Embargoed Property” shall mean any property (a) in which a Sanctioned Person holds an interest; (b) beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by a Sanctioned Person; (c) that is due to or from a Sanctioned Person; (d) that is located in a Sanctioned Jurisdiction; or (e) that would otherwise cause any actual or possible violation by the Agent of any applicable Anti-Terrorism Law if the Agent were to obtain an encumbrance on, lien on, pledge of or security interest in such property or provide services in consideration of such property.

 

Environmental Complaint” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.3(b) hereof.

 

Environmental Laws” shall mean all federal, state and local environmental, land use, zoning, health, chemical use, safety and sanitation laws, statutes, ordinances and codes as well as common laws, relating to the protection of the environment, human health and/or governing the use, storage, treatment, generation, transportation, processing, handling, production or disposal of Hazardous Materials and the rules, regulations, policies, guidelines, interpretations, decisions, orders and directives of federal, state, international and local governmental agencies and authorities with respect thereto.

 

Equity Interests” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any and all shares, rights to purchase, options, warrants, general, limited or limited liability partnership interests, member interests, participation or other equivalents of or interest in (regardless of how designated) equity of such Person, including partes sociales in terms of the Mexican General Corporation and Partnership Law (Ley General de Sociedades Mercantiles), whether voting or nonvoting, including common stock, preferred stock, convertible securities or any other “equity security” (as such term is defined in Rule 3a11-1 of the General Rules and Regulations promulgated by the SEC under the Exchange Act), including in each case all of the following rights relating to such Equity Interests, whether arising under the Organizational Documents of the Person issuing such Equity Interests (the “issuer”) or under the applicable laws of such issuer’s jurisdiction of organization relating to the formation, existence and governance of corporations, limited liability companies or partnerships or business trusts or other legal entities, as the case may be: (i) all economic rights (including all rights to receive dividends and distributions) relating to such Equity Interests; (ii) all voting rights and rights to consent to any particular action(s) by the applicable issuer; (iii) all management rights with respect to such issuer; (iv) in the case of any Equity Interests consisting of a general partner interest in a partnership, all powers and rights as a general partner with respect to the management, operations and control of the business and affairs of the applicable issuer; (v) in the case of any Equity Interests consisting of the membership/limited liability company interests of a managing member in a limited liability company, all powers and rights as a managing member with respect to the management, operations and control of the business and affairs of the applicable issuer; (vi) all rights to designate or appoint or vote for or remove any officers, directors, manager(s), general partner(s) or managing member(s) of such issuer and/or any members of any board of members/managers/partners/directors that may at any time have any rights to manage and direct the business and affairs of the applicable issuer under its Organizational Documents as in effect from time to time or under Applicable Law; (vii) all rights to amend the Organizational Documents of such issuer; (viii) in the case of any Equity Interests in a partnership or limited liability company, the status of the holder of such Equity Interests as a “partner”, general or limited, or “member” (as applicable) under the applicable Organizational Documents and/or Applicable Law; and (ix) all certificates evidencing such Equity Interests.

16

 

ERISA” shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Event of Default” shall have the meaning set forth in Article X hereof.

 

Excess Availability” at a particular date shall mean an amount equal to (a) the Maximum Borrowing Amount, minus (b) the sum of (i) the outstanding amount of Advances plus (ii) fees and expenses incurred in connection with the Transactions for which Borrowers are liable but which have not been paid or charged to Borrowers’ Account.

 

Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

Excluded Accounts” shall mean (a) each deposit account or securities account listed on Schedule 1.2(b), (b) each Joint Data Acquisition Program Account and (c) each other deposit account or securities account securing reimbursement obligations with respect to any letter of credit permitted by clause (i) of the definition of “Permitted Indebtedness”.

 

Excluded Equity” shall mean all Equity Interests owned by a Borrower that do not constitute Subsidiary Stock, including any Equity Interests in the Permitted Joint Venture.

 

Excluded Hedge Liability or Liabilities” shall mean, with respect to each Borrower and Guarantor, each of its Swap Obligations if, and only to the extent that, all or any portion of this Agreement or any Other Document that relates to such Swap Obligation is or becomes illegal under the CEA, or any rule, regulation or order of the CFTC, solely by virtue of such Borrower’s and/or Guarantor’s failure to qualify as an Eligible Contract Participant on the Eligibility Date for such Swap. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the foregoing or in any other provision of this Agreement or any Other Document, the foregoing is subject to the following provisos: (a) if a Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one Swap, this definition shall apply only to the portion of such Swap Obligation that is attributable to Swaps for which such guaranty or security interest is or becomes illegal under the CEA, or any rule, regulations or order of the CFTC, solely as a result of the failure by such Borrower or Guarantor for any reason to qualify as an Eligible Contract Participant on the Eligibility Date for such Swap; (b) if a guarantee of a Swap Obligation would cause such obligation to be an Excluded Hedge Liability but the grant of a security interest would not cause such obligation to be an Excluded Hedge Liability, such Swap Obligation shall constitute an Excluded Hedge Liability for purposes of the guaranty but not for purposes of the grant of the security interest; and (c) if there is more than one Borrower or Guarantor executing this Agreement or the Other Documents and a Swap Obligation would be an Excluded Hedge Liability with respect to one or more of such Persons, but not all of them, the definition of Excluded Hedge Liability or Liabilities with respect to each such Person shall only be deemed applicable to (i) the particular Swap Obligations that constitute Excluded Hedge Liabilities with respect to such Person, and (ii) the particular Person with respect to which such Swap Obligations constitute Excluded Hedge Liabilities.

17

 

Excluded Property” shall mean each of the following: (a) any asset or property right of any Borrower or Guarantor of any nature: (i) if the grant of a security interest shall constitute or result in (A) the abandonment, invalidation or unenforceability of such asset or property right or such Borrower’s or Guarantor’s loss of use of such asset or property right or (B) a breach, termination or default under any lease, license, contract or agreement (other than to the extent that any such term would be rendered ineffective pursuant to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 or 9-409 of the UCC (or any successor provision or provisions) of any relevant jurisdiction or any other applicable law (including the United States Bankruptcy Code) or principles of equity) to which such Borrower or Guarantor is party; and (ii) to the extent that any Applicable Law prohibits the creation of a security interest thereon (other than to the extent that any such term would be rendered ineffective pursuant to any Applicable Law or principles of equity); (b) Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary that is a controlled foreign corporation within the meaning of Section 957 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and that is directly owned by any Borrower or Guarantor, and Equity Interests of any disregarded entity owner (direct or indirect through one or more other disregarded entities) of a Foreign Subsidiary that is a controlled foreign corporation within the meaning of Section 957 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, other than, in each case, 65% of the outstanding Voting Stock of such Foreign Subsidiary or such disregarded entity owner, and (y) all Equity Interests of Foreign Subsidiaries not directly owned by any Borrower or Guarantor; (c) any applications for trademarks or service marks filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (the “PTO”) pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1051 Section 1(b) unless and until evidence of use of the mark in interstate commerce is submitted to the PTO pursuant to 15 U.S.C. § 1051 Section 1(c) or Section 1(d); (d) fixed or capital assets owned by any Borrower or Guarantor that is subject to a capital lease or purchase money obligations, in each case permitted to be incurred pursuant to Sections 7.2 and 7.8 hereof if the contract or other agreement in which such Lien is granted prohibits the creation of any other Lien on such fixed or capital assets, but only for so long as such prohibition is in effect and only with respect to the portion of such fixed or capital assets as to which such other Lien attaches and such prohibition applies; (e) motor vehicles; (f) any Equity Interest of any Subsidiary to the extent (and only to the extent) that in the reasonable judgment of Borrowing Agent, if such Equity Interest were not excluded from the Collateral then Rule 3-16 or Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act would require the filing of separate financial statements of such Subsidiary with the SEC (or any other governmental agency) in connection with a registration of any of the Second Priority2016 Notes, the New Second Priority Notes or any other Junior Priority Debt Documents evidencing Junior Priority Debt under the Securities Act; (g) de minimis or immaterial assets for which perfection of the security could not be obtained without unreasonable cost and expense or under Applicable Law; (h) unless such real property and fixtures (1) secure any New Second Priority Notes or any other Junior Priority Debt Documents evidencing Junior Priority Debt and (2) have a fair market value in excess of $10.0 million, real property and any fixtures owned or leased by any Borrower or Guarantor; (i) unless such Equity Interests secure any New Second Priority Notes or any other Junior Priority Debt Documents evidencing Junior Priority Debt, Equity Interests in any Person other than (1) a Guarantor, to the extent such Person is at such time a Guarantor, and (2) as provided in clause (b) of this definition; (j) any deposit account or securities account (and any cash or cash equivalents or other investments deposited therein) securing Indebtedness described in clause 4.09(b)(xix) of the Second Priority Notes Indenture or any similar provision of any Junior Priority Debt Document (but only if and to the extent any such Indebtedness is permitted to be incurred hereunder); and (kand (j) any property not subject to a New Second Priority Lien.

18

 

Excluded Taxes” shall mean, with respect to Agent, any Lender, Participant, Swing Loan Lender, Issuer or any other recipient of any payment to be made by or on account of any Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities), (a) taxes imposed on or measured by its overall net income (however denominated), and franchise taxes (i) imposed by the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof) under the laws of which such recipient is organized or in which its principal office or applicable lending office is located or, in the case of any Lender, Participant, Swing Loan Lender or Issuer, in which its applicable lending office is located, or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes (b) any branch profits taxes imposed by the United States of America or any similar tax imposed by any other jurisdiction in which any Borrower is located, (c) in the case of a Lender, any withholding tax that is imposed on amounts payable to such Lender at the time such Lender becomes a party hereto (or designates a new lending office) or is attributable to such Lender’s failure or inability (other than as a result of a Change in Law) to comply with Section 3.10(e), except to the extent that such Lender or Participant (or its assignor or seller of a participation, if any) was entitled, at the time of designation of a new lending office (or assignment or sale of a participation), to receive additional amounts from Borrowers with respect to such withholding tax pursuant to Section 3.10(a), or (d) any Taxes imposed under FATCA.

 

Exploration” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement and shall include its successors and assigns.

 

Facility Fee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3 hereof.

 

FATCA” shall mean Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future regulations thereunder or official interpretations thereof, any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code, any published intergovernmental agreement entered into in connection with the implementation of such sections of the Code and any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or official practices adopted pursuant to such published intergovernmental agreement.

19

 

Federal Funds Effective Rate” shall mean, for any day, the rate per annum (based on a year of 360 days and actual days elapsed and rounded upward to the nearest 1/100 of 1%) announced calculated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or any successor), based on such day as being the weighted average of the rates on overnight’s federal funds transactions arranged by federal funds brokers on the previous trading daydepositary institutions, as computed and announced by such Federal Reserve Bank (or any successor) in substantially the samedetermined in such manner as such Federal Reserve Bank computes(or any successor) shall set forth on its public website from time to time, and announcesas published on the weighted average it refers tonext succeeding Business Day by such Federal Reserve Bank as the “Federal Funds Effective Rate” as of the date of this Agreement; provided, if such Federal Reserve Bank (or its successor) does not announcepublish such rate on any day, the “Federal Funds Effective Rate” for such day shall be the Federal Funds Effective Rate for the last day on which such rate was announced.

 

Federal Funds Open Rate” shall mean for any day the rate per annum (based on a year of 360 days and actual days elapsed) which is the daily federal funds open rate as quoted by ICAP North America, Inc. (or any successor) as set forth on the Bloomberg Screen BTMM for that day opposite the caption “OPEN” (or on such other substitute Bloomberg Screen that displays such rate), or as set forth on such other recognized electronic source used for the purpose of displaying such rate as selected by PNC (an “Alternate Source”) (or if such rate for such day does not appear on the Bloomberg Screen BTMM (or any substitute screen) or on any Alternate Source, or if there shall at any time, for any reason, no longer exist a Bloomberg Screen BTMM (or any substitute screen) or any Alternate Source, a comparable replacement rate determined by PNC at such time (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error); provided however, that if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Open Rate for such day shall be the “open” rate on the immediately preceding Business Day. If and when the Federal Funds Open Rate changes, the rate of interest with respect to any advance to which the Federal Funds Open Rate applies will change automatically without notice to Borrowers, effective on the date of any such change.

 

Fee Letter” shall mean the amended and restated fee letter dated August 4, 2015 among Borrowing Agent and PNC.

 

First Amendment Effective Date” shall mean August 4, 2015.

 

Fitch” means Fitch Ratings Inc. and any successor thereto.

 

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” shall mean, with respect to any fiscal period, the ratio of (a) EBITDA, minus Unfunded Capital Expenditures made during such period, minus distributions (including tax distributions) and dividends made during such period, minus cash taxes paid during such period, to (b) all Debt Payments made during such period.

20

 

Flood Laws” shall mean all Applicable Laws relating to policies and procedures that address requirements placed on federally regulated lenders under the National Flood Insurance Reform Act of 1994 and other Applicable Laws related thereto.

 

Foreign Currency Hedge” shall mean any foreign exchange transaction, including spot and forward foreign currency purchases and sales, listed or over-the-counter options on foreign currencies, non-deliverable forwards and options, foreign currency swap agreements, currency exchange rate price hedging arrangements, and any other similar transaction providing for the purchase of one currency in exchange for the sale of another currency entered into by any Borrower, Guarantor and/or any of their respective Subsidiaries.

 

Foreign Currency Hedge Liabilities” shall have the meaning assigned in the definition of Lender-Provided Foreign Currency Hedge.

 

Foreign Lender” shall mean any Lender that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which Borrowers are resident for tax purposes. For purposes of this definition, the United States of America, each State thereof and the District of Columbia shall be deemed to constitute a single jurisdiction.

 

Foreign Subsidiary” shall mean any Subsidiary of any Person that is not organized or incorporated in the United States, any State or territory thereof or the District of Columbia.

 

Foreign Unbilled Receivables Advance Rate” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a)(y)(iv) hereof.

 

Formula Amount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a) hereof.

 

“Fourth Amendment Effective Date” shall mean April 20, 2021.

 

Funded Debt” shall mean, with respect to any Person, without duplication, all Indebtedness for borrowed money evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures, or similar evidences of Indebtedness that by its terms matures more than one year from, or is directly or indirectly renewable or extendible at such Person’s option under a revolving credit or similar agreement obligating the lender or lenders to extend credit over a period of more than one year from the date of creation thereof, and specifically including Capitalized Lease Obligations, current maturities of long-term debt, revolving credit and short term debt extendible beyond one year at the option of the debtor, and also including, in the case of Borrowers, the Obligations and, without duplication, Indebtedness consisting of guaranties of Funded Debt of other Persons, minus the aggregate amount of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of such Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Indebtedness arising from financed insurance premiums shall not be considered Funded Debt hereunder.

 

Funding Rules” shall mean the requirements relating to the minimum required contributions (including any installment payments) to Pension Benefit Plans and Multiemployer Plans, as applicable, and set forth in Sections 412, 430, 431, 432 and 436 of the Code and Sections 302, 303, 304 and 305 of ERISA.

21

 

GAAP” shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in effect from time to time, but without regard to any changes that might be made to the accounting treatment of leases after the Third Amendment Effective Date.

 

Geophysical” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement and shall include its successors and assigns.

 

Governmental Acts” shall mean any act or omission, whether rightful or wrongful, of any present or future de jure or de facto Governmental Body.

 

Governmental Body” shall mean any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof or any entity, authority, agency, division or department exercising the executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to a government (including any supra-national bodies such as the European Union or the European Central Bank) and any group or body charged with setting financial accounting or regulatory capital rules or standards (including the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Bank for International Settlements or the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision or any successor or similar authority to any of the foregoing).

 

Guarantor” shall mean each direct or indirect Material Subsidiary of a Borrower that executes and delivers a Guaranty in favor of the Agent pursuant to Section 6.10 hereof, and any other Person who may hereafter guarantee payment or performance of the whole or any part of the Obligations; “Guarantors” means collectively all such Persons.

 

Guarantor Security Agreement” shall mean any security agreement executed by any Guarantor in favor of Agent securing the Obligations or the Guaranty of such Guarantor, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent.

 

Guaranty” shall mean any guaranty of the Obligations executed by a Guarantor in favor of Agent for its benefit and for the ratable benefit of Lenders, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent.

 

GX Mexico” shall mean GX Geoscience Corporation, S. de R.L. de C.V., a Sociedad de Responsibilidad Limitada de Capital Variable organized under the laws of Mexico.

 

GX Mexico Obligations” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).

 

GXT” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement and shall include its successors and assigns.

 

Hazardous Discharge” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.3(b) hereof.

 

Hazardous Materials” shall mean any flammable explosives, radon, radioactive materials, asbestos, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, polychlorinated biphenyls, petroleum and petroleum products, methane, hazardous materials, Hazardous Wastes, hazardous or Toxic Substances or related materials as defined in or subject to regulation under Environmental Laws.

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Hazardous Wastes” shall mean all waste materials subject to regulation under CERCLA, RCRA or applicable state law, and any other applicable Federal and state laws now in force or hereafter enacted relating to hazardous waste disposal.

 

Hedge Liabilities” shall mean collectively, the Foreign Currency Hedge Liabilities and the Interest Rate Hedge Liabilities.

 

Indebtedness” shall mean, as to any Person at any time, any and all indebtedness, obligations or liabilities (whether matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, or joint or several) of such Person for or in respect of: (a) borrowed money; (b) amounts received under or liabilities in respect of any note purchase or acceptance credit facility, and all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments; (c) all Capitalized Lease Obligations; (d) reimbursement obligations (contingent or otherwise) under any letter of credit agreement, banker’s acceptance agreement or similar arrangement; (e) net obligations under any Interest Rate Hedge, Foreign Currency Hedge, or other interest rate management device, foreign currency exchange agreement, currency swap agreement, commodity price protection agreement or other interest or currency exchange rate or commodity price hedging arrangement; (f) any other advances of credit made to or on behalf of such Person or other transaction (including forward sale or purchase agreements, capitalized leases and conditional sales agreements) having the commercial effect of a borrowing of money entered into by such Person to finance its operations or capital requirements including to finance the purchase price of property or services and all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (but not including (x) accrued royalty payables or (y) trade payables and accrued expenses incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business which are not represented by a promissory note or other evidence of indebtedness and which are not more than sixty (60) days past due); (g) all Disqualified Equity Interests; (h) all indebtedness, obligations or liabilities secured by a Lien on any asset of such Person, whether or not such indebtedness, obligations or liabilities are otherwise an obligation of such Person (provided that if such Person is not personally liable for such obligations, then the amount of such indebtedness, obligations or liabilities that constitutes Indebtedness shall not exceed the fair market value of the asset encumbered by such Lien); (i) all obligations of such Person for “earnouts”, purchase price adjustments, profit sharing arrangements, deferred purchase money amounts and similar payment obligations or continuing obligations of any nature of such Person arising out of purchase and sale contracts; (j) off-balance sheet liabilities and/or pension plan liabilities of such Person; (k) obligations arising under bonus, deferred compensation, incentive compensation or similar arrangements, other than those arising in the Ordinary Course of Business; and (l) any guaranty of any indebtedness, obligations or liabilities of a type described in the foregoing clauses (a) through (k).

 

Indemnified Taxes” shall mean Taxes other than (a) Excluded Taxes imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of any Borrower under this Agreement and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in the foregoing clause (a), Other Taxes.

 

Ineligible Person” shall mean (a) any Person identified on Schedule 1.2(c) or any reasonably identifiable Affiliate thereof and (b) any Borrower and any Affiliate of any Borrower.

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Ineligible Security” shall mean any security which may not be underwritten or dealt in by member banks of the Federal Reserve System under Section 16 of the Banking Act of 1933 (12 U.S.C. Section 24, Seventh), as amended.

 

“INOVA Transaction” means the sale of Geophysical’s 49% equity stake in INOVA Geophysical Equipment Limited first announced in March 2020 and reported on Geophysical’s Form 10-Q filed on May 7, 2020.

 

Insolvency Event” shall mean, with respect to any Person, including without limitation any Lender, such Person or such Person’s direct or indirect parent company (a) becomes the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding or, as applicable, concurso mercantil in terms of the Mexican Bankruptcy Law (Ley de Concursos Mercantiles), (including any proceeding under Title 11 of the United States Code), or regulatory restrictions, (b) has had a receiver, conservator, trustee, administrator, custodian, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with the reorganization or liquidation of its business appointed for it or has called a meeting of its creditors, (c) admits in writing its inability, or be generally unable, to pay its debts as they become due or cease operations of its present business, (d) with respect to a Lender, such Lender is unable to perform hereunder due to the application of Applicable Law, or (e) in the good faith determination of Agent, has taken any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any such proceeding or appointment of a type described in clauses (a) or (b), provided that an Insolvency Event shall not result solely by virtue of any ownership interest, or the acquisition of any ownership interest, in such Person or such Person’s direct or indirect parent company by a Governmental Body or instrumentality thereof if, and only if, such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Person with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Person (or such Governmental Body or instrumentality) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made by such Person.

 

Intellectual Property” shall mean property constituting a patent, copyright, trademark (or any application in respect of the foregoing), service mark, copyright, copyright application, trade name, mask work, trade secret, design right, assumed name or license or other right to use any of the foregoing under Applicable Law.

 

Intellectual Property Claim” shall mean the commencement of any litigation or other legal proceeding by any Person of a claim that any Borrower’s ownership, use, marketing, sale or distribution of any Inventory, equipment, Intellectual Property or other property or asset is violative of any ownership of or right to use any Intellectual Property of such Person.

 

Intercreditor Agreement” shall mean that certain Intercreditor Agreement dated as of April 28, 2016, among Agent, as first lien representative, the Second Priority Indenture Trustee, as second lien representative, the Second Priority Notes Collateral Agent, Borrowers and the other parties thereto (which Intercreditor Agreement is given in replacement and substitution for that certain Second Lien Intercreditor Agreement dated as of May 13, 2013, among China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd., as the initial first lien representative, Borrowers and the other parties thereto), in each case, as the same may be amended, supplemented and otherwise modified from time to time.

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Intercreditor Agreement Joinder” shall mean a Joinder Agreement, substantially in the form of Exhibit II to the Intercreditor Agreement, pursuant to which Agent shall be designated the “Replacement First Lien Representative” and “Replacement First Lien Collateral Agent” under the Intercreditor Agreement and this Agreement shall be designated the “Replacement First Lien Credit Agreement” under the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

Interest Period” shall mean the period provided for any LIBOR Rate Loan pursuant to Section 2.2(b) hereof.

 

Interest Rate Hedge” shall mean an interest rate exchange, collar, cap, swap, floor, adjustable strike cap, adjustable strike corridor, cross-currency swap or similar agreements entered into by any Borrower, Guarantor and/or their respective Subsidiaries in order to provide protection to, or minimize the impact upon, such Borrower, Guarantor and/or their respective Subsidiaries of increasing floating rates of interest applicable to Indebtedness.

 

Interest Rate Hedge Liabilities” shall have the meaning assigned in the definition of Lender-Provided Interest Rate Hedge.

 

Inventory” shall mean and include as to each Borrower all of such Borrower’s inventory (as defined in Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code) and all of such Borrower’s goods, merchandise and other personal property, wherever located, to be furnished under any consignment arrangement, contract of service or held for sale or lease, all raw materials, work in process, finished goods and materials and supplies of any kind, nature or description which are or might be used or consumed in such Borrower’s business or used in selling or furnishing such goods, merchandise and other personal property, and all Documents.

 

Inventory Advance Rate” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a)(y)(iv) hereof.

 

Inventory NOLV Advance Rate” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a)(y)(iv) hereof.

 

Investment Grade Rating” means a Credit Rating of BBB-/Baa3/BBB- (or the equivalent) or higher from a Rating Agency.

 

Issuer” shall mean (i) Agent in its capacity as the issuer of Letters of Credit under this Agreement and (ii) any other Lender which Agent in its discretion shall designate as the issuer of and cause to issue any particular Letter of Credit under this Agreement in place of Agent as issuer.

 

Joint Data Acquisition Program” shall mean a joint data acquisition program between a Borrower and BGP Inc. (a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation) or any of its Subsidiaries.

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Joint Data Acquisition Program Account” shall mean each deposit account to which a Customer is directed to make payments in respect of a Joint Data Acquisition Program.

 

Junior Priority Debt” shall mean (a) any New Second Priority Debt and (b) any other Indebtedness that (i) is subordinated to the Obligations to at least the same extent as New Second Priority Debt; (ii) has a final maturity at least ninety -one (91) days after the end of the Term; (iii) has a weighted average life to maturity at the time such Indebtedness is incurred that is equal to or greater than the weighted average life to maturity of any New Second Priority Debt that remains outstanding (or, if no New Second Priority Debt remains outstanding, then equal to or greater than the end of the Term); (iv) is in an aggregate principal amount that is less than or equal to the Net Redeemed Debt Amount; and (v) such Indebtedness has the same obligors or a subset of the obligors (or their successors) as the Obligations.

 

Junior Priority Debt Documents” shall mean, collectively, any definitive loan agreement or indenture evidencing any Junior Priority Debt and all agreements (including any pledge or other security agreement), documents and instruments executed or delivered in connection therewith.

 

Junior Priority Liens” shall mean (a) any New Second Priority Liens and (b) any other Liens securing Junior Priority Obligations that are junior to the New Second Priority Liens (and to any Liens securing the Obligations), provided that the collateral agent or other representative of the holders of the Junior Priority Obligations secured by such junior Liens shall have executed an intercreditor agreement or other lien subordination agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent.

 

Junior Priority Obligations” shall mean and include (a) any New Second Priority Obligations, and (b) any and all loans advances, debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties owing by any obligor under any Junior Priority Debt Document, of any kind or nature, present or future (including any interest or other amounts accruing thereon, any fees accruing under or in connection therewith, any costs and expenses of any Person payable by any obligor and any indemnification obligations payable by any obligor arising or payable after maturity, or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy, or the commencement of any insolvency, reorganization or like proceeding relating to any obligor, whether or not a claim for post-filing or post-petition interest, fees or other amounts is allowable or allowed in such proceeding), whether or not for the payment of money.

 

Law(s)” shall mean any law(s) (including common law), constitution, statute, treaty, regulation, rule, ordinance, opinion, issued guidance, release, ruling, order, executive order, injunction, writ, decree, bond, judgment, authorization or approval, lien or award of or any settlement arrangement, by agreement, consent or otherwise, with any Governmental Body, foreign or domestic.

 

Lender” and “Lenders” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the preamble to this Agreement and shall include each Person which becomes a transferee, successor or assign of any Lender. For the purpose of any provision of this Agreement or any Other Document which provides for the granting of a security interest or other Lien to the Agent for the benefit of Lenders as security for the Obligations, “Lenders” shall include any Affiliate of a Lender to which such Obligation (specifically including any Hedge Liabilities and any Cash Management Liabilities) is owed; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing: (a) the Obligations of the Borrowers or any other Loan Parties with respect to any Hedge Liabilities or any Cash Management Liabilities shall be secured and guaranteed pursuant to this Agreement and the Other Documents only to the extent that, and for so long as, the other Obligations are so secured and guaranteed, and (b) any release of Collateral or Guarantors effected in the manner permitted by this Agreement or any Other Document shall not require the consent of the holders of any Hedge Liabilities or the holders of any Cash Management Liabilities, except, in each case, in their respective capacities as “Lenders” without giving effect to the second sentence of this definition.

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Lender-Provided Foreign Currency Hedge” shall mean a Foreign Currency Hedge which is provided by any Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender and for which such Lender or Affiliate (as applicable) confirms to Agent in writing within 30 days after the execution thereof that it: (a) is documented in a standard International Swap Dealers Association, Inc. Master Agreement or another reasonable and customary manner; (b) provides for the method of calculating the reimbursable amount of the provider’s credit exposure in a reasonable and customary manner; and (c) is entered into for hedging (rather than speculative) purposes. The liabilities owing to the provider of any Lender-Provided Foreign Currency Hedge (the “Foreign Currency Hedge Liabilities”) by any Borrower, Guarantor, or any of their respective Subsidiaries that is party to such Lender-Provided Foreign Currency Hedge shall, for purposes of this Agreement and all Other Documents be “Obligations” of such Person and of each other Borrower and Guarantor, be guaranteed obligations under any Guaranty and secured obligations under any Guarantor Security Agreement, as applicable, and otherwise treated as Obligations for purposes of the Other Documents, except to the extent constituting Excluded Hedge Liabilities of such Person. The Liens securing the Foreign Currency Hedge Liabilities shall be pari passu with the Liens securing all other Obligations under this Agreement and the Other Documents, subject to the express provisions of Section 11.5 hereof.

 

Lender-Provided Interest Rate Hedge” shall mean an Interest Rate Hedge which is provided by any Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender and for which such Lender or Affiliate (as applicable) confirms to Agent in writing within 30 days after the execution thereof that it: (a) is documented in a standard International Swap Dealers Association, Inc. Master Agreement or another reasonable and customary manner; (b) provides for the method of calculating the reimbursable amount of the provider’s credit exposure in a reasonable and customary manner; and (c) is entered into for hedging (rather than speculative) purposes. The liabilities owing to the provider of any Lender-Provided Interest Rate Hedge (the “Interest Rate Hedge Liabilities”) by any Borrower, Guarantor, or any of their respective Subsidiaries that is party to such Lender-Provided Interest Rate Hedge shall, for purposes of this Agreement and all Other Documents be “Obligations” of such Person and of each other Borrower and Guarantor, be guaranteed obligations under any Guaranty and secured obligations under any Guarantor Security Agreement, as applicable, and otherwise treated as Obligations for purposes of the Other Documents, except to the extent constituting Excluded Hedge Liabilities of such Person. The Liens securing the Hedge Liabilities shall be pari passu with the Liens securing all other Obligations under this Agreement and the Other Documents, subject to the express provisions of Section 11.5 hereof.

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Letter of Credit Application” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.12(a) hereof.

 

Letter of Credit Borrowing” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(d) hereof.

 

Letter of Credit Fees” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.2 hereof

 

Letter of Credit Sublimit” shall mean $15,000,000.

 

Letters of Credit” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11 hereof.

 

Leverage Ratio” shall mean, with respect to any fiscal period, the ratio of Funded Debt to EBITDA.

 

LIBOR Alternate Source” shall have the meaning set forth in the definition of LIBOR Rate.

 

LIBOR Rate” shall mean for any LIBOR Rate Loan for the then current Interest Period relating thereto, the interest rate per annum determined by Agent by dividing (the resulting quotient rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100th of 1% per annum) (a) the rate which appears on the Bloomberg Page BBAM1 (or on such other substitute Bloomberg page that displays rates at which U.S. dollar deposits are offered by leading banks in the London interbank deposit market), or the rate which is quoted by another source selected by Agent as an authorized information vendor for the purpose of displaying rates at which U.S. dollar deposits are offered by leading banks in the London interbank deposit market (a “LIBOR Alternate Source”), at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two (2) Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period as the London interbank offered rate for U.S. Dollars for an amount comparable to such LIBOR Rate Loan and having a borrowing date and a maturity comparable to such Interest Period (or (x) if there shall at any time, for any reason, no longer exist a Bloomberg Page BBAM1 (or any substitute page) or any LIBOR Alternate Source, a comparable replacement rate determined by Agent at such time (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error), or (y) if adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining LIBOR due to circumstancesthe LIBOR Rate is unascertainable as set forth in Section 3.8.2(a), a comparable replacement rate determined in accordance with Section 3.8.2), by (b) a number equal to 1.00 minus the Reserve Percentage; provided, however, that if the LIBOR Rate determined as provided above would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement.

 

The LIBOR Rate shall be adjusted with respect to any LIBOR Rate Loan that is outstanding on the effective date of any change in the Reserve Percentage as of such effective date. Agent shall give reasonably prompt notice to the Borrowing Agent of the LIBOR Rate as determined or adjusted in accordance herewith, which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

LIBOR Rate Loan” shall mean any Advance that bears interest based on the LIBOR Rate.

 

License Agreement” shall mean any agreement between any Borrower and a Licensor pursuant to which such Borrower is authorized to use any Intellectual Property in connection with the manufacturing, marketing, sale or other distribution of any Inventory of such Borrower or otherwise in connection with such Borrower’s business operations.

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Licensor” shall mean any Person from whom any Borrower obtains the right to use (whether on an exclusive or non-exclusive basis) any Intellectual Property in connection with such Borrower’s manufacture, marketing, sale or other distribution of any Inventory or otherwise in connection with such Borrower’s business operations.

 

Licensor/Agent Agreement” shall mean an agreement between Agent and a Licensor, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, by which Agent is given the right, vis-á-vis such Licensor, to enforce Agent’s Liens with respect to and to dispose of any Borrower’s Inventory with the benefit of any Intellectual Property applicable thereto, irrespective of such Borrower’s default under any License Agreement with such Licensor.

 

Lien” shall mean any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, security interest, lien (whether statutory or otherwise), Charge, claim or encumbrance or other security agreement held or asserted in respect of any asset of any kind or nature whatsoever including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, and any lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing.

 

Lien Waiver Agreement” shall mean an agreement which is executed in favor of Agent by a Person who owns or occupies premises at which any Collateral may be located from time to time in form and substance satisfactory to Agent in its Permitted Discretion.

 

Liquidity” shall mean, as of any date, the sum of (a) Excess Availability as of such date, plus (b) the aggregate amount of unrestricted cash held by the Loan Parties and their domestic Subsidiaries.

 

“LLC Division” shall mean, in the event a Borrower or Guarantor is a limited liability company, (a) the division of any such Borrower or Guarantor into two or more newly formed limited liability companies (whether or not such Borrower or Guarantor is a surviving entity following any such division) pursuant to Section 18-217 of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act or any similar provision under any similar act governing limited liability companies organized under the laws of any other State or Commonwealth or of the District of Columbia, or (b) the adoption of a plan contemplating, or the filing of any certificate with any applicable Governmental Body that results or may result in, any such division.

 

Loan Parties” shall mean, collectively, Borrowers and Guarantors.

 

Marine” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement and shall include its successors and assigns.

 

Material Adverse Effect” shall mean a material adverse effect on (a) the condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, assets, business or properties of the Loan Parties taken as a whole, (b) any Loan Party’s ability to duly and punctually pay or perform the Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities) in accordance with the terms thereof, (c) the value of the Collateral, or Agent’s Liens on the Collateral or the priority of any such Lien or (d) the practical realization of the benefits of the rights and remedies of Agent and the Lenders under this Agreement and the Other Documents.

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Material Contract” shall mean any contract or agreement, written or oral, to which a Borrower is a party (other than this Agreement or any Other Document) that is listed as a “Material Contract” in the most recently filed Annual Report of Geophysical on Form 10-K, or in any Quarterly Report of Geophysical on Form 10-Q or Current Report of Geophysical on Form 8-K filed thereafter (each as may be amended) until the Form 10-K for the immediately succeeding fiscal year is filed.

 

Material Indebtedness” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 10.11 hereof.

 

Material Subsidiary” shall mean any domestic operating Subsidiary of a Borrower (other than a Subsidiary that is itself a Borrower) acquired or formed after the Closing Date that holds assets (other than Equity Interests in any other Subsidiary) having an aggregate book value of $20,000,000 or more.

 

Maximum Borrowing Amount” at a particular date shall mean an amount equal to the lesser of (a) the Formula Amount or (b) Maximum Revolving Advance Amount, minus the Maximum Undrawn Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit.

 

Maximum Revolving Advance Amount” shall mean, at any time, $50,000,000.

 

Maximum Swing Loan Advance Amount” shall mean $0.

 

Maximum Undrawn Amount” shall mean, with respect to any outstanding Letter of Credit as of any date, the amount of such Letter of Credit that is or may become available to be drawn on such date, including all automatic increases provided for in such Letter of Credit, whether or not any such automatic increase has become effective.

 

Mexican Pledges” shall mean individually or collectively, as the context requires, the pledges subject to Mexican law granted by GXT Mexico or over any Mexican assets including but not limited to (i) a floating lien pledge over the assets of GXT Mexico and (ii) pledges over all of the Equity Interests in GXT Mexico held by GXT and Exploration.

 

Modified Commitment Transfer Supplement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 16.3(d) hereof.

 

Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto.

 

Multi-Client Data Library” shall mean Borrowers’ multi-client data library consisting of seismic surveys that are offered for licensing to Customers on a non-exclusive basis.

 

Multi-Client Data Library Advance Rate” shall initially mean twenty-five percent (25%) for the period from the Third Amendment Effective Date through and including September 30, 2018 and, thereafter such percentage shall be reduced by one quarter of one percentage point (0.25%) on the first (1st) Business Day of each quarter beginning October 1, 2018 until Agent receives an updated NOLV Appraisal; provided that the Multi-Client Data Library Advance Rate shall reset to twenty-five percent (25%) following Agent’s satisfactory receipt of each subsequent NOLV Appraisal.

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Multiemployer Plan” shall mean a “multiemployer plan” as defined in Section 3(37) or Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which contributions are required or, within the preceding five plan years were required, by any Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group.

 

Multiple Employer Plan” shall mean a Plan which has two or more contributing sponsors (including any Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group) at least two of whom are not under common control, as such a plan is described in Section 4064 of ERISA.

 

Negotiable Document” shall mean a Document that is “negotiable” within the meaning of Article 7 of the Uniform Commercial Code.

 

Net Redeemed Debt Amount” shall mean, as of any date, the amount equal to (x) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness under the New Second Priority Notes (or any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness issued or incurred in respect thereof) that has been redeemed (and not concurrently refinanced) from and after the SecondFourth Amendment Effective Date less (y) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Junior Priority Debt (other than Indebtedness under the New Second Priority Notes) issued or incurred from and after the SecondFourth Amendment Effective Date, inif any.

 

“New Second Priority Debt” shall mean the principal amount of any Indebtedness evidenced by any New Second Priority Notes.

 

“New Second Priority Intercreditor Agreement” shall mean that certain Intercreditor Agreement dated as of April 20, 2021, among Agent, as first lien representative, the New Second Priority Indenture Trustee, as second lien representative, the New Second Priority Notes Collateral Agent, as second lien collateral agent, Geophysical and the other parties thereto, in each case, as the same may be amended, supplemented and otherwise modified from time to time.

 

New Second Priority Indenture Trustee” shall mean UMB Bank, National Association, as the trustee under any New Second Priority Notes Indenture, and shall include its successors and assigns in such capacity.

 

“New Second Priority Liens” shall have the meaning of “Second Lien” as set forth in the New Second Priority Notes Indenture.

 

“New Second Priority Notes Collateral Agent” mean UMB Bank, National Association, as the collateral agent for the holders of any New Second Priority Notes, and shall include its successors and assigns in such capacity.

 

“New Second Priority Notes Documents” shall mean, collectively, the New Second Priority Notes Indenture, any New Second Priority Notes and all agreements (including any pledge or other security agreement), documents and instruments executed or delivered in connection with any of the foregoing.

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“New Second Priority Notes” shall mean, individually and collectively, the 8.00% notes due 2025 issued by Geophysical pursuant to the New Second Priority Notes Indenture, as may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

New Second Priority Notes Indenture” shall mean the Indenture dated as of April 20, 2021, among Geophysical, as issuer, the guarantors party thereto, New Second Priority Indenture Trustee, as trustee, and New Second Priority Notes Collateral Agent, as collateral agent, as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

New Second Priority Obligations” shall have the meaning of “Second Lien Obligations” as set forth in the New Second Priority Notes Indenture.

 

NOLV Appraisal” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.7.

 

NOLV Percentage” shall mean, with respect to any property or asset, the appraised net orderly liquidation value thereof, expressed as a percentage, as evidenced by an appraisal satisfactory to Agent in its sole discretion exercised in good faith.

 

Non-Defaulting Lender” shall mean, at any time, any Lender holding a Revolving Commitment that is not a Defaulting Lender at such time.

 

Non-Qualifying Party” shall mean any Borrower or any Guarantor that on the Eligibility Date fails for any reason to qualify as an Eligible Contract Participant.

 

Note” shall mean, collectively, the Revolving Credit Note and the Swing Loan Note.

 

Obligations” shall mean and include (i) any and all loans (including all Advances and Swing Loans), advances, debts, liabilities, obligations (including all reimbursement obligations and cash collateralization obligations with respect to Letters of Credit issued hereunder), covenants and duties owing by any Borrower or Guarantor to Issuer, Swing Loan Lender, Lenders or Agent (or to any other direct or indirect subsidiary or affiliate of Issuer, Swing Loan Lender, any Lender or Agent) under this Agreement, any Letter of Credit or any of the Other Documents, of any kind or nature, present or future (including any interest or other amounts accruing thereon, any fees accruing under or in connection therewith, any costs and expenses of any Person payable by any Borrower and any indemnification obligations payable by any Borrower arising or payable after maturity, or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy, or the commencement of any insolvency, reorganization or like proceeding relating to any Borrower, whether or not a claim for post-filing or post-petition interest, fees or other amounts is allowable or allowed in such proceeding), whether or not for the payment of money, (ii) all Hedge Liabilities and (iii) all Cash Management Liabilities. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the foregoing, (x) the Obligations shall not include any Excluded Hedge Liabilities and (y) the aggregate principal amount of all Obligations shall not exceed the “Priority Lien Cap” (as such term is defined in the New Second Priority Notes Indenture).

 

Ordinary Course of Business” shall mean, with respect to any Borrower, the ordinary course of such Borrower’s business as conducted on the Closing Date and reasonable extensions thereof.

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Organizational Documents” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any charter, articles or certificate of incorporation, certificate of organization, registration or formation, certificate of partnership or limited partnership, bylaws, operating agreement, limited liability company agreement, or partnership agreement of such Person and any and all other applicable documents relating to such Person’s formation, organization or entity governance matters (including any shareholders’ or equity holders’ agreement or voting trust agreement) and specifically includes any certificates of designation for preferred stock or other forms of preferred equity.

 

Other Connection Taxes” means, with respect to any recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from such recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced this Agreement or any Other Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan, this Agreement or any Other Document).

 

Other Documents” shall mean the Note, the Perfection Certificates, the Fee Letter, any Guaranty, any Guarantor Security Agreement, any Pledge Agreement, the New Second Priority Intercreditor Agreement and any and all other agreements, instruments and documents, including intercreditor agreements, guaranties, pledges, powers of attorney, consents, interest or currency swap agreements or other similar agreements and all other writings heretofore, now or hereafter executed by any Borrower or any Guarantor and/or delivered to Agent or any Lender in respect of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, in each case together with all extensions, renewals, amendments, supplements, modifications, substitutions and replacements thereto and thereof.

 

Other Taxes” shall mean all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies arising from any payment made hereunder or under any Other Document or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any Other Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment.

 

Out-of-Formula Loans” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 16.2(e) hereof.

 

Overadvance Threshold Amount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 16.2(e) hereof.

 

“Overnight Bank Funding Rate” shall mean, for any day, the rate per annum (based on a year of 360 days and actual days elapsed) comprised of both overnight federal funds and overnight Eurocurrency borrowings by U.S.-managed banking offices of depository institutions, as such composite rate shall be determined by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, as set forth on its public website from time to time, and as published on the next succeeding Business Day as the overnight bank funding rate by such Federal Reserve Bank (or by such other recognized electronic source (such as Bloomberg) selected by the Agent for the purpose of displaying such rate) (an “Alternate Source”); provided, that if such day is not a Business Day, the Overnight Bank Funding Rate for such day shall be such rate on the immediately preceding Business Day; provided, further, that if such rate shall at any time, for any reason, no longer exist, a comparable replacement rate determined by the Agent at such time (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error). If the Overnight Bank Funding Rate determined as above would be less than zero, then such rate shall be deemed to be zero. The rate of interest charged shall be adjusted as of each Business Day based on changes in the Overnight Bank Funding Rate without notice to the Borrower.

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Parent” of any Person shall mean a corporation or other entity owning, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the Equity Interests issued by such Person having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the directors of such Person, or other Persons performing similar functions for any such Person.

 

Participant” shall mean each Person who shall be granted the right by any Lender to participate in any of the Advances and who shall have entered into a participation agreement in form and substance satisfactory to such Lender.

 

Participation Advance” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(d) hereof.

 

Participation Commitment” shall mean the obligation hereunder of each Lender holding a Revolving Commitment to buy a participation equal to its Revolving Commitment Percentage (subject to any reallocation pursuant to Section 2.22(b)(iii) hereof) in the Swing Loans made by Swing Loan Lender hereunder as provided for in Section 2.4(c) hereof and in the Letters of Credit issued hereunder as provided for in Section 2.14(a) hereof.

 

Patent Litigation” shall mean the case of Western Geco L.L.C. v. ION Geophysical Corporation (E.D. Tx.) and any appeal of the judgment entered therein.

 

Payment Office” shall mean initially Two Tower Center Boulevard, East Brunswick, New Jersey 08816; thereafter, such other office of Agent, if any, which it may designate by notice to Borrowing Agent and to each Lender to be the Payment Office.

 

PBGC” shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation established pursuant to Subtitle A of Title IV of ERISA or any successor.

 

Pension Benefit Plan” shall mean at any time any “employee pension benefit plan” as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA (including a Multiple Employer Plan, but not a Multiemployer Plan) which is covered by Title IV of ERISA or is subject to the minimum funding standards under SectionSections 412 or, 430 or 436 of the Code and either (i) is maintained or to which contributions are required by Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group or (ii) has at any time within the preceding five years been maintained or to which contributions have been required by a Borrower or any entity which was at such time a member of the Controlled Group.

 

Perfection Certificates” shall mean, collectively, the information questionnaires and the responses thereto provided by each Borrower and delivered to Agent. 

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Permitted Acquisitions” shall mean acquisitions of the assets or Equity Interests of another Person (the “target”) so long as: (a) the Borrowing Agent shall have provided to Agent, within such reasonable time period prior to the acquisition as may be required by Agent, in each case in form and substance satisfactory to Agent: (i) detailed projections for the target through the Scheduled Maturity Date, giving pro forma effect to such acquisition, based on assumptions satisfactory to Agent and demonstrating pro forma compliance with all financial covenants in this Agreement, and (ii) current, updated projections of the amount of the Formula Amount and Excess Availability for the twelve (12) month period after the date of such acquisition, which projections shall have been prepared on the basis of the assumptions set forth therein which Borrowing Agent believes are fair and reasonable as of the date of preparation in light of then current and reasonably foreseeable business conditions, (b) Agent shall have received a Compliance Certificate, completed on a pro forma basis giving effect to the acquisition and showing that Borrowers are in compliance with all financial covenants in this Agreement, (c) Agent shall have received satisfactory projections showing that after giving effect to any such acquisition. Excess Availability will not be less than an amount equal to 20% of the Maximum Revolving Advance Amount for the twelve (12) month period following such acquisition, (d) no Default or Event of Default shall exist or have occurred as of the date of the acquisition or any payment in respect thereof and after giving effect to the acquisition or such payment, (e) Agent shall have received true, correct and complete copies of all agreements, documents and instruments relating to such acquisition, which documents shall be satisfactory to Agent; and (f) Excess Availability immediately prior to the acquisition is greater than 20% of the Maximum Revolving Advance Amount.

 

Permitted Assignees” shall mean: (a) Agent, any Lender or any of their Affiliates; (b) a federal or state chartered bank, a United States branch of a foreign bank, an insurance company, or any finance company generally engaged in the business of making commercial loans; (c) any fund that is administered or managed by Agent or any Lender, an Affiliate of Agent or any Lender or a related entity; and (d) any Person to whom Agent or any Lender assigns its rights and obligations under this Agreement as part of an assignment and transfer of such Agent’s or Lender’s rights in and to a material portion of such Agent’s or Lender’s portfolio of asset-based credit facilities; provided that no Ineligible Person shall be a Permitted Assignee.

 

Permitted Discretion” means a determination made in good faith and in the exercise (from the perspective of a secured asset-based lender) of commercially reasonable business judgment.

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Permitted Encumbrances” shall mean: (a) Liens in favor of Agent for the benefit of Agent and Lenders, including without limitation, Liens securing Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Products and Services; (b) Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges that are either not delinquent or are being Properly Contested; (c) deposits or pledges to secure obligations under worker’s compensation, social security or similar laws, or under unemployment insurance; (d) deposits or pledges to secure bids, tenders, contracts (other than contracts for the payment of money), leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds, bid bonds, return-of-money bonds and other obligations of like nature arising in the Ordinary Course of Business (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any surety or appeal bonds or other obligations of like nature posted or delivered in connection with the Patent Litigation); (e) Liens arising by virtue of the rendition, entry or issuance against any Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any property of any Borrower or any Subsidiary, of any judgment, writ, order, or decree to the extent the rendition, entry, issuance or continued existence of such judgment, writ, order or decree (or any event or circumstance relating thereto) has not resulted in the occurrence of an Event of Default under Section 10.6 hereof; (f) carriers’, repairmens’, mechanics’, workers’, materialmen’s, or other like Liens arising in the Ordinary Course of Business with respect to obligations which are either not due or which are being Properly Contested; (g) Liens in respect of Purchase Money Indebtedness or Capital Lease Obligations; provided that (i) any such Lien shall not encumber any other property of any Loan Party (other than assets and property affixed or appurtenant thereto) and (ii) such Indebtedness is permitted under clause (b) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness; (h) Liens securing any New Second Priority Obligations,which Liens are subject to the New Second Priority Intercreditor Agreement, or any other Junior Priority Liens subject to junior intercreditor agreements; (i) Liens on cash and Permitted Investments arising in connection with the defeasance, discharge or redemption of Indebtedness under any New Second Priority Notes or any other Junior Priority Debt Documents; and (j) Liens arising under any New Second Priority Notes Document in favor of athe New Second Priority Indenture Trustee for its own benefit, and Liens arising under any Junior Priority Debt Document in favor of any trustee party thereto for its own benefit; (k) Liens disclosed on Schedule 1.2(d); (l) Liens that secure Indebtedness permitted by clause (c) of the definition of “Permitted Loans”; (m) easements, zoning restrictions, rights-of-way, licenses, restrictions on the use of property or other minor imperfections in title and similar encumbrances on real property that do not materially detract from the value of the affected property or interfere with the Ordinary Course of Business of the Loan Parties; (n) leases or subleases granted to third parties in accordance with any applicable terms of this Agreement or the Other Documents and not interfering in any material respect with the Ordinary Course of Business of the Loan Parties; (o) Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods; (p) any zoning or similar law or right reserved to or vested in any Governmental Body to control or regulate the use of any real property; (q) licenses of patents, trademarks and other intellectual property rights granted by any Loan Party in the Ordinary Course of Business and not interfering in any material respect with the Ordinary Course of Business of the Loan Parties; (r) the prior rights of consignees and their lenders under consignment arrangements entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business; (s) any obligations or duties affecting any of the property of any Person to any municipality or public authority with respect to any franchise, grant, license or permit which do not materially impair the use of such property for the purposes for which it is held; (t) Liens on cash deposits in the nature of a right of setoff, banker’s lien, counterclaim or netting of cash amounts owed arising in the Ordinary Course of Business on deposit accounts; (u) Liens on cash collateral or Permitted Investments for the existing letters of credit and Letters of Credit permitted under clause (i) of the definition of “Permitted Indebtedness”, not to exceed 105% of the face amount thereof, or to secure Interest Rate Hedges and Foreign Currency Hedges (or guarantees thereof) permitted under clause (h) of the definition of “Permitted Indebtedness”; (v) Liens reserved in leases for rent and for compliance with the terms of the lease in the case of leasehold estates; (w) any Lien existing on any property or asset prior to the acquisition thereof by any Loan Party or existing on any property or asset of any Person that becomes a Loan Party after the Closing Date prior to the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary of a Borrower; provided that (i) such Lien is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition or such Person becoming a Subsidiary, as the case may be, (ii) such Lien shall not apply to any other property or assets of any Loan Party, and (iii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations which it secures on the date of such acquisition or the date such Person becomes a Subsidiary, as the case may be; and (x) Liens to secure any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness (or successive Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness) as a whole, or in part, in respect of any Indebtedness secured by any Lien; provided, however, that: (i) such new Lien shall have the same (or lower) Lien priority (relative to the Lien priority of Liens securing the Obligations) as the original Lien and be limited to all or part of the same property and assets that secured or, under the written agreements pursuant to which the original Lien arose, could secure the original Indebtedness (plus improvements and accessions to, such property or proceeds or distributions thereof); and (ii) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien at such time is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of (A) the outstanding principal amount or, if greater, committed amount of the Indebtedness at the time the original Lien became a Permitted Encumbrance and (B) the amount of any discounts, commissions, premiums, fees and other costs and expenses related to such refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement.

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Permitted Indebtedness” shall mean: (a) the Obligations; (b) subject to Section 7.6, Purchase Money Indebtedness and Capitalized Lease Obligations in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding $33,000,000 at any one time outstanding; (c) any guarantees of Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.3 hereof; (d) any Indebtedness (other than Purchase Money Indebtedness) listed on Schedule 5.8(b)(ii) hereof; (e) Indebtedness due under (i) the Second Priorityunsecured 2016 Notes in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $200,000,000,6,050,000, (ii) the New Second Priority Notes in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $159,203,565 and (iii) any other New Second Priority Obligations (including any guaranties thereof); (f) Indebtedness consisting of Permitted Loans made by a Loan Party to any other Loan Party; (g) intercompany Indebtedness owing from a Loan Party to any other Loan Party in accordance with clause (c) of the definition of Permitted Loans; (h) Interest Rate Hedges and Foreign Currency Hedges that are entered into by one or more Loan Parties (or by any Subsidiary or Unrestricted Subsidiary and guaranteed by one or more Loan Parties) not for speculative or investment purposes; (i) the existing letters of credit set forth on Schedule 7.8 and additional letters of credit and/or bank guarantees issued in the Ordinary Course of Business by a financial institution other than the Issuer if the Issuer is not able to issue or the beneficiary thereof will not accept such letter of credit or bank guaranty, up to a maximum total stated amount for all such letters of credit of $7,500,000; (j) any financed insurance premiums; (k) surety bonds and appeal bonds arising in the ordinary course of business; (l) Indebtedness of any Subsidiary that becomes a Loan Party after the Closing Date, provided that (i) such Indebtedness exists at the time such Person becomes a Loan Party and is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such Person becoming a Loan Party, (ii) none of the properties of Borrowers or any other Loan Parties is bound with respect to such Indebtedness, and (iii) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (l) shall not exceed $10,000,000; (m) other unsecured Indebtedness of a Loan Party in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding at any time outstanding $25,000,000; (n) [reserved]; (o) in the case of clauses (b) through (n) above, Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness; and (p) to the extent constituting Indebtedness, liabilities in respect of the Patent Litigation.

 

Permitted Investments” shall mean investments in: (a) obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States of America or any agency thereof; (b) commercial paper with maturities of not more than 180 days and a published rating of not less than A-1 or P-1 (or the equivalent rating); (c) certificates of time deposit and bankers’ acceptances having maturities of not more than 180 days and repurchase agreements backed by United States government securities of a commercial bank if (i) such bank has a combined capital and surplus of at least $500,000,000, or (ii) its debt obligations, or those of a holding company of which it is a Subsidiary, are rated not less than A (or the equivalent rating) by a nationally recognized investment rating agency; (d) U.S. money market funds that invest solely in obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States of America or an agency thereof; and (e) Permitted Loans.

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Permitted Joint Venture” shall mean (a) INOVA Geophysical Equipment Limited (“INOVA”), a limited liability company organized under the laws of the People’s Republic of China and formed as a Chinese joint venture between Geophysical and BGP, Inc. (“BGP”), formed or to be formed pursuant to a joint venture agreement between said parties, and until such time as Geophysical and BGP contribute their respective equity interests therein to INOVA, any other person formed by BGP (directly or indirectly) into which BGP shall have contributed assets for the purpose of consummating the Permitted Joint Venture transaction and (b) any other joint venture permitted to be formed under this Agreement which is acceptable to Agent in its Permitted Discretion for purpose of calculating any financial covenant contained herein.

 

Permitted Loans” shall mean: (a) the extension of trade credit by a Loan Party to its Customer(s), in the Ordinary Course of Business in connection with a sale of Inventory or rendition of services, in each case on open account terms; (b) loans to employees in the Ordinary Course of Business not to exceed as to all such loans the aggregate amount of $1,000,000 at any time outstanding; (c) intercompany loans between and among Loan Parties, so long as, at the request of Agent, each such intercompany loan is evidenced by a promissory note (including, if applicable, any master intercompany note executed by Loan Parties) on terms and conditions (including terms subordinating payment of the indebtedness evidenced by such note to the prior payment in full of all Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities)) acceptable to Agent in its Permitted Discretion that has been delivered to Agent either endorsed in blank or together with an undated instrument of transfer executed in blank by the applicable Loan Parties that are the payees on such note; (d) intercompany loans made by the Loan Parties to Affiliates of the Loan Parties that are not themselves Loan Parties (which loans, for the avoidance of doubt, may be repaid and reborrowed by such Affiliates) in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not exceeding the sum of (x) $25,000,000, plus (y) the lesser of (A) the principal amount of any such loans existing prior to the Closing Date which has been repaid on or after the Closing Date and (B) $8,000,000, so long as, at the request of Agent, each such intercompany loan is evidenced by a promissory note (including, if applicable, any master intercompany note executed by such Affiliates) on terms and conditions (including terms subordinating payment of the indebtedness evidenced by such note to the prior payment in full of all Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities)) acceptable to Agent in its Permitted Discretion that has been delivered to Agent either endorsed in blank or together with an undated instrument of transfer executed in blank by the applicable Loan Parties that are the payees on such note; and (e) loans or advances set forth on Schedule 7.5 hereto.

 

Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness” shall mean in respect of any Indebtedness, any refinancing, refunding, extension, renewal or replacement thereof; provided that: (a) (i) the Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is subordinated to the Obligations to at least the same extent as the Indebtedness being refunded, refinanced, extended, renewed or replaced, if such Indebtedness was subordinated to the Obligations and (ii) the Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is unsecured if the Indebtedness being refunded, refinanced or extended was unsecured; (b) the Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a final maturity either (i) no earlier than the Indebtedness being refunded, refinanced, extended, renewed or replaced or (ii) at least ninety one (91) days after the end of the Term; (c) the Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a weighted average life to maturity at the time such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is incurred that is equal to or greater than the weighted average life to maturity of the Indebtedness being refunded, refinanced, renewed, replaced or extended; (d) such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness is in an aggregate principal amount that is less than or equal to the sum of (i) the aggregate principal amount then outstanding under the Indebtedness being refunded, refinanced, renewed, replaced or extended, (ii) the amount of accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and premiums owed, if any, not in excess of preexisting prepayment provisions on such Indebtedness being refunded, refinanced, renewed, replaced or extended and (iii) the aggregate amount of any discounts, commissions, premiums, fees and other costs and expenses related to the incurrence of such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness; and (e) such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has the same obligors or a subset of the obligors (or their successors) as the Indebtedness being refunded, refinanced, renewed, replaced or extended.

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Person” shall mean any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, business trust, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, association, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, institution, public benefit corporation, joint venture, entity or Governmental Body (whether federal, state, county, city, municipal or otherwise, including any instrumentality, division, agency, body or department thereof).

 

Plan” shall mean any employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA (including a Pension Benefit Plan and a Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined herein) maintained by any Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group or to which any Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group is required to contribute.

 

Pledge Agreement” shall mean individually or collectively as the context requires (i) that certain Collateral Pledge Agreement executed by Geophysical in favor of Agent dated as of the Closing Date, (ii) the Mexican Pledges and (iii) any other pledge agreements executed subsequent to the Closing Date by any other Person to secure the Obligations.

 

PNC” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement and shall extend to all of its successors and assigns.

 

Pro Forma Balance Sheet” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.5(a) hereof.

 

Pro Forma Financial Statements” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.5(b) hereof.

 

Process Agent” shall have the meaning assigned to that term in Section 16.1.

 

Projections” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.5(b) hereof.

 

Properly Contested” shall mean, in the case of any Indebtedness, Lien, Taxes, assessments or governmental charges, as applicable, of any Person that are not paid as and when due or payable by reason of such Person’s bona fide dispute concerning its liability to pay the same or concerning the amount thereof: (a) such Indebtedness, Lien, Taxes, assessments or governmental charges, as applicable, are being properly contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted and diligently conducted; (b) such Person has established appropriate reserves as shall be required in conformity with GAAP; (c) the non-payment of such Indebtedness, Taxes, assessments or governmental charges during the period prior to the final resolution or disposition of such dispute will not have a Material Adverse Effect or will not result in the forfeiture of any assets of such Person; (d) no Lien is imposed upon any of such Person’s assets with respect to such Indebtedness, Taxes, assessments or governmental charges unless enforcement of such Lien is stayed during the period prior to the final resolution or disposition of such dispute; and (e) if such Indebtedness or Lien, as applicable, results from, or is determined by the entry, rendition or issuance against a Person or any of its assets of a judgment, writ, order or decree, enforcement of such judgment, writ, order or decree is stayed pending a timely appeal or other judicial review.

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Protective Advances” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 16.2(f) hereof.

 

Published Rate” shall mean the rate of interest published each Business Day in the Wall Street Journal “Money Rates” listing under the caption “London Interbank Offered Rates” for a one month period (or, if no such rate is published therein for any reason, then the Published Rate shall be the LIBOR Rate for a one month period as published in another publication selected by the Agent).

 

Purchase Money Indebtedness” shall mean Indebtedness: (a) incurred to finance all or any part of the purchase price or cost of construction, purchase or repairs, improvements or additions to, real property, plant, equipment or other capital assets of such Person (including Indebtedness incurred to refinance any such purchase price or costs initially funded by the applicable Borrower or Restricted Subsidiary within one year prior to such incurrence), and any renewal, refunding, replacement, refinancing or extension thereof; (b) that is secured by a Lien on such assets where the lender’s sole security is to the assets so purchased, constructed or improved and directly related assets such as property fixed or appurtenant thereto and proceeds (including insurance proceeds), products, replacements, substitutions and accessions thereto; and (c) that does not exceed 100% of such purchase price or costs (plus, in the case of any refinancing, the amount of any discounts, commissions, premiums, fees and other costs and expenses related to such refinancing).

 

Purchasing CLO” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 16.3(d) hereof.

 

Purchasing Lender” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 16.3(c) hereof.

 

Qualified ECP Loan Party” shall mean each Borrower or Guarantor that on the Eligibility Date is (a) a corporation, partnership, proprietorship, organization, trust, or other entity other than a “commodity pool” as defined in Section 1a(10) of the CEA and CFTC regulations thereunder that has total assets exceeding $10,000,000 or (b) an Eligible Contract Participant that can cause another person to qualify as an Eligible Contract Participant on the Eligibility Date under Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the CEA by entering into or otherwise providing a “letter of credit or keepwell, support, or other agreement” for purposes of Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the CEA.

 

Rating Agency” means S&P, Moody’s or Fitch.

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RCRA” shall mean the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 6901 et seq., as same may be amended from time to time.

 

Real Property” shall mean all of the owned and leased premises identified on Schedule 4.4 hereto or in and to any other premises or real property that are hereafter owned or leased by any Borrower.

 

Receivables” shall mean and include, as to each Borrower, all of such Borrowers’ Accounts (as defined in Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code) and all of such Borrower’s contract rights, instruments (including those evidencing indebtedness owed to such Borrower by its Affiliates), documents, chattel paper (including electronic chattel paper), general intangibles relating to accounts, contract rights, instruments, documents and chattel paper, and drafts and acceptances, credit card receivables and all other forms of obligations owing to such Borrower arising out of or in connection with the sale or lease of Inventory or the rendition of services, all supporting obligations, guarantees and other security therefor, whether secured or unsecured, now existing or hereafter created, and whether or not specifically sold or assigned to Agent hereunder.

 

Register” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 16.3(e) hereof.

 

Reimbursement Obligation” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(b) hereof.

 

Release” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.7(c)(i) hereof.

 

Reportable Compliance Event” shall mean that(1) any Covered Entity becomes a Sanctioned Person, or is charged by indictment, criminal complaint or similar charging instrumentindicted, arraigned, investigated or custodially detained, or receives an inquiry from regulatory or law enforcement officials, in connection with any Anti-Terrorism Law or any predicate crime to any Anti-Terrorism Law, or has knowledge ofself-discovers facts or circumstances to the effect that it is reasonably likely thatimplicating any aspect of its operations is inwith the actual or probablepossible violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; (2) any Covered Entity engages in a transaction that has caused or may cause the Agent to be in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Laws, including a Covered Entity’s use of any proceeds of the Advances to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in, or, make any payments to, directly or indirectly, a Sanctioned Jurisdiction or Sanctioned Person; or (3) any Collateral becomes Embargoed Property.

 

Reportable ERISA Event” shall mean a reportable event described in Section 4043(c) of ERISA or the regulations promulgated thereunder, other than an event for which the 30-day notice period has been waived.

 

Required Lenders” shall mean Lenders (not including Swing Loan Lender (in its capacity as such Swing Loan Lender) or any Defaulting Lender) holding greater than sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of either (a) the aggregate of the Revolving Commitment Amounts of all Lenders (excluding any Defaulting Lender) or (b) after the termination of all commitments of Lenders hereunder, the sum of (x) the outstanding Revolving Advances and Swing Loans, plus the Maximum Undrawn Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit; provided, however, that if there are three (3) Lenders, Required Lenders shall mean at least two Lenders (excluding any Defaulting Lender) and if there are fewer than three (3) Lenders, Required Lenders shall mean all Lenders (excluding any Defaulting Lender).

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Reserve Percentage” shall mean as of any day the maximum effective percentage in effect on such day as prescribed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for determining the reserve requirements (including supplemental, marginal and emergency reserve requirements) with respect to Eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “Eurocurrency Liabilities”.

 

Restricted Subsidiary” shall mean any Subsidiary of a Borrower other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

Revolving Advances” shall mean Advances other than Letters of Credit and the Swing Loans.

 

Revolving Commitment” shall mean, as to any Lender, the obligation of such Lender (if applicable), to make Revolving Advances and participate in Swing Loans and Letters of Credit, in an aggregate principal and/or face amount not to exceed the Revolving Commitment Amount (if any) of such Lender.

 

Revolving Commitment Amount” shall mean, as to any Lender, the Revolving Commitment amount (if any) set forth below such Lender’s name on the signature page hereto (or, in the case of any Lender that became party to this Agreement after the Closing Date pursuant to Section 16.3(c) or (d) hereof, the Revolving Commitment amount (if any) of such Lender as set forth in the applicable Commitment Transfer Supplement).

 

Revolving Commitment Percentage” shall mean, as to any Lender, the Revolving Commitment Percentage (if any) set forth below such Lender’s name on the signature page hereof (or, in the case of any Lender that became party to this Agreement after the Closing Date pursuant to Section 16.3(c) or (d) hereof, the Revolving Commitment Percentage (if any) of such Lender as set forth in the applicable Commitment Transfer Supplement).

 

Revolving Credit Note” shall mean, collectively, the promissory notes referred to in Section 2.1(a) hereof.

 

Revolving Interest Rate” shall mean (a) with respect to Revolving Advances that are Domestic Rate Loans and Swing Loans, an interest rate per annum equal to the sum of the Applicable Margin plus the greater of (i) Alternate Base Rate and (ii) zero percent and (b) with respect to LIBOR Rate Loans, the sum of the Applicable Margin plus the LIBOR Rate.

 

Royalty Payable Reserve” shall mean a reserve equal to (a) at any time that either (i) Liquidity is less than $17,500,000, or (ii) the aggregate amount of collected but unpaid royalties payable by the Loan Parties exceeds Liquidity at such time, the excess (if any) of the amount of collected but unpaid royalties payable by the Loan Parties over Liquidity at such time and (b) at all other times, $0.

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S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC business, and any successor thereto.

 

Sanctioned CountryJurisdiction” shall mean a country subject to a sanctions program maintained underby any Anti-Terrorism LawCompliance Authority.

 

Sanctioned Person” shall mean any individual person, group, regime, entity or thing listed or otherwise recognized as a specially designated, prohibited, sanctioned or debarred person, group, regime, or entity or thing, or subject to any limitations or prohibitions (including but not limited to the blocking of property or rejection of transactions), under any Anti-Terrorism Laworder or directive of any Compliance Authority or otherwise subject to, or specially designated under, any sanctions program maintained by any Compliance Authority.

 

Scheduled Maturity Date” shall mean August 16, 2023.

 

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

 

Second Amendment Effective Date” shall mean April 28, 2016.

 

Second Priority Debt” shall mean the principal amount of any Indebtedness evidenced by any Second Priority Notes.

 

Second Priority Indenture Trustee” shall mean Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as the trustee under any Second Priority Notes Indenture, and shall include its successors and assigns in such capacity.

 

Second Priority Liens” shall have the meaning of “Second Lien” as set forth in the Second Priority Notes Indenture.

 

Second Priority Notes” shall mean, individually and collectively, the 9.125% notes due 2021 issued by Geophysical pursuant to the Second Priority Notes Indenture, as may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

Second Priority Notes Collateral Agent” shall mean Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as the collateral agent for the holders of any Second Priority Notes, and shall include its successors and assigns in such capacity.

 

“Second Priority Notes Documents” Indenture, any Second Priority Notes and all agreements (including any pledge or other security agreement), documents and instruments executed or delivered in connection with any of the foregoing.

 

Second Priority Notes Indenture” shall mean the Indenture dated as of April 28, 2016, among Geophysical, as issuer, the guarantors party thereto, Second Priority Indenture Trustee, as trustee, and Second Priority Notes Collateral Agent, as collateral agent, as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

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Second Priority Obligations” shall have the meaning of “Second Lien Obligations” as set forth in any Second Priority Notes Indenture.

 

Secured Parties” shall mean, collectively, Agent, Issuer, Swing Loan Lender and Lenders, together with any Affiliates of Agent or any Lender to whom any Hedge Liabilities or Cash Management Liabilities are owed and with each other holder of any of the Obligations, and the respective successors and assigns of each of them; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing: (a) the Obligations of the Borrowers or any other Loan Parties with respect to any Hedge Liabilities or any Cash Management Liabilities shall be secured and guaranteed pursuant to this Agreement and the Other Documents only to the extent that, and for so long as, the other Obligations are so secured and guaranteed, and (b) any release of Collateral or Guarantors effected in the manner permitted by this Agreement or any Other Document shall not require the consent of the holders of any Hedge Liabilities or the holders of any Cash Management Liabilities, except, in each case, in their respective capacities as “Lenders” without giving effect to the second sentence of the definition of “Lenders”.

 

Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

 

Senior Funded Debt” shall mean, as of any date, the sum of the outstanding Revolving Advances and Swing Loans and the Maximum Undrawn Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit on such date.

 

Settlement” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(d) hereof.

 

Settlement Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(d) hereof.

 

Subsidiary” shall mean of any Person a corporation or other entity of whose Equity Interests having ordinary voting power (other than Equity Interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) to elect a majority of the directors of such corporation, or other Persons performing similar functions for such entity, are owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing (and except for purposes of the definition of Unrestricted Subsidiaries contained herein), an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be deemed not to be a Subsidiary of a Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries for purposes of this Agreement.

 

Subsidiary Redesignation” shall have the meaning provided in the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary” contained in this Section 1.2.

 

Subsidiary Stock” shall mean (a) with respect to the Equity Interests issued to a Borrower by any Subsidiary (other than IPOP Management, Inc., GMG/AXIS, Inc. or a Foreign Subsidiary), 100% of such issued and outstanding Equity Interests, and (b) 65% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests constituting Voting Stock of ION International Holdings L.P.

 

Swap” shall mean any “swap” as defined in Section 1a(47) of the CEA and regulations thereunder other than (a) a swap entered into on, or subject to the rules of, a board of trade designated as a contract market under Section 5 of the CEA, or (b) a commodity option entered into pursuant to CFTC Regulation 32.3(a).

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Swap Obligation” means any obligation to pay or perform under any agreement, contract or transaction that constitutes a Swap which is also a Lender-Provided Interest Rate Hedge, or a Lender-Provided Foreign Currency Hedge.

 

Swing Loan Lender” shall mean PNC, in its capacity as lender of the Swing Loans.

 

Swing Loan Note” shall mean the promissory note described in Section 2.4(a) hereof.

 

Swing Loans” shall mean the Advances made pursuant to Section 2.4 hereof.

 

Taxes” shall mean all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Body, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.

 

Term” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13.1 hereof.

 

Termination Event” shall mean: means (a) anya Reportable ERISA Event with respect to a Pension Benefitany Plan; (b) the determination that any Pension Benefit Plan is considered an at-risk plan or that any Multiemployer Plan is endangered or is in critical status within the meaning of Sections 430, 431 or 432 of the Code or Sections 303, 304 or 305 of ERISA, as applicable; (c) the incurrence by withdrawal of any Borrower or any member of its Controlled Group of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums not yet due; (d) the receipt by any Borrower or any member of its the Controlled Group from the PBGC ora Plan during a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intentionyear in which such entity was a “substantial employer” as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) the providing of notice of intent to terminate any Pension Benefita Plan or to appoint a trustee to administer any Pension Benefit Plan or the occurrence ofin a distress termination described in Section 4041(c) of ERISA; (d) the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Plan; (e) any event or condition (i) which constitutesmight constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Benefit Plan;, or (eii) the appointment of a trustee to administer any Pension Benefit Plan; (f) the withdrawal of any Borrower or any member of its Controlled Group from a Multiple Employer Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which such entity was a substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or the cessation of operations by any Borrower or any member of its Controlled Group that would be treated as a withdrawal from a Pension Benefit Plan under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (gthat may result in termination of a Multiemployer Plan pursuant to Section 4041A of ERISA; (f) the partial or complete withdrawal bywithin the meaning of Section 4203 or 4205 of ERISA, of any Borrower or any member of itsthe Controlled Group from anya Multiemployer Plan or a notification; (g) notice that a Multiemployer Plan is in reorganizationsubject to Section 4245 of ERISA; or (h) the takingimposition of any action to terminate any Pension Benefit Planliability under Section 4041A or 4042Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent, upon any Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group.

 

Third Amendment Effective Date” shall mean August 16, 2018.

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Toxic Substance” shall mean and include any material present on the Real Property (including the Leasehold Interests) which has been shown to have significant adverse effect on human health or which is subject to regulation under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), 15 U.S.C. §§ 2601 et seq., applicable state law, or any other applicable Federal or state laws now in force or hereafter enacted relating to toxic substances. “Toxic Substance” includes but is not limited to asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and lead-based paints.

 

Transactions” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.5(a) hereof.

 

Transferee” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 16.3(d) hereof.

 

Unbilled Receivables Advance Rate” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a)(y)(iii) hereof.

 

Unfunded Capital Expenditures” shall mean, as to any Borrower, without duplication, a Capital Expenditure funded (a) from such Borrower’s internally generated cash flow or (b) with the proceeds of a Revolving Advance or Swing Loan.

 

Uniform Commercial Code” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.3 hereof.

 

Unrestricted Subsidiary” shall mean any Subsidiary of a Borrower (including any Subsidiary formed or acquired after the Closing Date to the extent the formation or acquisition thereof is not otherwise prohibited hereby) designated by Borrowing Agent as an Unrestricted Subsidiary hereunder by written notice to Agent; provided, that Borrowing Agent shall only be permitted to designate a Subsidiary that exists on the Closing Date as an Unrestricted Subsidiary after the Closing Date so long as (a) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, (b) immediately after giving effect to such designation, on a pro forma basis, Borrowers shall be in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Section 6.5, and (c) such Subsidiary shall have been designated an “unrestricted subsidiary” (or otherwise not be subject to the covenants and defaults) under and in accordance with the 2016 Notes Documents, New Second Priority Notes Documents or any other Junior Priority Debt Document. Borrowers may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Subsidiary for purposes of this Agreement (each, a “Subsidiary Redesignation”); provided, that (i) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, (ii) immediately after giving effect to such Subsidiary Redesignation, on a pro forma basis, Borrowers shall be in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Section 6.5, (iii) all representations and warranties contained herein and in the Other Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects with the same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of the date of such Subsidiary Redesignation (both before and after giving effect thereto), unless stated to relate to a specific earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date and (iv) Borrowers shall have delivered to Agent an officer’s certificate executed by the President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer or Controller of Borrowing Agent, certifying to the best of such Person’s knowledge, compliance with the requirements of preceding clauses (i) through (iii), inclusive, and containing the calculations and information required by the preceding clause (ii).

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U.S. Borrowers” shall mean the Borrowers other than GX Mexico.

 

USA PATRIOT Act” shall mean the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, Public Law 107-56, as the same has been, or shall hereafter be, renewed, extended, amended or replaced.

 

Usage Amount” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3 hereof.

 

Voting Stock” shall mean, with respect to any Person, Equity Interests of such Person entitled to vote (including within the meaning of Treas. Reg. Section 1.956-2(c)(2)).

 

1.3          Uniform Commercial Code Terms. All terms used herein and defined in the Uniform Commercial Code as adopted in the State of New York from time to time (the “Uniform Commercial Code”) shall have the meaning given therein unless otherwise defined herein. Without limiting the foregoing, the terms “accounts”, “chattel paper” (and “electronic chattel paper” and “tangible chattel paper”), “commercial tort claims”, “deposit accounts”, “documents”, “equipment”, “financial asset”, “fixtures”, “general intangibles”, “goods”, “instruments”, “inventory”, “investment property”, “letter-of-credit rights”, “payment intangibles”, “proceeds”, “promissory note” “securities”, “software” and “supporting obligations” as and when used in the description of Collateral shall have the meanings given to such terms in Articles 8 or 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code. To the extent the definition of any category or type of collateral is expanded by any amendment, modification or revision to the Uniform Commercial Code, such expanded definition will apply automatically as of the date of such amendment, modification or revision.

 

1.4          Certain Matters of Construction. The terms “herein”, “hereof and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular section, paragraph or subdivision. All references herein to Articles, Sections, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement. Any pronoun used shall be deemed to cover all genders. Wherever appropriate in the context, terms used herein in the singular also include the plural and vice versa. All references to statutes and related regulations shall include any amendments of same and any successor statutes and regulations. Unless otherwise provided, (i) all references to any instruments or agreements to which Agent is a party, including references to any of the Other Documents, shall include any and all modifications, supplements or amendments thereto, any and all restatements or replacements thereof and any and all extensions or renewals thereof and (ii) any references to any other instruments or agreements shall include any and all modifications, supplements or amendments thereto, any and all restatements or replacements (whether in whole or in part) thereof and any and all extensions or renewals thereof, in each case, to the extent any such modification, supplement, amendment, restatement, replacement, extension or renewal is not expressly prohibited hereunder. In furtherance of clause (ii) of the foregoing sentence, any reference to any instrument or agreement evidencing Indebtedness that is refinanced, refunded, extended, renewed or replaced as Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall be deemed to refer also to any applicable instruments or agreements evidencing such Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness. All references herein to the time of day shall mean the time in New York, New York. Unless otherwise provided, all financial calculations shall be performed with Inventory valued at the lower of cost or market value, determined by the Borrowing Agent in accordance with its customary accounting procedures. Whenever the words “including” or “include” shall be used, such words shall be understood to mean “including, without limitation” or “include, without limitation”. A Default or an Event of Default shall be deemed to exist at all times during the period commencing on the date that such Default or Event of Default occurs to the date on which such Default or Event of Default is waived in writing pursuant to this Agreement or, in the case of a Default, is cured within any period of cure expressly provided for in this Agreement; and an Event of Default shall “continue” or be “continuing” until such Event of Default has been waived in writing by Required Lenders. Any Lien referred to in this Agreement or any of the Other Documents as having been created in favor of Agent, any agreement entered into by Agent pursuant to this Agreement or any of the Other Documents, any payment made by or to or funds received by Agent pursuant to or as contemplated by this Agreement or any of the Other Documents, or any act taken or omitted to be taken by Agent, shall, unless otherwise expressly provided, be created, entered into, made or received, or taken or omitted, for the benefit or account of Agent and Lenders. Wherever the phrase “to the best of Borrowers’ knowledge” or words of similar import relating to the knowledge or the awareness of any Borrower are used in this Agreement or Other Documents, such phrase shall mean and refer to (i) the actual knowledge of a senior officer of any Borrower or (ii) the knowledge that a senior officer would have obtained if he/she had engaged in a good faith and diligent performance of his/her duties, including the making of such reasonably specific inquiries as may be necessary of the employees or agents of such Borrower and a good faith attempt to ascertain the existence or accuracy of the matter to which such phrase relates.

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1.5          LIBOR Notification. Section 3.8.2 provides a mechanism for determining an alternative rate of interest in the event that the London interbank offered rate is no longer available or in certain other circumstances. The Agent does not warrant or accept any responsibility for and shall not have any liability with respect to, the administration, submission or any other matter related to the London interbank offered rate or other rates in the definition of “LIBOR Rate” or with respect to any alternative or successor rate thereto, or replacement rate therefor.

 

II. ADVANCES, PAYMENTS.

 

2.1 Revolving Advances.

 

(a)          Amount of Revolving Advances. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement specifically including Section 2.1(b), each Lender, severally and not jointly, will make Revolving Advances to Borrowers in aggregate amounts outstanding at any time equal to such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of the lesser of (x) the Maximum Revolving Advance Amount, less the outstanding amount of Swing Loans, less the aggregate Maximum Undrawn Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit or (y) an amount equal to the sum of:

 

(i)            up to 85% (the “Domestic Receivables Advance Rate”) of Eligible Domestic Receivables, plus

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(ii)            up to 85% of the value of the Eligible Foreign Receivables (the “Foreign Receivables Advance Rate”), plus

 

(iii)           the lesser of (A) up to 85% of Eligible Unbilled Receivables (the “Unbilled Receivables Advance Rate”), or (B) $25,000,000 in the aggregate at any one time, plus

 

(iv)           the least of (A) up to 50% of the value of the Eligible Inventory (the “Inventory Advance Rate”), (B) up to 85% of NOLV Percentage of the value of Eligible Inventory (the “Inventory NOLV Advance Rate”), or (C) 20% of the lesser of (I) the sum of Section 2.1(a)(y)(i), Section 2.1(a)(y)(ii), Section 2.1(a)(y)(iii) and the lesser of Sections 2.1(a)(y)(iv)(A) and (B), and (II) the Maximum Revolving Advance Amount, in each case in the aggregate at any one time, plus

 

(v)            the lesser of (A) the Multi-Client Data Library Advance Rate of the net orderly liquidation value of the Eligible Multi-Client Data Library Assets pursuant to the most recent NOLV Appraisal, or (B) $28,500,000 in the aggregate at any one time, minus

 

(vi)          the aggregate Maximum Undrawn Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit and the aggregate outstanding amount of Swing Loans, minus

 

(vii)          the Royalty Payable Reserve, minus

 

(viii)        such reserves as Agent may in its Permitted Discretion deem proper and necessary from time to time.

 

The amount derived from the sum of (x) Sections 2.1(a)(y)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) minus (y) Sections 2. l(a)(y)(vi), (vii) and (viii) at any time and from time to time shall be referred to as the “Formula Amount”. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties agree that at any given time the maximum Formula Amount attributable to GX Mexico, excluding amounts added under clause (v), shall not exceed $5,000,000 (such Indebtedness, the “GX Mexico Obligations”). The Revolving Advances shall be evidenced by one or more secured promissory notes (collectively, the “Revolving Credit Note”) substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 2.1(a). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the foregoing or otherwise in this Agreement, the outstanding aggregate principal amount of Swing Loans and the Revolving Advances at any one time outstanding shall not exceed an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the Maximum Revolving Advance Amount less the Maximum Undrawn Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit or (ii) the Formula Amount.

 

(b)         Discretionary Rights. The Advance Rates may be increased or decreased by Agent at any time and from time to time in the exercise of its Permitted Discretion, provided that any decrease in the Advance Rates or any other exercise of Permitted Discretion that has the effect of reducing the Formula Amount shall not apply until five (5) Business Days after Agent shall have notified Borrowing Agent thereof in writing. Each Borrower consents to any such increases or decreases and acknowledges that decreasing the Advance Rates or increasing or imposing reserves may limit or restrict Advances requested by Borrowing Agent. The rights of Agent under this subsection are subject to the provisions of Section 16.2(b).

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2.2          Procedures for Requesting Revolving Advances; Procedures for Selection of Applicable Interest Rates for All Advances.

 

(a)         Borrowing Agent on behalf of any Borrower may notify Agent prior to 1:00 p.m. on a Business Day of a Borrower’s request to incur, on that day, a Revolving Advance hereunder, subject to Section 2.1(b) above. Should any amount required to be paid as interest hereunder, or as fees or other charges under this Agreement or any other agreement with Agent or Lenders, or with respect to any other Obligation under this Agreement, become due, same shall be deemed a request for a Revolving Advance maintained as a Domestic Rate Loan as of the date such payment is due, in the amount required to pay in full such interest, fee, charge or Obligation, and such request shall be irrevocable.

 

(b)         Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) above, in the event any Borrower desires to obtain a LIBOR Rate Loan for any Advance (other than a Swing Loan), Borrowing Agent shall give Agent written notice by no later than 1:00 p.m. on the day which is three (3) Business Days prior to the date such LIBOR Rate Loan is to be borrowed, specifying (i) the date of the proposed borrowing (which shall be a Business Day), (ii) the type of borrowing and the amount of such Advance to be borrowed, which amount shall be in a minimum amount of $1,000,000 and in integral multiples of $500,000 thereafter, and (iii) the duration of the first Interest Period therefor. Interest Periods for LIBOR Rate Loans shall be for one, two or three months; provided that, if an Interest Period would end on a day that is not a Business Day, it shall end on the next succeeding Business Day unless such day falls in the next succeeding calendar month in which case the Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day. Any Interest Period that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the last calendar month of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the last calendar month of such Interest Period. Upon and after the occurrence of an Event of Default, and during the continuation thereof, at the option of Agent or at the direction of Required Lenders, no LIBOR Rate Loan shall be made available to any Borrower. After giving effect to each requested LIBOR Rate Loan, including those which are converted from a Domestic Rate Loan under Section 2.2(e), there shall not be outstanding more than six (6) LIBOR Rate Loans, in the aggregate.

 

(c)         Each Interest Period of a LIBOR Rate Loan shall commence on the date such LIBOR Rate Loan is made and shall end on such date as Borrowing Agent may elect as set forth in subsection (b)(iii) above, provided that the exact length of each Interest Period shall be determined in accordance with the practice of the interbank market for offshore Dollar deposits and no Interest Period shall end after the last day of the Term.

 

(d)         Borrowing Agent shall elect the initial Interest Period applicable to a LIBOR Rate Loan by its notice of borrowing given to Agent pursuant to Section 2.2(b) or by its notice of conversion given to Agent pursuant to Section 2.2(e), as the case may be. Borrowing Agent shall elect the duration of each succeeding Interest Period by giving irrevocable written notice to Agent of such duration not later than 1:00 p.m. on the day which is three (3) Business Days prior to the last day of the then current Interest Period applicable to such LIBOR Rate Loan. If Agent does not receive timely notice of the Interest Period elected by Borrowing Agent, Borrowing Agent shall be deemed to have elected to convert such LIBOR Rate Loan to a Domestic Rate Loan subject to Section 2.2(e) below.

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(e)         Provided that no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, Borrowing Agent may, on the last Business Day of the then current Interest Period applicable to any outstanding LIBOR Rate Loan, or on any Business Day with respect to Domestic Rate Loans, convert any such loan into a loan of another type in the same aggregate principal amount provided that any conversion of a LIBOR Rate Loan shall be made only on the last Business Day of the then current Interest Period applicable to such LIBOR Rate Loan. If Borrowing Agent desires to convert a loan, Borrowing Agent shall give Agent written notice by no later than 1:00 p.m. (i) on the day which is three (3) Business Days prior to the date on which such conversion is to occur with respect to a conversion from a Domestic Rate Loan to a LIBOR Rate Loan, or (ii) on the day which is one (1) Business Day prior to the date on which such conversion is to occur (which date shall be the last Business Day of the Interest Period for the applicable LIBOR Rate Loan) with respect to a conversion from a LIBOR Rate Loan to a Domestic Rate Loan, specifying, in each case, the date of such conversion, the loans to be converted and if the conversion is to a LIBOR Rate Loan, the duration of the first Interest Period therefor.

 

(f)         At its option and upon written notice given prior to 1:00 p.m. at least three (3)  Business Days prior to the date of such prepayment, any Borrower may, subject to Section 2.2(g) hereof, prepay the LIBOR Rate Loans in whole at any time or in part from time to time with accrued interest on the principal being prepaid to the date of such repayment. Such Borrower shall specify the date of prepayment of Advances which are LIBOR Rate Loans and the amount of such prepayment. In the event that any prepayment of a LIBOR Rate Loan is required or permitted on a date other than the last Business Day of the then current Interest Period with respect thereto, such Borrower shall indemnify Agent and Lenders therefor in accordance with Section 2.2(g) hereof.

 

(g)         Each Borrower shall indemnify Agent and Lenders and hold Agent and Lenders harmless from and against any and all losses or expenses that Agent and Lenders may sustain or incur as a consequence of any prepayment, conversion of or any default by any Borrower in the payment of the principal of or interest on any LIBOR Rate Loan or failure by any Borrower to complete a borrowing of, a prepayment of or conversion of or to a LIBOR Rate Loan after notice thereof has been given, including, but not limited to, any interest payable by Agent or Lenders to lenders of funds obtained by it in order to make or maintain its LIBOR Rate Loans hereunder; provided that GX Mexico shall only be liable for amounts attributable to the GX Mexico Obligations. A certificate as to any additional amounts payable pursuant to the foregoing sentence submitted by Agent or any Lender to Borrowing Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

(h)         Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, if any Applicable Law, treaty, regulation or directive, or any change therein or in the interpretation or application thereof, including without limitation any Change in Law, shall make it unlawful for Lenders or any Lender (for purposes of this subsection (h), the term “Lender” shall include any Lender and the office or branch where any Lender or any Person controlling such Lender makes or maintains any LIBOR Rate Loans) to make or maintain its LIBOR Rate Loans, the obligation of Lenders or such affected Lender) to make LIBOR Rate Loans hereunder shall forthwith be cancelled and Borrowers shall, if any affected LIBOR Rate Loans are then outstanding, promptly upon request from Agent, either pay all such affected LIBOR Rate Loans or convert such affected LIBOR Rate Loans into loans of another type. If any such payment or conversion of any LIBOR Rate Loan is made on a day that is not the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such LIBOR Rate Loan, Borrowers shall pay Agent, upon Agent’s request, such amount or amounts set forth in clause (g) above. A certificate as to any additional amounts payable pursuant to the foregoing sentence submitted by Lenders to Borrowing Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

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(i)         Anything to the contrary contained herein notwithstanding, neither Agent nor any Lender, nor any of their participants, is actually required to acquire LIBOR deposits to fund or otherwise match fund any Obligation as to which interest accrues based on the LIBOR Rate. The provisions set forth herein shall apply as if each Lender or its participants had match funded any Obligation as to which interest is accruing based on the LIBOR Rate by acquiring LIBOR deposits for each Interest Period in the amount of the LIBOR Rate Loans.

 

2.3 Reserved.

 

2.4 Swing Loans.

 

(a)         Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and in order to minimize the transfer of funds between Lenders and Agent for administrative convenience, Agent, Lenders holding Revolving Commitments and Swing Loan Lender agree that in order to facilitate the administration of this Agreement, Swing Loan Lender may, at its election and option made in its sole discretion cancelable at any time for any reason whatsoever, make swing loan advances (“Swing Loans”) available to Borrowers as provided for in this Section 2.4 at any time or from time to time after the date hereof to, but not including, the expiration of the Term, in an aggregate principal amount up to but not in excess of the Maximum Swing Loan Advance Amount, provided that the outstanding aggregate principal amount of Swing Loans and the Revolving Advances at any one time outstanding shall not exceed an amount equal to the lesser of (i) the Maximum Revolving Advance Amount less the Maximum Undrawn Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit or (ii) the Formula Amount. All Swing Loans shall be Domestic Rate Loans only. Borrowers may borrow (at the option and election of Swing Loan Lender), repay and reborrow (at the option and election of Swing Loan Lender) Swing Loans and Swing Loan Lender may make Swing Loans as provided in this Section 2.4 during the period between Settlement Dates. All Swing Loans shall be evidenced by a secured promissory note (the “Swing Loan Note”) substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit 2.4(a). Swing Loan Lender’s agreement to make Swing Loans under this Agreement is cancelable at any time for any reason whatsoever and the making of Swing Loans by Swing Loan Lender from time to time shall not create any duty or obligation, or establish any course of conduct, pursuant to which Swing Loan Lender shall thereafter be obligated to make Swing Loans in the future.

 

(b)         Upon either (i) any request by Borrowing Agent for a Revolving Advance made pursuant to Section 2.2(a) hereof or (ii) the occurrence of any deemed request by Borrowers for a Revolving Advance pursuant to the provisions of the last sentence of Section 2.2(a) hereof, Swing Loan Lender may elect, in its sole discretion, to have such request or deemed request treated as a request for a Swing Loan, and may advance same day funds to Borrowers as a Swing Loan; provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary provided for herein, Swing Loan Lender may not make Swing Loan Advances if Swing Loan Lender has been notified by Agent or by Required Lenders that one or more of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 8.2 of this Agreement have not been satisfied or the Revolving Commitments have been terminated for any reason.

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(c)         Upon the making of a Swing Loan (whether before or after the occurrence of a Default or an Event of Default and regardless of whether a Settlement has been requested with respect to such Swing Loan), each Lender holding a Revolving Commitment shall be deemed, without further action by any party hereto, to have unconditionally and irrevocably purchased from Swing Loan Lender, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest and participation in such Swing Loan in proportion to its Revolving Commitment Percentage. Swing Loan Lender or Agent may, at any time, require the Lenders holding Revolving Commitments to fund such participations by means of a Settlement as provided for in Section 2.6(d) below. From and after the date, if any, on which any Lender holding a Revolving Commitment is required to fund, and funds, its participation in any Swing Loans purchased hereunder, Agent shall promptly distribute to such Lender its Revolving Commitment Percentage of all payments of principal and interest and all proceeds of Collateral received by Agent in respect of such Swing Loan; provided that no Lender holding a Revolving Commitment shall be obligated in any event to make Revolving Advances in an amount in excess of its Revolving Commitment Amount minus its Participation Commitment (taking into account any reallocations under Section 2.22) of the Maximum Undrawn Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit.

 

2.5           Disbursement of Advance Proceeds. All Advances shall be disbursed from whichever office or other place Agent may designate from time to time and, together with any and all other Obligations of Borrowers to Agent or Lenders, shall be charged to Borrowers’ Account on Agent’s books. The proceeds of each Revolving Advance or Swing Loan requested by Borrowing Agent on behalf of any Borrower or deemed to have been requested by any Borrower under Sections 2.2(a), 2.6(b) or 2.14 hereof shall, (i) with respect to requested Revolving Advances, to the extent Lenders make such Revolving Advances in accordance with Section 2.2(a), 2.6(b) or 2.14 hereof, and with respect to Swing Loans made upon any request or deemed request by Borrowing Agent for a Revolving Advance to the extent Swing Loan Lender makes such Swing Loan in accordance with Section 2.4(b) hereof, be made available to the applicable Borrower on the day so requested by way of credit to such Borrower’s operating account at PNC, or such other bank as Borrowing Agent may designate following notification to Agent, in immediately available federal funds or other immediately available funds or, (ii) with respect to Revolving Advances deemed to have been requested by any Borrower or Swing Loans made upon any deemed request for a Revolving Advance by any Borrower, be disbursed to Agent to be applied to the outstanding Obligations giving rise to such deemed request. During the Term, Borrowers may use the Revolving Advances and Swing Loans by borrowing, prepaying and reborrowing, all in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof.

 

2.6 Making and Settlement of Advances.

 

(a)          Each borrowing of Revolving Advances shall be advanced according to the applicable Revolving Commitment Percentages of Lenders holding the Revolving Commitments (subject to any contrary terms of Section 2.22). Each borrowing of Swing Loans shall be advanced by Swing Loan Lender alone.

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(b)          Promptly after receipt by Agent of a request or a deemed request for a Revolving Advance pursuant to Section 2.2(a) and, with respect to Revolving Advances, to the extent Agent elects not to provide a Swing Loan or the making of a Swing Loan would result in the aggregate amount of all outstanding Swing Loans exceeding the maximum amount permitted in Section 2.4(a), Agent shall notify Lenders holding the Revolving Commitments of its receipt of such request specifying the information provided by Borrowing Agent and the apportionment among Lenders of the requested Revolving Advance as determined by Agent in accordance with the terms hereof. Each Lender shall remit the principal amount of each Revolving Advance to Agent such that Agent is able to, and Agent shall, to the extent the applicable Lenders have made funds available to it for such purpose and subject to Section 8.2, fund such Revolving Advance to Borrowers in U.S. Dollars and immediately available funds at the Payment Office prior to the close of business, on the applicable borrowing date; provided that if any applicable Lender fails to remit such funds to Agent in a timely manner, Agent may elect in its sole discretion to fund with its own funds the Revolving Advance of such Lender on such borrowing date, and such Lender shall be subject to the repayment obligation in Section 2.6(c) hereof.

 

(c)          Unless Agent shall have been notified by telephone, confirmed in writing, by any Lender holding a Revolving Commitment that such Lender will not make the amount which would constitute its applicable Revolving Commitment Percentage of the requested Revolving Advance available to Agent, Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) assume that such Lender has made such amount available to Agent on such date in accordance with Section 2.6(b) and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to Borrowers a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its applicable Revolving Commitment Percentage of the requested Revolving Advance available to Agent, then the applicable Lender and Borrowers severally agree to pay to Agent on demand such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to Borrowers through but excluding the date of payment to Agent, at (i) in the case of a payment to be made by such Lender, the greater of (A) (x) the daily average Federal Funds Effective Rate (computed on the basis of a year of 360 days) during such period as quoted by Agent, times (y) such amount or (B) a rate determined by Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation, and (ii) in the case of a payment to be made by Borrowers, the Revolving Interest Rate for Revolving Advances that are Domestic Rate Loans. If such Lender pays its share of the applicable Revolving Advance to Agent, then the amount so paid shall constitute such Lender’s Revolving Advance. Any payment by Borrowers shall be without prejudice to any claim Borrowers may have against a Lender holding a Revolving Commitment that shall have failed to make such payment to Agent. A certificate of Agent submitted to any Lender or Borrowers with respect to any amounts owing under this paragraph (c) shall be conclusive, in the absence of manifest error.

 

(d)          Agent, on behalf of Swing Loan Lender, shall demand settlement (a “Settlement”) of all or any Swing Loans with Lenders holding the Revolving Commitments on at least a weekly basis, or on any more frequent date that Agent elects or that Swing Loan Lender at its option exercisable for any reason whatsoever may request, by notifying Lenders holding the Revolving Commitments of such requested Settlement by facsimile, telephonic or electronic transmission no later than 3:00 p.m. on the date of such requested Settlement (the “Settlement Date”). Subject to any contrary provisions of Section 2.22, each Lender holding a Revolving Commitment shall transfer the amount of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of the outstanding principal amount (plus interest accrued thereon to the extent requested by Agent) of the applicable Swing Loan with respect to which Settlement is requested by Agent, to such account of Agent as Agent may designate not later than 5:00 p.m. on such Settlement Date if requested by Agent by 3:00 p.m., otherwise not later than 5:00 p.m. on the next Business Day. Settlements may occur at any time notwithstanding that the conditions precedent to making Revolving Advances set forth in Section 8.2 have not been satisfied or the Revolving Commitments shall have otherwise been terminated at such time. All amounts so transferred to Agent shall be applied against the amount of outstanding Swing Loans and, when so applied shall constitute Revolving Advances of such Lenders accruing interest as Domestic Rate Loans. If any such amount is not transferred to Agent by any Lender holding a Revolving Commitment on such Settlement Date, Agent shall be entitled to recover such amount on demand from such Lender together with interest thereon as specified in Section 2.6(c).

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(e)          If any Lender or Participant (a “Benefited Lender”) shall at any time receive any payment of all or part of its Advances, or interest thereon, or receive any Collateral in respect thereof (whether voluntarily or involuntarily or by set-off) in a greater proportion than any such payment to and Collateral received by any other Lender, if any, in respect of such other Lender’s Advances, or interest thereon, and such greater proportionate payment or receipt of Collateral is not expressly permitted hereunder, such Benefited Lender shall purchase for cash from the other Lenders a participation in such portion of each such other Lender’s Advances, or shall provide such other Lender with the benefits of any such Collateral, or the proceeds thereof, as shall be necessary to cause such Benefited Lender to share the excess payment or benefits of such Collateral or proceeds ratably with each of the other Lenders; provided, however, that if all or any portion of such excess payment or benefits is thereafter recovered from such Benefited Lender, such purchase shall be rescinded, and the purchase price and benefits returned, to the extent of such recovery, but without interest. Each Borrower consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under Applicable Law, that each Lender so purchasing a portion of another Lender’s Advances may exercise all rights of payment (including rights of set-off) with respect to such portion as fully as if such Lender were the direct holder of such portion, and the obligations owing to each such purchasing Lender in respect of such participation and such purchased portion of any other Lender’s Advances shall be part of the Obligations secured by the Collateral, and the obligations owing to each such purchasing Lender in respect of such participation and such purchased portion of any other Lender’s Advances shall be part of the Obligations secured by the Collateral.

 

2.7           Maximum Advances. The aggregate balance of Revolving Advances plus Swing Loans outstanding at any time shall not exceed the lesser of (a) the Maximum Revolving Advance Amount less the aggregate Maximum Undrawn Amount of all issued and outstanding Letters of Credit or (b) the Formula Amount.

 

2.8 Manner and Repayment of Advances.

 

(a)          The Revolving Advances and Swing Loans shall be due and payable in full on the last day of the Term subject to earlier prepayment as herein provided. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all Advances shall be subject to earlier repayment upon (x) acceleration upon the occurrence of an Event of Default under this Agreement or (y) termination of this Agreement. Each payment (including each prepayment) by any Borrower on account of the principal of and interest on the Advances shall be applied, first to the outstanding Swing Loans and next, pro rata according to the applicable Revolving Commitment Percentages of Lenders, to the outstanding Revolving Advances (subject to any contrary provisions of Section 2.22) with application first to Revolving Advances comprising Domestic Rate Loans and thereafter to Revolving Advances comprising LIBOR Rate Loans.

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(b)          [Reserved.]

 

(c)          All payments of principal, interest and other amounts payable hereunder, or under any of the Other Documents shall be made to Agent without deduction, setoff or counterclaim and at the Payment Office not later than 1:00 p.m. on the due date therefor in Dollars in federal funds or other funds immediately available to Agent. At any time during which a Cash Dominion Trigger Event shall have occurred and then be continuing, Agent shall have the right to effectuate payment of any and all Obligations due and owing hereunder by charging Borrowers’ Account or by making Advances as provided in Section 2.2 hereof.

 

(d)        At any time during which a Cash Dominion Trigger Event shall have occurred and then be continuing, all proceeds received by Agent shall be applied to the Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities) in accordance with Section 4.8(h).

 

2.9          Repayment of Excess Advances. If at any time the aggregate balance of outstanding Revolving Advances, Swing Loans and/or Advances taken as a whole exceeds the maximum amount of such type of Advances and/or Advances taken as a whole (as applicable) permitted hereunder, such excess Advances shall be due and payable promptly, but in any event within three (3) Business Days of demand, at the Payment Office, whether or not a Default or an Event of Default has occurred.

 

2.10        Statement of Account. Agent shall maintain, in accordance with its customary procedures, a loan account (“Borrowers’ Account”) in the name of Borrowers in which shall be recorded the date and amount of each Advance made by Agent or Lenders in accordance with this Agreement and the date and amount of each payment in respect thereof; provided, however, the failure by Agent to record the date and amount of any Advance shall not adversely affect Agent or any Lender. Each month, Agent shall send to Borrowing Agent a statement showing the accounting for the Advances made, payments made or credited in respect thereof, and other transactions between Agent, Lenders and Borrowers during such month. The monthly statements shall be deemed correct and binding upon Borrowers in the absence of manifest error and shall constitute an account stated between Lenders and Borrowers unless Agent receives a written statement of Borrowers’ specific exceptions thereto within thirty (30) days after such statement is received by Borrowing Agent. The records of Agent with respect to Borrowers’ Account shall be conclusive evidence absent manifest error of the amounts of Advances and other charges thereto and of payments applicable thereto.

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2.11 Letters of Credit.

 

(a)          Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, Issuer shall issue or cause the issuance of standby and/or trade letters of credit denominated in Dollars (“Letters of Credit”) for the account of any Borrower (including for the support of the obligations of any Subsidiary of a Borrower), except to the extent that the issuance thereof would then cause the sum of (i) the outstanding Revolving Advances plus (ii) the outstanding Swing Loans, plus (iii) the Maximum Undrawn Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit, plus (iv) the Maximum Undrawn Amount of the Letter of Credit to be issued to exceed the lesser of (x) the Maximum Revolving Advance Amount or (y) the Formula Amount (calculated without giving effect to the deductions provided for in Section 2.1 (a)(y)(vi)). The Maximum Undrawn Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit shall not exceed in the aggregate at any time the Letter of Credit Sublimit. All disbursements or payments related to Letters of Credit shall be deemed to be Domestic Rate Loans consisting of Revolving Advances and shall bear interest at the Revolving Interest Rate for Domestic Rate Loans. Letters of Credit that have not been drawn upon shall not bear interest (but fees shall accrue in respect of outstanding Letters of Credit as provided in Section 3.2 hereof).

 

(b)          Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement, Issuer shall not be under any obligation to issue any Letter of Credit if (i) any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Body or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain Issuer from issuing any Letter of Credit, or any Law applicable to Issuer or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Body with jurisdiction over Issuer shall prohibit, or request that Issuer refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit generally or the Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon Issuer with respect to the Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital requirement (for which Issuer is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the date of this Agreement, or shall impose upon Issuer any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable on the date of this Agreement, and which Issuer in good faith deems material to it, or (ii) the issuance of the Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of Issuer applicable to letters of credit generally.

 

2.12 Issuance of Letters of Credit.

 

(a)          Borrowing Agent, on behalf of any Borrower, may request Issuer to issue or cause the issuance of a Letter of Credit by delivering to Issuer, with a copy to Agent at the Payment Office, prior to 1:00 p.m., at least three (3) Business Days prior to the proposed date of issuance, such Issuer’s form of Letter of Credit Application (the “Letter of Credit Application”) completed to the satisfaction of Agent and Issuer; and, such other certificates, documents and other papers and information as Agent or Issuer may reasonably request. Issuer shall not issue any requested Letter of Credit if such Issuer has received notice from Agent or any Lender that one or more of the applicable conditions set forth in Section 8.2 of this Agreement have not been satisfied or the commitments of Lenders to make Revolving Advances hereunder have been terminated for any reason.

 

(b)          Each Letter of Credit shall, among other things, (i) provide for the payment of sight drafts, or other written demands for payment, or acceptances of usance drafts when presented for honor thereunder in accordance with the terms thereof and when accompanied by the documents described therein and (ii) have an expiry date not later than twelve (12) months after such Letter of Credit’s date of issuance (provided that any Letter of Credit may, if requested by Borrowing Agent, provide for renewal thereof for additional periods of up to twelve (12) months), but in no event later than the last day of the Term. Each standby Letter of Credit shall be subject either to the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits as most recently published by the International Chamber of Commerce at the time a Letter of Credit is issued (the “UCP”) or the International Standby Practices (International Chamber of Commerce Publication Number 590) (the “ISP98 Rules”), or any subsequent revision thereof at the time a standby Letter of Credit is issued, as determined by Issuer, and each trade Letter of Credit shall be subject to the UCP.

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(c)          Agent shall use its reasonable efforts to notify Lenders of the request by Borrowing Agent for a Letter of Credit hereunder.

 

2.13 Requirements for Issuance of Letters of Credit.

 

(a)          Borrowing Agent shall authorize and direct any Issuer to name the applicable Borrower as the “Applicant” or “Account Party” of each Letter of Credit. If Agent is not the Issuer of any Letter of Credit, Borrowing Agent shall authorize and direct Issuer to deliver to Agent all instruments, documents, and other writings and property received by Issuer pursuant to the Letter of Credit and to accept and rely upon Agent’s instructions and agreements with respect to all matters arising in connection with the Letter of Credit, the application therefor.

 

(b)          In connection with all trade Letters of Credit issued or caused to be issued by Issuer under this Agreement, each Borrower hereby appoints Issuer, or its designee, as its attorney, with full power and authority if an Event of Default shall have occurred and is continuing: (i) to sign and/or endorse such Borrower’s name upon any warehouse or other receipts, and acceptances; (ii) to sign such Borrower’s name on bills of lading; (iii) to clear Inventory through the United States of America Customs Department (“Customs”) in the name of such Borrower or Issuer or Issuer’s designee, and to sign and deliver to Customs officials powers of attorney in the name of such Borrower for such purpose; and (iv) to complete in such Borrower’s name or Issuer’s, or in the name of Issuer’s designee, any order, sale or transaction, obtain the necessary documents in connection therewith, and collect the proceeds thereof. Neither Agent, Issuer nor their attorneys will be liable for any acts or omissions nor for any error of judgment or mistakes of fact or law, except for Agent’s, Issuer’s or their respective attorney’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. This power, being coupled with an interest, is irrevocable as long as any Letters of Credit remain outstanding.

 

2.14 Disbursements, Reimbursement.

 

(a)          Immediately upon the issuance of each Letter of Credit, each Lender holding a Revolving Commitment shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from Issuer a participation in each Letter of Credit and each drawing thereunder in an amount equal to such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of the Maximum Undrawn Amount of such Letter of Credit (as in effect from time to time) and the amount of such drawing, respectively.

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(b)          In the event of any request for a drawing under a Letter of Credit by the beneficiary or transferee thereof, Issuer will promptly notify Agent and Borrowing Agent. Promptly following receipt of such notice, Borrowers shall reimburse (such obligation to reimburse Issuer shall sometimes be referred to as a “Reimbursement Obligation”) Issuer prior to 12:00 Noon, on each date that an amount is paid by Issuer under any Letter of Credit (each such date, a “Drawing Date”) in an amount equal to the amount so paid by Issuer; provided that GX Mexico shall only be liable for amounts attributable to the GX Mexico Obligations. In the event Borrowers fail to reimburse Issuer for the full amount of any drawing under any Letter of Credit by 12:00 Noon, on the Drawing Date, Issuer will promptly notify Agent and each Lender holding a Revolving Commitment thereof, and Borrowers shall be automatically deemed to have requested that a Revolving Advance maintained as a Domestic Rate Loan be made by Lenders to be disbursed on the Drawing Date under such Letter of Credit, and Lenders holding the Revolving Commitments shall be unconditionally obligated to fund such Revolving Advance (all whether or not the conditions specified in Section 8.2 are then satisfied or the commitments of Lenders to make Revolving Advances hereunder have been terminated for any reason) as provided for in Section 2.14(c) immediately below; provided that GX Mexico shall only be liable for amounts attributable to the GX Mexico Obligations. Any notice given by Issuer pursuant to this Section 2.14(b) may be oral if promptly confirmed in writing; provided that the lack of such a confirmation shall not affect the conclusiveness or binding effect of such notice.

 

(c)        Each Lender holding a Revolving Commitment shall upon any notice pursuant to Section 2.14(b) make available to Issuer through Agent at the Payment Office an amount in immediately available funds equal to its Revolving Commitment Percentage (subject to any contrary provisions of Section 2.22) of the amount of the drawing, whereupon the participating Lenders shall (subject to Section 2.14(d)) each be deemed to have made a Revolving Advance maintained as a Domestic Rate Loan to Borrowers in that amount. If any Lender holding a Revolving Commitment so notified fails to make available to Agent, for the benefit of Issuer, the amount of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of such amount by 2:00 p.m. on the Drawing Date, then interest shall accrue on such Lender’s obligation to make such payment, from the Drawing Date to the date on which such Lender makes such payment (i) at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Effective Rate during the first three (3) days following the Drawing Date and (ii) at a rate per annum equal to the rate applicable to Revolving Advances maintained as a Domestic Rate Loan on and after the fourth day following the Drawing Date. Agent and Issuer will promptly give notice of the occurrence of the Drawing Date, but failure of Agent or Issuer to give any such notice on the Drawing Date or in sufficient time to enable any Lender holding a Revolving Commitment to effect such payment on such date shall not relieve such Lender from its obligations under this Section 2.14(c), provided that such Lender shall not be obligated to pay interest as provided in Section 2.14(c)(i) and (ii) until and commencing from the date of receipt of notice from Agent or Issuer of a drawing.

 

(d)          With respect to any unreimbursed drawing that is not converted into a Revolving Advance maintained as a Domestic Rate Loan to Borrowers in whole or in part as contemplated by Section 2.14(b), because of Borrowers’ failure to satisfy the conditions set forth in Section 8.2 hereof (other than any notice requirements) or for any other reason, Borrowers shall be deemed to have incurred from Agent a borrowing (each a “Letter of Credit Borrowing”) in the amount of such drawing. Such Letter of Credit Borrowing shall be due and payable on demand (together with interest) and shall bear interest at the rate per annum applicable to a Revolving Advance maintained as a Domestic Rate Loan. Each applicable Lender’s payment to Agent pursuant to Section 2.14(c) shall be deemed to be a payment in respect of its participation in such Letter of Credit Borrowing and shall constitute a “Participation Advance” from such Lender in satisfaction of its Participation Commitment in respect of the applicable Letter of Credit under this Section 2.14.

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(e)          Each applicable Lender’s Participation Commitment in respect of the Letters of Credit shall continue until the last to occur of any of the following events: (x) Issuer ceases to be obligated to issue or cause to be issued Letters of Credit hereunder; (y) no Letter of Credit issued or created hereunder remains outstanding and uncancelled; and (z) all Persons (other than Borrowers) have been fully reimbursed for all payments made under or relating to Letters of Credit.

 

2.15 Repayment of Participation Advances.

 

(a)          Upon (and only upon) receipt by Agent for the account of Issuer of immediately available funds from Borrowers (i) in reimbursement of any payment made by Issuer or Agent under the Letter of Credit with respect to which any Lender has made a Participation Advance to Agent, or (ii) in payment of interest on such a payment made by Issuer or Agent under such a Letter of Credit, Agent will pay to each Lender holding a Revolving Commitment, in the same funds as those received by Agent, the amount of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of such funds, except Agent shall retain the amount of the Revolving Commitment Percentage of such funds of any Lender holding a Revolving Commitment that did not make a Participation Advance in respect of such payment by Agent (and, to the extent that any of the other Lender(s) holding the Revolving Commitment have funded any portion such Defaulting Lender’s Participation Advance in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.22, Agent will pay over to such Non-Defaulting Lenders a pro rata portion of the funds so withheld from such Defaulting Lender).

 

(b)          If Issuer or Agent is required at any time to return to any Borrower, or to a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian, or any official in any insolvency proceeding, any portion of the payments made by Borrowers to Issuer or Agent pursuant to Section 2.15(a) in reimbursement of a payment made under the Letter of Credit or interest or fee thereon, each applicable Lender shall, on demand of Agent, forthwith return to Issuer or Agent the amount of its Revolving Commitment Percentage of any amounts so returned by Issuer or Agent plus interest at the Federal Funds Effective Rate.

 

2.16         Documentation. Each Borrower agrees to be bound by the terms of the Letter of Credit Application and by Issuer’s interpretations of any Letter of Credit issued on behalf of such Borrower and by Issuer’s written regulations and customary practices relating to letters of credit, though Issuer’s interpretations may be different from such Borrower’s own. In the event of a conflict between the Letter of Credit Application and this Agreement, this Agreement shall govern. It is understood and agreed that, except in the case of gross negligence or willful misconduct (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final non-appealable judgment), Issuer shall not be liable for any error, negligence and/or mistakes, whether of omission or commission, in following Borrowing Agent’s or any Borrower’s instructions or those contained in the Letters of Credit or any modifications, amendments or supplements thereto.

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2.17         Determination to Honor Drawing Request. In determining whether to honor any request for drawing under any Letter of Credit by the beneficiary thereof, Issuer shall be responsible only to determine that the documents and certificates required to be delivered under such Letter of Credit have been delivered and that they comply on their face with the requirements of such Letter of Credit and that any other drawing condition appearing on the face of such Letter of Credit has been satisfied in the manner so set forth.

 

2.18         Nature of Participation and Reimbursement Obligations. The obligation of each Lender holding a Revolving Commitment in accordance with this Agreement to make the Revolving Advances or Participation Advances as a result of a drawing under a Letter of Credit, and the obligations of Borrowers to reimburse Issuer upon a draw under a Letter of Credit, shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Section 2.18 under all circumstances, including the following circumstances:

 

(i)             any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender or any Borrower, as the case may be, may have against Issuer, Agent, any Borrower or Lender, as the case may be, or any other Person for any reason whatsoever;

 

(ii)            the failure of any Borrower or any other Person to comply, in connection with a Letter of Credit Borrowing, with the conditions set forth in this Agreement for the making of a Revolving Advance, it being acknowledged that such conditions are not required for the making of a Letter of Credit Borrowing and the obligation of Lenders to make Participation Advances under Section 2.14;

 

(iii)           any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit;

 

(iv)           any claim of breach of warranty that might be made by any Borrower, Agent, Issuer or any Lender against the beneficiary of a Letter of Credit, or the existence of any claim, set-off, recoupment, counterclaim, cross-claim, defense or other right which any Borrower, Agent, Issuer or any Lender may have at any time against a beneficiary, any successor beneficiary or any transferee of any Letter of Credit or assignee of the proceeds thereof (or any Persons for whom any such transferee or assignee may be acting), Issuer, Agent or any Lender or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated herein or any unrelated transaction (including any underlying transaction between any Borrower or any Subsidiaries of such Borrower and the beneficiary for which any Letter of Credit was procured);

 

(v)            the lack of power or authority of any signer of (or any defect in or forgery of any signature or endorsement on) or the form of or lack of validity, sufficiency, accuracy, enforceability or genuineness of any draft, demand, instrument, certificate or other document presented under or in connection with any Letter of Credit, or any fraud or alleged fraud in connection with any Letter of Credit, or the transport of any property or provision of services relating to a Letter of Credit, in each case even if Issuer or any of Issuer’s Affiliates has been notified thereof;

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(vi)           payment by Issuer under any Letter of Credit against presentation of a demand, draft or certificate or other document which is forged or does not fully comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit (provided that the foregoing shall not excuse Issuer from any obligation under the terms of any applicable Letter of Credit to require the presentation of documents that on their face appear to satisfy any applicable requirements for drawing under such Letter of Credit prior to honoring or paying any such draw);

 

(vii)          the solvency of, or any acts or omissions by, any beneficiary of any Letter of Credit, or any other Person having a role in any transaction or obligation relating to a Letter of Credit, or the existence, nature, quality, quantity, condition, value or other characteristic of any property or services relating to a Letter of Credit;

 

(viii)         any failure by Issuer or any of Issuer’s Affiliates to issue any Letter of Credit in the form requested by Borrowing Agent, unless Agent and Issuer have each received written notice from Borrowing Agent of such failure within three (3) Business Days after Issuer shall have furnished Agent and Borrowing Agent a copy of such Letter of Credit and such error is material and no drawing has been made thereon prior to receipt of such notice;

 

(ix)           the occurrence of any Material Adverse Effect;

 

(x)            any breach of this Agreement or any Other Document by any party thereto;

 

(xi)           the occurrence or continuance of an insolvency proceeding with respect to any Borrower or any Guarantor;

 

(xii)          the fact that a Default or an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;

 

(xiii)         the fact that the Term shall have expired or this Agreement or the obligations of Lenders to make Advances have been terminated; and

 

(xiv)         any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing.

 

2.19 Liability for Acts and Omissions.

 

(a)          As between Borrowers and Issuer, Swing Loan Lender, Agent and Lenders, each Borrower assumes all risks of the acts and omissions of, or misuse of the Letters of Credit by, the respective beneficiaries of such Letters of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, Issuer shall not be responsible for: (i) the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or legal effect of any document submitted by any party in connection with the application for an issuance of any such Letter of Credit, even if it should in fact prove to be in any or all respects invalid, insufficient, inaccurate, fraudulent or forged (even if Issuer or any of its Affiliates shall have been notified thereof); (ii) the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign any such Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason; (iii) the failure of the beneficiary of any such Letter of Credit, or any other party to which such Letter of Credit may be transferred, to comply fully with any conditions required in order to draw upon such Letter of Credit or any other claim of any Borrower against any beneficiary of such Letter of Credit, or any such transferee, or any dispute between or among any Borrower and any beneficiary of any Letter of Credit or any such transferee; (iv) errors, omissions, interruptions or delays in transmission or delivery of any messages, by mail, cable, facsimile, telex or otherwise, whether or not they be in cipher; (v) errors in interpretation of technical terms; (vi) any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under any such Letter of Credit or of the proceeds thereof; (vii) the misapplication by the beneficiary of any such Letter of Credit of the proceeds of any drawing under such Letter of Credit; or (viii) any consequences arising from causes beyond the control of Issuer, including any Governmental Acts, and none of the above shall affect or impair, or prevent the vesting of, any of Issuer’s rights or powers hereunder. Nothing in the preceding sentence shall relieve Issuer from liability for Issuer’s gross negligence or willful misconduct (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final nonappealable judgment) in connection with actions or omissions described in such clauses (i) through (viii) of such sentence. In no event shall Issuer or Issuer’s Affiliates be liable to any Borrower for any indirect, consequential, incidental, punitive, exemplary or special damages or expenses (including without limitation attorneys’ fees), or for any damages resulting from any change in the value of any property relating to a Letter of Credit.

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(b)          Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Issuer and each of its Affiliates: (i) may rely on any oral or other communication believed in good faith by Issuer or such Affiliate to have been authorized or given by or on behalf of the applicant for a Letter of Credit; (ii) may honor any presentation if the documents presented appear on their face substantially to comply with the terms and conditions of the relevant Letter of Credit; (iii) may honor a previously dishonored presentation under a Letter of Credit, whether such dishonor was pursuant to a court order, to settle or compromise any claim of wrongful dishonor, or otherwise, and shall be entitled to reimbursement to the same extent as if such presentation had initially been honored, together with any interest paid by Issuer or its Affiliates; (iv) may honor any drawing that is payable upon presentation of a statement advising negotiation or payment, upon receipt of such statement (even if such statement indicates that a draft or other document is being delivered separately), and shall not be liable for any failure of any such draft or other document to arrive, or to conform in any way with the relevant Letter of Credit; (v) may pay any paying or negotiating bank claiming that it rightfully honored under the laws or practices of the place where such bank is located; and (vi) may settle or adjust any claim or demand made on Issuer or its Affiliate in any way related to any order issued at the applicant’s request to an air carrier, a letter of guarantee or of indemnity issued to a steamship agent or carrier or any document or instrument of like import (each an “Order”) and honor any drawing in connection with any Letter of Credit that is the subject of such Order, notwithstanding that any drafts or other documents presented in connection with such Letter of Credit fail to conform in any way with such Letter of Credit.

 

(c)          In furtherance and extension and not in limitation of the specific provisions set forth above, any action taken or omitted by Issuer under or in connection with the Letters of Credit issued by it or any documents and certificates delivered thereunder, if taken or omitted in good faith and without gross negligence (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final non-appealable judgment), shall not put Issuer under any resulting liability to any Borrower, Agent or any Lender.

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2.20 Mandatory Prepayments: Voluntary Reductions of Revolving Commitments.

 

(a)          Subject to Section 7.1 hereof, when any Loan Party sells or otherwise disposes of any Collateral other than (x) Inventory in the Ordinary Course of Business, or (y) pursuant to or in connection with the INOVA Transaction, Borrowers shall repay the Advances (if any are then outstanding) in an amount equal to the net cash proceeds of such sale (i.e., gross cash proceeds less the reasonable direct costs of such sales or other dispositions), such repayments to be made promptly but in no event more than three (3) Business Days following receipt of such net proceeds, and until the date of payment, such proceeds shall be held in trust for Agent; provided, however, that no such repayment shall be required to the extent Borrowers notified Agent that such net cash proceeds will instead be applied to replace such Collateral with productive assets of a kind used or useable in the business of the Loan Parties; provided, further, that if such net cash proceeds constituting proceeds of Collateral other than Eligible Domestic Receivables, Eligible Foreign Receivables, Eligible Unbilled Receivables and Eligible Inventory are received or being held by such Loan Party during a Cash Dominion Trigger Event, Agent shall establish a reserve in the amount of such net cash proceeds, which reserve shall become permanent to the extent such net cash proceeds have not been applied to replace such Collateral with productive assets of a kind used or useable in the business of the Loan Parties within three hundred sixty (360) days after the applicable Loan Party’s receipt of such net cash proceeds; provided, further, that if such net cash proceeds constituting proceeds of Collateral relating to Borrower’s interest in its Multi-Client Data Library are received or being held by such Loan Party during a Cash Dominion Trigger Event, Agent shall establish a reserve in the amount of such net cash proceeds, which reserve shall become permanent to the extent such net cash proceeds have not been applied to replace such Collateral with productive assets of a kind used or useable in the business of the Loan Parties within one hundred eighty (180) days after the applicable Loan Party’s receipt of such net cash proceeds. The foregoing shall not be deemed to be implied consent to any such sale otherwise prohibited by the terms and conditions hereof. Such repayments shall be applied to the Advances (including cash collateralization of all Obligations relating to any outstanding Letters of Credit in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.2(b); provided, however, that if no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, such repayments shall be applied to cash collateralize any Obligations related to outstanding Letters of Credit last) in such order as Agent may determine, subject to Borrowers’ ability to reborrow Revolving Advances in accordance with the terms hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the proceeds from any sale of Borrower’s interest in its Multi-Client Data Library pursuant to Section 7.1(b)(v) hereof may be retained by the Borrowers for general corporate purposes.

 

(b)          [Reserved.]

 

(c)          In the event of any issuance or other incurrence of Indebtedness (other than Permitted Indebtedness) by any Borrower, Borrowers shall, no later than three (3) Business Days after the receipt by the applicable Borrower of the cash proceeds from any such incurrence of Indebtedness, repay the Advances (if any) in an amount equal to the lesser of (x) one hundred percent (100%) of such cash proceeds in the case of such incurrence or issuance of Indebtedness and (y) the amount of such Advances. Such repayments will be applied in the same manner as set forth in Section 2.20(a) hereof.

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(d)        All proceeds received by Borrowers or Agent (i) under any insurance policy on account of damage or destruction of any assets or property of any Loan Party, or (ii) as a result of any taking or condemnation of any assets or property, shall be applied in accordance with Section 6.6 hereof; provided, however, that no such repayment shall be required to the extent the Borrowing Agent has notified Agent that such proceeds will instead be applied to replace such assets or property with productive assets of a kind used or useable in the business of the Loan Parties; provided, further, that if such proceeds have not been applied to replace such assets or property with productive assets of a kind used or useable in the business of the Loan Parties within one hundred eighty (180) days after the applicable Loan Party’s receipt of such proceeds, Borrowers shall repay the Advances in an amount equal to such proceeds of such sale on the next Business Day.

 

(e)        Subject to Section 2.2(g) hereof, Borrowers may, at their option from time to time, permanently reduce the aggregate Revolving Commitments upon at least five (5) days prior written notice to Agent, which notice shall specify the amount of the reduction and shall be irrevocable once given, provided that a notice of reduction of the Revolving Commitments delivered by any Borrower may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities, in which case such notice may be revoked by such Borrower (by notice to Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied. Each reduction shall be in a minimum amount of $10,000,000 or an increment of $5,000,000 in excess thereof and shall not reduce the aggregate Revolving Commitments to an amount less than the aggregate amount of Advances outstanding at such time.

 

Notwithstanding to foregoing, GX Mexico shall only be liable for amounts attributable to the GX Mexico Obligations.

 

2.21 Use of Proceeds.

 

(a)        Borrowers shall apply the proceeds of Advances to (i) pay fees and expenses relating to this transaction, and (ii) provide for its general corporate needs, including its working capital requirements, capital expenditures, surety deposits and acquisition financing.

 

(b)        Without limiting the generality of Section 2.21(a) above, neither Borrowers, the Guarantors nor any other Person which may in the future become party to this Agreement or the Other Documents as a borrower or Guarantor, intends to use nor shall they use any portion of the proceeds of the Advances, directly or indirectly, for any purpose in violation of Applicable Law.

 

2.22 Defaulting Lender.

 

(a)        Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in the event any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, all rights and obligations hereunder of such Defaulting Lender and of the other parties hereto shall be modified to the extent of the express provisions of this Section 2.22 so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender.

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(b)       (i) except as otherwise expressly provided for in this Section 2.22, Revolving Advances shall be made pro rata from Lenders holding Revolving Commitments which are not Defaulting Lenders based on their respective Revolving Commitment Percentages, and no Revolving Commitment Percentage of any Lender or any pro rata share of any Revolving Advances required to be advanced by any Lender shall be increased as a result of any Lender being a Defaulting Lender. Amounts received in respect of principal of any type of Revolving Advances shall be applied to reduce such type of Revolving Advances of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender) holding a Revolving Commitment in accordance with their Revolving Commitment Percentages; provided, that, Agent shall not be obligated to transfer to a Defaulting Lender any payments received by Agent for Defaulting Lender’s benefit, nor shall a Defaulting Lender be entitled to the sharing of any payments hereunder (including any principal, interest or fees). Amounts payable to a Defaulting Lender shall instead be paid to or retained by Agent. Agent may hold and, in its discretion, re-lend to a Borrower the amount of such payments received or retained by it for the account of such Defaulting Lender.

 

(ii)          fees pursuant to Section 3.3(b) hereof shall cease to accrue in favor of such Defaulting Lender.

 

(iii)         if any Swing Loans are outstanding or any Letters of Credit (or drawings under any Letter of Credit for which Issuer has not been reimbursed) are outstanding or exist at the time any such Lender holding a Revolving Commitment becomes a Defaulting Lender, then:

 

(A)      Defaulting Lender’s Participation Commitment in the outstanding Swing Loans and of the Maximum Undrawn Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit shall be reallocated among Non-Defaulting Lenders holding Revolving Commitments in proportion to the respective Revolving Commitment Percentages of such Non-Defaulting Lenders to the extent (but only to the extent) that (x) such reallocation does not cause the aggregate sum of outstanding Revolving Advances made by any such Non-Defaulting Lender holding a Revolving Commitment plus such Lender’s reallocated Participation Commitment in the outstanding Swing Loans plus such Lender’s reallocated Participation Commitment in the aggregate Maximum Undrawn Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit to exceed the Revolving Commitment Amount of any such Non-Defaulting Lender, and (y) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at such time;

 

(B)       if the reallocation described in clause (A) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, Borrowers shall within one (1) Business Day following notice by Agent (x) first, prepay any outstanding Swing Loans that cannot be reallocated, and (y) second, cash collateralize for the benefit of Issuer, Borrowers’ obligations corresponding to such Defaulting Lender’s Participation Commitment in the Maximum Undrawn Amount of all Letters of Credit (after giving effect to any partial reallocation pursuant to clause (A) above) in accordance with Section 3.2(b) for so long as such Obligations are outstanding;

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(C)      if Borrowers cash collateralize any portion of such Defaulting Lender’s Participation Commitment in the Maximum Undrawn Amount of all Letters of Credit pursuant to clause (B) above, Borrowers shall not be required to pay any fees to such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 3.2(a) with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of Maximum Undrawn Amount of all Letters of Credit during the period such Defaulting Lender’s Participation Commitment in the Maximum Undrawn Amount of all Letters of Credit are cash collateralized;

 

(D)      if Defaulting Lender’s Participation Commitment in the Maximum Undrawn Amount of all Letters of Credit is reallocated pursuant to clause (A) above, then the fees payable to Lenders holding Revolving Commitments pursuant to Section 3.2(a) shall be adjusted and reallocated to Non-Defaulting Lenders holding Revolving Commitments in accordance with such reallocation; and

 

(E)      if all or any portion of such Defaulting Lender’s Participation Commitment in the Maximum Undrawn Amount of all Letters of Credit is neither reallocated nor cash collateralized pursuant to clauses (A) or (B) above, then, without prejudice to any rights or remedies of Issuer or any other Lender hereunder, all Letter of Credit Fees payable under Section 3.2(a) with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of the Maximum Undrawn Amount of all Letters of Credit shall be payable to the Issuer (and not to such Defaulting Lender) until (and then only to the extent that) such Participation Commitment in the Maximum Undrawn Amount of all Letters of Credit is reallocated and/or cash collateralized; and

 

(iv)      so long as any Lender holding a Revolving Commitment is a Defaulting Lender, Swing Loan Lender shall not be required to fund any Swing Loans and Issuer shall not be required to issue, amend or increase any Letter of Credit, unless such Issuer is satisfied that the related exposure and Defaulting Lender’s Participation Commitment in the Maximum Undrawn Amount of all Letters of Credit and all Swing Loans (after giving effect to any such issuance, amendment, increase or funding) will be fully allocated to Non-Defaulting Lenders holding Revolving Commitments and/or cash collateral for such Letters of Credit will be provided by Borrowers in accordance with clause (A) and (B) above, and participating interests in any newly made Swing Loan or any newly issued or increased Letter of Credit shall be allocated among Non-Defaulting Lenders in a manner consistent with Section 2.22(b)(iii)(A) above (and such Defaulting Lender shall not participate therein).

 

(c)        A Defaulting Lender shall not be entitled to give instructions to Agent or to approve, disapprove, consent to or vote on any matters relating to this Agreement and the Other Documents, and all amendments, waivers and other modifications of this Agreement and the Other Documents may be made without regard to a Defaulting Lender and, for purposes of the definition of “Required Lenders”, a Defaulting Lender shall not be deemed to be a Lender, to have any outstanding Advances or a Revolving Commitment Percentage provided, that this clause (c) shall not apply to the vote of a Defaulting Lender in the case of an amendment, waiver or other modification described in clauses (i) or (ii) of Section 16.2(b).

 

(d)        Other than as expressly set forth in this Section 2.22, the rights and obligations of a Defaulting Lender (including the obligation to indemnify Agent) and the other parties hereto shall remain unchanged. Nothing in this Section 2.22 shall be deemed to release any Defaulting Lender from its obligations under this Agreement and the Other Documents, shall alter such obligations, shall operate as a waiver of any default by such Defaulting Lender hereunder, or shall prejudice any rights which any Borrower, Agent or any Lender may have against any Defaulting Lender as a result of any default by such Defaulting Lender hereunder.

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(e)        In the event that Agent, Borrowers, Swing Loan Lender and Issuer agree in writing that a Defaulting Lender has adequately remedied all matters that caused such Lender to be a Defaulting Lender, then Agent will so notify the parties hereto, and, if such cured Defaulting Lender is a Lender holding a Revolving Commitment, then Participation Commitments of Lenders holding Revolving Commitments (including such cured Defaulting Lender) of the Swing Loans and Maximum Undrawn Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit shall be reallocated to reflect the inclusion of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment, and on such date such Lender shall purchase at par such of the Revolving Advances of the other Lenders as Agent shall determine may be necessary in order for such Lender to hold such Revolving Advances in accordance with its Revolving Commitment Percentage.

 

(f)         So long as any Lender is a Defaulting Lender, Swing Loan Lender shall not be required to fund any Swing Loans and Issuer shall not be required to issue, amend or increase any Letter of Credit, unless Swing Loan Lender or Issuer, as the case may be, shall have entered into arrangements with Borrowers or such Lender, satisfactory to Swing Loan Lender or Issuer, as the case may be, to defease any risk to it in respect of such Lender hereunder.

 

2.23        Payment of Obligations. Agent may charge to Borrowers’ Account as a Revolving Advance (or, at the discretion of Swing Loan Lender, as a Swing Loan) (i) all payments with respect to any of the Obligations or the GX Mexico Obligations required hereunder (including without limitation principal payments, payments of interest, payments of Letter of Credit Fees and all other fees provided for hereunder and payments under Sections 16.5 and 16.9) as and when each such payment shall become due and payable (whether as regularly scheduled, upon or after acceleration, upon maturity or otherwise), (ii) without limiting the generality of the foregoing clause (i), (a) all amounts expended by Agent or any Lender pursuant to Sections 4.2 or 4.3 hereof and (b) all expenses which Agent incurs in connection with the forwarding of Advance proceeds and the establishment and maintenance of any Blocked Accounts or Depository Accounts as provided for in Section 4.8(h), and (iii) any sums expended by Agent or any Lender due to any Borrower’s failure to perform or comply with its obligations under this Agreement or any Other Document including any Borrower’s obligations under Sections 3.3, 3.4, 4.4, 4.7, 6.4, 6.6, 6.7 and 6.8 hereof, and all amounts so charged shall be added to the Obligations or the GX Mexico Obligations and shall be secured by the Collateral. To the extent Revolving Advances made (or deemed made) pursuant to this Section 2.23 are not actually funded by the other Lenders in respect of any such amounts so charged, all such amounts so charged shall be deemed to be Swing Loans made by and owing to Agent and Agent shall be entitled to all rights (including accrual of interest) and remedies of a Lender under this Agreement and the Other Documents with respect to such Revolving Advances, other than the GX Mexico Obligations.

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III. INTEREST AND FEES.

 

3.1          Interest. Interest on Advances shall be payable in arrears on the first Business Day of each calendar quarter with respect to Domestic Rate Loans and, with respect to LIBOR Rate Loans, at the end of each Interest Period; provided, that all accrued and unpaid interest shall be due and payable at the end of the Term. Interest charges shall be computed on the actual principal amount of Advances outstanding during the month at a rate per annum equal to (i) with respect to Revolving Advances, the applicable Revolving Interest Rate and (ii) with respect to Swing Loans, the Revolving Interest Rate for Domestic Rate Loans (as applicable, the “Contract Rate”). Except as expressly provided otherwise in this Agreement, any Obligations other than the Advances (and other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities) that are not paid when due shall accrue interest at the Revolving Interest Rate for Domestic Rate Loans, subject to the provision of the final sentence of this Section 3.1 regarding the Default Rate. Whenever, subsequent to the date of this Agreement, the Alternate Base Rate is increased or decreased, the applicable Contract Rate shall be similarly changed without notice or demand of any kind by an amount equal to the amount of such change in the Alternate Base Rate during the time such change or changes remain in effect. The LIBOR Rate shall be adjusted with respect to LIBOR Rate Loans without notice or demand of any kind on the effective date of any change in the Reserve Percentage as of such effective date. Upon and after the occurrence of an Event of Default, and during the continuation thereof, at the option of Agent or at the direction of Required Lenders (or, in the case of any Event of Default under Section 10.7, immediately and automatically upon the occurrence of any such Event of Default without the requirement of any affirmative action by any party), the Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities) shall bear interest at the applicable Contract Rate for Domestic Rate Loans plus two percent (2%) per annum (the “Default Rate”).

 

3.2 Letter of Credit Fees.

 

(a)       Borrowers shall pay (x) to Agent, for the ratable benefit of Lenders holding Revolving Commitments, fees for each Letter of Credit for the period from and excluding the date of issuance of same to and including the date of expiration or termination, equal to the aggregate daily face amount of each outstanding Letter of Credit multiplied by the Applicable Margin for Revolving Advances consisting of LIBOR Rate Loans, such fees to be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year for the actual number of days elapsed and to be payable quarterly in arrears on the first Business Day of each calendar quarter and on the last day of the Term, and (y) to Issuer, a fronting fee of one quarter of one percent (0.25%) per annum times the aggregate daily face amount of each outstanding Letter of Credit for the period from and excluding the date of issuance of same to and including the date of expiration or termination, to be payable quarterly in arrears on the first Business Day of each calendar quarter and on the last day of the Term (all of the foregoing fees, the “Letter of Credit Fees”). In addition, Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for the benefit of Issuer, any and all administrative, issuance, amendment, payment and negotiation charges with respect to Letters of Credit and all fees and expenses as agreed upon by Issuer and Borrowing Agent in connection with any Letter of Credit, including in connection with the opening, amendment or renewal of any such Letter of Credit and any acceptances created thereunder, all such charges, fees and expenses, if any, to be payable on demand. All such charges shall be deemed earned in full on the date when the same are due and payable hereunder and shall not be subject to rebate or pro-ration upon the termination of this Agreement for any reason. Any such charge in effect at the time of a particular transaction shall be the charge for that transaction, notwithstanding any subsequent change in Issuer’s prevailing charges for that type of transaction. Upon and after the occurrence of an Event of Default, and during the continuation thereof, at the option of Agent or at the direction of Required Lenders (or, in the case of any Event of Default under Section 10.7, immediately and automatically upon the occurrence of any such Event of Default without the requirement of any affirmative action by any party), the Letter of Credit Fees described in clause (x) of this Section 3.2(a) shall be increased by an additional two percent (2%) per annum.

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(b)       At any time following the occurrence of an Event of Default, at the option of Agent or at the direction of Required Lenders (or, in the case of any Event of Default under Section 10.7, immediately and automatically upon the occurrence of such Event of Default, without the requirement of any affirmative action by any party), or upon the expiration of the Term or any other termination of this Agreement (and also, if applicable, in connection with any mandatory prepayment under Section 2.20), Borrowers will cause cash to be deposited and maintained in an account with Agent, as cash collateral, in an amount equal to one hundred and five percent (105%) of the Maximum Undrawn Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit, and each Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes Agent, in its discretion, on such Borrower’s behalf and in such Borrower’s name, to open such an account and to make and maintain deposits therein, or in an account opened by such Borrower, in the amounts required to be made by such Borrower, out of the proceeds of Receivables or other Collateral or out of any other funds of such Borrower coming into any Lender’s possession at any time. Agent may, in its discretion, invest such cash collateral (less applicable reserves) in such short-term money-market items as to which Agent and such Borrower mutually agree (or, in the absence of such agreement, as Agent may reasonably select) and the net return on such investments shall be credited to such account and constitute additional cash collateral, or Agent may (notwithstanding the foregoing) establish the account provided for under this Section 3.2(b) as a non-interest bearing account and in such case Agent shall have no obligation (and Borrowers hereby waive any claim) under Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code or under any other Applicable Law to pay interest on such cash collateral being held by Agent. No Borrower may withdraw amounts credited to any such account except upon the occurrence of all of the following: (x) payment and performance in full of all Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities); (y) expiration of all Letters of Credit; and (z) termination of this Agreement. Borrowers hereby assign, pledge and grant to Agent, for its benefit and the ratable benefit of Issuer, Lenders and each other Secured Party, a continuing security interest in and to and Lien on any such cash collateral and any right, title and interest of Borrowers in any deposit account, securities account or investment account into which such cash collateral may be deposited from time to time to secure the Obligations, specifically including all Obligations with respect to any Letters of Credit. Borrowers agree that upon the coming due of any Reimbursement Obligations (or any other Obligations, including Obligations for Letter of Credit Fees) with respect to the Letters of Credit, Agent may use such cash collateral to pay and satisfy such Obligations.

 

3.3          Facility Fee. If, for any day in each calendar quarter during the Term, (i) the average daily unpaid balance of the sum of Revolving Advances plus Swing Loans plus the Maximum Undrawn Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit (the “Usage Amount”) for each day of such calendar quarter is greater than or equal to fifty percent (50%) of the Maximum Revolving Advance Amount, then Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for the ratable benefit of Lenders holding the Revolving Commitments based on their Revolving Commitment Percentages, a fee at a rate equal to three-quarters of one percent (0.75%) per annum on the amount by which the Maximum Revolving Advance Amount exceeds such average daily unpaid balanceUsage Amount, and (ii) the average daily unpaid balance of the sum of Revolving Advances plus Swing Loans plus the Maximum Undrawn Amount of all outstanding Letters of CreditUsage Amount for each day of such calendar quarter is less than fifty percent (50%) of the Maximum Revolving Advance Amount, then Borrowers shall pay to Agent, for the ratable benefit of Lenders holding the Revolving Commitments based on their Revolving Commitment Percentages, a fee at a rate equal to one percent (1.00%) per annum on the amount by which the Maximum Revolving Advance Amount on such day exceeds such Usage Amount (collectively, the “Facility Fee”). Such Facility Fee shall be payable to Agent in arrears on the first Business Day of each calendar quarter with respect to each day in the previous calendar quarter.

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3.4 Fee Letter; Appraisals.

 

(a)       Borrowers shall pay the amounts required to be paid in the Fee Letter in the manner and at the times required by the Fee Letter.

 

(b)       All of the fees and out-of-pocket costs and expenses of any appraisals conducted pursuant to, and for which Borrowers are responsible in accordance with, Section 4.7 hereof shall be paid for by Borrowers when due, in full and without deduction, off-set or counterclaim.

 

3.5          Computation of Interest and Fees. Interest and fees hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and for the actual number of days elapsed, except that interest on Domestic Rate Loans shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365/366 days and for the actual number of days elapsed. If any payment to be made hereunder becomes due and payable on a day other than a Business Day, the due date thereof shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day and interest thereon shall be payable at the applicable Contract Rate during such extension.

 

3.6          Maximum Charges. In no event whatsoever shall interest and other charges charged hereunder exceed the highest rate permissible under Applicable Law. In the event interest and other charges as computed hereunder would otherwise exceed the highest rate permitted under Applicable Law: (i) the interest rates hereunder will be reduced to the maximum rate permitted under Applicable Law; (ii) such excess amount shall be first applied to any unpaid principal balance owed by Borrowers; and (iii) if the then remaining excess amount is greater than the previously unpaid principal balance, Lenders shall promptly refund such excess amount to Borrowers and the provisions hereof shall be deemed amended to provide for such permissible rate.

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3.7         Increased Costs. In the event that any Applicable Law or Change in Law or compliance by any Lender (for purposes of this Section 3.7, the term “Lender” shall include Agent, Swing Loan Lender, any Issuer or Lender and any corporation or bank controlling Agent, Swing Loan Lender, any Lender or Issuer and the office or branch where Agent, Swing Loan Lender, any Lender or Issuer (as so defined) makes or maintains any LIBOR Rate Loans) with any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any central bank or other financial, monetary or other authority after the Closing Date, shall:

 

(a)        subject Agent, Swing Loan Lender, any Lender or Issuer to any Tax with respect to this Agreement, any Letter of Credit, any participation in a Letter of Credit or any LIBOR Rate Loan, or change the basis of taxation of payments to Agent, Swing Loan Lender, such Lender or Issuer in respect thereof (except for Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes covered by Section 3.10 and the imposition of, or any change in the rate of, any Excluded Tax imposed on and payable by Agent, Swing Loan Lender, such Lender or the Issuer);

 

(b)       impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, assessment, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets held by, or deposits in or for the account of, advances or loans by, or other credit extended by, any office of Agent, Swing Loan Lender, Issuer or any Lender, including pursuant to Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System; or

 

(c)        impose on Agent, Swing Loan Lender, any Lender or Issuer or the London interbank LIBOR market any other condition, loss or expense (other than Taxes) affecting this Agreement or any Other Document or any Advance made by any Lender, or any Letter of Credit or participation therein; and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost to Agent, Swing Loan Lender, any Lender or Issuer of making, converting to, continuing, renewing or maintaining its Advances hereunder by an amount that Agent, Swing Loan Lender, such Lender or Issuer deems to be material or to reduce the amount of any payment (whether of principal, interest or otherwise) in respect of any of the Advances by an amount that Agent, Swing Loan Lender or such Lender or Issuer deems to be material, then, in any case Borrowers shall promptly pay Agent, Swing Loan Lender, such Lender or Issuer, upon its demand, such additional amount as will compensate Agent, Swing Loan Lender or such Lender or Issuer for such additional cost or such reduction, as the case may be (provided that GX Mexico shall only be liable for any such costs or expenses attributable to the GX Mexico Obligations. Agent, Swing Loan Lender, such Lender or Issuer shall certify the amount of such additional cost or reduced amount to Borrowing Agent, and such certification shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

3.8         Alternate Rate of Interest.

 

3.8.1.     Interest Rate Inadequate or Unfair. In the event that Agent or any Lender shall have determined that:

 

(a)         reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the LIBOR Rate applicable pursuant to Section 2.2 hereof for any Interest Period;

 

(b)        Dollar deposits in the relevant amount and for the relevant maturity are not available in the London interbank LIBOR market, with respect to an outstanding LIBOR Rate Loan, a proposed LIBOR Rate Loan, or a proposed conversion of a Domestic Rate Loan into a LIBOR Rate Loan;

 

(c)         the making, maintenance or funding of any LIBOR Rate Loan has been made impracticable or unlawful by compliance by Agent or such Lender in good faith with any Applicable Law or any interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Body or with any request or directive of any such Governmental Body (whether or not having the force of law); or

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(d)         the LIBOR Rate will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lender of the establishment or maintenance of any LIBOR Rate Loan, then Agent shall give Borrowing Agent prompt written or telephonic notice of such determination. If such notice is given prior to a LIBOR TerminationBenchmark Replacement Date (as defined below) or prior to the date on which Section 3.8.2(a)(ii) applies, (i) any such requested LIBOR Rate Loan shall be made as a Domestic Rate Loan, unless Borrowing Agent shall notify Agent no later than 1:00 p.m. two (2) Business Days prior to the date of such proposed borrowing, that its request for such borrowing shall be cancelled or made as an unaffected type of LIBOR Rate Loan, (ii) any Domestic Rate Loan or LIBOR Rate Loan which was to have been converted to an affected type of LIBOR Rate Loan shall be continued as or converted into a Domestic Rate Loan, or, if Borrowing Agent shall notify Agent, no later than 1:00 p.m. two (2) Business Days prior to the proposed conversion, shall be maintained as an unaffected type of LIBOR Rate Loan, and (iii) any outstanding affected LIBOR Rate Loans shall be converted into a Domestic Rate Loan, or, if Borrowing Agent shall notify Agent, no later than 1:00 p.m. two (2) Business Days prior to the last Business Day of the then current Interest Period applicable to such affected LIBOR Rate Loan, shall be converted into an unaffected type of LIBOR Rate Loan, on the last Business Day of the then current Interest Period for such affected LIBOR Rate Loans (or sooner, if any Lender cannot continue to lawfully maintain such affected LIBOR Rate Loan). Until such notice has been withdrawn, Lenders shall have no obligation to make an affected type of LIBOR Rate Loan or maintain outstanding affected LIBOR Rate Loans and no Borrower shall have the right to convert a Domestic Rate Loan or an unaffected type of LIBOR Rate Loan into an affected type of LIBOR Rate Loan.

 

3.8.2.      Successor LIBOR Rate Index.

 

(a)          If the Agent determines (which determination shall be final and conclusive, absent manifest error) that either (i) (A) the circumstances set forth in Section 3.8.1(a) have arisen and are unlikely to be temporary, or (B) the circumstances set forth in Section 3.8.1(a) have not arisen but the applicable supervisor or administrator (if any) of the LIBOR Rate or a Governmental Body having jurisdiction over the Agent has made a public statement identifying the specific date after which the LIBOR Rate shall no longer be used for determining interest rates for loans (either such date, a “LIBOR Termination Date”), or (ii) a rate other than the LIBOR Rate has become a widely recognized benchmark rate for newly originated loans in Dollars in the U.S. market, then the Agent may (in consultation with the Borrower) choose a replacement index for the LIBOR Rate and make adjustments to applicable margins and related amendments to this Agreement as referred to below such that, to the extent practicable, the all-in interest rate based on the replacement index will be substantially equivalent to the all-in LIBOR Rate-based interest rate in effect prior to its replacement. Benchmark Replacement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any Other Document (and any agreement executed in connection with an Interest Rate Hedge shall be deemed not to be an “Other Document” for purposes of this Section 3.8.2), if a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred prior to the Reference Time in respect of any setting of the then-current Benchmark, then (x) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Other Document in respect of such Benchmark setting and subsequent Benchmark settings without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any Other Document and (y) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Other Document in respect of any Benchmark setting at or after 5:00 p.m. on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date notice of such Benchmark Replacement is provided to the Lenders without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any Other Document so long as the Agent has not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such Benchmark Replacement from Lenders comprising the Required Lenders.

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(b)          The Agent and the Borrower shall enter into an amendment to this Agreement to reflect the replacement index, the adjusted margins and such other related amendments as may be appropriate, in the discretion of the Agent, for the implementation and administration of the replacement index-based rate. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or the Other Documents (including, without limitation, Section 16.2), such amendment shall become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement at(b) Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes. In connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, the Agent will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any Other Document, any amendments implementing such Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes will become effective without any further action or consent of any other party to this Agreement or any Other Document.

 

(c)           Notices; Standards for Decisions and Determination. The Agent will promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of (i) any occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, a Term SOFR Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date, (ii) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, (iii) the effectiveness of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes, (iv) the removal or reinstatement of any tenor of a Benchmark pursuant to paragraph (d) below and (v) the commencement or conclusion of any Benchmark Unavailability Period. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by the Agent or, if applicable, any Lender (or group of Lenders) pursuant to this Section 3.8.2, including any determination with respect to a tenor, rate or adjustment or of the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action or any selection, will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error and may be made in its or their sole discretion and without consent from any other party to this Agreement or any Other Document, except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section 3.8.2.

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(d)        Unavailability of Tenor of Benchmark. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any Other Document, at any time (including in connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement), (i) if the then-current Benchmark is a term rate (including Term SOFR or USD LIBOR) and either (A) any tenor for such Benchmark is not displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Agent in its reasonable discretion or (B) the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark has provided a public statement or publication of information announcing that any tenor for such Benchmark is or will be no longer representative, then the Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for any Benchmark settings at or after such time to remove such unavailable or non-representative tenor and (ii) if a tenor that was removed pursuant to clause (i) above either (A) is subsequently displayed on a screen or information service for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement) or (B) is not, or is no longer, subject to an announcement that it is or will no longer be representative for a Benchmark (including a Benchmark Replacement), then the Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for all Benchmark settings at or after such time to reinstate such previously removed tenor.

 

(e)           Benchmark Unavailability Period. Upon the Borrower’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, the Borrower may revoke any request for a Loan bearing interest based on USD LIBOR, conversion to or continuation of Loans bearing interest based on USD LIBOR to be made, converted or continued during any Benchmark Unavailability Period and, failing that, the Borrower will be deemed to have converted any such request into a request for a Loan of or conversion to Loans bearing interest under the Base Rate. During any Benchmark Unavailability Period or at any time that a tenor for the then-current Benchmark is not an Available Tenor, the component of the Base Rate based upon the then-current Benchmark or such tenor for such Benchmark, as applicable, will not be used in any determination of the Base Rate.

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 (f)        Secondary Term SOFR Conversion. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any Other Document and subject to the proviso below in this paragraph, if a Term SOFR Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred prior to the Reference Time in respect of any setting of the then-current Benchmark, then (i) the applicable Benchmark Replacement will replace the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder or under any Other Document in respect of such Benchmark setting (the “Secondary Term SOFR Conversion Date”) and subsequent Benchmark settings, without any amendment to, or further action or consent of any other party to, this Agreement or any Other Document; and (ii) Loans outstanding on the Secondary Term SOFR Conversion Date bearing interest based on the then-current Benchmark shall be deemed to have been converted to Loans bearing interest at the Benchmark Replacement with a tenor approximately the same length as the interest payment period of the then-current Benchmark; provided that, this paragraph (f) shall not be effective unless the Agent has delivered to the Lenders and the Borrowing Agent a Term SOFR Notice.

 

(g)      Certain Defined Terms. As used in this Section 3.8.2:

 

“Available Tenor” means, as of any date of determination and with respect to the then-current Benchmark, as applicable, (x) if the then current Benchmark is a term rate or is based on a term rate, any tenor for such Benchmark that is or may be used for determining the length of an Interest Period pursuant to this Agreement as of such date and not including, for the avoidance of doubt, any tenor for such Benchmark that is then-removed from the definition of “Interest Period” pursuant to paragraph (d) of Section 3.8.2, or (y) if the then current Benchmark is not a term rate nor based on a term rate, any payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark pursuant to this Agreement as of such date.

 

Benchmarkmeans, initially, USD LIBOR; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event a Term SOFR Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to USD LIBOR or the then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement to the extent that such Benchmark Replacement has replaced such prior benchmark rate pursuant to paragraph (a) of Section 3.8.2.

 

“Benchmark Replacement” means, for any Available Tenor, the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Agent for the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date:

 

(1) the sum of: (a) Term SOFR and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

 

(2) the sum of: (a) Daily Simple SOFR and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; or

 

(3) the sum of: (a) the alternate benchmark rate that has been selected by the Agent and the Borrower as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a replacement benchmark rate or the mechanism for determining such a rate by the Relevant Governmental Body or (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a benchmark rate as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for U.S. dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities at such time and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

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provided that, in the case of clause (1), such Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement is displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Agent in its reasonable discretion; provided, further, that, with respect to a Term SOFR Transition Event, on the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date, the “Benchmark Replacement” shall revert to and shall be determined as set forth in clause (1) of this definition. If the Benchmark Replacement as determined pursuant to clause (1), (2) or (3) above would be less than the Floor, the Benchmark Replacement will be deemed to be the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement and the Other Documents.

 

“Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means, with respect to any replacement of the then-current Benchmark with an Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for any applicable Available Tenor for any setting of such Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement:

 

(1) for purposes of clauses (1) and (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement,” the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Agent:

 

(a) the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) as of the Reference Time such Benchmark Replacement is first set for such Available Tenor that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for the applicable Corresponding Tenor;

 

(b) the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) as of the Reference Time such Benchmark Replacement is first set for such Available Tenor that would apply to the fallback rate for a derivative transaction referencing the ISDA Definitions to be effective upon an index cessation event with respect to such Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor; and

 

(2) for purposes of clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement,” the spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the Agent and the Borrower for the applicable Corresponding Tenor giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement by the Relevant Governmental Body on the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date or (ii) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for U.S. dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities;

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provided that, (x) in the case of clause (1) above, such adjustment is displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such Benchmark Replacement Adjustment from time to time as selected by the Agent in its reasonable discretion and (y) if the then-current Benchmark is a term rate, more than one tenor of such Benchmark is available as of the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date and the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement will not be a term rate, the Available Tenor of such Benchmark for purposes of this definition of “Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” shall be deemed to be the Available Tenor that has approximately the same length (disregarding business day adjustments) as the payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement.

 

“Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of “Alternate Base Rate,” the definition of “Business Day,” the definition of “Interest Period,” timing and frequency of determining rates and making payments of interest, timing of borrowing requests or prepayment, conversion or continuation notices, length of lookback periods, the applicability of breakage provisions, and other technical, administrative or operational matters) that the Agent decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of such Benchmark Replacement and to permit the administration thereof by the Agent in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Agent decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Agent determines that no market practice for the administration of such Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner of administration as the Agent decides is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement and the Other Documents).

 

“Benchmark Replacement Date” means the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:

 

(1) in the case of clause (1) or (2) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (a) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (b) the date on which the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof);

 

(2) in the case of clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the date determined by the Agent, which date shall promptly follow the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein;

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(3) in the case of a Term SOFR Transition Event, the date that is set forth in the Term SOFR Notice provided to the Lenders and the Borrower pursuant to Section 3.8.2, which date shall be at least 30 days from the date of the Term SOFR Notice; or

 

(4) in the case of an Early Opt-in Election, the sixth (6th) Business Day after the date notice of such Early Opt-in Election is provided to the Lenders, so long as the Agent has not received, by 5:00 p.m. on the tenthfifth (105th) Business Day after the date a draftnotice of the amendmentsuch Early Opt-in Election is provided to the Lenders, unless the Agent receives, on or before such tenth (10th) Business Day, a written notice of objection to such Early Opt-in Election from Lenders comprising the Required Lenders stating that such Lenders object to such amendment.

 

(c)           Selection of the replacement index, adjustments to the applicable margins, and amendments to this Agreement (i) will be determined with due consideration to the then-current market practices for determining and implementing a rate of interest for newly originated loans in the United States and loans converted from a LIBOR Rate-based rate to a replacement index-based rate, and (ii) may also reflect adjustments to account for (x) the effects of the transition from the LIBOR Rate to the replacement index and (y) yield- or risk-based differences between the LIBOR Rate and the replacement index.

 

(d)          Until an amendment reflecting a new replacement index in accordance with this Section 3.8.2 is effective, each advance, conversion and renewal of a LIBOR Rate Loan will continue to bear interest with reference to the LIBOR Rate; provided however, that if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be final and conclusive, absent manifest error) that a LIBOR Termination Date has occurred, then following the LIBOR Termination Date, all LIBOR Rate Loans shall automatically be converted to Domestic Rate Loans until such time as an amendment reflecting a replacement index and related matters as described above is implemented.

 

(e)            Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if at any time the replacement index is less than zero, at such times, such index shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement

 

For the avoidance of doubt, (i) if the event giving rise to the Benchmark Replacement Date occurs on the same day as, but earlier than, the Reference Time in respect of any determination, the Benchmark Replacement Date will be deemed to have occurred prior to the Reference Time for such determination and (ii) the “Benchmark Replacement Date” will be deemed to have occurred in the case of clause (1) or (2) with respect to any Benchmark upon the occurrence of the applicable event or events set forth therein with respect to all then-current Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).

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“Benchmark Transition Event” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:

 

(1) a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof), permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof);

 

(2) a public statement or publication of information by a Governmental Body having jurisdiction over the Agent, the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof), the Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component) or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), which states that the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component) has ceased or will cease to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or

 

(3) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) or a Governmental Body having jurisdiction over the Agent announcing that all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) are no longer representative.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, a “Benchmark Transition Event” will be deemed to have occurred with respect to any Benchmark if a public statement or publication of information set forth above has occurred with respect to each then-current Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).

 

“Benchmark Unavailability Period” means the period (if any) (x) beginning at the time that a Benchmark Replacement Date pursuant to clauses (1) or (2) of that definition has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with this Section 3.8.2 and (y) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with this Section 3.8.2.

 

“Corresponding Tenor” with respect to any Available Tenor means, as applicable, either a tenor (including overnight) or an interest payment period having approximately the same length (disregarding business day adjustment) as such Available Tenor.

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“Daily Simple SOFR” means, for any day, SOFR, with the conventions for this rate (which will include a lookback) being established by the Agent in accordance with the conventions for this rate selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for determining “Daily Simple SOFR” for business loans; provided, that if the Agent decides that any such convention is not administratively feasible for the Agent, then the Agent may establish another convention in its reasonable discretion.

 

“Early Opt-in Election” means, if the then-current Benchmark is USD LIBOR, the occurrence of:

 

(1) a notification by the Agent to (or the request by the Borrower to the Agent to notify) each of the other parties hereto that at least five currently outstanding U.S. dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities at such time contain (as a result of amendment or as originally executed) a SOFR-based rate (including SOFR, a term SOFR or any other rate based upon SOFR) as a benchmark rate (and such syndicated credit facilities are identified in such notice and are publicly available for review), and

 

(2) the joint election by the Agent and the Borrower to trigger a fallback from USD LIBOR and the provision by the Agent of written notice of such election to the Lenders.

 

“Floor” means the benchmark rate floor, if any, provided in this Agreement initially (as of the execution of this Agreement, the modification, amendment or renewal of this Agreement or otherwise) with respect to USD LIBOR or, if no floor is specified, zero.

 

ISDA Definitionsmeans the 2006 ISDA Definitions published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or any successor thereto, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or any successor definitional booklet for interest rate derivatives published from time to time by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or such successor thereto.

 

“Reference Time” with respect to any setting of the then-current Benchmark means (1) if such Benchmark is USD LIBOR, 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the day that is two London banking days preceding the date of such setting, and (2) if such Benchmark is not USD LIBOR, the time determined by the Agent in its reasonable discretion.

 

“Relevant Governmental Body” means the Federal Reserve Board or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve Board or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or any successor thereto.

 

“SOFR” means, with respect to any Business Day, a rate per annum equal to the secured overnight financing rate for such Business Day published by the SOFR Administrator on the SOFR Administrator’s Website on the immediately succeeding Business Day.

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“SOFR Administrator” means the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or a successor administrator of the secured overnight financing rate).

 

“SOFR Administrator’s Website” means the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, currently at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source for the secured overnight financing rate identified as such by the SOFR Administrator from time to time.

 

“Term SOFR” means, for the applicable Corresponding Tenor as of the applicable Reference Time, the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body.

 

Term SOFR Noticemeans a notification by the Agent to the Lenders and the Borrower of the occurrence of a Term SOFR Transition Event.

 

Term SOFR Transition Event” means the determination by the Agent that (a) Term SOFR has been recommended for use by the Relevant Governmental Body, and is determinable for each Available Tenor, (b) the administration of Term SOFR is administratively feasible for the Agent and (c) a Benchmark Transition Event has previously occurred resulting in a Benchmark Replacement in accordance with Section 3.8.2 that is not Term SOFR.

 

“Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement excluding the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.

 

“USD LIBOR” means the London interbank offered rate for U.S. dollars.

 

3.9 Capital Adequacy.

 

(a)       In the event that Agent, Swing Loan Lender or any Lender shall have determined that any Applicable Law or guideline regarding capital adequacy, or any Change in Law or any change in the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Body, central bank or comparable agency charged with the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by Agent, Swing Loan Lender, Issuer or any Lender (for purposes of this Section 3.9, the term “Lender” shall include Agent, Swing Loan Lender, Issuer or any Lender and any corporation or bank controlling Agent, Swing Loan Lender or any Lender and the office or branch where Agent, Swing Loan Lender or any Lender (as so defined) makes or maintains any LIBOR Rate Loans) with any request or directive regarding capital adequacy (whether or not having the force of law) of any such authority, central bank or comparable agency, has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on Agent, Swing Loan Lender or any Lender’s capital as a consequence of its obligations hereunder (including the making of any Swing Loans) to a level below that which Agent, Swing Loan Lender or such Lender could have achieved but for such adoption, change or compliance (taking into consideration Agent’s, Swing Loan Lender’s and each Lender’s policies with respect to capital adequacy) by an amount deemed by Agent, Swing Loan Lender or any Lender to be material, then, from time to time, Borrowers shall pay upon demand to Agent, Swing Loan Lender or such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate Agent, Swing Loan Lender or such Lender for such reduction (provided that GX Mexico shall only be liable for amounts attributable to the GX Mexico Obligations). In determining such amount or amounts, Agent, Swing Loan Lender or such Lender may use any reasonable averaging or attribution methods. The protection of this Section 3.9   shall be available to Agent, Swing Loan Lender and each Lender regardless of any possible contention of invalidity or inapplicability with respect to the Applicable Law, rule, regulation, guideline or condition.

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(b)       A certificate of Agent, Swing Loan Lender or such Lender setting forth such amount or amounts as shall be necessary to compensate Agent, Swing Loan Lender or such Lender with respect to Section 3.9(a) hereof when delivered to Borrowing Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

3.10 Taxes.

 

(a)       Any and all payments by or on account of any Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities) hereunder or under any Other Document shall be made free and clear of and without deduction or withholding for any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes; provided that if Borrowers shall be required by Applicable Law to deduct or withhold any Indemnified Taxes (including any Other Taxes) from such payments, then (i) the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) Agent, Swing Loan Lender, Lender, Issuer or Participant, as the case may be, receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) Borrowers shall make such deductions or withholdings and (iii) Borrowers shall timely pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Body in accordance with Applicable Law.

 

(b)       Without limiting the provisions of Section 3.10(a) above, Borrowers shall timely pay any Other Taxes to the relevant Governmental Body in accordance with Applicable Law.

 

(c)       Each Borrower shall indemnify Agent, Swing Loan Lender, each Lender, Issuer and any Participant, within ten (10) days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) paid by Agent, Swing Loan Lender, such Lender, Issuer, or such Participant, as the case may be, and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Body. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to Borrowers by any Lender, Swing Loan Lender, Participant, or Issuer (with a copy to Agent), or by Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of Swing Loan Lender, a Lender or Issuer, shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, GX Mexico shall have no obligations under this Section 3.10(c)other than with respect to GX Mexico Obligations.

 

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

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(e)        Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding tax under the law of the jurisdiction in which any Borrower is resident for tax purposes, or under any treaty to which such jurisdiction is a party, with respect to payments hereunder or under any Other Document shall deliver to Borrowers (with a copy to Agent), at the time or times prescribed by Applicable Law or reasonably requested by Borrowers or Agent, such properly completed and executed documentation prescribed by Applicable Law or reasonably requested by Borrowers or Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. Notwithstanding the submission of such documentation claiming a reduced rate of or exemption from U.S. withholding tax, Agent shall be entitled to withhold United States federal income taxes at the full withholding rate if in its reasonable judgment it is required to do so under the due diligence requirements imposed upon a withholding agent under § 1.1441-7(b) of the United States Income Tax Regulations or other Applicable Law. Further, Agent is indemnified under § 1.1461-1(e) of the United States Income Tax Regulations against any claims and demands of any Lender, Issuer or assignee or participant of a Lender or Issuer for the amount of any tax it deducts and withholds in accordance with regulations under § 1441 of the Code. In addition, any Lender, if requested by Borrowers or Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by Applicable Law or reasonably requested by Borrowers or Agent as will enable Borrowers or Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that any Borrower is resident for tax purposes in the United States of America, any Foreign Lender (or other Lender) shall deliver to Borrowers and Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender (or other Lender) becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the request of Borrowers or Agent, but only if such Foreign Lender (or other Lender) is legally entitled to do so), whichever of the following is applicable: two (2) duly completed valid originals of IRS Form W-8BEN (or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable) claiming eligibility for benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States of America is a party,

 

(i)          two (2) duly completed valid originals of IRS Form W-8ECI,

 

(ii)         in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not (A) a “bank” within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (B) a “10 percent shareholder” of Borrowers within the meaning of section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Code, or (C) a “controlled foreign corporation” described in section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code and (y) two (2) duly completed valid originals of IRS Form W-8BEN (or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable),

 

(iii)        any other form prescribed by Applicable Law as a basis for claiming exemption from or a reduction in United States federal withholding tax duly completed together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by Applicable Law to permit Borrowers to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made, or

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(iv)         to the extent that any Lender is not a Foreign Lender, such Lender shall submit to Agent two (2) originals of an IRS Form W-9 or any other form prescribed by Applicable Law demonstrating that such Lender is not a Foreign Lender.

 

(f)        If a payment made to a Lender, Swing Loan Lender, Participant, Issuer, or Agent under this Agreement or any Other Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Person fails to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender, Swing Loan Lender, Participant, Issuer, or Agent shall deliver to the Agent (in the case of Swing Loan Lender, a Lender, Participant or Issuer) and Borrowers (A) a certification signed by the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, treasurer or controller of such Person, and (B) other documentation reasonably requested by Agent or any Borrower sufficient for Agent and Borrowers to comply with their obligations under FATCA and to determine that Swing Loan Lender, such Lender, Participant, Issuer, or Agent has complied with such applicable reporting requirements or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. For purposes of this Section 3.10(f). “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.

 

(g)       Each Lender, Swing Loan Lender, Participant, Issuer or Agent agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify Borrowers and Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.

 

(h)       If Agent, Swing Loan Lender, a Lender, a Participant or Issuer determines, in its sole discretion, that it has received a refund of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes as to which it has been indemnified by Borrowers or with respect to which Borrowers have paid additional amounts pursuant to this Section, it shall pay to Borrowers an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by Borrowers under this Section with respect to the Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund); net of all out-of-pocket expenses of the Agent, Swing Loan Lender, such Lender, Participant, or the Issuer, as the case may be, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Body with respect to such refund), provided that Borrowers, upon the request of Agent, Swing Loan Lender, such Lender, Participant, or Issuer, agrees to repay the amount paid over to Borrowers (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Body) to Agent, Swing Loan Lender, such Lender, Participant or the Issuer in the event Agent, Swing Loan Lender, such Lender, Participant or the Issuer is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Body. This Section shall not be construed to require Agent, Swing Loan Lender, any Lender, Participant, or Issuer to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes that it deems confidential) to Borrowers or any other Person.

 

3.11        Replacement of Lenders. If any Lender (an “Affected Lender”) (a) makes demand upon Borrowers for (or if Borrowers are otherwise required to pay) amounts pursuant to Section 3.7 or 3.9 hereof, (b) is unable to make or maintain LIBOR Rate Loans as a result of a condition described in Section 2.2(h) hereof, (c) is a Defaulting Lender, or (d) denies any consent requested by the Agent pursuant to Section 16.2(b) hereof, Borrowers may, within ninety (90) days of receipt of such demand, notice (or the occurrence of such other event causing Borrowers to be required to pay such compensation or causing Section 2.2(h) hereof to be applicable), or such Lender becoming a Defaulting Lender or denial of a request by Agent pursuant to Section 16.2(b) hereof, as the case may be, by notice in writing to the Agent and such Affected Lender (i) request the Affected Lender to cooperate with Borrowers in obtaining a replacement Lender satisfactory to Agent and Borrowers (the “Replacement Lender”; (ii) request the non-Affected Lenders to acquire and assume all of the Affected Lender’s Advances and its Revolving Commitment Percentage, as provided herein, but none of such Lenders shall be under any obligation to do so; or (iii) propose a Replacement Lender subject to approval by Agent in its good faith business judgment. If any satisfactory Replacement Lender shall be obtained, and/or if any one or more of the non-Affected Lenders shall agree to acquire and assume all of the Affected Lender’s Advances and its Revolving Commitment Percentage, then such Affected Lender shall assign, in accordance with Section 16.3 hereof, all of its Advances and its Revolving Commitment Percentage and other rights and obligations under this Loan Agreement and the Other Documents to such Replacement Lender or non-Affected Lenders, as the case may be, in exchange for payment of the principal amount so assigned and all interest and fees accrued on the amount so assigned, plus all other Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities) then due and payable to the Affected Lender.

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IV. COLLATERAL: GENERAL TERMS

 

4.1          Security Interest in the Collateral. To secure the prompt payment and performance to Agent, Issuer and each Lender (and each other holder of any Obligations) of the Obligations, each Borrower hereby assigns, pledges and grants to Agent for its benefit and for the ratable benefit of each Lender, Issuer and each other Secured Party, a continuing security interest in and to and Lien on all of its Collateral, whether now owned or existing or hereafter created, acquired or arising and wheresoever located; provided, however, anything contained herein or in any other document to the contrary notwithstanding, the Lien granted by GX Mexico pursuant to this Article IV shall only secure (or be deemed to secure) the GX Mexico Obligations. Each Borrower shall mark its books and records as may be necessary or appropriate to evidence, protect and perfect Agent’s security interest. Each Borrower shall provide Agent with prompt written notice of the commencement by such Borrower of any litigation or other legal proceeding with respect to any commercial tort claim for which such Borrower is asserting (or has asserted) damages of $250,000 or more, such notice to contain a brief description of the claim(s), the events out of which such claim(s) arose and the parties against which such claims may be asserted and, if applicable in any case where legal proceedings regarding such claim(s) have been commenced, the case title together with the applicable court and docket number. Upon delivery of each such notice, such Borrower shall be deemed to thereby grant to Agent a security interest and lien in and to such commercial tort claims described therein and all proceeds thereof. Each Borrower shall provide Agent with written notice promptly upon becoming the beneficiary under any letter of credit having a stated or face amount of $250,000 or more, or otherwise obtaining any right, title or interest in any letter of credit rights having a stated or face amount of $250,000 or more, and at Agent’s request shall take such actions as Agent may reasonably request for the perfection of Agent’s security interest therein.

 

4.2          Perfection of Security Interest. Each Borrower shall take all action that may be necessary or desirable, or that Agent may reasonably request, so as at all times to maintain the validity, perfection, enforceability and priority of Agent’s security interest in and Lien on the Collateral or to enable Agent to protect its rights hereunder and in the Collateral or, upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, to exercise or enforce its rights hereunder and in the Collateral, including, but not limited to, (i) promptly discharging all Liens other than Permitted Encumbrances, (ii) using commercially reasonable efforts to obtain Lien Waiver Agreements, (iii) delivering to Agent, endorsed or accompanied by such instruments of assignment as Agent may specify, and stamping or marking, in such manner as Agent may specify, any and all chattel paper, instruments, letters of credits and advices thereof and documents evidencing or forming a part of the Collateral, (iv) entering into warehousing, lockbox, customs and freight agreements and other custodial arrangements satisfactory to Agent, and (v) executing and delivering financing statements, control agreements, instruments of pledge, mortgages, notices and assignments, in each case in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, relating to the creation, validity, perfection, maintenance or continuation of Agent’s security interest and Lien under the Uniform Commercial Code or other Applicable Law promptly following Agent’s request therefor. By its signature hereto, each Borrower hereby authorizes Agent to file against such Borrower, one or more financing, continuation or amendment statements pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code in form and substance satisfactory to Agent (which statements may have a description of collateral which is broader than that set forth herein, including without limitation a description of Collateral as “all assets” and/or “all personal property” of such Borrower). All charges, expenses and fees Agent may incur in doing any of the foregoing, and any local taxes relating thereto, shall be charged to Borrowers’ Account and shall be paid by Borrowers to Agent for its benefit and for the ratable benefit of Lenders promptly upon demand or (if not paid when due) shall be deemed to be a Revolving Advance of a Domestic Rate Loan and added to the Obligations. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything else in this Agreement or any Other Document, in no event shall any Borrower be required to evidence or perfect the Agent’s Lien under the laws of any jurisdiction outside the United States.

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4.3          Preservation of Collateral. Following the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, in addition to the rights and remedies set forth in Section 11.1 (and without limitation of Agent’s right to make Protective Advances and other discretionary Revolving Advances pursuant to Section 16.2), Agent: (a) may at any time take such steps as Agent deems necessary to protect Agent’s interest in and to preserve the Collateral, including the hiring of security guards or the placing of other security protection measures as Agent may deem appropriate; (b) may employ and maintain at any of any Borrower’s premises a custodian who shall have full authority to do all acts necessary to protect Agent’s interests in the Collateral; (c) may lease warehouse facilities to which Agent may move all or part of the Collateral; (d) may use any Borrower’s owned or leased lifts, hoists, trucks and other facilities or equipment for handling or removing the Collateral; and (e) shall have, and is hereby granted (to the maximum extent that any Borrower shall have the right to grant), a right of ingress and egress to the places where the Collateral is located, and may proceed over and through any of Borrowers’ owned or leased property. Each Borrower shall cooperate fully with all of Agent’s efforts to preserve the Collateral in accordance with this Section 4.3, and will take such reasonable actions to preserve the Collateral as Agent may direct. All of Agent’s expenses of preserving the Collateral, including any expenses relating to the bonding of a custodian, shall be charged to Borrowers’ Account as a Revolving Advance maintained as a Domestic Rate Loan and added to the Obligations.

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4.4 Ownership and Location of Collateral.

 

(a)       With respect to the Collateral, at the time the Collateral becomes subject to Agent’s security interest: (i) each Borrower shall be the sole owner of and fully authorized and able to sell, transfer, pledge and/or grant a first priority security interest in each and every item of its respective Collateral to Agent; and, except for Permitted Encumbrances the Collateral shall be free and clear of all Liens whatsoever; (ii) each document and agreement executed by each Borrower or delivered to Agent or any Lender in connection with this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects; (iii) all signatures and endorsements of each Borrower that appear on such documents and agreements shall be genuine and each Borrower shall have full capacity to execute same; and (iv) except for equipment and Inventory with an aggregate value not exceeding $500,000, each Borrower’s equipment and Inventory included in the most recently delivered Borrowing Base Certificate shall be located as set forth on Schedule 4.4 and shall not be removed from such location(s) without the prior written consent of Agent except with respect to the sale of Inventory in the Ordinary Course of Business, Inventory in transit between such locations and equipment to the extent permitted in Section 7.1(b) hereof.

 

(b)       (i) There is no location at which any Borrower has any Inventory (except for Inventory in transit) or equipment with an aggregate value in excess of $500,000 other than those locations listed on Schedule 4.4(b)(i); (ii) Schedule 4.4(b)(ii) hereto contains a correct and complete list, as of the Closing Date, of the legal names and addresses of each warehouse at which any Borrower’s Inventory with an aggregate value in excess of $500,000 is stored; none of the receipts received by any Borrower from any warehouse states that the goods covered thereby are to be delivered to bearer or to the order of a named Person or to a named Person and such named Person’s assigns; (iii) Schedule 4.4(b)(iii) hereto sets forth a correct and complete list as of the Closing Date of (A) each place of business of each Borrower and (B) the chief executive office of each Borrower; and (iv) Schedule 4.4(b)(iv) hereto sets forth a correct and complete list as of the Closing Date of the location, by state and street address, of all Real Property owned or leased by each Borrower, identifying which properties are owned and which are leased, together with the names and addresses of any landlords.

 

4.5          Defense of Agent’s and Lenders’ Interests. Until (a) payment and performance in full of all of the Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities) and (b) termination of this Agreement, Agent’s interests in the Collateral shall continue in full force and effect. During such period no Borrower shall, without Agent’s prior written consent, pledge, sell (except for sales or other dispositions otherwise permitted by this Agreement), assign, transfer, create or suffer to exist a Lien upon or encumber or allow or suffer to be encumbered in any way except for Permitted Encumbrances, any part of the Collateral. Each Borrower shall defend Agent’s interests in the Collateral against any and all Persons whatsoever. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default and during the continuation thereof, Agent shall have the right to take possession of the indicia of the Collateral and the Collateral in whatever physical form contained, including: labels, stationery, documents, instruments and advertising materials. If Agent exercises the foregoing right to take possession of the Collateral, Borrowers shall, upon demand, assemble it in the best manner possible and make it available to Agent at a place reasonably convenient to Agent. In addition, with respect to all Collateral, Agent and Lenders shall be entitled to all of the rights and remedies set forth herein and further provided by the Uniform Commercial Code or other Applicable Law. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default and during the continuation thereof, each Borrower shall, and Agent may, at its option, instruct all suppliers, carriers, forwarders, warehousers or others receiving or holding cash, checks, Inventory, documents or instruments in which Agent holds a security interest to deliver same to Agent and/or subject to Agent’s order and if they shall come into any Borrower’s possession, they, and each of them, shall be held by such Borrower in trust as Agent’s trustee, and such Borrower will promptly deliver them to Agent in their original form together with any necessary endorsement.

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4.6          Inspection of Premises: Field Examinations. At all reasonable times and from time to time as often as Agent shall elect in its Permitted Discretion, Agent and each Lender shall have full access to and the right to audit, check, inspect and make abstracts and copies from each Borrower’s books, records, audits, correspondence and all other papers relating to the Collateral and the operation of each Borrower’s business. Agent, any Lender and their agents may enter upon any premises of any Borrower at any time during business hours and at any other reasonable time, and from time to time as often as Agent shall elect in its Permitted Discretion, for the purpose of conducting field examinations of and inspecting the Collateral and any and all records pertaining thereto and the operation of such Borrower’s business. Notwithstanding the foregoing, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Agents collectively shall conduct no more than three (3) such field examinations or inspections per annum at Borrowers’ expense; provided that Agent may conduct additional field examinations or inspections at Borrowers’ expense at any time after the occurrence of an Event of Default and during its continuance.

 

4.7          Appraisals. Agent may, in its Permitted Discretion, at any time after the Closing Date, engage the services of an independent appraisal firm or firms of reputable standing, satisfactory to Agent, for the purpose of appraising the then current NOLV Percentage of each Borrower’s Inventory or the net orderly liquidation value of the Collateral (each such appraisal, an “NOLV Appraisal”) (it being acknowledged that (i) so long as an Event of Default has not occurred and is then continuing, any such NOLV Appraisal shall, with respect to the net orderly liquidation value of the Multi-Client Data Library, be acceptable to Borrowers, and (ii) (X) prior to the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default, Borrowers shall be responsible to reimburse Agent for no more than one (1) NOLV Appraisal per annum (including any additional or supplemental appraisals need to obtain an NOLV Appraisal acceptable to both Agent and the Borrowers) and (Y) after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, there shall be no limitations on the frequency on which NOLV Appraisals may be conducted at Borrowers’ expense). In addition to the foregoing, the Borrowers shall have the right to submit to an independent appraisal firm or firms of reputable standing, satisfactory to Agent, from time to time information (in reasonable detail) concerning the Multi-Client Data Library, including any additional completed portions of or collections of seismic data included in the Multi-Client Data Library, for evaluation and appraisal in order to have the net orderly liquidation value thereof included in the calculation of the Formula Amount in accordance with Section 2.1. If any Borrower shall request such an appraisal, the Agent shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be completed any such requested appraisal promptly following such request and delivery of such information, and shall provide to such Borrower the results thereof (it being acknowledged that, so long as an Event of Default has not occurred and is then continuing, any such requested appraisal shall be acceptable to Borrowers (not to be unreasonably withheld)), and following such approval, Borrower may thereafter include such net orderly liquidation value in subsequently delivered Borrowing Base Certificates. Absent the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default at such time, Agent shall consult with Borrowers as to the identity of any such firm. In the event the value of any Borrower’s Inventory, as so determined pursuant to such appraisal, is less than anticipated by Agent or Lenders, such that the Revolving Advances are in excess of such Advances permitted hereunder, then, promptly upon Agent’s demand for same, Borrowers shall make mandatory prepayments of the then outstanding Revolving Advances so as to eliminate the excess Advances.

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4.8 Receivables; Deposit Accounts and Securities Accounts.

 

(a)       Each of the Receivables shall be a bona fide and valid account representing a bona fide indebtedness incurred by the Customer therein named, for a fixed sum as set forth in the invoice relating thereto (provided immaterial or unintentional invoice errors shall not be deemed to be a breach hereof) with respect to an absolute sale or lease and delivery of goods upon stated terms of a Borrower, or work, labor or services theretofore rendered by a Borrower as of the date each Receivable is created. Same shall be due and owing in accordance with the applicable Borrower’s standard terms of sale without dispute, setoff or counterclaim except as may be stated on the accounts receivable schedules delivered by Borrowers to Agent.

 

(b)       Each Customer, to the best of each Borrower’s knowledge, as of the date each Receivable is created, is and will be solvent and able to pay all Receivables on which the Customer is obligated in full when due. With respect to such Customers of any Borrower who are not solvent, such Borrower has set up on its books and in its financial records bad debt reserves adequate to cover such Receivables.

 

(c)       Each Borrower’s chief executive office and each other office or location at which such Borrower maintains records is located as set forth on Schedule 4.4(b)(iii). Until written notice is given to Agent by Borrowing Agent of any other office at which any Borrower keeps its records pertaining to Receivables, all such records shall be kept at such executive office or such other location as is set forth on Schedule 4.4(b)(iii).

 

(d)       Borrowers shall instruct their Customers to deliver all remittances upon Receivables (whether paid by check or by wire transfer of funds) (i) to one or more Depository Accounts (and any associated lockboxes) as contemplated by Section 4.8(h), (ii) to a Joint Data Acquisition Program Account (if applicable) or (iii) as otherwise agreed to from time to time by Agent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any Borrower directly receives any remittances upon Receivables (other than a remittance upon a Receivable arising in connection with a Joint Data Acquisition Program), such Borrower shall, at such Borrower’s sole cost and expense, but on Agent’s behalf and for Agent’s account, collect as Agent’s property and in trust for Agent all amounts received on Receivables, and shall not commingle such collections with any Borrower’s funds or use the same except to pay Obligations, and shall as soon as possible and in any event no later than one (1) Business Day after the receipt thereof (i) in the case of remittances paid by check, deposit all such remittances in their original form (after supplying any necessary endorsements) and (ii) in the case of remittances paid by wire transfer of funds, transfer all such remittances, in each case, into such Blocked Accounts(s) and/or Depository Account(s). Each Borrower shall deposit in the Depository Account or, upon request by Agent, deliver to Agent, in original form and on the date of receipt thereof, all checks, drafts, notes, money orders, acceptances, cash and other evidences of Indebtedness.

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(e)        At any time following the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, Agent shall have the right to send notice of the assignment of, and Agent’s security interest in and Lien on, the Receivables to any and all Customers or any third party holding or otherwise concerned with any of the Collateral. Thereafter, Agent shall have the sole right to collect the Receivables, take possession of the Collateral, or both. Agent’s actual out-of-pocket costs and expenses in respect of the collection of Receivables, including, but not limited to, stationery and postage, telephone, facsimile, telegraph (but, for the avoidance of doubt, excluding secretarial and clerical expenses and the salaries of any collection personnel used for collection that are, in either case, employed by Agent or any Affiliate of Agent), may be charged to Borrowers’ Account and added to the Obligations.

 

(f)        At any time following the occurrence and during the continuation of a Cash Dominion Trigger Event, Agent shall have the right to receive, endorse, assign and/or deliver in the name of Agent or any Borrower any and all checks, drafts and other instruments for the payment of money relating to the Receivables, and each Borrower hereby waives notice of presentment, protest and non-payment of any instrument so endorsed. Each Borrower hereby constitutes Agent or Agent’s designee as such Borrower’s attorney with power, at any time following the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default: (A) to endorse such Borrower’s name upon any notes, acceptances, checks, drafts, money orders or other evidences of payment or Collateral; (B) to sign such Borrower’s name on any invoice or bill of lading relating to any of the Receivables, drafts against Customers, assignments and verifications of Receivables; (C) to send verifications of Receivables to any Customer; (D) to sign such Borrower’s name on all financing statements or any other documents or instruments deemed necessary or appropriate by Agent to preserve, protect, or perfect Agent’s interest in the Collateral and to file same; (E) to receive, open and dispose of all mail addressed to any Borrower at any post office box/lockbox maintained by Agent for Borrowers or at any other business premises of Agent; (F) to demand payment of the Receivables; (G) to enforce payment of the Receivables by legal proceedings or otherwise; (H) to exercise all of such Borrower’s rights and remedies with respect to the collection of the Receivables and any other Collateral; (I) to extend the time of payment of, settle, adjust, compromise, extend or renew the Receivables; (J) to settle, adjust or compromise any legal proceedings brought to collect Receivables; (K) to prepare, file and sign such Borrower’s name on a proof of claim in bankruptcy or similar document against any Customer; (L) to prepare, file and sign such Borrower’s name on any notice of Lien, assignment or satisfaction of Lien or similar document in connection with the Receivables; (M) to accept the return of goods represented by any of the Receivables; (N) to change the address for delivery of mail addressed to any Borrower to such address as Agent may designate; and (O) to do all other acts and things necessary to carry out this Agreement. All acts of said attorney or designee are hereby ratified and approved, and said attorney or designee shall not be liable for any acts of omission or commission nor for any error of judgment or mistake of fact or of law, unless done with gross negligence or willful misconduct (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final non-appealable judgment); this power being coupled with an interest is irrevocable while any of the Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities) remain unpaid.

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(g)       Neither Agent nor any Lender shall, under any circumstances or in any event whatsoever, have any liability for any error or omission or delay of any kind occurring in the settlement, collection or payment of any of the Receivables or any instrument received in payment thereof, or for any damage resulting therefrom unless such liability or damage results from Agent’s or Lender’s gross negligence or willful misconduct (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final non-appealable judgment).

 

(h)       All proceeds of Collateral shall be deposited by Borrowers (other than GX Mexico) into either (i) a lockbox account, dominion account or such other “blocked account” (“Blocked Accounts”) pursuant to an arrangement reasonably acceptable to Agent or (ii) a depository account (“Depository Accounts”), in each case, established at Agent or a bank or banks (each such bank, a “Control Account Bank”) for the deposit of such proceeds; provided that proceeds of Receivables arising in connection with a Joint Data Acquisition Program may be deposited into a Joint Data Acquisition Program Account. Each applicable Borrower, Agent and each Control Account Bank shall enter into a deposit account control agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent that is sufficient to give Agent “control” (for purposes of Articles 8 and 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code) over such account and pursuant to which Agent may direct such Control Account Bank to transfer such funds so deposited on a daily basis to Agent, either to any account maintained by Agent at said Control Account Bank or by wire transfer to appropriate account(s) at Agent; provided that Agent shall not exercise such “control” right unless a Cash Dominion Trigger Event shall have occurred. All funds deposited in such Blocked Accounts or Depository Accounts shall immediately become subject to the security interest of Agent for its own benefit and the ratable benefit of Issuer, Lenders and all other holders of the Obligations, and Borrowing Agent shall obtain from any Control Account Bank that is not a Lender the agreement by such Control Account Bank to waive any offset rights against the funds so deposited. Neither Agent nor any Lender assumes any responsibility for such blocked account arrangement, including any claim of accord and satisfaction or release with respect to deposits accepted by any Control Account Bank thereunder. Agent shall apply all funds received by it from the Blocked Accounts and/or Depository Accounts to the satisfaction of the Obligations (including the cash collateralization of the Letters of Credit) in such order as Agent shall determine in its sole discretion. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the applicable Pledge Agreement shall apply in connection with the deposit accounts maintained by GX Mexico if at any time a Default or Event of Default occurs hereunder to secure the GX Mexico Obligations.

 

(i)        No Borrower will, without Agent’s consent, compromise or adjust any material amount of Receivables (or extend the time for payment thereof) or accept any material returns of merchandise or grant any additional discounts, allowances or credits thereon except for those compromises, adjustments, returns, discounts, credits and allowances as have been heretofore customary in the Ordinary Course of Business of such Borrower.

 

(j)        All deposit accounts (including all Blocked Accounts and Depository Accounts), securities accounts and investment accounts of each Borrower as of the Closing Date (other than any Excluded Account) are set forth on Schedule 4.8(j). No Borrower shall open any new deposit account, securities account or investment account other than any Excluded Account unless, if such account is to be maintained with a bank, depository institution or securities intermediary that is not the Agent, such bank, depository institution or securities intermediary, each applicable Borrower and Agent shall first have entered into an account control agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Agent sufficient to give Agent “control” (for purposes of Articles 8 and 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code) over such account.

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4.9         Inventory. To the extent Inventory held for sale or lease has been produced by any Borrower, it has been and will be produced by such Borrower in compliance with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, and all rules, regulations and orders thereunder.

 

4.10       Maintenance of Equipment. The equipment shall be maintained in good operating condition and repair (reasonable wear and tear excepted) and all necessary replacements of and repairs thereto shall be made so that the value and operating efficiency of the equipment shall be maintained and preserved, except in each case to the extent that any Borrower shall reasonably determine that any equipment is worn out, obsolete or no longer needed for its operations in its Ordinary Course of Business. No Borrower shall use or operate the equipment in violation of any law, statute, ordinance, code, rule or regulation in any material respect.

 

4.11.      Exculpation of Liability. Nothing herein contained shall be construed to constitute Agent or any Lender as any Borrower’s agent for any purpose whatsoever, nor shall Agent or any Lender be responsible or liable for any shortage, discrepancy, damage, loss or destruction of any part of the Collateral wherever the same may be located and regardless of the cause thereof. Neither Agent nor any Lender, whether by anything herein or in any assignment or otherwise, assume any of any Borrower’s obligations under any contract or agreement assigned to Agent or such Lender, and neither Agent nor any Lender shall be responsible in any way for the performance by any Borrower of any of the terms and conditions thereof.

 

4.11       Financing Statements. Except as respects the financing statements filed by Agent, financing statements described on Schedule 1.2(d), and financing statements filed in connection with Permitted Encumbrances, Borrower shall not authorize any financing statement covering any of the Collateral or any proceeds thereof to be filed in any public office.

 

V.

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

 

Each Borrower represents and warrants as follows:

   

5.1 Authority. Each Loan Party has full power, authority and legal right to enter into this Agreement and the Other Documents to which it is a party and to perform all its respective Obligations hereunder and thereunder. This Agreement and the Other Documents to which it is a party have been duly executed and delivered by each Loan Party, and this Agreement and the Other Documents to which it is a party constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Loan Party enforceable in accordance with their terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally. The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and of the Other Documents to which it is a party (a) are within such Loan Party’s corporate or company powers, as applicable, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or company action, as applicable, are not in contravention of Applicable Law or the terms of such Loan Party’s Organizational Documents or to the conduct of such Loan Party’s business or, except as could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, of any Material Contract or undertaking to which such Loan Party is a party or by which such Loan Party is bound, including the New Second Priority Notes Documents, (b) will not require the Consent of any Governmental Body, any party to a Material Contract or any other Person, except (x) those Consents set forth on Schedule 5.1 hereto, all of which will have been duly obtained, made or compiled prior to the Closing Date and which are in full force and effect and (y) those Consents with respect to which the failure to obtain could not reasonably be expected to cause a Material Adverse Effect and (c) will not conflict with, nor result in any breach in any of the provisions of or constitute a default under or result in the creation of any Lien except Permitted Encumbrances upon any asset of such Loan Party under the provisions of any Material Contract to which such Loan Party is a party or by which it or its property is a party or by which it may be bound, including the New Second Priority Notes Documents. GX Mexico’s legal representative has sufficient authorities to enter into this Agreement on its behalf, which have not been revoked or modified in any manner, and GX Mexico has all corporate powers and has obtained all the necessary consents and authorizations that are required for the execution of this Agreement and the performance of its obligations hereunder, and the entering into of this Agreement and compliance thereof does not contravene its bylaws or any other corporate document; or any applicable law, regulation, judgment, or legal provision; or any contract, agreement, deed or other instrument that is part of. This Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and enforceable obligation of GX Mexico in accordance with its terms. Neither GX Mexico nor any of its property has any immunity from jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process (whether through service of notice attachment prior to judgment in aid of execution or otherwise) under the laws of the jurisdiction in which the GX Mexico is organized and existing.

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5.2 Formation and Qualification.

 

(a)       Each Loan Party is duly incorporated or formed, as applicable, and in good standing (to the extent the notion of “good standing” applies) under the laws of the state listed on Schedule 5.2(a) and is qualified to do business and is in good standing (to the extent the notion of “good standing” applies) in the states listed on Schedule 5.2(a) which constitute all states in which qualification and good standing are necessary for such Loan Party to conduct its business and own its property in the Ordinary Course Business for such Borrower and where the failure to so qualify could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on such Loan Party.

 

(b)       The only Subsidiaries of each Loan Party are listed on Schedule 5.2(b).

 

5.3           Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations and warranties of such Loan Party contained in this Agreement and the Other Documents to which it is a party shall be true at the time of such Loan Party’s execution of this Agreement and the Other Documents to which it is a party, and shall survive the execution, delivery and acceptance thereof by the parties thereto and the closing of the transactions described therein or related thereto.

 

5.4           Tax Returns. Each Borrower’s federal tax identification number is set forth on Schedule 5.4. Each Loan Party has filed all federal and material state and local tax returns and other reports that it is required by Applicable Law to file and has paid all taxes, assessments, fees and other governmental charges that are due and payable except taxes, assessments, fees and other governmental charges being Properly Contested. The provision for taxes on the books of each Loan Party is adequate for all years not closed by applicable statutes, and for its current fiscal year, and no Loan Party has any knowledge of any deficiency or additional assessment in connection therewith not provided for on its books that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

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5.5 Financial Statements.

 

(a)          The pro forma balance sheet of Borrowers on a Consolidated Basis (the “Pro Forma Balance Sheet”) furnished to Agent on the Closing Date reflects the consummation of the transactions contemplated under this Agreement (collectively, the “Transactions”) and is accurate, complete and correct and fairly reflects the financial condition of Borrowers on a Consolidated Basis as of the Closing Date after giving effect to the Transactions, and has been prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied, except as may be disclosed in such financial statements. The Pro Forma Balance Sheet has been certified as accurate, complete and correct in all material respects by the President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer or Controller of Borrowing Agent.

 

(b)          The twelve-month cash flow and balance sheet projections of Borrowers on a Consolidated Basis, copies of which are annexed hereto as Exhibit 5.5(b) (the “Projections”) were prepared by Borrowing Agent based on assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time such Projections were prepared in light of the circumstances of the set of conditions and course of action for the projected period believed by the Borrowing Agent to be most likely. The cash flow Projections together with the Pro Forma Balance Sheet are referred to as the “Pro Forma Financial Statements”.

 

(c)          The consolidated and consolidating balance sheets of Borrowers, and such other Persons described therein, as of March 31, 2015, and the related statements of income, changes in stockholder’s equity, and changes in cash flow for the period ended on such date, all accompanied by reports thereon containing opinions without qualification by independent certified public accountants, copies of which have been delivered to Agent, have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied (except for changes in application to which such accountants concur) and present fairly the financial position of Borrowers at such date and the results of their operations for such period. Since December 31, 2015, there has been no change in the condition, financial or otherwise, of Borrowers as shown on the consolidated balance sheet as of such date, except changes in the Ordinary Course of Business, none of which individually or in the aggregate has had a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.6         Entity Names. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.6, no Borrower (a) has been known by any other company or corporate name, as applicable, in the past five (5) years and does not sell Inventory under any other name, or (b) has been the surviving corporation or company, as applicable, of a merger or consolidation or acquired all or substantially all of the assets of any Person during the preceding five (5) years.

 

5.7 O.S.H.A. Environmental Compliance; Flood Insurance.

 

(a)          Except as set forth on Schedule 5.7 hereto, (i) each Loan Party is in compliance with, and its facilities, business, assets, property, leaseholds, Real Property and Equipment are in compliance with, the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act and Environmental Laws the failure to comply with which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect and (ii) there are no outstanding citations, notices or orders of non-compliance issued to any Loan Party or relating to its business, assets, property, leaseholds or equipment under any such laws, rules or regulations that, if enforced against such Loan Party, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

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(b)         Except as set forth on Schedule 5.7 hereto, each Loan Party has been issued all required federal, state and local licenses, certificates or permits (collectively, “Approvals”) relating to all applicable Environmental Laws and all such Approvals are current and in full force and effect, except to the extent that the failure to receive any such Approval could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(c)          Except as set forth on Schedule 5.7, to Borrowers’ knowledge: (i) there have been no releases, spills, discharges, leaks or disposal (collectively referred to as “Releases”) of Hazardous Materials at, upon, under or migrating from or onto any Real Property owned, leased or occupied by any Loan Party, except for those Releases that are in material compliance with Environmental Laws or that could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; (ii) there are no underground storage tanks or polychlorinated biphenyls on any Real Property, except for such underground storage tanks or polychlorinated biphenyls that are present in compliance with Environmental Laws; (iii) the Real Property has never been used by any Loan Party to dispose of Hazardous Materials, except as authorized by Environmental Laws; and (iv) no Hazardous Materials are managed by any Loan Party on any Real Property, excepting such quantities as are managed in accordance with all applicable manufacturer’s instructions and compliance with Environmental Laws and as are necessary for the operation of the commercial business of any Loan Party or of its tenants.

 

(d)          All Real Property owned by each Loan Party is insured pursuant to policies and other bonds which are valid and in full force and effect and which provide adequate coverage from reputable and financially sound insurers in amounts sufficient to insure the assets and risks of each such Loan Party in accordance with prudent business practice in the industry of such Loan Party. Each Loan Party has taken all actions required under the Flood Laws and/or requested by Agent to assist in ensuring that each Lender is in compliance with the Flood Laws applicable to the Collateral, including, but not limited to, providing Agent with the address and/or GPS coordinates of each structure located upon any Real Property that will be subject to a Mortgage in favor of Agent, for the benefit of Lenders, and, to the extent required, obtaining flood insurance for such property, structures and contents prior to such property, structures and contents becoming Collateral.

 

5.8 Solvency; No Litigation, Violation, Indebtedness or Default; ERISA Compliance.

 

(a)          (i) Each Loan Party is solvent, able to pay its debts as they mature, has capital sufficient to carry on its business and all businesses in which it is about to engage, (ii) as of the Closing Date, the fair present saleable value of its assets, calculated on a going concern basis, is in excess of the amount of its liabilities, and (iii) subsequent to the Closing Date, the fair saleable value of its assets (calculated on a going concern basis) will be in excess of the amount of its liabilities.

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(b)          Except as disclosed in Schedule 5.8(b)(i), no Loan Party has any pending or threatened material litigation, arbitration, actions or proceedings that, if determined adversely to such Loan Party, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No Loan Party has any outstanding Indebtedness other than the Obligations, except for (i) Indebtedness disclosed in Schedule 5.8(b)(ii) and (ii) Indebtedness otherwise permitted under Section 7.3 or 7.8 hereof.

 

(c)          No Loan Party is in violation of any Applicable Law in any respect which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, nor is any Loan Party in violation of any order of any court, Governmental Body or arbitration board or tribunal in any respect which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each Plan is in compliance in all material respects with the applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code and other federal or state laws.

 

(d)          No Borrower nor any member of the Controlled Group maintains or is required to contribute to any Pension Benefit Plan or is required to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan other than those listed on Schedule 5.8(d) hereto, or with respect to which Borrowers hereafter give notice to Agent and each Lender pursuant to Section 9.15 hereof that it or a member of its Controlled Group has established or become obligated to contribute. No Termination Event has occurred or could reasonably be expected to occur. Borrowers and each member of the Controlled Group have complied with the Funding Rules with respect to each Pension Benefit Plan, and no waiver of the minimum funding requirements under the Funding Rules has been applied for or obtained. As of the most recent valuation date for any Pension Benefit Plan, the funding target attainment percentage (as defined in Section 430 of the Code) is 60% or higher and no facts or circumstances exist that could reasonably be expected to cause the funding target attainment percentage to drop below such threshold as of the most recent valuation dateor any member of the Controlled Group maintains or is required to contribute to any Plan other than those listed on Schedule 5.8(d) hereto. (i) Each Borrower and each member of the Controlled Group has met all applicable minimum funding requirements under Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code in respect of each Plan, and each Plan is in compliance with Sections 412, 430 and 436 of the Code and Sections 206(g), 302 and 303 of ERISA, without regard to waivers and variances; (ii) each Plan which is intended to be a qualified plan under Section 401(a) of the Code as currently in effect has been determined by the Internal Revenue Service to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code and the trust related thereto is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(a) of the Code or an application for such a determination is currently being processed by the Internal Revenue Code; (iii) neither any Borrower nor any member of the Controlled Group has incurred any liability to the PBGC other than for the payment of premiums, and there are no premium payments which have become due which are unpaid; (iv) no Plan has been terminated by the plan administrator thereof nor by the PBGC, and there is no occurrence which would cause the PBGC to institute proceedings under Title IV of ERISA to terminate any Plan; (v) the current value of the assets of each Plan exceeds the present value of the accrued benefits and other liabilities of such Plan and neither any Borrower nor any member of the Controlled Group knows of any facts or circumstances which would materially change the value of such assets and accrued benefits and other liabilities; (vi) neither any Borrower nor any member of the Controlled Group has breached any of the responsibilities, obligations or duties imposed on it by ERISA with respect to any Plan; (vii) neither any Borrower nor any member of a Controlled Group has incurred any liability for any excise tax arising under Section 4971, 4972 or 4980B of the Code, and no fact exists which could give rise to any such liability; (viii) neither any Borrower nor any member of the Controlled Group nor any fiduciary of, nor any trustee to, any Plan, has engaged in a “prohibited transaction” described in Section 406 of the ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code nor taken any action which would constitute or result in a Termination Event with respect to any such Plan which is subject to ERISA; (ix) no Termination Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur; (x) there exists no event described in Section 4043 of ERISA, for which the thirty (30) day notice period has not been waived; (xi) neither any Borrower nor any member of the Controlled Group has engaged in a transaction that could be subject to Section 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA; (xii) neither any Borrower nor any member of the Controlled Group maintains or is required to contribute to any Plan which provides health, accident or life insurance benefits to former employees, their spouses or dependents, other than in accordance with Section 4980B of the Code; (xiii) neither any Borrower nor any member of the Controlled Group has withdrawn, completely or partially, within the meaning of Section 4203 or 4205 of ERISA, from any Multiemployer Plan so as to incur liability under the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980 and there exists no fact which would reasonably be expected to result in any such liability; and (xiv) no Plan fiduciary (as defined in Section 3(21) of ERISA) has any liability for breach of fiduciary duty or for any failure in connection with the administration or investment of the assets of a Plan.

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5.9          Patents, Trademarks. Copyrights and Licenses. Schedule 5.9 sets forth all Intellectual Property owned or utilized by any Loan Party that has been registered (or for which registration has been applied for) with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. All Intellectual Property owned or utilized by any Loan Party includes all of the intellectual property rights that are necessary for the operation of its business. There is no proceeding by any Governmental Body to suspend, revoke, terminate or adversely modify, any such Intellectual Property and no Loan Party is aware of any objection to, pending challenge to the validity of, or grounds for any challenge or proceedings, except as set forth in Schedule 5.9 hereto. Except as could not reasonably be expect to have a Material Adverse Effect, (x) all Intellectual Property owned or held by any Loan Party consists of original material or property developed by such Loan Party or was lawfully acquired by such Loan Party from the proper and lawful owner thereof and (y) each of such items has been maintained so as to preserve the value thereof from the date of creation or acquisition thereof.

 

5.10        Licenses and Permits. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.10, each Loan Party (a) is in compliance with and (b) has procured and is now in possession of, all material licenses or permits required by any applicable federal, state, provincial or local law, rule or regulation for the operation of its business in each jurisdiction wherein it is now conducting or proposes to conduct business and where the failure to procure such licenses or permits could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.11        Default of Indebtedness. No Loan Party is in default in the payment of the principal of or interest on any Material Indebtedness or under any instrument or agreement under or subject to which any Material Indebtedness has been issued and no event has occurred under the provisions of any such instrument or agreement which with or without the lapse of time or the giving of notice, or both, constitutes or would constitute an event of default thereunder.

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5.12        No Default. No Loan Party is in default in the payment or performance of any of its contractual obligations, which default could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, and no Default or Event of Default has occurred.

 

5.13        No Burdensome Restrictions. No Loan Party is party to any contract or agreement the performance of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each Loan Party has heretofore delivered to Agent true and complete copies of all Material Contracts to which it is a party or to which it or any of its properties is subject. No Loan Party has agreed or consented to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise) any of its property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to be subject to a Lien which is not a Permitted Encumbrance.

 

5.14        No Labor Disputes. No Loan Party is involved in any material labor dispute; there are no strikes or walkouts or union organization of any Loan Party’s employees threatened or in existence and no labor contract is scheduled to expire during the Term other than as set forth on Schedule 5.14 hereto.

 

5.15        Margin Regulations. No Loan Party is engaged, nor will it engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending credit for the purpose of “purchasing” or “carrying” any “margin stock” within the respective meanings of each of the quoted terms under Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as now and from time to time hereafter in effect. No part of the proceeds of any Advance will be used for “purchasing” or “carrying” “margin stock” as defined in Regulation U of such Board of Governors.

 

5.16        Investment Company Act. No Loan Party is an “investment company” registered or required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, nor is it controlled by such a company.

 

5.17        Disclosure. No representation or warranty made by any Loan Party in this Agreement or in any financial statement, report, certificate or any other document furnished in connection herewith contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements herein or therein not misleading. There is no fact known to any Loan Party or which reasonably should be known to such Loan Party which such Loan Party has not disclosed to Agent in writing with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

5.18        Delivery of New Second Priority Notes Documents. Agent has received complete copies of the the New Second Priority Notes Documents and related documents (including all exhibits, schedules and disclosure letters referred to therein or delivered pursuant thereto, if any) and all amendments thereto, waivers relating thereto and other side letters or agreements affecting the terms thereof. None of such documents and agreements has been amended or supplemented, nor have any of the provisions thereof been waived, except pursuant to a written agreement or instrument which has heretofore been delivered to Agent. Delivery of Junior Priority Debt Documents. To the extent that any Borrower has incurred or issued any Junior Priority Debt in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $10,000,000 (other than New Second Priority Debt), Agent has received complete copies of the Junior Priority Debt Documents evidencing such Junior Priority Debt and related documents (including all exhibits, schedules and disclosure letters referred to therein or delivered pursuant thereto, if any) and all amendments thereto, waivers relating thereto and other side letters or agreements affecting the terms thereof. None of such documents and agreements has been amended or supplemented, nor have any of the provisions thereof been waived, except pursuant to a written agreement or instrument which has heretofore been delivered to Agent.

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5.21        Swaps. No Loan Party is a party to, nor will it be a party to, any swap agreement whereby such Loan Party has agreed or will agree to swap interest rates or currencies unless same provides that damages upon termination following an event of default thereunder are payable on an unlimited “two-way basis” without regard to fault on the part of either party.

 

5.22        Business and Property of Loan Parties. Upon and after the Closing Date, Loan Parties do not propose to engage in any business other than as conducted on the Closing Date and activities necessary to conduct the foregoing. On the Closing Date, each Loan Party will own all the property and possess all of the rights and Consents necessary for the conduct of the business of such Loan Party.

 

5.23        Ineligible Securities. Loan Parties do not intend to use and shall not use any portion of the proceeds of the Advances, directly or indirectly, to purchase during the underwriting period, or for 30 days thereafter, Ineligible Securities being underwritten by a securities Affiliate of Agent or any Lender.

 

5.24        [Reserved].

 

5.25        Equity Interests. The authorized and outstanding Equity Interests of each Loan Party, and (except with respect to authorized and outstanding Equity Interests of Geophysical) each legal and beneficial holder thereof as of the Closing Date, are as set forth on Schedule 5.24(a) hereto. All of the Equity Interests of each Loan Party have been duly and validly authorized and issued and are fully paid and non-assessable and have been sold and delivered to the holders hereof in compliance with, or under valid exemption from, all federal and state laws and the rules and regulations of each Governmental Body governing the sale and delivery of securities. Except for the rights and obligations set forth on Schedule 5.24(b), there are no subscriptions, warrants, options, calls, commitments, rights or agreement by which any Loan Party or (except with respect to shareholders of Geophysical) any of the shareholders of any Loan Party is bound relating to the issuance, transfer, voting or redemption of shares of its Equity Interests or any pre-emptive rights held by any Person with respect to the Equity Interests of Loan Parties. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.24(c), Loan Parties have not issued any Disqualified Equity Interests.

 

5.26        Commercial Tort Claims. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.25 hereto, no Loan Party has commenced any litigation or other legal proceedings with respect to any commercial tort claim for which such Loan Party is asserting (or has asserted) a claim for damages of $250,000 or more.

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5.27        Letter of Credit Rights. Except as set forth on Schedule 5.26 hereto, as of the Closing Date, no Loan Party is the beneficiary under any letter of credit having a stated or face amount of $250,000 or more.

 

5.28        Material Contracts. All Material Contracts are in full force and effect and no material defaults currently exist thereunder.

 

5.29        Certificate of Beneficial Ownership. The Certificate of Beneficial Ownership executed and delivered to Agent and Lenders for each Borrower on or prior to the date of this Agreement, as updated from time to time in accordance with this Agreement, is accurate, complete and correct as of the date hereof and as of the date any such update is delivered. The Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the Certificate of Beneficial Ownership is one of the Other Documents.

 

VI. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS.

 

Each Borrower shall, and shall cause each other Loan Party to, until payment in full of the Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities) and termination of this Agreement:

 

6.1          Compliance with Laws. Comply in all material respects with all Applicable Laws with respect to the Collateral or any part thereof or to the operation of such Loan Party’s business the non-compliance with which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

6.2          Conduct of Business and Maintenance of Existence and Assets. (a) Conduct continuously and operate actively its business according to good business practices and maintain all of its properties useful or necessary in its business in good working order and condition (reasonable wear and tear excepted and except as may be abandoned or disposed of in accordance with the terms of this Agreement); (b) keep in full force and effect its existence and comply in all material respects with the laws and regulations governing the conduct of its business where the failure to do so could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (c) make all such reports and pay all such franchise and other taxes and license fees and do all such other acts and things as may be lawfully required to maintain its rights, licenses, leases, powers and franchises under the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof where the failure to do so could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

6.3          Books and Records. Keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries will be made of all dealings or transactions of or in relation to its business and affairs (including without limitation accruals for taxes, assessments, Charges, levies and claims, allowances against doubtful Receivables and accruals for depreciation, obsolescence or amortization of assets), all in accordance with, or as required by, GAAP consistently applied in the opinion of such independent public accountant as shall then be regularly engaged by Loan Parties.

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6.4          Payment of Taxes. Pay, when due, all federal and other material taxes, assessments and other Charges lawfully levied or assessed upon such Loan Party or any of the Collateral, including real and personal property taxes, assessments and charges and all franchise, income, employment, social security benefits, withholding, and sales taxes. If any federal or other material tax by any Governmental Body is or may be imposed on or as a result of any transaction between any Loan Party and Agent or any Lender which Agent or any Lender may be required to withhold or pay or if any taxes, assessments, or other Charges remain unpaid after the date fixed for their payment, or if any claim shall be made which, in Agent’s reasonable opinion, may create a valid Lien on the Collateral, Agent may without notice (provided that in each case the Agent shall endeavor to give the Borrowing Agent reasonable prior written notice thereof (provided, further, that the failure of Agent to provides such notice shall not give rise to any liability on the part of Agent)) to Loan Parties pay the taxes, assessments or other Charges and each Loan Party hereby indemnifies and holds Agent and each Lender harmless in respect thereof. Agent will not pay any taxes, assessments or Charges to the extent that any applicable Loan Party has Properly Contested those taxes, assessments or Charges. The amount of any payment by Agent under this Section 6.4 shall be charged to Borrowers’ Account as a Revolving Advance maintained as a Domestic Rate Loan and added to the Obligations.

 

6.5          Financial Covenants.

 

(a)          Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio. Maintain as of the end of each fiscal quarter occurring during the existence of a Covenant Testing Trigger Event (and as of the end of the fiscal quarter immediately preceding the fiscal quarter in which such Covenant Testing Trigger Event shall have occurred), a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of not less than 1.1 to 1.0, measured on a rolling four (4) quarter basis.

 

(b)          [Reserved].

 

6.6          Insurance.

 

(a)          (i) Keep all its insurable properties and properties in which such Loan Party has an interest insured against the hazards of fire, flood, sprinkler leakage, those hazards covered by extended coverage insurance and such other hazards, and for such amounts, as is customary in the case of companies engaged in businesses similar to such Loan Party’s including business interruption insurance; (ii) maintain a bond in such amounts as is customary in the case of companies engaged in businesses similar to such Loan Party insuring against larceny, embezzlement or other criminal misappropriation of insured’s officers and employees who may either singly or jointly with others at any time have access to the assets or funds of such Loan Party either directly or through authority to draw upon such funds or to direct generally the disposition of such assets; (iii) maintain comprehensive general liability insurance against claims for personal injury, death or property damage suffered by others; (iv) maintain all such worker’s compensation or similar insurance as may be required under the laws of any state or jurisdiction in which such Loan Party is engaged in business; (v) furnish Agent with (A) certificates of insurance with respect to all policies and evidence of the maintenance of such policies by the renewal thereof at least thirty (30) days before any expiration date, and (B) appropriate loss payable endorsements in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, naming Agent as an additional insured with respect to all insurance coverage referred to in clauses (i) and (iii) above, and as an mortgagee and/or lender loss payee as its interests may appear with respect to all insurance coverage referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above, and providing (I) that all proceeds thereunder shall be payable to Agent, (II) no such insurance shall be affected by any act or neglect of the insured or owner of the property described in such policy, and (III) that such policy and loss payable clauses may not be cancelled, amended or terminated unless at least thirty (30) days prior written notice is given to Agent (or in the case of non-payment, at least ten (10) days prior written notice). In the event of any loss thereunder, the carriers named therein hereby are directed by Agent and the applicable Loan Party to make payment for such loss to Agent and not to such Loan Party and Agent jointly. If any insurance losses are paid by check, draft or other instrument payable to any Loan Party and Agent jointly, Agent may endorse such Loan Party’s name thereon and do such other things as Agent may deem advisable to reduce the same to cash. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Agent and the Lenders acknowledge that the holders of Junior Priority Obligations, as a class, shall be named as additional insureds, with a waiver of subrogation, on all insurance policies of Borrowers and the other Guarantors covering the Collateral.

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(b)          Each Loan Party shall take all actions required under the Flood Laws and/or requested by Agent to assist in ensuring that each Lender is in compliance with the Flood Laws applicable to the Collateral, including, but not limited to, providing Agent with the address and/or GPS coordinates of each structure on any real property that will be subject to a mortgage in favor of Agent, for the benefit of Lenders, and, to the extent required, obtaining flood insurance for such property, structures and contents prior to such property, structures and contents becoming Collateral, and thereafter maintaining such flood insurance in full force and effect for so long as required by the Flood Laws.

 

(c)          Agent is hereby authorized to adjust and compromise claims under insurance coverage referred to in Sections 6.6(a)(i) and (ii) and 6.6(b) above. All loss recoveries received by Agent under any such insurance may be applied to the Obligations, in such order as Agent in its sole discretion shall determine. Any surplus shall be paid by Agent to Loan Parties or applied as may be otherwise required by law. Any deficiency thereon shall be paid by Loan Parties to Agent, on demand. Anything hereinabove to the contrary notwithstanding, and subject to the fulfillment of the conditions set forth below, Agent shall remit to Borrowing Agent insurance proceeds received by Agent during any calendar year under insurance policies procured and maintained by Loan Parties which insure Loan Parties’ insurable properties to the extent such insurance proceeds do not exceed $20,000,000 in the aggregate during such calendar year or $10,000,000 per occurrence. In the event the amount of insurance proceeds received by Agent for any occurrence exceeds $10,000,000, then Agent shall not be obligated to remit the insurance proceeds to Borrowing Agent unless Borrowing Agent shall provide Agent with evidence reasonably satisfactory to Agent that the insurance proceeds will be used by Loan Parties to repair, replace or restore the insured property which was the subject of the insurable loss. In the event Borrowing Agent has previously received (or, after giving effect to any proposed remittance by Agent to Borrowing Agent would receive) insurance proceeds which equal or exceed $20,000,000 in the aggregate during any calendar year, then Agent may, in its sole discretion, either remit the insurance proceeds to Borrowing Agent upon Borrowing Agent providing Agent with evidence reasonably satisfactory to Agent that the insurance proceeds will be used by Loan Parties to repair, replace or restore the insured property which was the subject of the insurable loss, or apply the proceeds to the Obligations, as aforesaid. The agreement of Agent to remit insurance proceeds in the manner above provided shall be subject in each instance to satisfaction of each of the following conditions: (x) No Event of Default or Default shall then have occurred, (y) Loan Parties shall use such insurance proceeds promptly to repair, replace or restore the insurable property which was the subject of the insurable loss and for no other purpose, and (z) such remittances shall be made under such procedures as Agent may establish. If any Loan Party fails to obtain insurance as hereinabove provided, or to keep the same in force, Agent, if Agent so elects, may obtain such insurance and pay the premium therefor on behalf of such Loan Party, which payments shall be charged to Borrowers’ Account and constitute part of the obligations.

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6.7          Payment of Indebtedness and Leasehold Obligations. Pay, discharge or otherwise satisfy (i) at or before maturity (subject, where applicable, to specified grace periods) all its Indebtedness, except when the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or when the amount or validity thereof is currently being Properly Contested, subject at all times to any applicable subordination arrangement in favor of Lenders and (ii) when due its rental obligations under all leases under which it is a tenant, and shall otherwise comply, in all material respects, with all other terms of such leases and keep them in full force and effect, except when the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

6.8          Environmental Matters.

 

(a)          Ensure that the Real Property and all operations and businesses conducted thereon are in compliance in all material respects and remain in compliance in all material respects with all Environmental Laws and it shall manage any and all Hazardous Materials on any Real Property in compliance in all material respects with Environmental Laws.

 

(b)          Establish and maintain an environmental management and compliance system to assure and monitor continued compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws. All potential violations and violations of Environmental Laws shall be reviewed with legal counsel to determine any required reporting to applicable Governmental Bodies and any required corrective actions to address such potential violations or violations.

 

(c)          Respond promptly to any Hazardous Discharge or Environmental Complaint and take all necessary action in order to safeguard the health of any Person and to avoid subjecting the Collateral or Real Property to any Lien. If any Loan Party shall fail to respond promptly to any Hazardous Discharge or Environmental Complaint or any Loan Party shall fail to comply with any of the requirements of any Environmental Laws, Agent on behalf of Lenders may, but without the obligation to do so, for the sole purpose of protecting Agent’s interest in the Collateral: (i) give such notices or (ii) enter onto the Real Property (or authorize third parties to enter onto the Real Property) and take such actions as Agent (or such third parties as directed by Agent) deem reasonably necessary or advisable, to remediate, remove, mitigate or otherwise manage with any such Hazardous Discharge or Environmental Complaint. All reasonable costs and expenses incurred by Agent and Lenders (or such third parties) in the exercise of any such rights, including any sums paid in connection with any judicial or administrative investigation or proceedings, fines and penalties, together with interest thereon from the date expended at the Default Rate for Domestic Rate Loans constituting Revolving Advances shall be paid by Loan Parties upon demand, and until paid shall be added to and become a part of the Obligations secured by the Liens created by the terms of this Agreement or any other agreement between Agent, any Lender and any Loan Party.

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(d)          Promptly upon the reasonable written request of Agent from time to time, Loan Parties shall provide Agent, at Borrowers’ expense, with an environmental site assessment or environmental compliance audit report prepared by an environmental engineering firm acceptable in the reasonable opinion of Agent, to assess with a reasonable degree of certainty the existence of a Hazardous Discharge and the potential costs in connection with abatement, remediation and removal of any Hazardous Materials found on, under, at or within the Real Property. Any report or investigation of such Hazardous Discharge proposed and acceptable to the responsible Governmental Body shall be acceptable to Agent. If such estimates, individually or in the aggregate, exceed $100,000, Agent shall have the right to require Loan Parties to post a bond, letter of credit or other security reasonably satisfactory to Agent to secure payment of these costs and expenses.

 

6.9          Standards of Financial Statements. Cause all financial statements referred to in Sections 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, 9.10, 9.11, 9.12, and 9.13 as to which GAAP is applicable to be complete and correct in all material respects (subject, in the case of interim financial statements, to normal year-end audit adjustments) and to be prepared in reasonable detail and in accordance with GAAP applied consistently throughout the periods reflected therein (except as disclosed therein and agreed to by such reporting accountants or officer, as applicable).

 

6.10        Additional Loan Parties. Borrowing Agent shall give the Agent prompt written notice if Borrowing Agent determines that any Subsidiary of a Borrower is or has become a Material Subsidiary and, at Agent’s discretion, Borrowing Agent shall promptly, but in any event within thirty (30) days, (a) cause such Material Subsidiary to (i) join this Agreement as a borrower and become jointly and severally liable for the obligations of Borrowers hereunder, under the Notes, and under any Other Document between any Loan Party, Agent and Lenders, or (ii) become a Guarantor with respect to the Obligations and execute the Guarantor Security Agreement (or a joinder thereto) in favor of Agent, and (b) deliver to Agent all documents, including without limitation, legal opinions and appraisals it may reasonably require to establish compliance with each of the foregoing conditions in connection therewith.

 

6.11        Execution of Supplemental Instruments. Execute and deliver to Agent from time to time, within a reasonable period of time following demand, such supplemental agreements, statements, assignments and transfers, or instructions or documents relating to the Collateral, and such other instruments as Agent may reasonably request, in order that the full intent of this Agreement may be carried into effect.

 

6.12        [Reserved].

 

6.13        Government Receivables. At any time that any Receivable arising out of any contract between any Loan Party and the United States, any state or any department, agency or instrumentality of any of them, is given credit in the calculation of the Formula Amount, take all steps necessary to protect Agent’s interest in the Collateral under the Federal Assignment of Claims Act, the Uniform Commercial Code and all other applicable state or local statutes or ordinances and deliver to Agent appropriately endorsed, any instrument or chattel paper connected with any such Receivable.

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6.14        [Reserved].

 

6.15        Keepwell. If it is a Qualified ECP Loan Party, then jointly and severally, together with each other Qualified ECP Loan Party, hereby absolutely unconditionally and irrevocably (a) guarantees the prompt payment and performance of all Swap Obligations owing by each Non-Qualifying Party (it being understood and agreed that this guarantee is a guaranty of payment and not of collection), and (b) undertakes to provide such funds or other support as may be needed from time to time by any Non-Qualifying Party to honor all of such Non-Qualifying Party’s obligations under this Agreement or any Other Document in respect of Swap Obligations (provided, however, that each Qualified ECP Loan Party shall only be liable under this Section 6.15 for the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering its obligations under this Section 6.15, or otherwise under this Agreement or any Other Document, voidable under applicable law, including applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, and not for any greater amount). The obligations of each Qualified ECP Loan Party under this Section 6.15 shall remain in full force and effect until payment in full of the Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities) and termination of this Agreement and the Other Documents. Each Qualified ECP Loan Party intends that this Section 6.15 constitute, and this Section 6.15 shall be deemed to constitute, a guarantee of the obligations of, and a “keepwell, support, or other agreement” for the benefit of each other Borrower and Guarantor for all purposes of Section la(18(A)(v)(II) of the CEA.

 

6.16        Certificate of Beneficial Ownership and Other Additional Information. Provide to Agent and the Lenders: (i) confirmation of the accuracy of the information set forth in the most recent Certificate of Beneficial Ownership provided to the Agent and Lenders; (ii) a new Certificate of Beneficial Ownership, in form and substance acceptable to Agent and each Lenders, when the individual(s) to be identified as a Beneficial Owner have changed; and (iii) such other information and documentation as may reasonably be requested by Agent or any Lender from time to time for purposes of compliance by Agent or such Lender with applicable laws (including without limitation the USA Patriot Act and other “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations), and any policy or procedure implemented by Agent or such Lender to comply therewith.

 

VII. NEGATIVE COVENANTS.

 

No Borrower shall, or shall permit any other Loan Party to, until satisfaction in full of the Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities) and termination of this Agreement:

 

7.1          Merger, Consolidation, Acquisition and Sale of Assets.

 

(a)          Enter into any merger, consolidation or other reorganization with or into any other Person or acquire all or a substantial portion of the assets or Equity Interests of any Person or consummate an LLC Division or permit any other Person to consolidate with or merge with it, except (i) any Loan Party may merge, consolidate or reorganize with another Loan Party or acquire the assets or Equity Interest of another Loan Party so long as such Loan Party provides Agent with ten (10) days prior written notice of such merger, consolidation or reorganization and delivers all of the relevant documents evidencing such merger, consolidation or reorganization and (ii) Permitted Acquisitions.

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(b)          Sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets (including, in each case, by way of an LLC Division), except (i) (a) the sale of Inventory in the Ordinary Course of Business and (b) the disposition or transfer of obsolete or worn-out equipment in the Ordinary Course of Business during any fiscal year having an aggregate fair market value of not more than $5,000,000 and, to the extent the proceeds of any such disposition are used to acquire replacement equipment, such replacement equipment is subject to Agent’s first priority security interest (subject to any Permitted Encumbrances), (ii) sales, exchanges or transfers of Permitted Investments, (iii) transfers of condemned property to the respective Governmental Body that has condemned such property and transfers of property that has been subject to a casualty event to the respective insurer of such property as part of an insurance settlement, (iv) licenses and sublicenses by a Loan Party of software, trademarks or other Intellectual Property in the Ordinary Course of Business, (v) sales, transfers or other dispositions of assets having a net book value of not more than $10,000,000 in any fiscal year, provided, however, that Borrowers shall be permitted to sell up to a fifty percent (50%) interest in a portion of its Multi-Client Data Library collection having a net book value of not more than $40,000,000, the terms and conditions of which shall be acceptable to Agent in its Permitted Discretion, (vi) dispositions of assets on Schedule 7.1(b) hereto, (vii) any transaction being contemplated as of, and disclosed in writing by the Borrowers to the Agent and Lenders on, July 28, 2015, and (viii) any other sales or dispositions expressly permitted by this Agreement.

 

7.2          Creation of Liens. Create or suffer to exist any Lien upon or against any of its property or assets now owned or hereafter created or acquired, except Permitted Encumbrances.

 

7.3          Guarantees. Become liable upon the obligations or liabilities of any Person by assumption, endorsement or guaranty thereof or otherwise (other than to Lenders) except (a) as disclosed on Schedule 7.3, (b) guarantees by a Loan Party of the Indebtedness or obligations of any other Loan Party to the extent such Indebtedness is or obligations are permitted to be incurred and/or outstanding pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement (including guarantees of Indebtedness in respect of the New Second Priority Obligations or any other Junior Priority Obligations), (c) the endorsement of checks in the Ordinary Course of Business, (d) guarantees of the payment and/or performance of contractual obligations (other than for borrowed money) of any Affiliate of a Borrower in the Ordinary Course of Business and (e) guarantees of the payment and/or performance of Interest Rate Hedges and Foreign Currency Hedges of the type described in clause (h) of the definition of “Permitted Indebtedness”.

 

7.4          Investments. Purchase or acquire after the Closing Date obligations or Equity Interests of, or any other interest in, any other Person, other than (i) Permitted Investments, (ii) any repurchase of New Second Priority Obligations or any other Junior Priority Obligations, each as permitted by Section 7.18, (iii) any Permitted Acquisition, (iv) investments consisting of prepayments, security deposits or similar transactions entered into in the Ordinary Course of Business, (v) obligations or Equity Interests received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of, or settlement of delinquent accounts and disputes with, Customers or suppliers, in each case in the Ordinary Course of Business, (vi) any guarantee permitted under Section 7.3, and (vii) the acquisition of obligations or Equity Interests, of another Person (or additional capital contributions in respect of Equity Interests held by a Loan Party), whether in a single or series of related transactions, for which the aggregate consideration paid by a Loan Party does not exceed $10,000,000 in any fiscal year or $40,000,000 from and after the Second Amendment Effective Date; provided that, in any fiscal year in which the Loan Parties receive a return of capital in respect of any such obligations or Equity Interests (or capital contributions) acquired (or made) after the Closing Date, (x) the amount available in such fiscal year to make acquisitions of obligations or Equity Interests (or additional capital contributions) shall be increased by a like amount and (y) the amount available from and after the Second Amendment Effective Date to make acquisitions of obligations or Equity Interests (or additional capital contributions) shall be increased by a like amount.

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7.5          Loans. Make advances, loans or extensions of credit to any Person, including any Parent, Subsidiary or Affiliate, other than Permitted Loans and loans permitted under Section 7.10.

 

7.6          Capital Expenditures. Contract for, purchase or make any expenditure or commitments for Capital Expenditures (calculated, for the purposes of this Section 7.6, without giving effect to Capitalized Lease Obligations) in any fiscal year in an aggregate amount for all Loan Parties in excess of $20,000,000.

 

7.7          Restricted Payments. Declare, pay or make any dividend or distribution on any Equity Interests of any Loan Party (other than dividends or distributions payable in its stock, or split-ups or reclassifications of its stock) or apply any of its funds, property or assets to the purchase, redemption or other retirement of any Equity Interest, or of any options to purchase or acquire any Equity Interest of any Loan Party, other than (a) any dividends or distributions by any Loan Party that is wholly-owned by a Borrower directly or indirectly to such Borrower, (b) dividends, distributions, redemptions or retirement of Equity Interests of Geophysical pursuant to and in accordance with its stock option plans and restricted stock plans or other equity compensation or benefit plans for management or employees and (c) other dividends, distributions, redemptions or retirement of Equity Interests of Geophysical not exceeding $10,000,000 in any fiscal year or $40,000,000 in the aggregate from and after the Second Amendment Effective Date so long as (i) immediately prior and upon giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default shall exist, (ii) Excess Availability immediately prior thereto shall be greater than $20,000,000 (or, at time that the Formula Amount is less than $20,000,000, Liquidity immediately prior thereto shall be greater than $20,000,000) and (iii) the Agent shall have received satisfactory projections showing that Excess Availability for the immediately following period of ninety (90) consecutive days shall not be less than $20,000,000 (or, at time that the Formula Amount is less than $20,000,000, Liquidity immediately prior thereto shall be greater than $20,000,000).

 

7.8          Indebtedness. Create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness other than Permitted Indebtedness.

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7.9          Nature of Business. Substantially change the nature of the business in which it is presently engaged, nor except as specifically permitted hereby purchase or invest, directly or indirectly, in any assets or property other than in the Ordinary Course of Business.

 

7.10        Transactions with Affiliates. Directly or indirectly, purchase, acquire or lease any property from, or sell, transfer or lease any property to, or otherwise enter into any transaction or deal with, any Affiliate, except for (a) transactions among Loan Parties which are not expressly prohibited by the terms of this Agreement and which are in the Ordinary Course of Business, (b) payment by Loan Parties of dividends, distributions, redemptions or retirements of Equity Interests permitted under Section 7.7 hereof, (c) transactions which are in the Ordinary Course of Business, on an arm’s-length basis on terms and conditions no less favorable than terms and conditions which would have been obtainable from a Person other than an Affiliate, (d) intercompany loans made by the Loan Parties to Affiliates of the Loan Parties that are not themselves Loan Parties (which loans, for the avoidance of doubt, may be repaid and reborrowed by such Affiliates) in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding not exceeding $30,000,000, so long as (i) immediately prior and upon giving effect to the making of each such loan, no Default or Event of Default shall exist, (ii) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio after giving effect to the making of each such loan shall be greater than 1.1:1.0, (iii) on a pro forma basis, average Excess Availability for the 30 days prior to the making of each such loan shall be greater than $10,000,000, and (iv) Excess Availability immediately prior and upon giving effect to the making of each such loan shall be greater than $10,000,000, (e) payments to an Affiliate in respect of the Secured Priority Notes or any other Indebtedness of any Borrower or any Loan Party on the same basis as concurrent payments made or offered to be made in respect thereof to non-Affiliates, (f) any charitable contribution, grant or endowment by any Loan Party to a charitable organization, foundation or university at which an Affiliate’s only relationship is as a sponsor, donor, volunteer, employee or a director, regent or similar position, (g) investments permitted under Section 7.4, (h) guarantees permitted under Section 7.3, and (i) loans permitted under Section 7.5.

 

7.11        [Reserved].

 

7.12        [Reserved].

 

7.13        Fiscal Year and Accounting Changes. Change its fiscal year from December 31, or make any change in (a) accounting treatment and reporting practices except as required by GAAP or (b) tax reporting treatment except as required by law.

 

7.14        Pledge of Credit. Now or hereafter pledge Agent’s or any Lender’s credit on any purchases, commitments or contracts or for any purpose whatsoever or use any portion of any Advance in or for any business other than such Loan Party’s business operations as conducted on the Closing Date.

 

7.15        Amendment of Organizational Documents. (a) Change its legal name, (b) change its form of legal entity (e.g., converting from a corporation to a limited liability company or vice versa), (c) change its jurisdiction of organization or become (or attempt or purport to become) organized in more than one jurisdiction, or (d) otherwise amend, modify or waive any term or material provision of its Organizational Documents unless required by law or such amendment, modification or waiver could not reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the interests of Agent and the Lenders, in any such case, without giving at least thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of such intended change to Agent. For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any Other Document, Geophysical may issue to the New Second Priority Indenture Trustee the Equity Interests designated as “Series A Preferred Stock” with the rights and powers described in Section 2.13 of the New Second Priority Notes Indenture, as in effect on April 20, 2021 and amend its Organizational Documents to effect such issuance.

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7.16        Compliance with ERISA. (i) (x) Maintain, or permit any member of the Controlled Group to maintain any Pension Benefit Plan, or (y) become obligated to contribute, or permit any member of the Controlled Group to become obligated to contribute, to any Pension Benefit Plan or Multi-Employer Plan, other than those Plans disclosed on Schedule 5.8(d), (ii) engage, or permit any member of the Controlled Group to engage, in any non-exempt “prohibited transaction”, as that term is defined in Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, (iii) terminate, or permit any member of the Controlled Group to terminate, any Pension Benefit Plan where such event could result in any liability of any Loan Party or any member of the Controlled Group or the imposition of a lien on the property of any Loan Party or any member of the Controlled Group pursuant to Section 4068 of ERISA, (iv) incur, or permit any member of the Controlled Group to incur, any withdrawal liability to any Multiemployer Plan; (v) fail promptly to notify Agent of the occurrence of any Termination Event, (vi) fail to comply, or permit a member of the Controlled Group to fail to comply, in all material respects with the requirements of ERISA or the Code or other Applicable Laws in respect of any Plan, (vii) fail to meet, permit any member of the Controlled Group to fail to meet, or permit any Pension Benefit Plan to fail to meet all minimum funding requirements under ERISA and the Code, without regard to any waivers or variances, or postpone or delay or allow any member of the Controlled Group to postpone or delay any funding requirement with respect of any Pension Benefit Plan, or (viii) cause, or permit any member of the Controlled Group to cause, a representation or warranty in Section 5.8(d) to cease to be true and correct.

 

7.17        Prepayment of Indebtedness. Except as permitted pursuant to Section 7.18 hereof, at any time, directly or indirectly, voluntarily prepay any Indebtedness (other than to Lenders), or voluntarily repurchase, redeem, retire or otherwise acquire any Indebtedness of any Loan Party unless (i) immediately prior and upon giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default shall exist, (ii) Excess Availability immediately prior thereto shall be greater than $20,000,000 (or, at time that the Formula Amount is less than $20,000,000, Liquidity immediately prior thereto shall be greater than $20,000,000); provided, however, Borrowers may prepay, or voluntarily repurchase, redeem, retire or otherwise acquire Indebtedness evidenced by (x) the 2016 Notes in an aggregate principal amount (together with accrued and unpaid interest) not to exceed $20,000,000, so long as made with unrestricted and unencumbered cash (other than as such cash may be encumbered by any Liens of Agent or Liens securing any New Second Priority Obligations which Liens are subject to the New Second Priority Intercreditor Agreement) of Borrowers (other than any proceeds of the Revolving Advances) or proceeds of the Rights Offering, in each case, in connection and pursuant to the Exchange Offer as described in the New Second Priority Notes Indenture, as in effect on April 20, 2021 and (iiiy) the Agent shall have received satisfactory projections showing that Excess Availability for the immediately following period of ninety (90) consecutive days shall not be less than $20,000,000 (or, at time that the Formula Amount is less than $20,000,000, Liquidity immediately prior thereto shall be greater than $20,000,000)New Second Priority Notes to the extent exclusively paid with proceeds of the Rights Offering described in the New Second Priority Notes Indenture, as in effect on April 20, 2021.

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7.18        New Second Priority NotesDebt and Other Junior Priority Debt. At any time, directly or indirectly, call, make or offer to make any optional or voluntary redemption of, or otherwise optionally or voluntarily redeem, any of the New Second Priority Debt or any other Junior Priority Debt or any Indebtedness incurred in respect of a permitted renewal, exchange or refinancing thereof; provided, however, that any Borrower may optionally or voluntarily call, make or offer to make any redemption, prepayment or defeasance of, or voluntarily repurchase, retire or otherwise acquire, Second Priority Debt or any other JuniorNew Second Priority Debt (or any Indebtedness incurred in respect of a permitted renewal, exchange or refinancing thereof) (a) in exchange for, or with the net cash proceeds of, (i) any Indebtedness incurred in respect of a permitted renewal, exchange or refinancing thereof, (ii) a sale or exchange of Equity Interests of such Borrower that is contemporaneous with such optional or voluntary redemption, prepayment or defeasement, (iii) a combination of any Indebtedness incurred in respect of a permitted renewal, exchange or refinancing thereof and a sale or exchange of Equity Interests of such Borrower that is contemporaneous with such optional or voluntary redemption, prepayment or defeasement, or (b) ifso long as in connection with any such call, redemption, prepayment, defeasance, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition of New Second Priority Debt: (i) immediately prior and upon giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default shall exist,; (ii) upon giving effect thereto, Excess Availability immediately prior thereto shall be greater than $20,000,000 (or, at time that the Formula Amount is less than $20,000,000, Liquidity immediately prior thereto shall be greater than $20,000,000) and; (iii) the Agent shall have received satisfactory projections showing that Excess Availability for the immediately following period of ninety (90) consecutive days shall not be less than $20,000,000; and (or, at time that the Formula Amount is less than $20,000,000, Liquidity immediately prior thereto shall be greater than $20,000,000)iv) no proceeds of Revolving Advances shall be used to effect any such call, redemption, prepayment, defeasance, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition of New Second Priority Debt. For the avoidance of doubt, (x) Geophysical may make any payments in respect of any such optional or voluntary redemption of New Second Priority Debt or any other Junior Priority Debt within sixty (60) days after the date any call or redemption notice or binding offer to repurchase or redeem (as applicable) is given, if at the date such call or redemption notice or binding offer to repurchase or redeem was given, such payment would have complied with the provisions of this Section 7.18 and (y) nothing in this Agreement shall limit Borrower’Geophysical’s ability to make any (i) scheduled interest payments or mandatory prepayments within respect toof any 2016 Note, New Second Priority Debt or any other Junior Priority Debt, or any permitted renewal, exchange or refinancing in respect thereof or (ii) scheduled or otherwise mandatory payment at maturity of the 2016 Notes or New Second Priority Notes.

 

7.19        Other Agreements. Enter into any material amendment, waiver or modification of any Second Priority2016 Notes Documents, any New Second Priority Notes Documents or any other Junior Priority Debt Documents, or any related agreements, if the effect thereof would adversely and materially affect the rights of the Lenders under this Agreement, including the shortening of its maturity or average life or increasing the amount of any scheduled payments of principal, provided that the foregoing shall not prohibit the execution of (i) supplemental indentures associated with the incurrence of New Second Priority Debt or any other Junior Priority Debt to the extent permitted by Section 7.8 hereof, (ii) other indentures or agreements in connection with the incurrence of any Indebtedness incurred in respect of a permitted renewal, exchange or refinancing of New Second Priority Debt or any other Junior Priority Debt, (iii) supplemental indentures to add guarantors if required by the terms of any New Second Priority Debt or any other Junior Priority Debt, or any indentures or agreements in connection with Indebtedness incurred in respect of a permitted renewal, exchange or refinancing in respect thereof, provided Borrower shall have caused the additional guarantor to become a Guarantor hereunder, (iv) documents, amendments and supplemental indentures as permitted by the New Second Priority Intercreditor Agreement or any junior intercreditor agreement or (v) amendments, modifications, waivers or other changes that are acceptable to Agent in its sole discretion and not materially adverse to the Lenders.

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7.20        Membership / Partnership Interests. Designate or permit any of their Subsidiaries to (a) treat their limited liability company membership interests or partnership interests, as the case may be, as securities as contemplated by the definition of “security” in Section 8-102(15) and by Section 8-103 of Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code or (b) certificate their limited liability membership interests or partnership interests, as applicable.

 

7.21        Limitation on Restrictions on Subsidiary Distributions. Enter into or permit to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any domestic Subsidiary of any Loan Party to: (a) declare, pay or make any dividend or distribution in respect of any Equity Interests of such Subsidiary held by, or pay any indebtedness owed to, any Loan Party or any other Subsidiary of such Loan Party; (b) make loans or advances to, or Investments in, any Loan Party or any other Subsidiary of such Loan Party; and (c) transfer any of its assets to any Loan Party or any other Subsidiary of such Loan Party, except for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of: (i) any restrictions existing under this Agreement and the Other Documents, any 2016 Notes Documents, any New Second Priority Notes Documents or any other Junior Priority Debt Document; and (ii) any restrictions with respect to a Subsidiary imposed pursuant to an agreement that has been entered into in connection with the disposition of all or substantially all of the Equity Interests or assets of such Subsidiary.

 

VIII. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.

 

8.1          Conditions to Initial Advances. The agreement of Lenders to make the initial Advances requested to be made on the Closing Date is subject to the satisfaction, or waiver by Agent, immediately prior to or concurrently with the making of such Advances, of the following conditions precedent:

 

(a)          Note. Agent shall have received the Notes duly executed and delivered by an authorized officer of each Borrower;

 

(b)          Other Documents. Agent shall have received each of the executed Other Documents, as applicable;

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(c)          Intercreditor Agreement Joinder. Agent shall have entered into the Intercreditor Agreement Joinder with Borrowers, Second Priority Indenture Trustee and Second Priority Notes Collateral Agent and Borrowers shall have executed and delivered Exhibit III to the Intercreditor Agreement[Reserved];

 

(d)          Financial Condition Certificates. Agent shall have received an executed Financial Condition Certificate in the form of Exhibit 8.1(d);

 

(e)          Closing Certificate. Agent shall have received a closing certificate signed by the Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer or Controller of each Borrower dated as of the date hereof, stating that (i) all representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement and the Other Documents are true and correct in all material respects (except to the extent any such representation or warranty expressly is qualified by materiality or “Material Adverse Effect”, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of such date, and (ii) on such date no Default or Event of Default has occurred or is continuing;

 

(f)           Borrowing Base. Agent shall have received evidence from Borrowers that the aggregate amount of Eligible Domestic Receivables, Eligible Unbilled Receivables, Eligible Foreign Receivables and Eligible Inventory is sufficient in value and amount to support Advances in the amount requested by Borrowers on the Closing Date;

 

(g)          Excess Availability; Senior Secured Leverage Ratio. After giving effect to the initial Advances hereunder. Borrowers shall have (i) Excess Availability of at least $40,000,000 and (ii) a ratio of Senior Funded Debt to EBITDA (excluding, for the purposes of this Section 8.1(g), expenditures related directly to the Multi-Client Data Library) of not greater than 3.0 to 1.0, measured on a rolling four (4) quarter basis;

 

(h)          Blocked Accounts. Borrowers shall have opened the Depository Accounts with Agent or Agent shall have received duly executed agreements establishing the Blocked Accounts with financial institutions acceptable to Agent for the collection or servicing of the Receivables and proceeds of the Collateral and Agent shall have entered into control agreements with the applicable financial institutions in form and substance satisfactory to Agent with respect to such Blocked Accounts;

 

(i)           Second Priority Notes Documents. Agent shall have received final executed copies of the Second Priority Notes Documents, and all related agreements, documents and instruments as in effect on the Closing Date[Reserved];

 

(j)           Filings. Registrations and Recordings. Each document (including any Uniform Commercial Code financing statement) required by this Agreement, any related agreement or under law or reasonably requested by Agent to be filed, registered or recorded in order to create, in favor of Agent, a perfected security interest in or lien upon the Collateral shall have been properly filed, registered or recorded in each jurisdiction in which the filing, registration or recordation thereof is so required or requested, and Agent shall have received an acknowledgment copy, or other evidence satisfactory to it, of each such filing, registration or recordation and satisfactory evidence of the payment of any necessary fee, tax or expense relating thereto;

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(k)          Lien Waiver Agreements. Borrowers shall have used commercially reasonable efforts to obtain Lien Waiver Agreements with respect to all locations or places at which Inventory, Equipment and books and records are located;

 

(l)           Secretary’s Certificates, Authorizing Resolutions and Good Standings of Borrowers. Agent shall have received a certificate of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary (or other equivalent officer, partner or manager) of each Borrower in form and substance satisfactory to Agent dated as of the Closing Date which shall certify (i) copies of resolutions in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Agent, of the board of directors (or other equivalent governing body, member or partner) of such Borrower authorizing (x) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement, the Notes and each Other Document to which such Borrower is a party (including authorization of the incurrence of indebtedness, borrowing of Revolving Advances and Swing Loans and requesting of Letters of Credit on a joint and several basis with all Borrowers as provided for herein), and (y) the granting by such Borrower of the security interests in and liens upon the Collateral to secure all of the joint and several Obligations of Borrowers (and such certificate shall state that such resolutions have not been amended, modified, revoked or rescinded as of the date of such certificate), (ii) the incumbency and signature of the officers of such Borrower authorized to execute this Agreement and the Other Documents, (iii) copies of the Organizational Documents of such Borrower as in effect on such date, complete with all amendments thereto, and (iv) the good standing (or equivalent status) of such Borrower (to the extent the notion of “good standing” applies) in its jurisdiction of organization and each applicable jurisdiction where the conduct of such Borrower’s business activities or the ownership of its properties necessitates qualification, as evidenced by good standing certificate(s) (or the equivalent thereof issued by any applicable jurisdiction) (to the extent the notion of “good standing” applies) dated not more than 10 days prior to the Closing Date, issued by the Secretary of State or other appropriate official of each such jurisdiction;

 

(m)         [Reserved];

 

(n)          Legal Opinion. Agent shall have received the executed legal opinion of (i) the general counsel of Geophysical, with respect to certain corporate matters concerning Borrowers, and (ii) Mayer Brown LLP which shall cover such matters incident to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Notes, the Other Documents, and related agreements as Agent may reasonably require, each in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, and each Borrower hereby authorizes and directs such counsel to deliver such opinions to Agent and Lenders;

 

(o)          No Litigation. Except for the Patent Litigation, no litigation, investigation or proceeding before or by any arbitrator or Governmental Body shall be continuing or threatened against any Borrower or against the officers or directors of any Borrower (A) in connection with this Agreement or the Other Documents, or (B) which could, in the reasonable opinion of Agent, have a Material Adverse Effect; and (ii) no injunction, writ, restraining order or other order of any nature materially adverse to any Borrower or the conduct of its business or inconsistent with the due consummation of the Transactions shall have been issued by any Governmental Body;

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(p)          Collateral Examination. Agent shall have completed Collateral examinations and received appraisals, the results of which shall be satisfactory in form and substance to Agent, of the Receivables, Inventory, General Intangibles, machinery and equipment, Multi-Client Data Library and Intellectual Property of each Borrower and all books and records in connection therewith;

 

(q)          Fees. Agent shall have received all fees payable to Agent and Lenders on or prior to the Closing Date hereunder, including pursuant to Article III hereof and the Fee Letter;

 

(r)           Pro Forma Financial Statements. Agent shall have received a copy of the Pro Forma Financial Statements which shall be satisfactory in all respects to Agent;

 

(s)          Insurance. Agent shall have received in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, (i) evidence that adequate insurance, including without limitation, credit insurance with respect to Eligible Foreign Receivables and Eligible Unbilled Receivables, casualty and liability insurance, required to be maintained under this Agreement is in full force and effect, (ii) insurance certificates issued by Borrowers’ insurance broker containing such information regarding Borrowers’ casualty and liability insurance policies as Agent shall request and naming Agent as an additional insured, lenders loss payee and/or mortgagee, as applicable, and (iii) loss payable endorsements issued by Borrowers’ insurer naming Agent as lenders loss payee and mortgagee, as applicable;

 

(t)           [Reserved].

 

(u)          Payment Instructions. Agent shall have received written instructions from Borrowing Agent directing the application of proceeds of the initial Advances made pursuant to this Agreement;

 

(v)          Consents. Agent shall have received any and all Consents necessary to permit the effectuation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Other Documents; and. Agent shall have received such Consents and waivers of such third parties as might assert claims with respect to the Collateral, as Agent and its counsel shall deem necessary;

 

(w)         No Adverse Material Change. (i) Since March 31, 2014, there shall not have occurred any event, condition or state of facts which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and (ii) no representations made or information supplied to Agent or Lenders shall have been proven to be inaccurate or misleading in any material respect;

 

(x)          Contract Review. Agent shall have received and reviewed all Material Contracts of Borrowers including leases, union contracts, labor contracts, vendor supply contracts, license agreements and distributorship agreements and such contracts and agreements shall be satisfactory in all respects to Agent;

 

(y)         Compliance with Laws. Agent shall be reasonably satisfied that each Borrower is in compliance in all material respects with all pertinent federal, state, local or territorial regulations, including those with respect to the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Environmental Protection Act, ERISA and the Anti-Terrorism Laws; and

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(z)          Other. All corporate and other proceedings, and all documents, instruments and other legal matters in connection with the Transactions shall be satisfactory in form and substance to Agent and its counsel.

 

8.2          Conditions to Each Advance. The agreement of Lenders to make any Advance requested to be made on any date (including the initial Advance), is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent as of the date such Advance is made:

 

(a)          Representations and Warranties. Each of the representations and warranties made by any Borrower in or pursuant to this Agreement, the Other Documents and any related agreements to which it is a party, and each of the representations and warranties contained in any certificate, document or financial or other statement furnished at any time under or in connection with this Agreement, the Other Documents or any related agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects (except to the extent any such representation or warranty expressly is qualified by materiality or “Material Adverse Effect”, in which case such representations and warranties shall be true and correct in all respects) on and as of such date as if made on and as of such date (except to the extent any such representation or warranty expressly relates only to any earlier and/or specified date);

 

(b)          No Default. No Event of Default or Default shall have occurred and be continuing on such date, or would exist after giving effect to the Advances requested to be made, on such date; provided, however that Agent, in its sole discretion, may continue to make Advances notwithstanding the existence of an Event of Default or Default and that any Advances so made shall not be deemed a waiver of any such Event of Default or Default; and

 

(c)          Maximum Advances. In the case of any type of Advance requested to be made, after giving effect thereto, the aggregate amount of such type of Advance shall not exceed the maximum amount of such type of Advance permitted under this Agreement.

 

Each request for an Advance by any Borrower hereunder shall constitute a representation and warranty by each Borrower as of the date of such Advance that the conditions contained in this subsection shall have been satisfied.

 

IX. INFORMATION AS TO BORROWERS.

 

Each Borrower shall, or (except with respect to Section 9.11) shall cause Borrowing Agent on its behalf to, until satisfaction in full of the Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities) and the termination of this Agreement:

 

9.1          Disclosure of Material Matters. Promptly, but in any event, within two (2) Business Days of learning thereof, report to Agent all matters materially affecting the value, enforceability or collectability of any portion of the Collateral, including any Borrower’s reclamation or repossession of, or the return to any Borrower of, a material amount of goods or claims or disputes asserted by any Customer or other obligor.

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9.2         Schedules. Deliver to Agent on or before the fifteenth (15th) Business Day of each month as and for the prior month (or, upon the occurrence and during the continuation of a Cash Dominion Trigger Event, more frequently and for such periods as required by Agent) (a) accounts receivable ageings inclusive of reconciliations to the general ledger, (b) accounts payable schedules inclusive of reconciliations to the general ledger, (c) Inventory reports and (d) a Borrowing Base Certificate in form and substance satisfactory to Agent (which shall be calculated as of the last day of the prior month (provided that during the existence of a Cash Dominion Trigger Event, such Borrowing Base Certificates shall be delivered weekly on or before Tuesday of each week, calculated as of the last day of the prior week) and which, in any case, shall not be binding upon Agent or restrictive of Agent’s rights under this Agreement). In addition, upon the occurrence and during the continuation of a Cash Dominion Trigger Event, each Borrower will deliver to Agent at such intervals as Agent may reasonably require: (i) confirmatory assignment schedules; (ii) copies of Customer’s invoices; (iii) evidence of shipment or delivery; and (iv) such further schedules, documents and/or information regarding the Collateral as Agent may require including trial balances and test verifications. Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, Agent shall have the right to confirm and verify all Receivables by any manner and through any medium it considers advisable and do whatever it may deem reasonably necessary to protect its interests hereunder; provided that Agent shall endeavor to inform Borrower prior to any such confirmation or verification; provided, further, that the failure of Agent to so inform Borrower shall not give rise to any liability on the part of Agent. The items to be provided under this Section 9.2 are to be in form satisfactory to Agent and executed by each Borrower and delivered to Agent from time to time solely for Agent’s convenience in maintaining records of the Collateral, and any Borrower’s failure to deliver any of such items to Agent shall not affect, terminate, modify or otherwise limit Agent’s Lien with respect to the Collateral. Unless otherwise agreed to by Agent, the items to be provided under this Section 9.2 shall be delivered to Agent by the specific method of Approved Electronic Communication designated by Agent.

 

9.3          Environmental Reports.

 

(a)          Promptly following request by the Agent, furnish Agent with a certificate signed by the President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer or Controller of Borrowing Agent stating, to the best of his knowledge, that each Borrower is in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Environmental Laws (or, to the extent any Borrower is not in compliance with the foregoing laws, the certificate shall set forth with specificity all areas of non-compliance and the proposed action such Borrower will implement in order to achieve full compliance).

 

(b)          In the event any Borrower obtains, gives or receives notice of any Release or threat of Release of a reportable quantity of any Hazardous Materials at the Real Property (any such event being hereinafter referred to as a “Hazardous Discharge”) or receives any notice of violation, request for information or notification that it is potentially responsible for investigation or cleanup of environmental conditions at the Real Property, demand letter or complaint, order, citation, or other written notice with regard to any Hazardous Discharge or violation of Environmental Laws affecting the Real Property or any Borrower’s interest therein or the operations or the business (any of the foregoing is referred to herein as an “Environmental Complaint”) from any Person, including any Governmental Body, then Borrowing Agent shall, within five (5) Business Days, give written notice of same to Agent detailing facts and circumstances of which any Borrower is aware giving rise to the Hazardous Discharge or Environmental Complaint. Such information is to be provided to allow Agent to protect its security interest in and Lien on the Collateral and is not intended to create nor shall it create any obligation upon Agent or any Lender with respect thereto.

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(c)          Borrowing Agent shall promptly forward to Agent copies of any request for information, notification of potential liability, demand letter relating to potential responsibility with respect to the investigation or cleanup of Hazardous Materials at any other site owned, operated or used by any Borrower to manage of Hazardous Materials and shall continue to forward copies of correspondence between any Borrower and the Governmental Body regarding such claims to Agent until the claim is settled. Borrowing Agent shall promptly forward to Agent copies of all documents and reports concerning a Hazardous Discharge or Environmental Complaint at the Real Property, operations or business that any Borrower is required to file under any Environmental Laws. Such information is to be provided solely to allow Agent to protect Agent’s security interest in and Lien on the Collateral.

 

9.4         Litigation. Promptly notify Agent in writing of (a) any claim, litigation, suit or administrative proceeding affecting any Borrower, or any Guarantor, whether or not the claim is covered by insurance, and of any litigation, suit or administrative proceeding, which in any such case affects the Collateral or which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and (b) any material development in the Patent Litigation.

 

9.5         Material Occurrences. Promptly, but in any event, within three (3) Business Day, notify Agent in writing upon the occurrence of: (a) any Event of Default or Default; (b) any event of default under (i) the New Second Priority Notes Documents or (ii) under any other Junior Priority Debt Documents evidencing Junior Priority Debt in an aggregated principal amount exceeding $10,000,000; (c) any event which with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an event of default under (i) the New Second Priority Notes Documents or (ii) under any other Junior Priority Debt Documents evidencing Junior Priority Debt in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $10,000,000; (d) any event, development or circumstance whereby it is determined that any financial statements or other reports furnished to Agent fail in any material respect to present fairly, in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, the financial condition or operating results of any Borrower as of the date of such statements; (e) any accumulated retirement plan funding deficiency which, if such deficiency continued for two plan years and was not corrected as provided in Section 4971 of the Code, could subject any Borrower to a tax imposed by Section 4971 of the Code; (f) each and every default by any Borrower which might result in the acceleration of the maturity of any Material Indebtedness, including the names and addresses of the holders of such Material Indebtedness with respect to which there is a default existing or with respect to which the maturity has been or could be accelerated, and the amount of such Indebtedness; and (g) any other development in the business or affairs of any Borrower or any Guarantor, which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; in each case describing the nature thereof and the action Borrowers propose to take with respect thereto. For purposes of clause (d) of this Section 9.5, it is acknowledged by the parties hereto that a determination to restate or amend any financial statement or other report under GAAP or any other applicable rules or guidelines (including any rule or guideline promulgated by the SEC) shall not, in and of itself, constitute conclusive evidence that such financial statement or other report is inaccurate in any material respect for purposes of this Agreement or any Other AgreementDocument; provided that Borrowing Agent shall, in any event, give Agent notice of any such restatement or amendment in accordance with this Section 9.5.

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9.6          Government Receivables. Notify Agent promptly if, at any time, the aggregate amount of its Receivables arising out of contracts between any Borrower and the United States, any state, or any department, agency or instrumentality of any of them exceeds $1,000,000.

 

9.7          Annual Financial Statements. Furnish Agent and Lenders within one hundred twenty (120) days after the end of each fiscal year of Borrowers, financial statements of Borrowers on a consolidating and consolidated basis including, but not limited to, statements of income and stockholders’ equity and cash flow from the beginning of the current fiscal year to the end of such fiscal year and the balance sheet as at the end of such fiscal year, all prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a basis consistent with prior practices, and in reasonable detail and reported upon without qualification (other than going concern qualifications with respect to the maturity of the Revolving Commitments within twelve (12) months of the delivery of such financial statements) by an independent certified public accounting firm selected by Borrowers and satisfactory to Agent; provided that (i) to the extent that Borrowing Agent shall have delivered to Agent an Annual Report on Form 10-K (or notice that an Annual Report on Form 10-K has been filed with the SEC), such delivery shall be deemed to satisfy the foregoing requirements of this Section 9.7, and (ii) no Event of Default shall be deemed to have occurred in connection with the filing of Geophysical’s 2020 Form 10-K in February 2021. In addition, the reports shall be accompanied by a Compliance Certificate.

 

9.8          Quarterly Financial Statements. Furnish Agent and Lenders within forty-five (45) days after the end of each fiscal quarter, an unaudited balance sheet of Borrowers on a consolidated and consolidating basis and unaudited statements of income and stockholders’ equity and cash flow of Borrowers on a consolidated and consolidating basis reflecting results of operations from the beginning of the fiscal year to the end of such quarter and for such quarter, prepared on a basis consistent with prior practices and complete and correct in all material respects, subject to normal and recurring year-end adjustments that individually and in the aggregate are not material to Borrowers’ business operations and setting forth in comparative form the respective financial statements for the corresponding date and period in the previous fiscal year; provided that to the extent that Borrowing Agent shall have delivered to Agent a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (or notice that a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q has been filed with the SEC), such delivery shall be deemed to satisfy the foregoing requirements of this Section 9.8. The reports shall be accompanied by a Compliance Certificate, which shall include the Leverage Ratio for the trailing four quarter period ending on the last day of such fiscal quarter.

 

9.9         Royalty Obligation Reports. Furnish Agent within fifteen (15) Business Days after the end of each month (or more frequently as reasonably required by Agent) a royalty obligation report for such month in form and content satisfactory to Agent.

 

9.10        Other Reports. Furnish Agent as soon as available, but in any event within ten (10) days after the issuance thereof, (a) with copies of all notices, financial statements, reports and other materials as each Borrower shall send to the SEC (or notice that any of the foregoing has been filed with the SEC) and (b) copies of all notices, reports, financial statements and other materials sent pursuant to (i) the Second Priority2016 Notes Documents, (ii) the New Second Priority Notes Documents or (ii) underiii) any other Junior Priority Debt Documents evidencing Junior Priority Debt in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $10,000,000.

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9.11        Additional Information. Furnish Agent with such additional information as Agent shall reasonably request in order to enable Agent to determine whether the terms, covenants, provisions and conditions of this Agreement and the Notes have been complied with by Borrowers including, without the necessity of any request by Agent, (a) copies of all environmental audits and reviews, (b) at least ten (10) days prior thereto, notice of any Borrower’s opening of any new office or place of business or any Borrower’s closing of any existing office or place of business, and (c) promptly upon any Borrower’s learning thereof, notice of any material labor dispute to which any Borrower may become a party, any strikes or walkouts relating to any of its plants or other facilities, and the expiration of any labor contract to which any Borrower is a party or by which any Borrower is bound.

 

9.12        Projected Operating Budget. Furnish Agent and Lenders, no later than sixty (60) days after the beginning of each Borrower’s fiscal years commencing with fiscal year 2015, a month by month projected operating budget and cash flow of Borrowers on a consolidated and consolidating basis for such fiscal year (including an income statement for each month and a balance sheet as at the end of the last month in each fiscal quarter), such projections to be accompanied by a certificate signed by the President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer or Controller of each Borrower to the effect that such projections have been prepared on the basis of sound financial planning practice consistent with past budgets and financial statements and that such officer has no reason to question the reasonableness of any material assumptions on which such projections were prepared.

 

9.13        [Reserved].

 

9.14        Notice of Suits, Adverse Events. Furnish Agent with prompt written notice of (i) any lapse or other termination of any Consent issued to any Borrower by any Governmental Body or any other Person which lapse or termination could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, (ii) any refusal by any Governmental Body or any other Person to renew or extend any such Consent which refusal could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and (iii) copies of any periodic or special reports filed by any Borrower or any Guarantor with any Governmental Body or Person, if such reports indicate any material change in the business, operations, affairs or condition of any Borrower or any Guarantor, or if copies thereof are requested by Lender, and (iv) copies of any material notices and other communications from any Governmental Body or Person which specifically relate to any Borrower or any Guarantor.

 

9.15        ERISA Notices and Requests. Furnish Agent with prompt written notice in the event that (i) any Borrower or any member of its Controlled Group has established or become obligated to contribute to a Pension Benefit Plan or become obligated to contribute to a Multiemployer Plan, or (ii) any Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group knows or has reason to know that a Termination Event has occurred, together with a written statement describing such Termination Event and the action, if any, which such Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group has taken, is taking, or proposes to take with respect thereto and, when known, any action taken or threatened by the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Labor or PBGC with respect thereto, (iii) a funding waiver request has been filed with respect to any Plan together with all communications received by any Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group with respect to such request, (iv) any increase in the benefits of any existing Plan or the establishment of any new Plan or the commencement of contributions to any Plan to which any Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group was not previously contributing shall occur, (v) any Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group shall receive from the PBGC a notice of intention to terminate a Plan or to have a trustee appointed to administer a Plan, together with copies of each such notice, (vi) any Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group shall receive any favorable or unfavorable determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service regarding the qualification of a Plan under Section 401(a) of the Code, together with copies of each such letter; (vii) any Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group shall receive a notice regarding the imposition of withdrawal liability, together with copies of each such notice; (viii) any Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group shall fail to make a required installment or any other required payment under the Code or ERISA on or before the due date for such installment or payment; or (ix) any Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group knows that (a) a Multiemployer Plan has been terminated, (b) the administrator or plan sponsor of a Multiemployer Plan intends to terminate a Multiemployer Plan, (c) the PBGC has instituted or will institute proceedings under Section 4042 of ERISA to terminate a Multiemployer Plan or (d) a Multiemployer Plan is subject to Section 432 of the Code or Section 305 of ERISA.

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9.16        Additional Documents. Execute and deliver to Agent, upon request, such documents and agreements as Agent may, from time to time, reasonably request to carry out the purposes, terms or conditions of this Agreement.

 

9.17        Updates to Certain Schedules. Deliver to Agent promptly as shall be required to maintain the related representations and warranties as true and correct, updates to Schedules 4.4 (Locations of Equipment and Inventory), 5.2 (States of Qualification and Good Standing; Subsidiaries), 5.9 (Intellectual Property, 5.24 (Equity Interests), 5.25 (Commercial Tort Claims), and 5.26 (Letter-of-Credit Rights); provided that absent the occurrence and continuance of any Event of Default, Borrowers shall only be required to provide such updates on a quarterly basis in connection with delivery of a Compliance Certificate with respect to the applicable fiscal quarter. Any such updated Schedules delivered by Borrowers to Agent in accordance with this Section 9.17 shall automatically and immediately be deemed to amend and restate the prior version of such Schedule previously delivered to Agent and attached to and made part of this Agreement.

 

9.18        Financial Disclosure. Each Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes and directs all accountants and auditors employed by such Borrower at any time during the Term to exhibit and deliver to Agent and each Lender copies of any of such Borrower’s financial statements, trial balances or other accounting records of any sort in the accountant’s or auditor’s possession, and to disclose to Agent and each Lender any information such accountants may have concerning such Borrower’s financial status and business operations. Each Borrower hereby authorizes all Governmental Bodies to furnish to Agent and each Lender copies of reports or examinations relating to such Borrower, whether made by such Borrower or otherwise; however, Agent and each Lender will attempt to obtain such information or materials directly from such Borrower prior to obtaining such information or materials from such accountants or Governmental Bodies.

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X. EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

 

The occurrence of any one or more of the following events shall constitute an “Event of Default”:

 

10.1        Nonpayment. Failure by any Borrower to pay (a) any principal on the Advances when due (including without limitation pursuant to Section 2.9), or (b) any interest, other fee, charge, amount or liability provided for herein or in any Other Document, within three (3) Business Days following the due date thereof, in each case whether at maturity, by reason of acceleration pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, by notice of intention to prepay or by required prepayment;

 

10.2        Breach of Representation. Any representation or warranty made or deemed made by any Borrower or any Guarantor in this Agreement, any Other Document or any related agreement or in any certificate, document or financial or other statement furnished at any time in connection herewith or therewith shall prove to have been incorrect or misleading in any material respect on the date when made or deemed to have been made;

 

10.3        Financial Information. Failure by any Borrower to (i) furnish financial information required to be delivered pursuant to Article IX (other than Sections 9.9, 9.10, 9.11 or 9.12) when due, or (ii) permit the inspection of its books or records or access to its premises for field examinations, audits and appraisals in accordance with the terms hereof;

 

10.4        Judicial Actions. Issuance of a notice of Lien, levy, assessment, injunction or attachment (a) against any Borrower’s Inventory or Receivables or (b) against a material portion of any Borrower’s other property, such Lien, levy, assessment, injunction or attachment shall remain undischarged for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, shall not be in effect;

 

10.5        Noncompliance. Except as otherwise provided for in Sections 10.1, 10.3 and 10.5(ii), (i) failure or neglect of any Borrower, any Guarantor or any Person to perform, keep or observe any term, provision, condition, covenant contained in Sections 4.6, 4.7, 6.2 or 6.5 or Articles VII or IX, (ii) failure or neglect of any Borrower to the furnish financial information required under Sections 9.9, 9.10, 9.11 or 9.12 when due, which is not cured within ten (10) days from the occurrence of such failure or neglect, or (iii) failure or neglect of any Borrower to perform, keep or observe any other term, provision, condition or covenant, contained herein, or contained in any Other Document or any other agreement or arrangement, now or hereafter entered into between any Borrower, any Guarantor or such Person, and Agent or any Lender which is not cured within thirty (30) days from any Borrower having become aware of the occurrence of such failure or neglect;

 

10.6        Judgments. Any (a) judgment or judgments, writ(s), order(s) or decree(s) for the payment of money are rendered against any Borrower or any Guarantor for an aggregate amount (exclusive of amounts fully covered by valid and collectible independent third-party insurance in respect thereof) in excess of $20,000,000 and (b) (i) such judgment shall remain undischarged for a period of forty-five (45) consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, shall not be in effect, or (ii) any Liens arising by virtue of the rendition, entry or issuance of such judgment upon assets or properties of any Borrower or any Guarantor shall be senior to any Liens in favor of Agent on such assets or properties;

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10.7        Bankruptcy. Any Borrower or any Guarantor shall (i) apply for, consent to or suffer the appointment of, or the taking of possession by, a receiver, custodian, trustee, liquidator or similar fiduciary of itself or of all or a substantial part of its property, (ii) admit in writing its inability, or be generally unable, to pay its debts as they become due or cease operations of its present business, (iii) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, (iv) commence a voluntary case under any state or federal bankruptcy or receivership laws (as now or hereafter in effect), (v) be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent (including by entry of any order for relief in any involuntary bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding commenced against it), (vi) file a petition seeking to take advantage of any other law providing for the relief of debtors, (vii) acquiesce to, or fail to have dismissed, within forty-five (45) days, any petition filed against it in any involuntary case under such bankruptcy laws, or (viii) take any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing; provided, however, that no Event of Default shall be deemed to have occurred in connection with the filing of Geophysical’s 2020 Form 10-K in February 2021;

 

10.8        [Reserved];

 

10.9        Lien Priority. Any Lien created hereunder or provided for hereby or under any related agreement for any reason ceases to be or is not a valid and perfected Lien having a first priority interest (subject only to Permitted Encumbrances that have priority as a matter of Applicable Law), except as otherwise permitted in accordance with this Agreement or any Other Document;

 

10.10      New Second Priority Notes Default; Junior Priority Debt Default. An event of default has occurred under the New Second Priority Notes Documents or any other Junior Priority Debt Document, which default shall not have been cured or waived within any applicable grace period, or if any Person party to the New Second Priority Intercreditor Agreement or any junior intercreditor agreement concerning Junior Priority Debt breaches or violates, or attempts to terminate or challenge the validity of, the New Second Priority Intercreditor Agreement or such junior intercreditor agreement;

 

10.11      Cross Default. Any specified “event of default” under any Indebtedness (other than the Obligations) of any Borrower with a then-outstanding aggregate principal balance (or, in the case of any Indebtedness not so denominated, with a then-outstanding aggregate total obligation amount) of $20,000,000 or more (“Material Indebtedness”), or any other event or circumstance which would permit the holder of any such Material Indebtedness of any Borrower to accelerate such Indebtedness (and/or the obligations of any Borrower thereunder) prior to the scheduled maturity or termination thereof, shall occur (regardless of whether the holder of such Material Indebtedness shall actually accelerate, terminate or otherwise exercise any rights or remedies with respect to such Indebtedness), provided that this Section 10.11 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;

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10.12      Breach of Guaranty or Pledge Agreement. Termination or material breach of any Guaranty, Guarantor Security Agreement, Pledge Agreement or similar agreement executed and delivered to Agent in connection with the Obligations of any Borrower, or if any Guarantor or pledgor attempts to terminate, challenges the validity of, or its liability under, any such Guaranty, Guarantor Security Agreement, Pledge Agreement or similar agreement;

 

10.13      Change of Control. Any Change of Control shall occur;

 

10.14      Invalidity. Any material provision of this Agreement or any Other Document shall, for any reason, cease to be valid and binding on any Borrower or any Guarantor, or any Borrower or any Guarantor shall so claim in writing to Agent or any Lender or any Borrower challenges the validity of or its liability under this Agreement or any Other Document;

 

10.15      Seizures. Any (a) portion of the Collateral having an aggregate value in excess of $1,000,000 shall be seized, subject to garnishment or taken by a Governmental Body, or any Borrower or any Guarantor, or (b) the title and rights of any Borrower, any Guarantor or any Original Owner which is the owner of any material portion of the Collateral shall have become the subject matter of claim, litigation, suit, garnishment or other proceeding which might, in the opinion of Agent, upon final determination, result in impairment or loss of the security provided by this Agreement or the Other Documents;

 

10.16      [Reserved];

 

10.17      Pension Plans. A Termination Event shall have occurred that, in the reasonable judgment of Agent, when taken together with all other Termination Events that have occurred (if any), could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

 

10.18      Anti-Money Laundering/International Trade Law Compliance. Any representation or warranty contained in Section 16.18 is or becomes false or misleading at any time.

 

XI. LENDERS’ RIGHTS AND REMEDIES AFTER DEFAULT.

 

11.1        Rights and Remedies.

 

(a)          Upon the occurrence of: (i) an Event of Default pursuant to Section 10.7 (other than Section 10.7(vii)), all Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities) shall be immediately due and payable and this Agreement and the obligation of Lenders to make Advances shall be deemed terminated, (ii) any of the other Events of Default and at any time thereafter, at the option of Agent or at the direction of Required Lenders all Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities) shall be immediately due and payable and Agent or Required Lenders shall have the right to terminate this Agreement and to terminate the obligation of Lenders to make Advances; and (iii) without limiting Section 8.2 hereof, any Default under Section 10.7(vii) hereof, the obligation of Lenders to make Advances hereunder shall be suspended until such time as such involuntary petition shall be dismissed. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default and while such Event of Default is continuing, Agent shall have the right to exercise any and all rights and remedies provided for herein, under the Other Documents, under the Uniform Commercial Code and at law or equity generally, including the right to foreclose the security interests granted herein and to realize upon any Collateral by any available judicial procedure and/or to take possession of and sell any or all of the Collateral with or without judicial process. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default and while such Event of Default is continuing, Agent may enter any of any Borrower’s premises or other premises without legal process and without incurring liability to any Borrower therefor, and Agent may thereupon, or at any time thereafter, in its discretion without notice or demand, take the Collateral and remove the same to such place as Agent may deem advisable and Agent may require Borrowers to make the Collateral available to Agent at a convenient place. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, with or without having the Collateral at the time or place of sale, Agent may sell the Collateral, or any part thereof, at public or private sale, at any time or place, in one or more sales, at such price or prices, and upon such terms, either for cash, credit or future delivery, as Agent may elect. Except as to that part of the Collateral which is perishable or threatens to decline speedily in value or is of a type customarily sold on a recognized market, Agent shall give Borrowers reasonable notification of such sale or sales, it being agreed that in all events written notice mailed to Borrowing Agent at least ten (10) days prior to such sale or sales is reasonable notification. At any public sale Agent or any Lender may bid (including credit bid) for and become the purchaser, and Agent, any Lender or any other purchaser at any such sale thereafter shall hold the Collateral sold absolutely free from any claim or right of whatsoever kind, including any equity of redemption and all such claims, rights and equities are hereby expressly waived and released by each Borrower. In connection with the exercise of the foregoing remedies, including the sale of Inventory, Agent is granted a perpetual nonrevocable, royalty free, nonexclusive license and Agent is granted permission to use all of each Borrower’s (a) Intellectual Property which is used or useful in connection with Inventory for the purpose of marketing, advertising for sale and selling or otherwise disposing of such Inventory and (b) equipment for the purpose of completing the manufacture of unfinished goods. The cash proceeds realized from the sale of any Collateral shall be applied to the Obligations in the order set forth in Section 11.5 hereof. Noncash proceeds will only be applied to the Obligations as they are converted into cash. If any deficiency shall arise, Borrowers shall remain liable to Agent and Lenders therefor.

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(b)          To the extent that Applicable Law imposes duties on Agent to exercise remedies in a commercially reasonable manner, each Borrower acknowledges and agrees that it is not commercially unreasonable for Agent: (i) to fail to incur expenses reasonably deemed significant by Agent to prepare Collateral for disposition or otherwise to complete raw material or work in process into finished goods or other finished products for disposition; (ii) to fail to obtain third party consents for access to Collateral to be disposed of, or to obtain or, if not required by other law, to fail to obtain governmental or third party consents for the collection or disposition of Collateral to be collected or disposed of; (iii) to fail to exercise collection remedies against Customers or other Persons obligated on Collateral or to remove Liens on or any adverse claims against Collateral; (iv) to exercise collection remedies against Customers and other Persons obligated on Collateral directly or through the use of collection agencies and other collection specialists; (v) to advertise dispositions of Collateral through publications or media of general circulation, whether or not the Collateral is of a specialized nature; (vi) to contact other Persons, whether or not in the same business as any Borrower, for expressions of interest in acquiring all or any portion of such Collateral; (vii) to hire one or more professional auctioneers to assist in the disposition of Collateral, whether or not the Collateral is of a specialized nature; (viii) to dispose of Collateral by utilizing internet sites that provide for the auction of assets of the types included in the Collateral or that have the reasonable capacity of doing so, or that match buyers and sellers of assets; (ix) to dispose of assets in wholesale rather than retail markets; (x) to disclaim disposition warranties, such as title, possession or quiet enjoyment, (xi) to purchase insurance or credit enhancements to insure Agent against risks of loss, collection or disposition of Collateral or to provide to Agent a guaranteed return from the collection or disposition of Collateral; or (xii) to the extent deemed appropriate by the Agent, to obtain the services of other brokers, investment bankers, consultants and other professionals to assist Agent in the collection or disposition of any of the Collateral. Each Borrower acknowledges that the purpose of this Section 11.1(b) is to provide non-exhaustive indications of what actions or omissions by Agent would not be commercially unreasonable in Agent’s exercise of remedies against the Collateral and that other actions or omissions by Agent shall not be deemed commercially unreasonable solely on account of not being indicated in this Section 11.1(b). Without limitation upon the foregoing, nothing contained in this Section 11.1(b) shall be construed to grant any rights to any Borrower or to impose any duties on Agent that would not have been granted or imposed by this Agreement or by Applicable Law in the absence of this Section 11.1(b), and in no event shall Collateral supporting the GX Mexico Obligations or any property or assets of GX Mexico be used in any matter to satisfy the Obligations of any U.S. Borrower (and nothing in this Article XIV shall be construed to permit such use).

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11.2        Agent’s Discretion. Agent shall have the right in its sole discretion to determine which rights, Liens, security interests or remedies Agent may at any time pursue, relinquish, subordinate, or modify, which procedures, timing and methodologies to employ, and what any other action to take with respect to any or all of the Collateral and in what order, thereto and such determination will not in any way modify or affect any of Agent’s or Lenders’ rights hereunder as against Borrowers or each other; provided that the Agent shall not have any right to take any action that would permit the Collateral supporting the GX Mexico Obligations to be used to satisfy the Obligations of any U.S. Borrower.

 

11.3        Setoff. Subject to Section 14.13, in addition to any other rights which Agent or any Lender may have under Applicable Law, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default hereunder, Agent and such Lender shall have a right, immediately and without notice of any kind, to apply any U.S. Borrower’s, property held by Agent and such Lender or any of their Affiliates to reduce the Obligations of GX Mexico; provided that no Collateral supporting the GX Mexico Obligations or any assets or property of GX Mexico shall be used to satisfy the Obligations of any U.S. Borrower.

 

11.4        Rights and Remedies not Exclusive. The enumeration of the foregoing rights and remedies is not intended to be exhaustive and the exercise of any rights or remedy shall not preclude the exercise of any other right or remedies provided for herein or otherwise provided by law, all of which shall be cumulative and not alternative.

 

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11.5        Allocation of Payments After Event of Default. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, all amounts collected or received by Agent on account of the Obligations (including without limitation any amounts on account of any of Cash Management Liabilities or Hedge Liabilities) or in respect of the Collateral shall be paid over or delivered as follows:

 

FIRST, to the payment of all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) of Agent in connection with enforcing its rights and the rights of Lenders under this Agreement and the Other Documents, and any Out-of-Formula Loans and Protective Advances funded by Agent with respect to the Collateral under or pursuant to the terms of this Agreement;

 

SECOND, to payment of any fees owed to Agent;

 

THIRD, to the payment of all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) of each of the Lenders to the extent owing to such Lender pursuant to the terms of this Agreement;

 

FOURTH, to the payment of all of the Obligations consisting of accrued interest on account of the Swing Loans;

 

FIFTH, to the payment of the outstanding principal amount of the Obligations consisting of Swing Loans;

 

SIXTH, to the payment of all Obligations arising under this Agreement and the Other Documents consisting of accrued fees and interest (other than interest in respect of Swing Loans paid pursuant to clause FOURTH above);

 

SEVENTH, to the payment of the outstanding principal amount of the Obligations (other than principal in respect of Swing Loans paid pursuant to clause FIFTH above) arising under this Agreement (other than Cash Management Liabilities and Hedge Liabilities) (including the payment or cash collateralization of any outstanding Letters of Credit in accordance with Section 3.2(b) hereof);

 

EIGHTH, to all other Obligations arising under this Agreement (other than Cash Management Liabilities and Hedge Liabilities) which shall have become due and payable (hereunder, under the Other Documents or otherwise) and not repaid pursuant to clauses “FIRST” through “SEVENTH” above;

 

NINTH, to any Cash Management Liabilities and Hedge Liabilities which shall have become due and payable or otherwise and not repaid pursuant to Clauses “FIRST” through “EIGHTH” above;

 

TENTH, to all other Obligations which shall have become due and payable and not repaid pursuant to clauses “FIRST” through “NINTH”; and

 

ELEVENTH, to the payment of the surplus, if any, to whoever may be lawfully entitled to receive such surplus

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provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, no Collateral supporting the GX Mexico Obligations or any assets or property of GX Mexico shall be used to satisfy the Obligations of any U.S. Borrower.

 

In carrying out the foregoing, (i) amounts received shall be applied in the numerical order provided until exhausted prior to application to the next succeeding category; (ii) each of the Lenders shall receive (so long as it is not a Defaulting Lender) an amount equal to its pro rata share (based on the proportion that the then outstanding Advances, Cash Management Liabilities and Hedge Liabilities held by such Lender bears to the aggregate then outstanding Advances, Cash Management Liabilities and Hedge Liabilities) of amounts available to be applied pursuant to clauses “SIXTH”, “SEVENTH”, “EIGHTH” and “TENTH” above; and, with respect to clause “NINTH” above, an amount equal to its pro rata share (based on the proportion that the then outstanding Cash Management Liabilities and Hedge Liabilities held by such Lender bears to the aggregate then outstanding Cash Management Liabilities and Hedge Liabilities; and (iii) notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 11.5, no Swap Obligations of any Non-Qualifying Party shall be paid with amounts received from such Non-Qualifying Party under its Guaranty (including sums received as a result of the exercise of remedies with respect to such Guaranty) or from the proceeds of such Non-Qualifying Party’s Collateral if such Swap Obligations would constitute Excluded Hedge Liabilities, provided, however, that to the extent possible appropriate adjustments shall be made with respect to payments and/or the proceeds of Collateral from other Borrowers and/or Guarantors that are Eligible Contract Participants with respect to such Swap Obligations to preserve the allocation to Obligations otherwise set forth above in this Section 11.5; and (iv) to the extent that any amounts available for distribution pursuant to clause “SEVENTH” above are attributable to the issued but undrawn amount of outstanding Letters of Credit, such amounts shall be held by Agent as cash collateral for the Letters of Credit pursuant to Section 3.2(b) hereof and applied (A) first, to reimburse Issuer from time to time for any drawings under such Letters of Credit and (B) then, following the expiration of all Letters of Credit, to all other obligations of the types described in clauses “SEVENTH,” “EIGHTH”, “NINTH”, and “TENTH” above in the manner provided in this Section 11.5. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the assets of GX Mexico shall only be applied to pay down the GX Mexico Obligations.

 

XII. WAIVERS AND JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS.

 

12.1    Waiver of Notice. Each Borrower hereby waives notice of non-payment of any of the Receivables, demand, presentment, protest and notice thereof with respect to any and all instruments, notice of acceptance hereof, notice of loans or advances made, credit extended, Collateral received or delivered, or any other action taken in reliance hereon, and all other demands and notices of any description, except such as are expressly provided for herein.

 

12.2    Delay. No delay or omission on Agent’s or any Lender’s part in exercising any right, remedy or option shall operate as a waiver of such or any other right, remedy or option or of any Default or Event of Default.

 

12.3    Jury Waiver. EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, COUNTERCLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION (A) ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER DOCUMENT OR ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT, DOCUMENT OR AGREEMENT EXECUTED OR DELIVERED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH, OR (B) IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO OR ANY OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER DOCUMENT OR ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT, DOCUMENT OR AGREEMENT EXECUTED OR DELIVERED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH, OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED HERETO OR THERETO IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER SOUNDING IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE AND EACH PARTY HEREBY CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, COUNTERCLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY, AND THAT ANY PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS SECTION WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENTS OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

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XIII. EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERMINATION.

 

13.1    Term. This Agreement, which shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the respective successors and permitted assigns of each Borrower, Agent and each Lender, shall become effective on the date hereof and shall continue in full force and effect until the Scheduled Maturity Date, provided that this Agreement shall terminate on September 15, 2021 in the event that neither of the following conditions has been satisfied on or prior to that date: (i) the maturity date of the Second Priority Notes is extended to a date not earlier than October 31, 2023, (ii) the Second Priority Notes have been retired, or (iii) an Acceptable Second Priority Note Plan (as hereinafter defined) has been submitted by the Borrowers do not have sufficient unencumbered cash on-hand to cause the Agent and accepted by the Agent in its Permitted Discretion. If an Acceptable Second Priority Note Plan has been accepted by the Agent then this Agreement shall terminate on October 31, 2021 if and only if neither clauses (i) or (ii) have been satisfied prior to such date. As used herein, (i) “Term” shall mean the termination date of this Agreement as provided in this Section 13.1 and (ii) “Acceptable Second Priority Note Plan” shall mean a written proposal submitted by the Borrowers to the Agent summarizing a plan to obtain the extension of the maturity date and/or refinancing of the Second Priorityindefeasible payment in full of the 2016 Notes, as contemplated by on such clauses (i) or (ii), identifying in reasonable detail how the plan will be executed and indicating a probability of success, in the Borrowers’ reasonable judgment. In each case, unless sooner terminated as herein provideddate without using proceeds of Revolving Advances. Borrowers may terminate this Agreement at any time upon ten (10) days prior written notice to Agent upon payment in full of the Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities) (provided that any such notice of termination may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities, in which case such notice may be revoked by such Borrower (by notice to Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied).

 

13.2    Termination. The termination of the Agreement shall not affect Agent’s or any Lender’s rights, or any of the Obligations having their inception prior to the effective date of such termination or any Obligations which pursuant to the terms hereof continue to accrue after such date, and the provisions hereof shall continue to be fully operative until all transactions entered into, rights or interests created and Obligations (other than contingent Obligations not then due and payable) have been fully and paid, disposed of, concluded or liquidated. The security interests, Liens and rights granted to Agent and Lenders hereunder and the financing statements filed hereunder shall continue in full force and effect, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement or the fact that Borrowers’ Account may from time to time be temporarily in a zero or credit position, until all of the Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities) of each Borrower have been paid and performed in full after the termination of this Agreement or each Loan Party has furnished Agent and Lenders with an indemnification satisfactory to Agent and Lenders with respect thereto. Accordingly, each Loan Party waives any rights which it may have under the Uniform Commercial Code to demand the filing of termination statements with respect to the Collateral, and Agent shall not be required to send such termination statements to each Loan Party, or to file them with any filing office, unless and until this Agreement shall have been terminated in accordance with its terms and all Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities) have been paid in full in immediately available funds. All representations, warranties, covenants, waivers and agreements contained herein shall survive termination hereof until all Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities) are paid and performed in full.

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XIV. REGARDING AGENT.

 

14.1    Appointment. Each Lender hereby designates PNC to act as Agent for such Lender under this Agreement and the Other Documents. Each Lender hereby irrevocably authorizes Agent to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and the Other Documents and to exercise such powers and to perform such duties hereunder and thereunder as are specifically delegated to or required of Agent by the terms hereof and thereof and such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto and Agent shall hold all Collateral, payments of principal and interest, fees (except the fees set forth in Sections 2.8(b), 3.3(a) and 3.4 and the Fee Letter), charges and collections received pursuant to this Agreement, for the ratable benefit of Lenders. Agent may perform any of its duties hereunder by or through its agents or employees. As to any matters not expressly provided for by this Agreement (including collection of the Note) Agent shall not be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, but shall be required to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the instructions of Required Lenders, and such instructions shall be binding; provided, however, that Agent shall not be required to take any action which, in Agent’s discretion, exposes Agent to liability or which is contrary to this Agreement or the Other Documents or Applicable Law unless Agent is furnished with an indemnification reasonably satisfactory to Agent with respect thereto.

 

14.2    Nature of Duties. Agent shall have no duties or responsibilities except those expressly set forth in this Agreement and the Other Documents. Neither Agent nor any of its officers, directors, employees or agents shall be (i) liable for any action taken or omitted by them as such hereunder or in connection herewith, unless caused by their gross (not mere) negligence or willful misconduct (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final nonappealable judgment), or (ii) responsible in any manner for any recitals, statements, representations or warranties made by any Borrower or any officer thereof contained in this Agreement, or in any of the Other Documents or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by Agent under or in connection with, this Agreement or any of the Other Documents or for the value, validity, effectiveness, genuineness, due execution, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement, or any of the Other Documents or for any failure of any Borrower to perform its obligations hereunder. Agent shall not be under any obligation to any Lender to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Agreement or any of the Other Documents, or to inspect the properties, books or records of any Borrower. The duties of Agent as respects the Advances to Borrowers shall be mechanical and administrative in nature; Agent shall not have by reason of this Agreement a fiduciary relationship in respect of any Lender; and nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to or shall be so construed as to impose upon Agent any obligations in respect of this Agreement or the transactions described herein except as expressly set forth herein.

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14.3    Lack of Reliance on Agent. Independently and without reliance upon Agent or any other Lender, each Lender has made and shall continue to make (i) its own independent investigation of the financial condition and affairs of each Borrower and each Guarantor in connection with the making and the continuance of the Advances hereunder and the taking or not taking of any action in connection herewith, and (ii) its own appraisal of the creditworthiness of each Borrower and each Guarantor. Agent shall have no duty or responsibility, either initially or on a continuing basis, to provide any Lender with any credit or other information with respect thereto, whether coming into its possession before making of the Advances or at any time or times thereafter except as shall be provided by any Borrower pursuant to the terms hereof. Agent shall not be responsible to any Lender for any recitals, statements, information, representations or warranties herein or in any agreement, document, certificate or a statement delivered in connection with or for the execution, effectiveness, genuineness, validity, enforceability, collectability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any Other Document, or of the financial condition of any Borrower or any Guarantor, or be required to make any inquiry concerning either the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions or conditions of this Agreement, the Note, the Other Documents or the financial condition or prospects of any Borrower, or the existence of any Event of Default or any Default.

 

14.4    Resignation of Agent; Successor Agent. Agent may resign on sixty (60) days written notice to each Lender and Borrowing Agent and upon such resignation, Required Lenders will promptly designate a successor Agent reasonably satisfactory to Borrowers (provided that no such approval by Borrowers shall be required (i) in any case where the successor Agent is one of the Lenders or (ii) after the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default). Any such successor Agent shall succeed to the rights, powers and duties of Agent, and shall in particular succeed to all of Agent’s right, title and interest in and to all of the Liens in the Collateral securing the Obligations created hereunder or any Other Document (including the Pledge Agreement and all account control agreements), and the term “Agent” shall mean such successor agent effective upon its appointment, and the former Agent’s rights, powers and duties as Agent shall be terminated, without any other or further act or deed on the part of such former Agent. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, if at the time of the effectiveness of the new Agent’s appointment, any further actions need to be taken in order to provide for the legally binding and valid transfer of any Liens in the Collateral from former Agent to new Agent and/or for the perfection of any Liens in the Collateral as held by new Agent or it is otherwise not then possible for new Agent to become the holder of a fully valid, enforceable and perfected Lien as to any of the Collateral, former Agent shall continue to hold such Liens solely as agent for perfection of such Liens on behalf of new Agent until such time as new Agent can obtain a fully valid, enforceable and perfected Lien on all Collateral, provided that Agent shall not be required to or have any liability or responsibility to take any further actions after such date as such agent for perfection to continue the perfection of any such Liens (other than to forego from taking any affirmative action to release any such Liens). After any Agent’s resignation as Agent, the provisions of this Article XIV, and any indemnification rights under this Agreement, including rights arising under Section 16.5 hereof, shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Agent under this Agreement (and in the event resigning Agent continues to hold any Liens pursuant to the provisions of the immediately preceding sentence, the provisions of this Article XIV and any indemnification rights under this Agreement, including rights arising under Section 16.5 hereof, shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it in connection with such Liens).

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14.5    Certain Rights of Agent. If Agent shall request instructions from Lenders with respect to any act or action (including failure to act) in connection with this Agreement or any Other Document, Agent shall be entitled to refrain from such act or taking such action unless and until Agent shall have received instructions from Required Lenders; and Agent shall not incur liability to any Person by reason of so refraining. Without limiting the foregoing, Lenders shall not have any right of action whatsoever against Agent as a result of its acting or refraining from acting hereunder in accordance with the instructions of Required Lenders.

 

14.6    Reliance. Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any note, writing, resolution, notice, statement, certificate, email, facsimile, telex, teletype or telecopier message, cablegram, order or other document or telephone message believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper person or entity, and, with respect to all legal matters pertaining to this Agreement and the Other Documents and its duties hereunder, upon advice of counsel selected by it. Agent may employ agents and attorneys-in-fact and shall not be liable for the default or misconduct of any such agents or attorneys-in-fact selected by Agent with reasonable care.

 

14.7    Notice of Default. Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default hereunder or under the Other Documents, unless Agent has received notice from a Lender or Borrowing Agent referring to this Agreement or the Other Documents, describing such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a “notice of default”. In the event that Agent receives such a notice, Agent shall give notice thereof to Lenders. Agent shall take such action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as shall be reasonably directed by Required Lenders; provided, that, unless and until Agent shall have received such directions, Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Default or Event of Default as it shall deem advisable in the best interests of Lenders.

 

14.8    Indemnification. To the extent Agent is not reimbursed and indemnified by Borrowers, each Lender will reimburse and indemnify Agent in proportion to its respective portion of the outstanding Advances and its respective Participation Commitments in the outstanding Letters of Credit and outstanding Swing Loans (or, if no Advances are outstanding, pro rata according to the percentage that its Revolving Commitment Amount constitutes of the total aggregate Revolving Commitment Amounts), from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever which may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against Agent in performing its duties hereunder, or in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any Other Document; provided that Lenders shall not be liable for any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting from Agent’s gross (not mere) negligence or willful misconduct (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final non-appealable judgment).

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14.9     Agent in its Individual Capacity. With respect to the obligation of Agent to lend under this Agreement, the Advances made by it shall have the same rights and powers hereunder as any other Lender and as if it were not performing the duties as Agent specified herein; and the term “Lender” or any similar term shall, unless the context clearly otherwise indicates, include Agent in its individual capacity as a Lender. Agent may engage in business with any Borrower as if it were not performing the duties specified herein, and may accept fees and other consideration from any Borrower for services in connection with this Agreement or otherwise without having to account for the same to Lenders.

 

14.10   Delivery of Documents. To the extent Agent receives financial statements required under Sections 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, 9.12 and 9.13 or Borrowing Base Certificates from any Borrower pursuant to the terms of this Agreement which any Borrower is not obligated to deliver to each Lender, Agent will promptly furnish such documents and information to Lenders.

 

14.11   Borrowers’ Undertaking to Agent. Without prejudice to their respective obligations to Lenders under the other provisions of this Agreement, each Borrower hereby undertakes with Agent to pay to Agent from time to time all amounts from time to time due and payable by it for the account of Agent or Lenders or any of them pursuant to this Agreement to the extent not already paid. Any payment made pursuant to any such demand shall pro tanto satisfy the relevant Borrower’s obligations to make payments for the account of Lenders or the relevant one or more of them pursuant to this Agreement.

 

14.12   No Reliance on Agent’s Customer Identification Program. To the extent the Advances or this Agreement is, or becomes, syndicated in cooperation with other Lenders, each Lender acknowledges and agrees that neither such Lender, nor any of its Affiliates, participants or assignees, may rely on Agent to carry out such Lender’s, Affiliate’s, participant’s or assignee’s customer identification program, or other obligations required or imposed under or pursuant to the USA PATRIOT Act or the regulations thereunder, including the regulations contained in 31 CFR 103.121 (as hereafter amended or replaced, the “CIP Regulations”), or any other Anti-Terrorism Law, including any programs involving any of the following items relating to or in connection with any of Borrowers, their Affiliates or their agents, the Other Documents or the transactions hereunder or contemplated hereby: (i) any identity verification procedures, (ii) any recordkeeping, (iii) comparisons with government lists, (iv) customer notices or (v) other procedures required under the CIP Regulations or such Anti-Terrorism Laws.

 

14.13   Other Agreements. Each of the Lenders agrees that it shall not, without the express consent of Agent, and that it shall, to the extent it is lawfully entitled to do so, upon the request of Agent, set off against the Obligations, any amounts owing by such Lender to any Borrower or any deposit accounts of any Borrower now or hereafter maintained with such Lender. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, each of the Lenders further agrees that it shall not, unless specifically requested to do so by Agent, take any action to protect or enforce its rights arising out of this Agreement or the Other Documents, it being the intent of Lenders that any such action to protect or enforce rights under this Agreement and the Other Documents shall be taken in concert and at the direction or with the consent of Agent or Required Lenders.

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XV. BORROWING AGENCY.

 

15.1 Borrowing Agency Provisions.

 

(a)     Each Borrower hereby irrevocably designates Borrowing Agent to be its attorney and agent and in such capacity to (i) borrow, (ii) request advances, (iii) request the issuance of Letters of Credit, (iv) sign and endorse notes, (v) execute and deliver all instruments, documents, applications, security agreements, reimbursement agreements and letter of credit agreements for Letters of Credit and all other certificates, notice, writings and further assurances now or hereafter required hereunder, (vi) make elections regarding interest rates, (vii) give instructions regarding Letters of Credit and agree with Issuer upon any amendment, extension or renewal of any Letter of Credit and (viii) otherwise take action under and in connection with this Agreement and the Other Documents, all on behalf of and in the name of such Borrower or Borrowers, and hereby authorizes Agent to pay over or credit all loan proceeds hereunder in accordance with the request of Borrowing Agent.

 

(b)     The handling of this credit facility as a co-borrowing facility with a borrowing agent in the manner set forth in this Agreement is solely as an accommodation to Borrowers and at their request. Neither Agent nor any Lender shall incur liability to Borrowers as a result thereof. To induce Agent and Lenders to do so and in consideration thereof, each Borrower hereby indemnifies Agent and each Lender and holds Agent and each Lender harmless from and against any and all liabilities, expenses, losses, damages and claims of damage or injury asserted against Agent or any Lender by any Person arising from or incurred by reason of the handling of the financing arrangements of Borrowers as provided herein, reliance by Agent or any Lender on any request or instruction from Borrowing Agent or any other action taken by Agent or any Lender with respect to this Section 15.1 except due to willful misconduct or gross (not mere) negligence by the indemnified party (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final and non-appealable judgment), and except that, GX Mexico shall only be liable for the GX Mexico Obligations.

 

(c)     All Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities) shall be joint and several (provided, that GX Mexico shall only be liable for the GX Mexico Obligations), and each Borrower shall make payment upon the maturity of the Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities) by acceleration or otherwise, and such obligation and liability on the part of each Borrower shall in no way be affected by any extensions, renewals and forbearance granted by Agent or any Lender to any Borrower, failure of Agent or any Lender to give any Borrower notice of borrowing or any other notice, any failure of Agent or any Lender to pursue or preserve its rights against any Borrower, the release by Agent or any Lender of any Collateral now or thereafter acquired from any Borrower, and such agreement by each Borrower to pay upon any notice issued pursuant thereto is unconditional and unaffected by prior recourse by Agent or any Lender to the other Borrowers or any Collateral for such Borrower’s Obligations or the lack thereof. Each Borrower waives all suretyship defenses.

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15.2    Waiver of Subrogation. Each Borrower expressly waives any and all rights of subrogation, reimbursement, indemnity, exoneration, contribution of any other claim which such Borrower may now or hereafter have against the other Borrowers or any other Person directly or contingently liable for the Obligations hereunder, or against or with respect to any other Borrowers’ property (including any property which is Collateral for the Obligations), arising from the existence or performance of this Agreement, until termination of this Agreement and repayment in full of the Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities).

 

15.3    Limitation on Liability of GX Mexico. It is the intent of the parties and the parties hereby agree that, notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement or any Other Documents, (a) GX Mexico shall not be liable for, provide credit support with respect to, pay any costs or expenses or fees or indemnify in any way for any Obligations other than the GX Mexico Obligations, (b) GX Mexico shall not be a Guarantor of any Obligations other than the GX Mexico Obligations, (c) the present and future assets of GX Mexico shall not be subject to any Charges, claim or action by the Agent or the Lenders to satisfy any Obligations other than the GX Mexico Obligations and (d) neither the Agent nor the Lenders shall have any recourse under this Agreement or any Other Documents against GX Mexico or its assets in respect of any Obligations other than the GX Mexico Obligations. In furtherance of the foregoing, each of the parties acknowledges and agrees that the liability of GX Mexico for the payment and performance of its covenants, representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement and the Other Documents shall be several from but not joint with the Obligations of the Borrowers, and the Collateral of GX Mexico shall not secure or be applied in satisfaction, by way of payment, prepayment or otherwise, of all or any portion of the Obligations other than the GX Mexico Obligations. All amounts paid by GX Mexico and all value derived from its assets shall be applied only to the GX Mexico Obligations. Any references in this Agreement or in any Other Documents to specific statutes or to governmental agencies of the United States of America, shall be, when applied to GX Mexico, deemed to include a reference to the applicable, if any, provisions or governmental agencies of Mexico, as the case may be, if any. Any reference in a financial covenant or otherwise to any Dollar figure shall be deemed, when applied to GX Mexico, to refer to the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of the applicable foreign currency.

 

XVI. MISCELLANEOUS.

 

16.1    Governing Law. This Agreement and each Other Document (unless and except to the extent expressly provided otherwise in any such Other Document), and all matters relating hereto or thereto or arising herefrom or therefrom (whether arising under contract law, tort law or otherwise) shall, in accordance with Section 5-1401 of the General Obligations Law of the State of New York, be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. Any judicial proceeding brought by or against any Borrower with respect to any of the Obligations, this Agreement, the Other Documents or any related agreement may be brought in any court of competent jurisdiction in the State of New York, United States of America, and, by execution and delivery of this Agreement, each Borrower accepts for itself and in connection with its properties, generally and unconditionally, the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts, and irrevocably agrees to be bound by any judgment rendered thereby in connection with this Agreement, but with respect to GX Mexico only, the Agent and Lenders shall not be precluded from initiating any proceeding against it in the courts of the Mexico City, United Mexican States in their sole discretion. Each Borrower hereby waives personal service of any and all process upon it and consents that all such service of process may be made by certified or registered mail (return receipt requested) directed to Borrowing Agent at its address set forth in Section 16.6 and service so made shall be deemed completed five (5) days after the same shall have been so deposited in the mails of the United States of America, or, at Agent’s option, by service upon Borrowing Agent which each Borrower irrevocably appoints as such Borrower’s agent for the purpose of accepting service within the State of New York. Nothing herein shall affect the right to serve process in any manner permitted by law or shall limit the right of Agent or any Lender to bring proceedings against any Borrower in the courts of any other jurisdiction. Each Borrower waives any objection to jurisdiction and venue of any action instituted hereunder and shall not assert any defense based on lack of jurisdiction or venue or based upon forum non conveniens. Any judicial proceeding by any Borrower against Agent or any Lender involving, directly or indirectly, any matter or claim in any way arising out of, related to or connected with this Agreement or any related agreement, shall be brought only in a federal or state court located in the County of New York, State of New York or, with respect to matters involving GX Mexico and Mexican law, Mexico City, United Mexican States. GX Mexico hereby irrevocable designates, appoints and empowers ION Geophysical Corporation, with an office on the Sixth Amendment Effective Date at 2105 CityWest Blvd., Suite 100, Houston, Texas 77042-2839, Attention: General Counsel (the “Process Agent”), in the case of any suit, action or proceeding brought in the United States as its designee appointee and agent to receive for and on its behalf service of any and all legal process summons notices and documents that may be served in any action or proceeding arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or any other related document. Such service may be made by mailing (by registered or certificate mail postage prepaid) or delivering a copy of such to GX Mexico in the care of the Process Agent at the Process Agent’s above address and GX Mexico hereby irrevocably authorizes and directs the Process Agent to accept such service on its behalf. As an alternative method of service GX Mexico irrevocably consents to the service of any and all process in any such action or proceeding by the mailing (by registered certified mail postage prepaid) of copies of such process to the Process Agent of GX Mexico at its address. GX Mexico agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdiction by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

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16.2 Entire Understanding.

 

(a)          This Agreement, the documents executed concurrently herewith and the Intercreditor AgreementOther Documents contain the entire understanding between each Borrower, Agent and each Lender and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, if any, relating to the subject matter hereof. Any promises, representations, warranties or guarantees not herein contained and hereinafter made shall have no force and effect unless in writing, signed by each Borrower’s, Agent’s and each Lender’s respective officers. Neither this Agreement nor any portion or provisions hereof may be changed, modified, amended, waived, supplemented, discharged, cancelled or terminated orally or by any course of dealing, or in any manner other than by an agreement in writing, signed by the party to be charged in accordance with this Section 16.2. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrowing Agent and Agent may modify this Agreement or any of the Other Documents for the purposes of completing missing content or correcting erroneous content of an administrative nature, without the need for a written amendment, provided that the Agent shall send a copy of any such modification to each Lender (which copy may be provided by electronic mail) and, if no Lender shall have objected within two Business Days after receipt of such notice, such modification shall be deemed effective. Each Borrower acknowledges that it has been advised by counsel in connection with the execution of this Agreement and Other Documents and is not relying upon oral representations or statements inconsistent with the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

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(b)          Required Lenders, Agent with the consent in writing of Required Lenders, and Borrowers may, subject to the provisions of this Section 16.2(b), from time to time enter into written supplemental agreements to this Agreement or the Other Documents executed by Borrowers, for the purpose of adding or deleting any provisions or otherwise changing, varying or waiving in any manner the rights of Lenders, Agent or Borrowers thereunder or the conditions, provisions or terms thereof or waiving any Event of Default thereunder, but only to the extent specified in such written agreements; provided, however, that no such supplemental agreement shall:

 

(i)          increase the Revolving Commitment Percentage, or the maximum dollar amount of the Revolving Commitment Amount of any Lender without the consent of such Lender directly affected thereby;

 

(ii)         whether or not any Advances are outstanding, extend the Term or the time for payment of principal or interest of any Advance (excluding the due date of any mandatory prepayment of an Advance), or any fee payable to any Lender, or reduce the principal amount of or the rate of interest borne by any Advances or reduce any fee payable to any Lender, without the consent of each Lender directly affected thereby (except that Required Lenders may elect to waive or rescind any imposition of the Default Rate under Section 3.1 or of default rates of Letter of Credit fees under Section 3.2 (unless imposed by Agent));

 

(iii)        increase the Maximum Revolving Advance Amount without the consent of all Lenders;

 

(iv)        alter the definition of the term Required Lenders or alter, amend or modify this Section 16.2(b) without the consent of all Lenders;

 

(v)         alter, amend or modify the provisions of Section 11.5 without the consent of all Lenders;

 

(vi)        release any Collateral during any calendar year (other than the release of any Collateral in connection with the consummation of any action or transaction by a Borrower permitted hereunder or otherwise in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement) having an aggregate value in excess of $5,000,000 without the consent of all Lenders;

 

(vii)       change the rights and duties of Agent without the consent of all Lenders;

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(viii)      subject to clause (e) below, permit any Revolving Advance to be made if after giving effect thereto the total of Revolving Advances outstanding hereunder would exceed the Formula Amount for more than sixty (60) consecutive Business Days or exceed one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the Formula Amount without the consent of all Lenders;

 

(ix)         increase the Advance Rates above the Advance Rates in effect on the Closing Date without the consent of all Lenders; or

 

(x)          release any Guarantor or Borrower without the consent of all Lenders.

 

(c)           Any such supplemental agreement shall apply equally to each Lender and shall be binding upon Borrowers, Lenders and Agent and all future holders of the Obligations. In the case of any waiver, Borrowers, Agent and Lenders shall be restored to their former positions and rights, and any Event of Default waived shall be deemed to be cured and not continuing, but no waiver of a specific Event of Default shall extend to any subsequent Event of Default (whether or not the subsequent Event of Default is the same as the Event of Default which was waived), or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

(d)           In the event that Agent requests the consent of a Lender with respect to any matter requiring the consent of all Lenders pursuant to this Section 16.2 and such consent is denied, then Agent may, at its option, require such Lender to assign its interest in the Advances to Agent or to another Lender or to any other Person designated by Agent (the “Designated Lender”), for a price equal to (i) the then outstanding principal amount thereof plus (ii) accrued and unpaid interest and fees due such Lender, which interest and fees shall be paid when collected from Borrowers. In the event Agent elects to require any Lender to assign its interest to Agent or to the Designated Lender, Agent will so notify such Lender in writing within forty five (45) days following such Lender’s denial, and such Lender will assign its interest to Agent or the Designated Lender no later than five (5) days following receipt of such notice pursuant to a Commitment Transfer Supplement executed by such Lender, Agent or the Designated Lender, as appropriate, and Agent.

 

(e)           Notwithstanding (i) the existence of a Default or an Event of Default, (ii) that any of the other applicable conditions precedent set forth in Section 8.2 hereof have not been satisfied or the commitments of Lenders to make Revolving Advances hereunder have been terminated for any reason, or (iii) any other contrary provision of this Agreement, Agent may at its discretion and without the consent of any Lender, voluntarily permit the outstanding Revolving Advances at any time to exceed the Formula Amount at such time (such sum, the “Overadvance Threshold Amount”) by up to ten percent (10%) of the Formula Amount for up to sixty (60) consecutive Business Days (the “Out-of-Formula Loans”). If Agent is willing in its sole and absolute discretion to permit such Out-of-Formula Loans, Lenders holding the Revolving Commitments shall be obligated to fund such Out-of-Formula Loans in accordance with their respective Revolving Commitment Percentages, and such Out-of-Formula Loans shall be payable on demand and shall bear interest at the Default Rate for Revolving Advances consisting of Domestic Rate Loans; provided that, if Agent does permit Out-of-Formula Loans, neither Agent nor Lenders shall be deemed thereby to have changed the limits of Section 2.1(a) nor shall any Lender be obligated to fund Revolving Advances in excess of its Revolving Commitment Amount. For purposes of this paragraph, the discretion granted to Agent hereunder shall not preclude involuntary overadvances that may result from time to time due to the fact that the Formula Amount was unintentionally exceeded (but for greater certainty, not including where the Formula Amount is exceeded as a result of GX Mexico’s Collateral being included in the Formula Amount for advances to the U.S. Borrowers) for any reason, including, but not limited to, Collateral previously deemed to be “Eligible Domestic Receivables”, “Eligible Unbilled Receivables”, “Eligible Foreign Receivables” or “Eligible Inventory”, as applicable, becomes ineligible, collections of Receivables applied to reduce outstanding Revolving Advances are thereafter returned for insufficient funds or overadvances are made to protect or preserve the Collateral. In the event Agent involuntarily permits the outstanding Revolving Advances to exceed the Formula Amount by more than ten percent (10%), Agent shall use its efforts to have Borrowers decrease such excess in as expeditious a manner as is practicable under the circumstances and not inconsistent with the reason for such excess. Revolving Advances made after Agent has determined the existence of involuntary overadvances shall be deemed to be involuntary overadvances and shall be decreased in accordance with the preceding sentence. To the extent any Out-of-Formula Loans are not actually funded by the other Lenders as provided for in this Section 16.2(e), Agent may elect in its discretion to fund such Out-of-Formula Loans and any such Out-of-Formula Loans so funded by Agent shall be deemed to be Revolving Advances made by and owing to Agent, and Agent shall be entitled to all rights (including accrual of interest) and remedies of a Lender holding a Revolving Commitment under this Agreement and the Other Documents with respect to such Revolving Advances.

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(f)            In addition to (and not in substitution of) the discretionary Revolving Advances permitted above in this Section 16.2, Agent is hereby authorized by Borrowers and Lenders, at any time in Agent’s sole discretion, regardless of (i) the existence of a Default or an Event of Default, (ii) whether any of the other applicable conditions precedent set forth in Section 8.2 hereof have not been satisfied or the commitments of Lenders to make Revolving Advances hereunder have been terminated for any reason, or (iii) any other contrary provision of this Agreement, to make Revolving Advances (“Protective Advances”) to Borrowers on behalf of Lenders which Agent, in its reasonable business judgment, deems necessary or desirable (a) to preserve or protect the Collateral, or any portion thereof, (b) to enhance the likelihood of, or maximize the amount of, repayment of the Advances and other Obligations, or (c) to pay any other amount chargeable to Borrowers pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; provided, that the Protective Advances made hereunder shall not exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate and provided further that at any time after giving effect to any such Protective Advances, the outstanding Revolving Advances, Swing Loans and Maximum Undrawn Amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit do not exceed the Maximum Revolving Advance Amount. Lenders holding the Revolving Commitments shall be obligated to fund such Protective Advances and effect a settlement with Agent therefor upon demand of Agent in accordance with their respective Revolving Commitment Percentages. To the extent any Protective Advances are not actually funded by the other Lenders as provided for in this Section 16.2(f), any such Protective Advances funded by Agent shall be deemed to be Revolving Advances made by and owing to Agent, and Agent shall be entitled to all rights (including accrual of interest) and remedies of a Lender holding a Revolving Commitment under this Agreement and the Other Documents with respect to such Revolving Advances.

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16.3        Successors and Assigns; Participations; New Lenders.

 

(a)           This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Borrowers, Agent, each Lender, all future holders of the Obligations and their respective successors and assigns, except that no Borrower may assign or transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement (including, in each case, by way of an LLC Division) without the prior written consent of Agent and each Lender.

 

(b)           Each Borrower acknowledges that in the regular course of commercial banking business one or more Lenders may at any time and from time to time sell participating interests in the Advances to other Persons so long as any such Person is not an Ineligible Person (each such transferee or purchaser of a participating interest, a “Participant”); provided that any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any Other Document; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in clauses (i) through (x) of the proviso in Section 16.2(b) that affects such Participant. Each Participant may exercise all rights of payment (including rights of set-off) with respect to the portion of such Advances held by it or other Obligations payable hereunder as fully as if such Participant were the direct holder thereof provided that (i) Borrowers shall not be required to pay to any Participant more than the amount which it would have been required to pay to Lender which granted an interest in its Advances or other Obligations payable hereunder to such Participant had such Lender retained such interest in the Advances hereunder or other Obligations payable hereunder unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with Borrowers’ prior written consent, and (ii) in no event shall Borrowers be required to pay any such amount arising from the same circumstances and with respect to the same Advances or other Obligations payable hereunder to both such Lender and such Participant. Each Borrower hereby grants to any Participant a continuing security interest in any deposits, moneys or other property actually or constructively held by such Participant as security for the Participant’s interest in the Advances. Any Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of Borrowers, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Advances or other obligations hereunder or any Other Document (the “Participant Register”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any commitments, loans, letters of credit or its other obligations hereunder or under any Other Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such commitment, loan, letter of credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f. 103- 1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary.

 

(c)           Any Lender, with the consent of Agent (unless such assignment is to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender) and, unless (x) an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing at the time of such assignment or (y) such assignment is to a Permitted Assignee, the consent of Borrowers (such Borrowers’ consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed, provided that Borrowers shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment unless it shall object thereto by written notice to Agent within five (5) Business Days after having received prior notice thereof), may sell, assign or transfer all or any part of its rights and obligations under or relating to Revolving Advances under this Agreement and the Other Documents to one or more additional Persons and one or more additional Persons may commit to make Advances hereunder (each a “Purchasing Lender”), in minimum amounts of not less than $5,000,000, pursuant to a Commitment Transfer Supplement, executed by a Purchasing Lender, the transferor Lender, and Agent and delivered to Agent for recording, provided, however, that each partial assignment shall be made as an assignment of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement with respect to each of the Revolving Advances under this Agreement in which such Lender has an interest. Upon such execution, delivery, acceptance and recording, from and after the transfer effective date determined pursuant to such Commitment Transfer Supplement, (i) Purchasing Lender thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent provided in such Commitment Transfer Supplement, have the rights and obligations of a Lender thereunder with a Revolving Commitment Percentage as set forth therein, and (ii) the transferor Lender thereunder shall, to the extent provided in such Commitment Transfer Supplement, be released from its obligations under this Agreement, the Commitment Transfer Supplement creating a novation for that purpose. Such Commitment Transfer Supplement shall be deemed to amend this Agreement to the extent, and only to the extent, necessary to reflect the addition of such Purchasing Lender and the resulting adjustment of the Revolving Commitment Percentages arising from the purchase by such Purchasing Lender of all or a portion of the rights and obligations of such transferor Lender under this Agreement and the Other Documents. Each Borrower hereby consents to the addition of such Purchasing Lender and the resulting adjustment of the Revolving Commitment Percentages arising from the purchase by such Purchasing Lender of all or a portion of the rights and obligations of such transferor Lender under this Agreement and the Other Documents. Subject to Borrowers’ consent rights described above, Borrowers shall execute and deliver such further documents and do such further acts and things in order to effectuate the foregoing.

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(d)           Any Lender, with the consent of Agent which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, may directly or indirectly sell, assign or transfer all or any portion of its rights and obligations under or relating to Revolving Advances under this Agreement and the Other Documents to an entity, whether a corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company or other entity that (i) is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in bank loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business and (ii) is administered, serviced or managed by the assigning Lender or an Affiliate of such Lender (a “Purchasing CLO” and together with each Participant and Purchasing Lender, each a “Transferee” and collectively the “Transferees”), pursuant to a Commitment Transfer Supplement modified as appropriate to reflect the interest being assigned (“Modified Commitment Transfer Supplement”), executed by any intermediate purchaser, the Purchasing CLO, the transferor Lender, and Agent as appropriate and delivered to Agent for recording. Upon such execution and delivery, from and after the transfer effective date determined pursuant to such Modified Commitment Transfer Supplement, (i) Purchasing CLO thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent provided in such Modified Commitment Transfer Supplement, have the rights and obligations of a Lender thereunder and (ii) the transferor Lender thereunder shall, to the extent provided in such Modified Commitment Transfer Supplement, be released from its obligations under this Agreement, the Modified Commitment Transfer Supplement creating a novation for that purpose. Such Modified Commitment Transfer Supplement shall be deemed to amend this Agreement to the extent, and only to the extent, necessary to reflect the addition of such Purchasing CLO. Each Borrower hereby consents to the addition of such Purchasing CLO. Borrowers shall execute and deliver such further documents and do such further acts and things in order to effectuate the foregoing.

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(e)            Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of Borrower, shall maintain at its address a copy of each Commitment Transfer Supplement and Modified Commitment Transfer Supplement delivered to it and a register (the “Register”) for the recordation of the names and addresses of each Lender and the outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest and other fees due hereunder. The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, in the absence of manifest error, and each Borrower, Agent and Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as the owner of the Advance recorded therein for the purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by Borrowing Agent or any Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. Agent shall receive a fee in the amount of $3,500 payable by the applicable Purchasing Lender and/or Purchasing CLO upon the effective date of each transfer or assignment (other than to an intermediate purchaser) to such Purchasing Lender and/or Purchasing CLO.

 

(f)            Subject to the limitations and conditions set forth in Section 16.15, each Borrower authorizes each Lender to disclose to any Transferee and any prospective Transferee any and all financial information in such Lender’s possession concerning such Borrower which has been delivered to such Lender by or on behalf of such Borrower pursuant to this Agreement or in connection with such Lender’s credit evaluation of such Borrower.

 

(g)           Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, any Lender may at any time and from time to time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

 

16.4       Application of Payments. Agent shall have the continuing and exclusive right to apply or reverse and re-apply any payment and any and all proceeds of Collateral to any portion of the Obligations or the GX Mexico Obligations, as applicable; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, no Collateral supporting the GX Mexico Obligations or any assets or property of GX Mexico shall be used to satisfy the Obligations of any U.S. Borrower. To the extent that any Borrower makes a payment or Agent or any Lender receives any payment or proceeds of the Collateral for any Borrower’s benefit, which are subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required to be repaid to a trustee, debtor in possession, receiver, custodian or any other party under any bankruptcy law, common law or equitable cause, then, to such extent, the Obligations or part thereof intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continue as if such payment or proceeds had not been received by Agent or such Lender.

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16.5        Indemnity. Each Borrower shall defend, protect, indemnify, pay and save harmless Agent, Issuer, each Lender and each of their respective officers, directors, Affiliates, attorneys, employees and agents (each an “Indemnified Party”) for and from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, fines, actions, judgments, suits, costs, charges, expenses and disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever (including fees and disbursements of counsel (including allocated costs of internal counsel)) (collectively, “Claims”) which may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against any Indemnified Party (provided, GX Mexico shall only be liable for any indemnification obligations hereunder to the extent related to the GX Mexico Obligations or attributable to its assets) in arising out of or in any way relating to or as a consequence, direct or indirect, of: (i) this Agreement, the Other Documents, the Advances and other Obligations and/or the transactions contemplated hereby including the Transactions, (ii) any action or failure to act or action taken only after delay or the satisfaction of any conditions by any Indemnified Party in connection with and/or relating to the negotiation, execution, delivery or administration of the Agreement and the Other Documents, the credit facilities established hereunder and thereunder and/or the transactions contemplated hereby including the Transactions, (iii) any Borrower’s or any Guarantor’s failure to observe, perform or discharge any of its covenants, obligations, agreements or duties under or breach of any of the representations or warranties made in this Agreement and the Other Documents, (iv) the enforcement of any of the rights and remedies of Agent, Issuer or any Lender under the Agreement and the Other Documents, (v) any threatened or actual imposition of fines or penalties, or disgorgement of benefits, for violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law by any Borrower, any Affiliate or Subsidiary of any Borrower, or any Guarantor, and (vi) any claim, litigation, proceeding or investigation instituted or conducted by any Governmental Body or instrumentality or any other Person with respect to any aspect of, or any transaction contemplated by, or referred to in, or any matter related to, this Agreement or the Other Documents, whether or not Agent or any Lender is a party thereto. Without limiting the generality of any of the foregoing, each Borrower shall defend, protect, indemnify, pay and save harmless each Indemnified Party from (x) any Claims which may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against any Indemnified Party arising out of or in any way relating to or as a consequence, direct or indirect, of the issuance of any Letter of Credit hereunder and (y) any Claims which may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against any Indemnified Party under any Environmental Laws with respect to or in connection with the Real Property, any Hazardous Discharge, the presence of any Hazardous Materials affecting the Real Property (whether or not the same originates or emerges from the Real Property or any contiguous real estate), including any Claims consisting of or relating to the imposition or assertion of any Lien on any of the Real Property under any Environmental Laws and any loss of value of the Real Property as a result of the foregoing except to the extent such loss, liability, damage and expense is attributable to any Hazardous Discharge resulting from actions on the part of Agent or any Lender. Borrowers’ obligations under this Section 16.5 shall arise upon the discovery of the presence of any Hazardous Materials at the Real Property, whether or not any federal, state, or local environmental agency has taken or threatened any action in connection with the presence of any Hazardous Materials, in each such case except to the extent it has been determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from (1) the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of the party to be indemnified, (2) any material breach (or, in the case of a proceeding brought by any Borrower, any breach) of this Agreement or any Other Document by the party to be indemnified or (3) disputes, claims, demands, actions, judgments or suits not arising from any act or omission by any Borrower or any of their Affiliates, brought by an Indemnified Party against any other Indemnified Party (other than disputes, claims, demands, actions, judgments or suits involving claims against the Agent in its capacity as such). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this indemnity shall extend to any liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses and disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever (including fees and disbursements of counsel) asserted against or incurred by any of the Indemnified Parties by any Person under any Environmental Laws or similar laws by reason of any Borrower’s or any other Person’s failure to comply with laws applicable to solid or hazardous waste materials, including Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste, or other Toxic Substances. Additionally, if any taxes (excluding taxes imposed upon or measured solely by the net income of Agent and Lenders, but including any intangibles taxes, stamp tax, recording tax or franchise tax) shall be payable by Agent, Lenders or Borrowers on account of the execution or delivery of this Agreement, or the execution, delivery, issuance or recording of any of the Other Documents, or the creation or repayment of any of the Obligations hereunder, by reason of any Applicable Law now or hereafter in effect. Borrowers will pay (or will promptly reimburse Agent and Lenders for payment of) all such taxes, including interest and penalties thereon, and will indemnify and hold the Indemnified Parties harmless from and against all liability in connection therewith.

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16.6        Notice. Any notice or request hereunder may be given to Borrowing Agent or any Borrower or to Agent or any Lender at their respective addresses set forth below or at such other address as may hereafter be specified in a notice designated as a notice of change of address under this Section. Any notice, request, demand, direction or other communication (for purposes of this Section 16.6 only, a “Notice”) to be given to or made upon any party hereto under any provision of this Agreement shall be given or made by telephone or in writing (which includes by means of electronic transmission (i.e., “e-mail”) or facsimile transmission or by setting forth such Notice on a website to which Borrowers are directed (an “Internet Posting”) if Notice of such Internet Posting (including the information necessary to access such site) has previously been delivered to the applicable parties hereto by another means set forth in this Section 16.6) in accordance with this Section 16.6. Any such Notice must be delivered to the applicable parties hereto at the addresses and numbers set forth under their respective names on Section 16.6 hereof or in accordance with any subsequent unrevoked Notice from any such party that is given in accordance with this Section 16.6. Any Notice shall be effective:

 

(a)           In the case of hand-delivery, when delivered;

 

(b)           If given by mail, four (4) days after such Notice is deposited with the United States Postal Service, with first-class postage prepaid, return receipt requested;

 

(c)           In the case of a telephonic Notice, when a party is contacted by telephone, if delivery of such telephonic Notice is confirmed no later than the next Business Day by hand delivery, a facsimile or electronic transmission, an Internet Posting or an overnight courier delivery of a confirmatory Notice (received at or before noon on such next Business Day);

 

(d)           In the case of a facsimile transmission, when sent to the applicable party’s facsimile machine’s telephone number, if the party sending such Notice receives confirmation of the delivery thereof from its own facsimile machine;

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(e)           In the case of electronic transmission, when actually received;

 

(f)            In the case of an Internet Posting, upon delivery of a Notice of such posting (including the information necessary to access such site) by another means set forth in this Section 16.6; and

 

(g)           If given by any other means (including by overnight courier), when actually received.

 

Any Lender giving a Notice to Borrowing Agent or any Borrower shall concurrently send a copy thereof to Agent, and Agent shall promptly notify the other Lenders of its receipt of such Notice.

 

(A) If to Agent or PNC at:

 

PNC Bank, National Association

2100 Ross Avenue, Suite 1850

Dallas, Texas 75201

Attention: Relationship Manager (Ion)

Telephone: (214) 871-1237

Facsimile: (214) 871-2015

 

with a copy to:

 

PNC Bank, National Association

PNC Agency Services PNC

Firstside Center

500 First Avenue, 4th Floor

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219

Attention: Lisa Pierce

Telephone: (412) 762-6442

Facsimile: (412) 762-8672

 

with an additional copy to:

 

Holland & Knight LLP

200 Crescent Court, Suite 1600

Dallas, Texas 75201

Attention: Michelle W. Suarez, Esq.

Telephone: (214) 964-9500

Facsimile: (214) 964-9501

 

(B) If to a Lender other than Agent, as specified on the signature pages hereof

 145

 

(C) If to Borrowing Agent or any Borrower:

 

ION Geophysical Corporation

2105 CityWest Blvd., Suite 100

Houston, Texas 77042-2839

Attention: Steve Bate

Telephone: 281-781-1046

Facsimile: 281-879-3674

 

with a copy to:

 

Locke LordWinston & Strawn LLP

111 Huntington Avenue

Boston, Massachusetts 02199

                                                                        2121 North Pearl Street, Suite 900

                                                                        Dallas, Texas 75201

Attention: George TicknorJeff Cole, Esq.

Telephone: 617-239-0357214-453-6434

 

16.7         Survival. The obligations of Borrowers under Sections 2.2(f), 2.2(g), 2.2(h), 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 16.5 and 16.9 and the obligations of Lenders under Sections 2.2, 2.15(b), 2.16, 2.18, 2.19, 14.8 and 16.5, shall survive termination of this Agreement and the Other Documents and payment in full of the Obligations.

 

16.8         Severability. If any part of this Agreement is contrary to, prohibited by, or deemed invalid under Applicable Laws, such provision shall be inapplicable and deemed omitted to the extent so contrary, prohibited or invalid, but the remainder hereof shall not be invalidated thereby and shall be given effect so far as possible.

 

16.9         Expenses. Borrowers shall pay (i) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Agent and its Affiliates (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for Agent), and shall pay all fees and time charges and disbursements for attorneys who may be employees of Agent, in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement and the Other Documents or any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Issuer in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder, (iii) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Agent, any Lender or Issuer (including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for Agent, any Lender or Issuer), and shall pay all fees and time charges for attorneys who may be employees of Agent, any Lender or Issuer, in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights (A) in connection with this Agreement and the Other Documents, including its rights under this Section, or (B) in connection with the Advances made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit, and (iv) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of Agent’s regular employees and agents engaged periodically to perform audits of any Borrower’s or any Borrower’s Affiliate’s or Subsidiary’s books, records and business properties.

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16.10       Injunctive Relief. Each Borrower recognizes that, in the event any Borrower fails to perform, observe or discharge any of its obligations or liabilities under this Agreement, or threatens to fail to perform, observe or discharge such obligations or liabilities, any remedy at law may prove to be inadequate relief to Lenders; therefor, Agent, if Agent so requests, shall be entitled to temporary and permanent injunctive relief in any such case without the necessity of proving that actual damages are not an adequate remedy.

 

16.11       Consequential Damages. No Loan Party or Indemnified Party, nor any agent or attorney for any of them, shall be liable to any other Loan Party or Indemnified Party or any agent or attorney for any of them, or any Guarantor (or any Affiliate of any such Person) for indirect, punitive, exemplary or consequential damages arising from any breach of contract, tort or other wrong relating to the establishment, administration or collection of the Obligations or as a result of any transaction contemplated under this Agreement or any Other Document (provided the foregoing waiver shall not affect Borrowers’ obligation to indemnify any Indemnified Party pursuant to Section 16.5 hereof).

 

16.12       Captions. The captions at various places in this Agreement are intended for convenience only and do not constitute and shall not be interpreted as part of this Agreement.

 

16.13       Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in any number of and by different parties hereto on separate counterparts, all of which, when so executed, shall be deemed an original, but all such counterparts shall constitute one and the same agreement. Any signature delivered by a party by facsimile or electronic transmission (including email transmission of a PDF image) shall be deemed to be an original signature hereto.

 

16.14       Construction. The parties acknowledge that each party and its counsel have reviewed this Agreement and that the normal rule of construction to the effect that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party shall not be employed in the interpretation of this Agreement or any amendments, schedules or exhibits thereto.

 

16.15       Confidentiality; Sharing Information. Agent, each Lender and each Transferee shall hold all non-public information obtained by Agent, such Lender or such Transferee pursuant to the requirements of this Agreement in accordance with Agent’s, such Lender’s and such Transferee’s customary procedures for handling confidential information of this nature; provided, however, Agent, each Lender and each Transferee may disclose such confidential information (a) to its examiners, Affiliates, outside auditors, counsel and other professional advisors, (b) to Agent, any Lender or, subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section 16.15, to any prospective Transferees, and (c) as required or requested by any Governmental Body or representative thereof or pursuant to legal process; provided, further that (i) unless specifically prohibited by Applicable Law, Agent, each Lender and each Transferee shall use its reasonable best efforts prior to disclosure thereof, to notify the applicable Borrower of the applicable request for disclosure of such non-public information (A) by a Governmental Body or representative thereof (other than any such request in connection with an examination of the financial condition of a Lender or a Transferee by such Governmental Body) or (B) pursuant to legal process and (ii) in no event shall Agent, any Lender or any Transferee be obligated to return any materials furnished by any Borrower other than those documents and instruments in possession of Agent or any Lender in order to perfect its Lien on the Collateral once the Obligations (other than Hedge Liabilities and Cash Management Liabilities) have been paid in full and this Agreement has been terminated. Each Borrower acknowledges that from time to time financial advisory, investment banking and other services may be offered or provided to such Borrower or one or more of its Affiliates (in connection with this Agreement or otherwise) by any Lender or by one or more Subsidiaries or Affiliates of such Lender and each Borrower hereby authorizes each Lender to share any information delivered to such Lender by such Borrower and its Subsidiaries pursuant to this Agreement, or in connection with the decision of such Lender to enter into this Agreement, to any such Subsidiary or Affiliate of such Lender, it being understood that any such Subsidiary or Affiliate of any Lender receiving such information shall be bound by the provisions of this Section 16.15 as if it were a Lender hereunder. Such authorization shall survive the repayment of the other Obligations and the termination of this Agreement. Notwithstanding any non-disclosure agreement or similar document executed by Agent in favor of any Borrower or any of any Borrower’s Affiliates, the provisions of this Agreement shall supersede such agreements.

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16.16      [Reserved].

 

16.17      Certifications From Banks and Participants; USA PATRIOT Act.

 

(a)           Each Lender or assignee or participant of a Lender that is not incorporated under the Laws of the United States of America or a state thereof (and is not excepted from the certification requirement contained in Section 313 of the USA PATRIOT Act and the applicable regulations because it is both (i) an affiliate of a depository institution or foreign bank that maintains a physical presence in the United States or foreign country, and (ii) subject to supervision by a banking authority regulating such affiliated depository institution or foreign bank) shall deliver to the Agent the certification, or, if applicable, recertification, certifying that such Lender is not a “shell” and certifying to other matters as required by Section 313 of the USA PATRIOT Act and the applicable regulations: (1) within ten (10) days after the Closing Date, and (2) as such other times as are required under the USA PATRIOT Act.

 

(b)           The USA PATRIOT Act requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record certain information that identifies individuals or business entities which open an “account” with such financial institution. Consequently, Agent may from time to time request, and each Borrower shall and shall cause each other Loan Party to provide to Agent, such Borrower’s or Loan Party’s name, address, tax identification number and/or such other identifying information as shall be necessary for Agent and Lenders to comply with the USA PATRIOT Act and any other Anti-Terrorism Law.

 

16.18      Anti-Terrorism Laws.

 

(a)           Each Borrower represents and, warrants and covenants to the Agent, as of the date hereof, the date of each Advance, the date of any renewal, extension or modification of this Agreement, and at all times until this Agreement has been terminated and all amounts hereunder have been indefeasibly paid in full, that (i: (a) no Covered Entity (i) is a Sanctioned Person and; (ii) no Covered Entity, either in its own right or through any third party, (A) has any of its assets in a Sanctioned CountryJurisdiction or in the possession, custody or control of a Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; or (Biii) does business in or with, or derives any of its operating income from investments in or transactions with, any Sanctioned CountryJurisdiction or Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; (b) the proceeds of the Advances will not be used to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in, or, make any payments to, a Sanctioned Jurisdiction or Sanctioned Person; or (Cc) the funds used to repay the Advances are not derived from any unlawful activity; (d) each Covered Entity is in compliance with, and no Covered Entity engages in any dealings or transactions prohibited by, any laws of the United States, including but not limited to any Anti-Terrorism LawLaws; and (e) no Collateral is or will become Embargoed Property. Each Borrower covenants and agrees that (a) it shall immediately notify the Agent in writing upon the occurrence of a Reportable Compliance Event; and (b) if, at any time, any Collateral becomes Embargoed Property, in addition to all other rights and remedies available to the Agent, upon request by the Agent, the Borrowers shall provide substitute Collateral acceptable to the Agent that is not Embargoed Property.

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(b)           Each Borrower covenants and agrees that (i) no Covered Entity will become a Sanctioned Person, (ii) no Covered Entity, either in its own right or through any third party, will (A) have any of its assets in a Sanctioned Country or in the possession, custody or control of a Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; (B) do business in or with, or derive any of its income from investments in or transactions with, any Sanctioned Country or Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law; or (C) engage in any dealings or transactions prohibited by any Anti-Terrorism Law or (D) use the Advances to fund any operations in, finance any investments or activities in, or, make any payments to, a Sanctioned Country or Sanctioned Person in violation of any Anti-Terrorism Law, (iii) the funds used to repay the Obligations will not be derived from any unlawful activity, (iv; and (iii) each Covered Entity shall comply with all Anti-Terrorism Laws and (v) Borrowers shall promptly notify the Agent in writing upon the occurrence of a Reportable Compliance Event.

 

16.19       New Second Priority Intercreditor AgreementsAgreement. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Liens and security interest granted to Agent pursuant to this Agreement and the Other Documents and the exercise of any right or remedy by Agent hereunder and thereunder are subject to the provisions of the New Second Priority Intercreditor Agreement. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the New Second Priority Intercreditor Agreement and this Agreement with respect to lien priority, priority of proceeds of collateral or rights and remedies in connection with the Collateral (as defined in theinthe New Second Priority Intercreditor Agreement), the terms of the New Second Priority Intercreditor Agreement shall govern.

 

16.20       Reallocation of the Advances and the Commitment Amounts.

 

On the First Amendment Effective Date, each Lender, if any, whose relative proportion of its Commitment Percentage increases over the proportion of the Commitment Percentage held by it prior to the First Amendment Effective Date, shall, by assignments among them (which assignments shall be deemed to occur hereunder automatically, and without any requirement for additional documentation, on the First Amendment Effective Date) acquire a portion of the Advances held by them from and among each other, and shall, through the Agent, make such other adjustments among themselves as may be necessary so that after giving effect to such assignments and adjustments, such existing Lenders shall hold all Advances outstanding under this Agreement ratably in accordance with their respective Commitment Percentages as reflected on Exhibit 1.2(a) hereto, as are amended (or deemed amended) from time to time. On the First Amendment Effective Date, all Interest Periods in respect of any LIBOR Rate Loans that were required to be assigned as set forth above shall automatically be terminated solely with respect to any such Lender that has assigned any such LIBOR Rate Loans (but not with respect to any Lender that is an assignee of any such Lender). Borrowers shall on the First Amendment Effective Date, make payments to the Lenders that held such LIBOR Rate Loans that were required to be assigned as set forth above to compensate for such termination as if such termination were a payment or prepayment referred to in Article II.

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16.21       Section 956 Matters. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any Other Document, GX Mexico shall not be responsible for any of the Obligations of any of the U.S. Borrowers or any Guarantor and the reference to Borrowers in this Agreement or any Other Document shall not be construed in a manner that is inconsistent with such treatment.

 150

 

Exhibit A

 

To Third Amendment

 

Each of the parties has signed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

 

  ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION

 

  By:  

  Name:  

  Title:  

 

  ION EXPLORATION PRODUCTS (U.S.A.) INC.

 

  By:  

  Name:  

  Title:  

 

  I/O MARINE SYSTEMS, INC.

 

  By:  

  Name:  

  Title:  

 

  GX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

 

  By:  

  Name:  

  Title:  

 

  GX GEOSCIENCE CORPORATION, S. DE R.L. DE C.V.

 

  By:  

  Name:  

  Title:  

 151

 

Exhibit A

 

 

To Third Amendment

 

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

As Lender and as Agent

 

By:    
Name: Kayla Vaughan  
Title: Officer  

 

  Address: 2100 Ross Avenue, Suite 1850
    Dallas, Texas 75201
    Attention of: Relationship Manager (Ion)
    Telecopy: (214) 871-2015

 

Revolving Commitment Percentage: 100%

Revolving Commitment Amount $50,000,000

 152

 

Exhibit A

 

To Third Amendment

 

EXHIBIT 1.2

 

BORROWING BASE

 

 

 

See Attached.

 153

 

Exhibit A

 

To Third Amendment

 

Exhibit 1.2(a)

 

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

 

_____________, 201_

 

To: PNC Bank, National Association, as Agent for Lenders

 

This Compliance Certificate is furnished pursuant to that certain Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated August 22, 2014 (as amended, modified, renewed or extended from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) among ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (“Geophysical”), ION EXPLORATION PRODUCTS (U.S.A.) INC., a Delaware corporation (“Exploration”), I/O MARINE SYSTEMS, INC., a Louisiana corporation (“Marine”), and GX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, a Texas corporation (“GXT”), and GX GEOSCIENCE CORPORATION, S. DE R.L. DE C.V., a Sociedad de Responsibilidad Limitada de Capital Variable organized under the laws of Mexico (“GX Mexico” and, together with Geophysical, Exploration, Marine, GXT and each Person joined hereto as a borrower from time to time, collectively, the “Borrowers”, and each a “Borrower”), the financial institutions which are now or which hereafter become a party thereto (collectively, the “Lenders” and each individually a “Lender”) and PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (“PNC”), as agent for Lenders (PNC, in such capacity, the “Agent”). Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used in this Compliance Certificate have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Credit Agreement.

 

THE UNDERSIGNED [CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER][TREASURER] [CONTROLLER] OF THE BORROWING AGENT, SOLELY IN HIS OR HER CAPACITY AS THE [CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER][TREASURER][CONTROLLER] AND NOT PERSONALLY, HEREBY CERTIFIES TO THE LENDERS THAT:

 

1.         I am the [Chief Financial Officer\[Treasurer][Controller] of the Borrowing Agent:

 

2.         I have reviewed the terms of the Credit Agreement and I have made, or have caused to be made under my supervision, a detailed review of the transactions and conditions of the Borrowers during the accounting period covered by the financial statements [attached as Schedule 1 hereto][deemed delivered in accordance with Section [9.7][9.8] of the Credit Agreement]1, and such financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of the Borrowers on a consolidating and consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP applied on a basis consistent with prior practices, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Section 9.7 and Section 9.8 of the Credit Agreement;

 

 

1 NTD: Use highlighted language if Borrowing Agent satisfied delivery of financial statements by delivering to Agent, (i) with respect to financial statements delivered under § 9.7, an Annual Report on Form 10-K (or notice that an Annual Report on form 10-K has been filed with the SEC) or (ii) with respect to financial statements delivered under § 9.8, a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (or notice that a Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q has been filed with the SEC).

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3.             Except as set forth in paragraph 6 below, the examinations described in paragraph 2 did not disclose, and I have no knowledge of, (i) the occurrence and continuation of any condition or event which constitutes a Default during or at the end of the accounting period covered by the attached financial statements or as of the date of this Compliance Certificate or (ii) any change in the application of GAAP that has occurred since the date of the most recent financial statements referred to in Section 9.7 or Section 9.8 of the Credit Agreement, as applicable;

 

4.             If a Covenant Testing Trigger Event has occurred and shall then exist, Schedule 2 attached hereto sets forth financial data and computations evidencing the Borrowers’ compliance with Section 6.5(a) of the Credit Agreement, all of which data and computations are true and correct;

 

5.             Schedule 3 attached hereto sets forth updates, if any, to each of the Schedules referred to in Section 9.17 of the Credit Agreement;

 

6.             Described below are the exceptions, if any, to paragraph 3, listing in detail (i) the nature of the condition or event, the period during which it has existed and the action which the Borrowers have taken, are taking, or propose to take with respect to each such condition or event, or (ii) the change in the application of GAAP and the effect of such change on the attached financial statements:

 

 

 

 

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 155

 

Exhibit A

 

To Third Amendment

 

This Compliance Certificate is made and delivered as of the day and year first written above.

 

  ______________________________________________________________ ,
  as the [Chief Financial Officer] [Treasurer] [Controller] of Borrowing Agent

 156

 

Exhibit A

 

To Third Amendment

 

Exhibit 2.1(a)

 

REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE

 

$[___________] [___________], 20 __

 

This Revolving Credit Note (this “Revolving Credit Note”) is executed and delivered under and pursuant to the terms and conditions of that certain Revolving Credit and Security Agreement dated as of August 22, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented and modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) by and among ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (“Geophysical”), ION EXPLORATION PRODUCTS (U.S.A.) INC., a Delaware corporation (“Exploration”), I/O MARINE SYSTEMS INC., a Louisiana corporation (“Marine”), and GX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, a Texas corporation (“GXT”), and GX GEOSCIENCE CORPORATION, S. DE R.L. DE C.V., a Sociedad de Responsibilidad Limitada de Capital Variable organized under the laws of Mexico (“GX Mexico” and, together with Geophysical, Exploration, Marine, GXT and each Person joined hereto as a borrower from time to time, collectively, the “Borrowers”, and each a “Borrower”), the financial institutions which are now or which hereafter become a party thereto (collectively, the “Lenders” and each individually, a “Lender”) and PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (“PNC”), as agent for Lenders (PNC, in such capacity, the “Agent”). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings provided in the Credit Agreement.

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the Borrowers hereby promise to pay, on a joint and several basis, to the order of [____________________________], in its capacity as a Lender (“Payee”), at the office of Agent located at Two Tower Center Boulevard, East Brunswick, New Jersey 08816, or at such other place as Agent may from time to time designate to Borrowers in writing:

 

(a)     the principal sum of [______________] ($ ___________) or, if different from such amount, the unpaid principal balance of Payee’s Revolving Commitment Percentage of the Revolving Advances as may be due and owing under the Credit Agreement, payable in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Agreement, subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of an Event of Default or earlier termination of the Credit Agreement pursuant to the terms thereof; and

 

(b)     interest on the principal amount of the Revolving Advances under this Revolving Credit Note shall accrue at the applicable Revolving Interest Rate in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Agreement. Upon and after the occurrence of an Event of Default, and during the continuation thereof, interest shall be payable at the Default Rate. In no event, however, shall interest exceed the amount collectible at the maximum interest rate permitted by applicable law.

 

This Revolving Credit Note is one of the Revolving Credit Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement and is secured by the liens granted pursuant to the Credit Agreement and the Other Documents, is entitled to the benefits of the Credit Agreement and the Other Documents and is subject to all of the agreements, terms and conditions therein contained.

 157

 

This Revolving Credit Note is subject to mandatory prepayment and may be voluntarily prepaid, in whole or in part, on the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement.

 

If an Event of Default under Section 10.7 (other than Section 10.7(vii)) of the Credit Agreement shall occur, then this Revolving Credit Note shall immediately become due and payable, without notice, together with all other Obligations owed to Payee. If any other Event of Default shall occur, and the same is not cured within any applicable grace or cure period or waived, then this Revolving Credit Note may, as provided in the Credit Agreement, be declared to be immediately due and payable, without notice, together with all other Obligations owed to Payee.

 

This Revolving Credit Note shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

The Borrowers expressly waive any presentment, demand, protest, notice of protest, or notice of any kind except as expressly provided in the Credit Agreement.

 

[Signature page follows]

 158

 

Exhibit A

 

To Third Amendment

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Revolving Credit Note is executed as of the date set forth above.

 

  ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION
     
  By:     
    Name:
    Title:

 

  I/O MARINE SYSTEMS, INC.
     
  By:     
    Name:
    Title:

 

  GX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
     
  By:     
    Name:
    Title:

 

  ION EXPLORATION PRODUCTS (U.S.A.), INC.
     
  By:     
    Name:
    Title:

 

  GX GEOSCIENCE CORPORATION, S. DE R.L. DE C.V.
     
  By:     
    Name:
    Title:

 159

 

Exhibit A

 

To Third Amendment

 

Exhibit 2.4(a)

 

SWING LOAN NOTE

 

$[___________] [___________], 20 __

 

This Swing Loan Note (this “Swing Loan Note”) is executed and delivered under and pursuant to the terms and conditions of that certain Revolving Credit and Security Agreement dated as of August 22, 2014 (as amended, restated, supplemented and modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”) by and among ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (“Geophysical”), ION EXPLORATION PRODUCTS (U.S.A.) INC., a Delaware corporation (“Exploration”), I/O MARINE SYSTEMS, INC., a Louisiana corporation (“Marine”), and GX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, a Texas corporation (“GXT”), and GX GEOSCIENCE CORPORATION, S. DE R.L. DE C.V., a Sociedad de Responsibilidad Limitada de Capital Variable organized under the laws of Mexico (“GX Mexico” and, together with Geophysical, Exploration, Marine, GXT and each Person joined hereto as a borrower from time to time, collectively, the “Borrowers”, and each a “Borrower”), the financial institutions which are now or which hereafter become a party thereto (collectively, the “Lenders” and each individually, a “Lender”) and PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (“PNC”), as agent for Lenders (PNC, in such capacity, the “Agent”). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings provided in the Credit Agreement.

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the Borrowers hereby promise to pay, on a joint and several basis, to the order of [___________________], in its capacity as Swing Loan Lender (“Payee”), at the office of Agent located at Two Tower Center Boulevard, East Brunswick, New Jersey 08816, or at such other place as Agent may from time to time designate to Borrowers in writing:

 

(a)     the principal sum of [_____________] ($ __________ ) or, if different from such amount, the unpaid principal balance of Swing Loans as may be due and owing under the Credit Agreement, payable in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Agreement, subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of an Event of Default or earlier termination of the Credit Agreement pursuant to the terms thereof; and

 

(b)     interest on the principal amount of the Swing Loans under this Swing Loan Note shall accrue at the Revolving Interest Rate for Domestic Rate Loans. Upon and after the occurrence of an Event of Default, and during the continuation thereof, interest shall be payable at the Default Rate. In no event, however, shall interest exceed the amount collectible at the maximum interest rate permitted by applicable law.

 

This Swing Loan Note is the Swing Loan Note referred to in the Credit Agreement and is secured by the liens granted pursuant to the Credit Agreement and the Other Documents, is entitled to the benefits of the Credit Agreement and the Other Documents and is subject to all of the agreements, terms and conditions therein contained.

 160

 

This Swing Loan Note is subject to mandatory prepayment and may be voluntarily prepaid, in whole or in part, on the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement.

 

If an Event of Default under Section 10.7 (other than Section 10.7(vii)) of the Credit Agreement shall occur, then this Swing Loan Note shall immediately become due and payable, without notice, together with all other Obligations owed to Payee. If any other Event of Default shall occur, and the same is not cured within any applicable grace or cure period or waived, then this Swing Loan Note may, as provided in the Credit Agreement, be declared to be immediately due and payable, without notice, together with all other Obligations owed to Payee.

 

This Swing Loan Note shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

The Borrowers expressly waive any presentment, demand, protest, notice of protest, or notice of any kind except as expressly provided in the Credit Agreement.

 

[Signature page follows]

 161

 

Exhibit A

 

To Third Amendment

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Swing Loan Note is executed as of the date set forth above.

 

  ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION
     
  By:     
    Name:
    Title:

 

  I/O MARINE SYSTEMS, INC.
     
  By:     
    Name:
    Title:

 

  GX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
     
  By:     
    Name:
    Title:

 

  ION EXPLORATION PRODUCTS (U.S.A.), INC.
     
  By:     
    Name:
    Title:

 

  GX GEOSCIENCE CORPORATION, S. DE R.L. DE C.V.
     
  By:     
    Name:
    Title:

 162

 

Exhibit A

 

To Third Amendment

 

EXHIBIT 5.5(b)

 

FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS

 

 

See Attached.

 163

 

EXHIBIT 5.5(b)

 

FINANCIAL PROJECTIONS

 

 

See Attached.

 

EXHIBIT 8.1(d)

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION CERTIFICATE

 

[_________]

 

I, _________________________, hereby certify solely in my capacity as [Chief Financial Officer] [Treasurer] of ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION (“Borrowing Agent”) and not in my personal capacity, that:

 

1)            I am the duly elected, qualified and acting [Chief Financial Officer] of Borrowing Agent. Borrowing Agent, together with I/O MARINE SYSTEMS, INC. (“Marine”). GX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION (“GXT”) and ION EXPLORATION PRODUCTS (U.S.A.), INC. are collectively referred to herein as “Borrowers”, and each individually, a “Borrower”.

 

2)            I am fully familiar with all of the business and financial affairs of the Borrowers including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, all of the matters hereinafter described.

 

3)            This Certificate is made and delivered to PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (“PNC”), in its individual capacity as agent (in such capacity as agent, the “Agent”) for each of the financial institutions named as lender or which hereafter become a lender (each individually a “Lender” and collectively (including PNC), “Lenders”) under that certain Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated of August 22, 2014 (“Credit Agreement”), by and among. Borrowers, Lenders and Agent, for the purpose of inducing the Agent and the Lenders, now and from time to time hereafter, to advance monies and extend credit and other financial accommodations to Borrowers pursuant to the Credit Agreement and Other Documents. I understand that the Agent and the Lenders are relying on this Certificate. All capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

 

4)            The Pro Forma Balance Sheet is accurate, complete and correct and fairly reflects the financial condition of Borrowers on a Consolidated Basis as of the Closing Date after giving effect to the Transactions. The Projections are based on underlying assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time such Projections were prepared in light of the circumstances of the set of conditions and course of action for the projected period believed by the Borrowing Agent to be most likely.

 

5)            Immediately following the execution of the Credit Agreement and Other Documents and the consummation of the Transactions, (a) the fair saleable value of Borrowers’ assets (calculated on a going concern basis) will be in excess of the amount of its liabilities, and (b) each Borrower is solvent, able to pay such Borrower’s debts as they mature, has capital sufficient to carry on such Borrower’s business and all businesses in which such Borrower is about to engage. The aggregate amount of Eligible Domestic Receivables, Eligible Foreign Receivables, Eligible Unbilled Receivables, Eligible Inventory and Eligible Multi-Client Data Library Assets is sufficient in value and amount to support Advances in the amount requested by Borrowers on the Closing Date.

 

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

  166  

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Financial Condition Certificate to be executed and delivered on the date first above written.

 

  ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION, as Borrowing Agent
     
  By:              
  Name:
  Title: [Chief Financial Officer] [Treasurer]

 

EXHIBIT 16.3

 

COMMITMENT TRANSFER SUPPLEMENT

 

COMMITMENT TRANSFER SUPPLEMENT, dated as of ______________, 20 ___, among __________________________________ (the “Transferor Lender”), each Purchasing Lender executing this Commitment Transfer Supplement (each, a “Purchasing Lender”), and PNC Bank, National Association (“PNC”) as agent for the Lenders (as defined below) under the Credit Agreement (as defined below).

 

WITNESSETH:

 

WHEREAS, this Commitment Transfer Supplement is being executed and delivered in accordance with Section 16.3 of the Revolving Credit and Security Agreement dated as of August 22, 2014 (as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified in accordance with the terms thereof, the “Credit Agreement”) among ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (“Geophysical”), ION EXPLORATION PRODUCTS (U.S.A.) INC., a Delaware corporation (“Exploration”), I/O MARINE SYSTEMS, INC., a Louisiana corporation (“Marine”), and GX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, a Texas corporation (“GXT”), and GX GEOSCIENCE CORPORATION, S. DE R.L. DE C.V., a Sociedad de Responsibilidad Limitada de Capital Variable organized under the laws of Mexico (“GX Mexico” and, together with Geophysical, Exploration, Marine, GXT and each Person joined hereto as a borrower from time to time, collectively, the “Borrowers”, and each a “Borrower”), the financial institutions which are now or which hereafter become a party thereto (collectively, the “Lenders” and each individually, a “Lender”) and PNC, as agent for Lenders (PNC, in such capacity, the “Agent”):

 

WHEREAS, each Purchasing Lender wishes to become a Lender party to the Credit Agreement; and

 

WHEREAS, the Transferor Lender is selling and assigning to each Purchasing Lender, rights, obligations and commitments under the Credit Agreement;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

 

1.             All capitalized terms used herein which are not defined shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

2.             Upon receipt by the Agent of four counterparts of this Commitment Transfer Supplement, to each of which is attached a fully completed Schedule I, and each of which has been executed by the Purchasing Lender, Transferor Lender and Agent (and, provided (i) no Event of Default has occurred and is then continuing and (ii) Purchasing Lender does not qualify as a Permitted Assignee (as defined in the Credit Agreement), Borrowing Agent), Agent will transmit to Transferor Lender and each Purchasing Lender a Transfer Effective Notice, substantially in the form of Schedule II to this Commitment Transfer Supplement (a “Transfer Effective Notice”). Such Transfer Effective Notice shall set forth, inter alia, the date on which the transfer effected by this Commitment Transfer Supplement shall become effective (the “Transfer Effective Date”), which date shall not be earlier than the first Business Day following the date such Transfer Effective Notice is received. From and after the Transfer Effective Date, each Purchasing Lender shall be a Lender party to the Credit Agreement for all purposes thereof.

 

3.            At or before 12:00 Noon (New York City time) on the Transfer Effective Date, each Purchasing Lender shall pay to Transferor Lender, in immediately available funds, an amount equal to the purchase price, as agreed between Transferor Lender and such Purchasing Lender (the “Purchase Price”), of the portion of the Advances being purchased by such Purchasing Lender (such Purchasing Lender’s “Purchased Percentage”) of the outstanding Advances and other amounts owing to the Transferor Lender under the Credit Agreement and the Notes. Effective upon receipt by Transferor Lender of the Purchase Price from a Purchasing Lender, Transferor Lender hereby irrevocably sells assigns and transfers to such Purchasing Lender, without recourse, representation or warranty, and each Purchasing Lender hereby irrevocably purchases, takes and assumes from Transferor Lender, such Purchasing Lender’s Purchased Percentage of the Advances and other amounts owing to the Transferor Lender under the Credit Agreement and the Notes together with all instruments, documents and collateral security pertaining thereto.

 

4.            Transferor Lender has made arrangements with each Purchasing Lender with respect to (i) the portion, if any, to be paid, and the date or dates for payment, by Transferor Lender to such Purchasing Lender of any fees heretofore received by Transferor Lender pursuant to the Credit Agreement prior to the Transfer Effective Date and (ii) the portion, if any, to be paid, and the date or dates for payment, by such Purchasing Lender to Transferor Lender of fees or interest received by such Purchasing Lender pursuant to the Credit Agreement from and after the Transfer Effective Date.

 

5.            (i) All principal payments that would otherwise be payable from and after the Transfer Effective Date to or for the account of Transferor Lender pursuant to the Credit Agreement and the Notes shall, instead, be payable to or for the account of Transferor Lender and Purchasing Lender, as the case may be, in accordance with their respective interests as reflected in this Commitment Transfer Supplement.

 

(ii) All interest, fees and other amounts that would otherwise accrue for the account of Transferor Lender from and after the Transfer Effective Date pursuant to the Credit Agreement and the Notes shall, instead, accrue for the account of, and be payable to. Transferor Lender and Purchasing Lender, as the case may be, in accordance with their respective interests as reflected in this Commitment Transfer Supplement. In the event that any amount of interest, fees or other amounts accruing prior to the Transfer Effective Date was included in the Purchase Price paid by any Purchasing Lender, Transferor Lender and each Purchasing Lender will make appropriate arrangements for payment by Transferor Lender to such Purchasing Lender of such amount upon receipt thereof from Borrowers.

 

6.            Concurrently with the execution and delivery hereof. Transferor Lender will provide to each Purchasing Lender conformed copies of the Credit Agreement and all related documents delivered to Transferor Lender.

 169

 

7.             Each of the parties to this Commitment Transfer Supplement agrees that at any time and from time to time upon the written request of any other party, it will execute and deliver such further documents and do such further acts and things as such other party may reasonably request in order to effect the purposes of this Commitment Transfer Supplement.

 

8.             By executing and delivering this Commitment Transfer Supplement, Transferor Lender and each Purchasing Lender confirm to and agree with each other and Agent and Lenders as follows: (i) other than the representation and warranty that it is the legal and beneficial owner of the interest being assigned hereby free and clear of any adverse claim. Transferor Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Credit Agreement, the Notes or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; (ii) Transferor Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of Borrowers or the performance or observance by Borrowers of any of their Obligations under the Credit Agreement, the Notes or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto; (iii) each Purchasing Lender confirms that it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with copies of such financial statements and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Commitment Transfer Supplement; (iv) each Purchasing Lender will, independently and without reliance upon Agent, Transferor Lender or any other Lenders and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Credit Agreement; (v) each Purchasing Lender appoints and authorizes Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under the Credit Agreement as are delegated to the Agent by the terms thereof; (vi) each Purchasing Lender hereby appoints and authorizes Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under the Credit Agreement and the Other Documents as are delegated to Agent by the terms thereof; (vii) each Purchasing Lender agrees that it will perform all of its respective obligations as set forth in the Credit Agreement to be performed by each as a Lender; and (viii) each Purchasing Lender represents and warrants to Transferor Lender, Lenders, Agent and Borrowers that it is either (a) entitled to the benefits of an income tax treaty with the United States of America that provides for an exemption from the United States withholding tax on interest and other payments made by Borrowers under the Credit Agreement and the Other Documents or (b) is engaged in trade or business within the United States of America.

 

9.             Schedule I hereto sets forth the revised Commitment Percentages of Transferor Lender and the Commitment Percentage of each Purchasing Lender as well as administrative information with respect to each Purchasing Lender.

 

10.           This Commitment Transfer Supplement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 170

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Commitment Transfer Supplement to be executed by their respective duly authorized officers on the date set forth above.

 

 

  as Transferor Lender

 

  By:  

  Name:  

  Title:  

 

 

  as a Purchasing Lender

 

  By:  

  Name:  

  Title:  

 

  PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION as Agent

 

  By:  

  Name:  

  Title:  

 

Agreed, in accordance Section 16.3(c) of the Credit Agreement:1

 

ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATION,

as Borrowing Agent

 

By:    

Name:    

Title:    

 

1 Borrower’s signature block should only be included if Borrower’s consent is required under Section 16.3(c).

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

ION announces successful completion of its Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation, and Rights Offering

 

HOUSTON – April 20, 2021 – ION Geophysical Corporation (NYSE: IO) (the “Company” or “ION”) today announced the successful completion of its previously announced offer to exchange (the “Exchange Offer”) the Company’s 9.125% Senior Secured Second Priority Notes due 2021 (the “Old Notes”) for newly issued 8.00% Senior Secured Second Priority Notes due 2025 (the “New Notes”) and the other consideration in the form of cash and ION common stock, as described in the Company’s Prospectus dated as of March 10, 2021 (the “Exchange Offer Prospectus”) and its previously announced rights offering (the “Rights Offering”) to its holders of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”) to purchase (i) $2.78 principal amount of the New Notes per Right, at a purchase price of 100% of the principal amount thereof or (ii) 1.08 shares of Common Stock per Right, at a purchase price of $2.57 per whole share of Common Stock, as described in the Company’s Prospectus dated as of March 10, 2021 (the “Rights Offering Prospectus” and, together with the Exchange Offer Prospectus, the “Prospectuses”).

 

“We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the transactions, which strengthens our platform and supports our focus to grow and diversify the business,” said Chris Usher, ION’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Not only does the exchange extend the maturity to 2025 with a lower coupon, but also provides a path to convert nearly all our debt to equity as we execute our strategy over the next couple years. On behalf of ION, I would like to sincerely thank all our stakeholders, as this transformation would not have been possible without their strong support and participation. We remain optimistic about promising growth opportunities to continue evolving our core business and diversifying into new markets associated with the energy transition, sustainability and digitalization.”

 

In the Exchange Offer, an aggregate principal amount of $113,472,000, or approximately 94.1%, of the $120,569,000 outstanding Old Notes were accepted for exchange for (i) $84,652,000 aggregate principal amount of its New Notes, (ii) 6,116,369 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, including 1,542,201 shares issued as the Early Participation Payment and 4,574,168 shares issued as stock consideration in lieu of New Notes, and (iii) $20,659,722 paid in cash, including $3,595,250 of accrued and unpaid interest that became due on the Old Notes as part of the exchange. The Company has accepted for exchange all such Old Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn in the Exchange Offer as of the expiration time on April 12, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. New York City time. The amendment to the indenture governing the Old Notes will be effective on such date. Pursuant to the Exchange Offer, post-closing, the Company will make an offer to participants to repurchase New Notes at par for up to 50% of the proceeds raised in excess of $35 million from the Rights Offering valued at $3,417,643.

 

 

 

 

 

In the concurrent Rights Offering, an aggregate amount of $41,835,286 of Rights (including over-subscriptions) was validly exercised by the holders of the Company’s Common Stock, $30,081,000 allocated in New Notes and $11,754,286 allocated in 4,573,652 shares of ION Common Stock. All over-subscription rights were exercised without proration as the $50 million limit on proceeds was not exceeded. Backstop parties were paid 5% backstop fees, in kind, resulting in the issuance of an additional $1,460,000 aggregate principal amount of New Notes and 215,241 shares of Common Stock.

 

In total, $116,193,000 in aggregate principal amount of New Notes and 10,905,262 shares of Common Stock were issued and delivered through the clearing systems of the Depository Trust Company today. ION will receive approximately $14 million in net proceeds from the transactions after deducting noteholder obligations, estimated transaction fees and accrued and unpaid interest paid on the Old Notes. Post transactions, a total of 28,811,207 shares of Common Stock are outstanding as of April 20, 2021.

 

The Rights Offering and Exchange Offer were made pursuant to registration statements on Form S-1 and Form S-4, respectively, on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). To obtain a copy of the Rights Offering Prospectus and the Exchange Offer Prospectus free of charge, visit the SEC website at www.sec.gov or contact D.F. King & Co., Inc. at 1 (877) 732-3617 or ion@dfking.com.

 

This press release is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to purchase or to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or sell any securities, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

 

 

 

 

 

About ION

 

Leveraging innovative technologies, ION delivers powerful data-driven decision-making to offshore energy and maritime operations markets, enabling clients to optimize investments and results through access to our data, software and distinctive analytics. Learn more at iongeo.com.

 

Contacts

 

ION (Investor relations)

 

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Mike Morrison, +1 281.879.3615

mike.morrison@iongeo.com

 

ION (Media relations)

 

Vice President, Communications

Rachel White, +1 281.781.1168

rachel.white@iongeo.com

 

The information herein contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements may include information and other statements that are not of historical fact. Actual results may vary materially from those described in these forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements reflect numerous assumptions and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the risks associated with the timing and development of ION's products and services; pricing pressure; decreased demand; changes in oil prices; agreements made or adhered to by members of OPEC and other oil producing countries to maintain production levels; the COVID-19 pandemic; and political, execution, regulatory, and currency risks. For additional information regarding these various risks and uncertainties, see the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on February 12, 2021, and the Company’s Registration Statements on Form S-1 and Form S-4, each filed with the SEC on January 29, 2021, and amended on February 12, 2021 and March 3, 2021, and the Prospectuses, each filed with the SEC on March 10, 2021. Additional risk factors, which could affect actual results, are disclosed by the Company in its filings with the SEC, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K and any Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Current Report on Form 8-K subsequently filed with the SEC during the year. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements.