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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): September 14, 2021

 

Papa John’s International, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   0-21660   61-1203323
(State or other jurisdiction   (Commission   (IRS Employer
of incorporation)   File Number)   Identification No.)
         
2002 Papa John’s Boulevard        
Louisville,        Kentucky       40299-2367
(Address of principal executive offices)       (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (502) 261-7272

 

 

 

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

 

¨ 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(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered
  Common Stock, $0.01 par value   PZZA   The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

 

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.

 

Senior Notes

 

On September 14, 2021, Papa John’s International, Inc. (the “Company”) issued $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 3.875% senior notes due 2029 (the “Notes”) pursuant to an Indenture, dated September 14, 2021 (the “Indenture”), among the Company, the guarantors party thereto and Truist Bank, as trustee. The Notes are guaranteed by each of the Company’s existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries that are guarantors or borrowers under the Amended Credit Agreement (as defined below) or other certain indebtedness. The Notes were offered and sold either to persons reasonably believed to be “qualified institutional buyers” pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or to persons outside the United States under Regulation S of the Securities Act. Interest on the Notes will be payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, commencing on March 15, 2022, at a rate of 3.875% per annum. The Notes will mature on September 15, 2029.

 

The net proceeds from the offering of the Notes, together with borrowings under the Revolving Facility (as defined below), were used to repay outstanding revolver and term loan borrowings under the Company’s Existing Credit Agreement, and to pay all related fees and expenses in connection with the offering of the Notes and closing of the Amended Credit Agreement (as defined below).

 

The Company may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after September 15, 2024 at established redemption prices. At any time prior to September 15, 2024, the Company may also redeem up to 40% of the Notes with net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price equal to 103.875% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. In addition, at any time prior to September 15, 2024, the Company may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date plus an applicable “make-whole” premium.

 

The Indenture contains customary events of default, including, among other things, payment default, failure to comply with covenants or agreements contained in the Indenture or the Notes and certain provisions related to bankruptcy events. The Indenture also contains customary negative covenants.

 

Amended Credit Agreement

 

Concurrently with the closing of the offering of the Notes, the Company has amended and restated (the “Amendment”) that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of August 30, 2017, as amended by that certain Amendment No 1. to Credit Agreement dated as of October 26, 2017, by that certain Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement dated as of January 10, 2018, by that certain Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement dated as of October 9, 2018 and by that certain Amendment No. 4 to Credit Agreement dated as of February 1, 2019 (as previously amended, the “Existing Credit Agreement”) pursuant to an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 14, 2021 (the “Amended Credit Agreement”), by and among the Company, certain direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries of the Company as guarantors, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders (the “Lenders”) and other agents party thereto. The Amended Credit Agreement provides for a senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate available principal amount of $600.0 million (the “Revolving Facility”), of which up to $40.0 million is available as swingline loans and up to $80.0 million as letters of credit. Up to $50.0 million of the Revolving Facility may be advanced in certain agreed foreign currencies, including Euros, Pounds Sterling, Canadian Dollars, Japanese Yen, and Mexican Pesos. The Amended Credit Agreement includes an accordion feature allowing for a future increase of the Revolving Facility and/or incremental term loans in an aggregate amount of up to $500.0 million, subject to certain conditions, including obtaining commitments from one or more new or existing lenders to provide such increased amounts. As of September 14, 2021, $25,000,000 of the Revolving Facility was drawn by the Company.

 

 

Loans under the Revolving Facility accrue interest at a per annum rate equal to, at the Company’s election, either a LIBOR rate plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to 2.00% or a base rate (generally determined according to the greater of a prime rate, federal funds rate plus 0.50% or a LIBOR rate plus 1.00%) plus a margin ranging from 0.25% to 1.00%. In each case, the actual margin is determined according to a ratio of the Company’s total indebtedness to EBITDA for the then most recently ended four quarter period (the “Leverage Ratio”). An unused commitment fee at a rate ranging from 0.175% to 0.30% per annum, determined according to the Leverage Ratio, applies to the unutilized commitments under the Revolving Facility. Loans owing under the Amended Credit Agreement may be prepaid at any time without premium or penalty, subject to customary breakage costs in the case of borrowings for which a LIBOR rate election is in effect. The Amended Credit Agreement also contains provisions specifying alternative interest rate calculations to be used at such time as LIBOR ceases to be available as a benchmark for establishing the interest rate on floating interest rate borrowings.

 

The Revolving Facility matures on September 14, 2026. The obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement are guaranteed by certain direct and indirect material domestic subsidiaries of the Company (the “Guarantors”) and are secured by a security interest in substantially all of the capital stock and equity interests of the Company’s and the Guarantors’ domestic and first tier material foreign subsidiaries.

 

The Amended Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants that, among other things, require customary reporting obligations, and restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the incurrence of additional indebtedness and liens, the consummation of certain mergers, consolidations, sales of assets and similar transactions, the making of investments, equity distributions and other restricted payments, and transactions with affiliates. In addition, the Company will be subject to the following financial covenants: (1) a maximum Leverage Ratio of 5.25 to 1.00, subject to the Company’s election to increase the maximum Leverage Ratio by 0.5 to 1.0 in connection with material acquisitions if the Company satisfies certain requirements, and (2) a minimum ratio of EBITDA plus consolidated rental expense to consolidated interest expense plus consolidated rental expense of 2.00 to 1.00.

 

The Amended Credit Agreement contains customary events of default including, among other things, payment defaults, breach of covenants, cross acceleration to material indebtedness, bankruptcy-related defaults, judgment defaults, and the occurrence of certain change of control events. The occurrence of an event of default may result in the termination of the Facilities, acceleration of repayment obligations and the exercise of remedies by the Lenders with respect to the subsidiary guarantors.

 

The Company used the borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement, together with the net proceeds from the offering of the Notes, to repay outstanding revolver and term loan borrowings under the Company's Existing Credit Agreement and to pay all related fees and expenses in connection with the offering of the Notes and closing of the Amended Credit Agreement.

 

From time to time, the Company has had customary commercial and/or investment banking relationships with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A and/or certain of its respective affiliates.

 

***

 

The information contained in this report, including the exhibits hereto, shall not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, any Notes in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

 

The preceding description of the Indenture, the Notes and the Amended Credit Agreement is a summary and is qualified in its entirety by the Indenture, the form of Notes and the Amended Credit Agreement, copies of which are filed as Exhibit 4.1, Exhibit 4.2 and Exhibit 10.1 hereto and are incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

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

 

The disclosure contained in Item 1.01 above relating to the Notes, the Indenture and the Amended Credit Agreement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 8.01 Other Events.

 

On September 14, 2021, the Company issued a press release announcing the closing of the Notes offering and the Amended Credit Agreement. A copy of the press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference herein.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits

 

  4.1   Indenture, dated September 14, 2021, among Papa John’s International, Inc., each of the guarantors party thereto and Truist Bank, as trustee.
  4.2 Form of 3.875% Senior Notes Due 2029 (included in Exhibit 4.1).
  10.1 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated September 14, 2021, among Papa John’s International, Inc., each of the guarantors and lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, Inc., as administrative agent.
  99.1 Press Release dated September 14, 2021.
  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 hereunto duly authorized.

 

  PAPA JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL, INC.
   
     
  By: /s/ Caroline Oyler
    Caroline Oyler
    Chief Legal and Risk Officer

 

Date: September 14, 2021

 

 

Exhibit 4.1

 

Execution Version

 

 

INDENTURE

 

Dated as of September 14, 2021

 

Among

 

PAPA JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL, INC.
as Issuer,

 

THE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO

 

and

 

TRUIST BANK,
as Trustee

 

3.875% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2029

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Page

 

ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

 

SECTION 1.1. Definitions 1
SECTION 1.2. Other Definitions 23
SECTION 1.3. Rules of Construction 24
SECTION 1.4. Financial Calculations for Committed Debt, Limited Condition Transactions and Otherwise 24

 

ARTICLE II
THE NOTES

 

SECTION 2.1. Form and Dating 25
SECTION 2.2. Execution and Authentication 26
SECTION 2.3. Registrar; Paying Agent 26
SECTION 2.4. Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust 27
SECTION 2.5. Holder Lists 27
SECTION 2.6. Book-Entry Provisions for Global Notes 27
SECTION 2.7. Replacement Notes 29
SECTION 2.8. Outstanding Notes 29
SECTION 2.9. Treasury Notes 30
SECTION 2.10. Temporary Notes 30
SECTION 2.11. Cancellation 30
SECTION 2.12. Defaulted Interest 30
SECTION 2.13. Computation of Interest 30
SECTION 2.14. CUSIP and ISIN Numbers 30
SECTION 2.15. Transfer and Exchange 31
SECTION 2.16. Issuance of Additional Notes 32

 

ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT

 

SECTION 3.1. Notices to Trustee 33
SECTION 3.2. Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed 33
SECTION 3.3. Notice of Redemption 33
SECTION 3.4. Effect of Notice of Redemption 34
SECTION 3.5. Deposit of Redemption Price 34
SECTION 3.6. Notes Redeemed in Part 35
SECTION 3.7. Optional Redemption 35

 

ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS

 

SECTION 4.1. Payment of Notes 36
SECTION 4.2. Maintenance of Office or Agency 36
SECTION 4.3. Provision of Financial Information 36
SECTION 4.4. Compliance Certificate 37
SECTION 4.5. Taxes 37
SECTION 4.6. Stay, Extension and Usury Laws 38
SECTION 4.7. Limitation on Restricted Payments 38
SECTION 4.8. Limitation on Dividend and Other Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries 42

 

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SECTION 4.9. Limitation on Debt 43
SECTION 4.10. Limitation on Asset Dispositions 46
SECTION 4.11. Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates 49
SECTION 4.12. Limitation on Liens 50
SECTION 4.13. Offer to Purchase upon Change of Control 50
SECTION 4.14. Corporate Existence 51
SECTION 4.15. Future Guarantees 52
SECTION 4.16. Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries 52
SECTION 4.17. Covenant Suspension 52

 

ARTICLE V
SUCCESSORS

 

SECTION 5.1. Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance, Transfer or Lease 53

 

ARTICLE VI
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

 

SECTION 6.1. Events of Default 55
SECTION 6.2. Acceleration 56
SECTION 6.3. Other Remedies 57
SECTION 6.4. Waiver of Past Defaults 57
SECTION 6.5. Control by Majority 57
SECTION 6.6. Limitation on Suits 58
SECTION 6.7. Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment 58
SECTION 6.8. Collection Suit by Trustee 58
SECTION 6.9. Trustee May File Proofs of Claim 58
SECTION 6.10. Priorities 58
SECTION 6.11. Undertaking for Costs 59
SECTION 6.12. Restoration of Rights and Remedies 59
SECTION 6.13. Rights and Remedies Cumulative 59
SECTION 6.14. Delay or Omission Not Waiver 59

 

ARTICLE VII
TRUSTEE

 

SECTION 7.1. Duties of Trustee 59
SECTION 7.2. Rights of Trustee 60
SECTION 7.3. Individual Rights of the Trustee 61
SECTION 7.4. Trustee’s Disclaimer 61
SECTION 7.5. Notice of Defaults 62
SECTION 7.6. Compensation and Indemnity 62
SECTION 7.7. Replacement of Trustee 62
SECTION 7.8. Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc. 63
SECTION 7.9. Eligibility; Disqualification 63

 

ARTICLE VIII
DEFEASANCE; DISCHARGE OF THIS INDENTURE

 

SECTION 8.1. Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance 63
SECTION 8.2. Legal Defeasance 63
SECTION 8.3. Covenant Defeasance 64
SECTION 8.4. Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance 64
SECTION 8.5. Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions 65
SECTION 8.6. Repayment to Issuer 65
SECTION 8.7. Reinstatement 66
SECTION 8.8. Discharge 66

 

-ii-

 

 

ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

 

SECTION 9.1. Without Consent of Holders of the Notes 67
SECTION 9.2. With Consent of Holders of Notes 68
SECTION 9.3. Revocation and Effect of Consents 68
SECTION 9.4. Notation on or Exchange of Notes 68
SECTION 9.5. Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc. 69

 

ARTICLE X
SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES

 

SECTION 10.1. Subsidiary Guarantees 69
SECTION 10.2. Execution and Delivery of Guarantee 70
SECTION 10.3. Severability 70
SECTION 10.4. Limitation of Subsidiary Guarantors’ Liability 70
SECTION 10.5. Releases 71
SECTION 10.6. Benefits Acknowledged 71

 

ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS

 

SECTION 11.1. Notices 71
SECTION 11.2. Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent 72
SECTION 11.3. Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion 73
SECTION 11.4. Rules by Trustee and Agents 73
SECTION 11.5. No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders 73
SECTION 11.6. Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial 73
SECTION 11.7. No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements 73
SECTION 11.8. Successors 74
SECTION 11.9. Severability 74
SECTION 11.10. Execution in Counterparts 74
SECTION 11.11. Table of Contents, Headings, Etc. 74
SECTION 11.12. Acts of Holders 74
SECTION 11.13. Force Majeure 76
SECTION 11.14. Legal Holidays 76
SECTION 11.15. USA PATRIOT Act 76

 

Exhibits

 

Exhibit A Form of Note
Exhibit B Form of Supplemental Indenture to be Delivered by Subsequent Subsidiary Guarantors
Exhibit C Form of Certificate to be Delivered in Connection with Transfers Pursuant to Regulation S
Exhibit D Form of Certificate to be Delivered in Connection with Transfers to IAIs

 

-iii-

 

 

This Indenture, dated as of September 14, 2021, is by and among Papa John’s International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (collectively with successors and assigns, the “Issuer”), the Subsidiary Guarantors party hereto and Truist Bank, a North Carolina bank duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of North Carolina, as trustee (the “Trustee”), paying agent and registrar.

 

The Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee agree as follows for the benefit of each other and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders (as defined herein) of (i) the Issuer’s 3.875% Senior Notes due 2029 to be issued in an initial aggregate principal amount of $400,000,000 on the date hereof (the “Initial Notes”) and (ii) Additional Notes (as defined herein):

 

ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

 

SECTION 1.1.         Definitions.

 

Additional Notes” means Notes (other than the Initial Notes) issued pursuant to Article II and otherwise in compliance with the provisions of this Indenture.

 

Affiliate” of any Person means any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with such Person. For the purposes of this definition, “control,” when used with respect to any Person, means the power to direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms “controlling” and “controlled” have meanings correlative to the foregoing.

 

Agent” means any Registrar, Paying Agent, co-registrar or other agent appointed pursuant to this Indenture.

 

Amended Credit Agreement” means the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, to be dated on or about the Issue Date, among the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the lenders, syndication agents and documentation agents party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and any further amendment, amendment and restatement, modification, renewal, extension, refinancing, refunding or replacement thereof in one or more agreements.

 

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

 

Applicable Premium” means, with respect to any Note on any applicable redemption date, the greater of (i) 1.0% of the then outstanding principal amount of such Note and (ii) the excess of:

 

(1)            the present value at such redemption date of the sum of (A) the redemption price of such Note at September 15, 2024 (such redemption price being set forth in the table appearing in Section 3.7(b)) plus (B) all required interest payments due on such Note through September 15, 2024 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest), such present value to be computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate as of such redemption date plus 50 basis points; over

 

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

 

Approved Bank” has the meaning specified in clause (3) of the definition of “Cash Equivalents.”

 

asset” means any asset or property, including, without limitation, Capital Stock.

 

Asset Disposition” by any Person means any transfer, conveyance, sale, lease or other disposition (but excluding the creation of any Lien permitted under Section 4.12 or any disposition in connection therewith) by such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (including a consolidation or merger or other sale of any such Restricted Subsidiary with, into or to another Person in a transaction in which such Restricted Subsidiary ceases to be a Restricted Subsidiary, but excluding a disposition by a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person to such Person or a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person or by such Person to a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person) of:

 

 

 

 

(1)            shares of Capital Stock (other than directors’ qualifying shares) or other ownership interests of a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person;

 

(2)            substantially all of the assets of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries representing a division or line of business; or

 

(3)            other assets or rights of such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries outside of the ordinary course of business.

 

The term “Asset Disposition” shall not include any transfer, conveyance, sale, lease or other disposition:

 

(a)            that consists of a Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment that is made in compliance with Section 4.7;

 

(b)            that constitutes a “Change of Control”;

 

(c)            of cash or Cash Equivalents, Investment Grade Securities or a disposition or termination or surrender of contract rights, including settlement of any hedging obligations, or licensing or sublicensing of intellectual property or general intangibles;

 

(d)            of obsolete or unusable equipment or assets that are not used or useful in the business, in each case disposed of in the ordinary course of business;

 

(e)            that consists of defaulted receivables for collection or any sale, transfer or other disposition of defaulted receivables for collection;

 

(f)             arising from casualty events, foreclosures, condemnation or any similar action on assets or the granting of Liens not prohibited by this Indenture;

 

(g)            of Capital Stock in, or Debt or other securities of, an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

 

(h)            in compliance with Section 5.1;

 

(i)             arising from any financing transaction (i) with respect to property built or acquired by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date, including without limitation any sale and leaseback transaction or asset securitization or (ii) with respect to any sale and leaseback transaction of property owned by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary on the Issue Date;

 

(j)             in connection with the settlement or early termination of any Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction and the settlement or early termination of any related Permitted Warrant Transaction;

 

(k)            in connection with leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses, in each case which do not materially interfere with the business of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;

 

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

 

(m)           to the extent allowable under Section 1031 of the Code (or comparable or successor provision), any exchange of like property (excluding any boot thereon permitted by such provision) for use in any business conducted by the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries and that does not materially change the nature of the business conducted by the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

-2-

 

 

(n)            in connection with refranchising activities or disposing of stores and related assets to franchisees;

 

(o)            of food, beverages and other goods held for sale or consumed in the ordinary course of operation of the dining and pizza delivery business;

 

(p)            in connection with any termination, non-renewal, expiration, amendment or other modification of franchise agreements or development agreements with franchisees of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(q)            in connection with sales, transfers or other dispositions of Investments in joint ventures, non-wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiaries or similar entities; provided that no dispositions may be made pursuant to this clause (q) to the extent such joint venture, non-wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiary or other similar entity was, prior to a previous disposition of equity interests in such joint venture, non-wholly owned Restricted Subsidiary or other similar entity made pursuant to another clause of the definition of "Asset Disposition," a wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiary, and such dispositions pursuant to such other provision and this clause (q) were part of a single disposition or series of related dispositions, other than to the extent required by, or made pursuant to customary buy/sell arrangements between the parties set forth in the joint venture, non-wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiary or other similar entity arrangements; and

 

(r)             in connection with any transaction or series of related transactions for which the aggregate consideration is less than the greater of (i) $15.0 million and (ii) 7.0% of Trailing Consolidated EBITDA.

 

Average Life” means, as of any date of determination, with respect to any Debt, the quotient obtained by dividing (1) the sum of the products of the number of years from such date of determination to the dates of each successive scheduled principal payments of such Debt by the amount of each such principal payment by (2) the sum of all such principal payments.

 

Bankruptcy Law” means Title 11, U.S. Code or any similar federal, state or foreign law for the relief of debtors, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, winding-up, restructuring, examinership or similar debtor relief laws.

 

Board of Directors” means, as to any Person, the Board of Directors, or similar governing body, of such Person or any duly authorized committee thereof.

 

Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banking institutions in the State of New York are authorized or required by law to close.

 

Capital Markets/Term Loan Debt” means any Debt having an aggregate outstanding principal amount in excess of $50.0 million, consisting of (i) bonds, debentures, notes or other similar debt securities issued in a (a) public offering registered under the Securities Act, (b) private placement to institutional investors that is resold in accordance with Rule 144A or Regulation S under the Securities Act, whether or not it includes registration rights entitling the holders of such debt securities to registration thereof with the SEC, or (c) private placement to institutional investors or (ii) term loans provided by banks or other financial institutions or institutional lenders. For the avoidance of doubt, the term "Capital Markets/Term Loan Debt" does not include any Debt under the Amended Credit Agreement or other commercial bank revolving credit facilities or similar Debt, sale and leaseback transaction, Finance Lease Obligation or recourse transfer of any financial asset or any other type of Debt incurred, in each case, in a manner not customarily viewed as a "securities offering" or "term loan financing."

 

Capital Stock” of any Person means any and all shares, interests, participations, warrants, options or other rights to acquire or other equivalents of or interests in (however designated) corporate stock or other equity participations, including partnership interests, whether general or limited, of such Person, but in each case excluding any debt security that is convertible or exchangeable for Capital Stock.

 

-3-

 

 

Cash Equivalents” means:

 

(1)            Dollars and, in the case of Foreign Subsidiaries, the local currency where such Foreign Subsidiary is operating in the ordinary course of business;

 

(2)            readily marketable obligations issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the government or any agency or instrumentality of the United States, having average maturities of not more than 12 months from the date of acquisition thereof; provided that the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged in support thereof;

 

(3)            time deposits with, or insured certificates of deposit or bankers’ acceptances of, any commercial bank that (i) is organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any member nation of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development or is the principal banking Subsidiary of a bank holding company organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any member nation of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and is a member of the Federal Reserve System, and (ii) has combined capital and surplus of at least $250,000,000 (any such bank in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) being an “Approved Bank”), in each case with average maturities of not more than 12 months from the date of acquisition thereof;

 

(4)            commercial paper and variable or fixed rate notes issued by an Approved Bank (or by the parent company thereof) or any variable or fixed rate note issued by, or guaranteed by, a corporation rated A-2 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P or P-2 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moody’s, in each case with average maturities of not more than 12 months from the date of acquisition thereof;

 

(5)            repurchase agreements entered into by any Person with a bank or trust company or recognized securities dealer, in each case, having capital and surplus in excess of $250,000,000 for direct obligations issued by or fully guaranteed or insured by the government or any agency or instrumentality of the United States, in which such Person shall have a perfected first priority security interest (subject to no other Liens) and having, on the date of purchase thereof, a fair market value of at least 100% of the amount of the repurchase obligations;

 

(6)            securities with average maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition issued or fully guaranteed by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States, by any political subdivision, taxing authority agency or instrumentality of any such state, commonwealth or territory or by any foreign government having an investment grade rating from either S&P or Moody’s (or the equivalent thereof);

 

(7)            Investments with average maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition in money market funds rated AAA- (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P or Aaa3 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moody’s;

 

(8)            Debt or preferred stock issued by Persons with a rating of “A” or higher from S&P or “A2” or higher from Moody’s with maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition, in each case in Dollars or another currency permitted above in this definition;

 

(9)            in the case of Foreign Subsidiaries only, instruments equivalent to those referred to in clauses (1) through (8) above in each case denominated in any foreign currency comparable in credit quality and tenor to those referred to in such clauses above and customarily used by corporations for cash management purposes in any jurisdiction outside the United States to the extent reasonably required in connection with any business conducted by any Foreign Subsidiary organized in such jurisdiction; investments, classified in accordance with GAAP as current assets of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, in money market investment programs which are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or which are administered by financial institutions having capital of at least $250,000,000, and, in either case, the portfolios of which are limited such that substantially all of such investments are of the character, quality and maturity described in clauses (1) through (7) of this definition; and

 

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(10)          credit card receipts in transit to the extent classified as cash or cash equivalents in accordance with GAAP.

 

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

 

(1)            the consummation of any transaction as a result of which any Person or any Persons acting together that would constitute a “group” for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provision thereto, other than the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer, becomes the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act, or any successor provision thereto) of at least 50% of the aggregate voting power of all classes of Voting Stock of the Issuer, other than in a transaction in which the Issuer becomes a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of another Person and in such transaction the Voting Stock of the Issuer outstanding immediately prior to such transaction is converted into or exchanged for Voting Stock of such Person representing more than 50% of the voting power of all classes of Voting Stock of such Person immediately after giving effect to such transaction;

 

(2)            the sale, assignment, conveyance, transfer, lease or other disposition, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries taken as a whole to any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) other than a Restricted Subsidiary; or

 

(3)            the adoption by the stockholders of the Issuer of a plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Issuer.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction effected to create a holding company of the Issuer, (a) pursuant to which the Issuer becomes a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of such holding company, and (b) as a result of which the holders of Capital Stock of such holding company are substantially the same as the holders of Capital Stock of the Issuer immediately prior to such transaction, shall not be deemed to involve a “Change of Control”; provided, further, that following such a holding company transaction, references in this definition of “Change of Control” to the Issuer shall thereafter be treated as references to such holding company.

 

Common Stock” of any Person means Capital Stock of such Person that does not rank prior, as to the payment of dividends or as to the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of such Person, to shares of Capital Stock of any other class of such Person.

 

Consolidated Coverage Ratio” as of any date of determination means the ratio of:

 

(1)            Consolidated EBITDA for the period of the most recently completed four consecutive fiscal quarters for which quarterly or annual financial statements are available, to

 

(2)            Consolidated Interest Expense for such period;

 

provided, however, that Consolidated Interest Expense shall be adjusted to give effect on a pro forma basis to any Debt that has been Incurred, repaid or redeemed by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than revolving credit borrowings Incurred for working capital purposes unless, in connection with any such repayment, the commitments to lend associated with such revolving credit borrowings are permanently reduced or canceled) since the beginning of such period and to any Debt that is proposed to be Incurred, repaid or redeemed by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary as if in each case such Debt had been Incurred, repaid or redeemed on the first day of such period; provided, however, that in making such computation, the Consolidated Interest Expense attributable to interest on any proposed Debt bearing a floating interest rate shall be computed on a pro forma basis as if the rate in effect on the date of computation had been the applicable rate for the entire period; and provided, further, that, in the event the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has made Asset Dispositions or acquisitions of assets not in the ordinary course of business (including acquisitions of other Persons by merger, consolidation or purchase of Capital Stock) during or after such period, such computation shall be made on a pro forma basis as if the Asset Dispositions or acquisitions had taken place on the first day of such period; provided, however, that any such Asset Dispositions or acquisitions of assets having an aggregate consideration value of less than $5.0 million shall not be calculated on a “pro forma basis.” For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to be given to any calculation under this definition, the pro forma calculations will be determined in good faith by a responsible financial or accounting officer of the Issuer.

 

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Consolidated EBITDA” means, for any period of determination, Consolidated Net Income for such period, plus:

 

(a)            without duplication and to the extent deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income, the sum for such period of:

 

(i)             depreciation;

 

(ii)            amortization;

 

(iii)           Consolidated Interest Expense;

 

(iv)           income tax expense;

 

(v)            non-cash charges, write-downs, expenses, losses or items reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period, including any non-cash compensation expense, impairment charges, the impact of purchase accounting, unrealized foreign currency translation losses, and noncash restructuring charges and reserves (excluding any such non-cash charge, write-down or item to the extent it represents an accrual or reserve for a cash expenditure for a future period); provided that, if any such non-cash charges, write-downs or items represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, (A) the Issuer may determine not to add back such non-cash-charges, writedowns or items in the current period and (B) to the extent the Issuer does decide to add back such non-cash charges, write-downs or items, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from Consolidated EBITDA to such extent;

 

(vi)           non-recurring or unusual or extraordinary losses, expenses or charges (including restructuring and severance costs and litigation and settlement costs) in an aggregate amount during any period, when taken together with all amounts added back to Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clause (a)(vii) below for such period, not to exceed 20% of Consolidated EBITDA for such period (as determined prior to the application of this clause (a)(vi) and such clause (a)(vii) below);

 

(i)            (vii)            (A) the amount of any charges or reserves attributable to the undertaking and/or implementation of any cost-saving or restructuring initiatives or operating expense reductions, transition, business optimization and other restructuring and integration charges or reserves (including in connection with any acquisition or similar Investment), and (B) the amount of cost savings and synergies (and costs attributable to such cost savings and synergies), consolidation and other restructuring charges, costs and reserves, and project startup costs (in each case for this clause (B), projected by the Issuer in good faith to be realized in connection with any acquisition or similar Investment or the implementation of an operational initiative, operational change, restructuring, cost savings initiative or initiative similar to any of the foregoing after the Issue Date), in each case for the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), calculated on a pro forma basis as though such charges, reserves, cost savings, operating expense reductions, other operating improvements and synergies and items had been realized on the first day of such period and as if such charges, reserves, cost savings, operating expense reductions, other operating improvements and synergies and items were realized during the entirety of such period, and calculated net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that (w) in the case of clause (B), such cost savings, operating expense reductions, other operating improvements and synergies are (i) reasonably supportable and quantifiable in the good faith judgment of the Issuer, and (ii) reasonably anticipated to be realized within 24 months after the consummation of the applicable acquisition or similar Investment, operating improvement, restructuring, cost saving initiative or certain other similar initiatives, as the case may be, which is expected to result in such cost savings, expense reductions, other operating improvements or synergies, (x) no charges, reserves, cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies and other items shall be added pursuant to this clause (vii) to the extent duplicative of any expenses, charges or other items otherwise added to Consolidated EBITDA, whether through a pro forma adjustment or otherwise, for such period, (y) to the extent that any charges, reserves, cost savings, operating expense reductions, other operating improvements and synergies and items are not associated with an acquisition or similar Investment following the Issue Date, all steps shall have been taken for realizing such savings and (z) projected amounts (and not yet realized) may no longer be added in calculating Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to this clause (a)(vii) to the extent occurring more than four (4) full fiscal quarters after the applicable acquisition or similar Investment; provided, further that the aggregate of all amounts added-back to Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to this clause (a)(vii) during any period, when taken together with all amounts added back to Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clause (a)(vi) above for such period, shall not exceed an amount equal to 20% of Consolidated EBITDA for such period (as determined prior to the application of this clause (a)(vii) and such clause (a)(vi) above);

 

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(viii)         any non-recurring cash fees, cash charges and other cash expenses made or incurred during such period in connection with acquisitions and other Investments, dispositions, and issuances of Debt and equity interests, in each case, that were consummated, occurred, incurred or assumed during such period; provided that the aggregate amount added back to Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to this clause (a)(viii) during any period for any such transactions that are not consummated shall not exceed an amount equal to 5% of Consolidated EBITDA for such period (as determined prior to the application of this clause (a)(viii));

 

(ix)            any charge or expense to the extent (i) reimbursed by third party insurance or by third parties that are not Affiliates of the Issuer pursuant to indemnification or reimbursement provisions or similar agreements, (ii) actually received during such period by the Issuer or applicable Restricted Subsidiary in cash and without duplication and (iii) not otherwise included as revenue in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income for such period;

 

(x)             unrealized or realized net foreign currency translation or transaction losses (including currency re-measurements of Debt and the net loss resulting from swap agreements permitted hereunder for currency exchange risk); and

 

(xi)            severance payment and relocation costs in an aggregate amount not to exceed $10.0 million during any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Issuer;

 

minus

 

(b)            without duplication and to the extent included in determining Consolidated Net Income, the sum for such period of:

 

(i)             non-cash items of income or gains (excluding any such non-cash item of income to the extent it represents a receipt of cash in any future period, and including, for the avoidance of doubt, the impact of purchase accounting or unrealized foreign currency translation gains);

 

(ii)            non-recurring, unusual or extraordinary gains or income (other than any such gains or income directly resulting from the refranchising of stores);

 

(iii)           all cash payments made during such period on account of noncash charges that were accruals or reserves added to Consolidated Net Income pursuant to clause (a)(v) above in a prior period; and

 

(iv)           unrealized or realized net foreign currency translation or transaction gains (including currency re-measurements of Debt and the net gain resulting from swap agreements permitted hereunder for currency exchange risk),

 

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in each case, determined on a consolidated basis for the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries (excluding the Excluded VIE's and the Excluded Marketing Subsidiaries) in accordance with GAAP.

 

Consolidated Interest Expense” means, for any period of determination, the aggregate amount of interest or fees paid, accrued or scheduled to be paid or accrued in respect of any Debt (including the interest portion of rentals under capitalized leases) and all but the principal component of payments in respect of conditional sales or other title retention agreements paid, accrued or scheduled to be paid or accrued during such period, net of interest income, in each case determined and consolidated for the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries (excluding the Excluded VIE's and the Excluded Marketing Subsidiaries) in accordance with GAAP, including without limitation or duplication (or, to the extent not so included, with the addition of), subject to the limitations above, (1) Preferred Stock dividends of Restricted Subsidiaries of the Issuer (excluding the Excluded VIE's and the Excluded Marketing Subsidiaries) (other than with respect to Redeemable Stock) declared and paid or payable (other than in exchange for Capital Stock (other than Redeemable Stock)) and (2) accrued Redeemable Stock dividends of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries (excluding the Excluded VIE's and the Excluded Marketing Subsidiaries), whether or not declared or paid (other than dividends payable in Capital Stock that is not Redeemable Stock).

 

Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, the consolidated net income (or loss) determined for the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that there shall be excluded (a) the income (or deficit) of any Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or is merged into or consolidated with the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, (b) the income (or deficit) of any Person (other than a Restricted Subsidiary) in which the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary has an ownership interest, except to the extent that any such income is actually received by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary in the form of dividends or similar distributions, and (c) the net income (or loss) for such period of the Excluded VIE's and the Excluded Marketing Subsidiaries.

 

Convertible Debt” means Debt of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries that is convertible or exchangeable into common stock of the Issuer and/or cash based on the value of such common stock.

 

Corporate Trust Office” means the designated offices of the Trustee at which at any time its corporate trust business shall be principally administered, which office as of the date hereof is located at Truist Bank, Mail Code 100-50-0280, 2713 Forest Hills Road, Building 2 – Floor 2, Wilson, North Carolina 27893; Attention:  Corporate Trust and Escrow Services, or such other address as the Trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Issuer, or the designated corporate trust office of any successor trustee (or such other address as such successor trustee may designate from time to time by notice to the Holders and the Issuer).

 

Debt” means (without duplication), with respect to any Person, whether recourse is to all or a portion of the assets of such Person and whether or not contingent:

 

(1)            every obligation of such Person for money borrowed;

 

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

 

(3)            every reimbursement obligation of such Person with respect to letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or similar facilities issued for the account of such Person (excluding obligations with respect to letters of credit securing obligations (other than obligations with respect to borrowed money) 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 no later than the tenth business day following receipt by such Person of a demand for reimbursement following payment on the letter of credit);

 

(4)            every obligation of such Person issued or assumed as the deferred purchase price of property or services (including securities repurchase agreements but excluding trade accounts payable or accrued liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business and with respect to services, excluding deferred compensation to employees), which purchase price is due more than six months after the date of placing such property in service or taking delivery and title thereto or engaging such services;

 

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(5)            every Finance Lease Obligation of such Person;

 

(6)            all Receivables Sales of such Person to the extent sold with recourse to such Person;

 

(7)            all Redeemable Stock issued by such Person valued at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary maximum fixed repurchase price plus accrued and unpaid dividends;

 

(8)            if such Person is a Restricted Subsidiary, all Preferred Stock issued by such Person;

 

(9)            every net obligation under Interest Rate, Currency or Commodity Price Agreements of such Person; and

 

(10)          every obligation of the type referred to in clauses (1) through (9) of another Person and all dividends of another Person the payment of which, in either case, (a) such Person has Guaranteed or is responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, as obligor, Guarantor or otherwise or (b) is secured by (or for which the holder of such obligation has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien upon or with respect to property (including, without limitation, accounts and contract rights) owned by such Person, even though such Person has not assumed or become liable for the payment of such Debt or dividends,

 

if and to the extent that any of the preceding items (other than in respect of letters of credit in clause (3)) would appear as a liability upon a balance sheet of the specified Person prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Debt shall not include any obligation arising from any agreement entered into in connection with the acquisition of any business or assets with any seller of such business or assets that provides for the payment of earn-outs to such seller or guarantees to such seller a minimum price to be realized by such seller upon the sale of any Capital Stock (other than Redeemable Stock) of the Issuer that was issued by the Issuer to such seller in connection with such acquisition.

 

Debt Facilities” means one or more credit facilities, debt facilities, indentures or commercial paper facilities (including, without limitation, the Amended Credit Agreement), in each case with banks or other financial institutions or lenders or investors, providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, private placements, debt securities, receivables financings (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 or letter of credit guarantees, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, supplemented, extended, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time.

 

Default” means (1) any Event of Default or (2) any event, act or condition that, after notice or the passage of time or both, would be an Event of Default.

 

Depositary” means with respect to the Notes issuable or issued in whole or in part in global form, the Person specified in Section 2.3 hereof as the Depositary with respect to the Global Notes, and any and all successors thereto appointed as depositary hereunder and having become such pursuant to the applicable provision of this Indenture.

 

Designated Noncash Consideration” means the Fair Market Value of non-cash consideration received by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with an Asset Disposition that is so designated in good faith by senior management of the Issuer. The aggregate Fair Market Value of the Designated Noncash Consideration, taken together with the Fair Market Value at the time of receipt of all other Designated Noncash Consideration received, shall not exceed in the aggregate outstanding at any one time the greater of (i) $25.0 million and (ii) 11.5% of Trailing Consolidated EBITDA determined at the time of such Asset Disposition (with the Fair Market Value being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value).

 

Disinterested Director” means, with respect to any transaction or series of related transactions, a member of the Board of Directors of the Issuer who does not have any material direct or indirect financial interest in, or with respect to, such transaction or series of transactions.

 

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Dollar,” “U.S. dollar” or “$” means the lawful money of the United States of America.

 

Domestic Subsidiaries” means each of the Issuer’s wholly-owned domestic Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Foreign Subsidiaries.

 

DTC” means The Depository Trust Company and any successor.

 

Equity Offering” means any public or private sale of Capital Stock (other than Excluded Equity) of the Issuer that results in aggregate net cash proceeds to the Issuer, other than (1) public offerings registered on Form S-4 or S-8 or (2) an issuance to any Restricted Subsidiary.

 

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

 

Excluded Contribution” means the amount of capital contributions to the Issuer or net cash proceeds from the sale or issuance of Capital Stock (other than Excluded Equity) of the Issuer, in each case after the Issue Date and designated by the Issuer to the Trustee pursuant to an officer’s certificate as an Excluded Contribution on or promptly after the date such capital contributions are made or such Capital Stock are sold or issued.

 

Excluded Equity” means (i) Redeemable Stock, (ii) any Capital Stock issued or sold to a Restricted Subsidiary or any employee stock ownership plan or trust established by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (to the extent such employee stock ownership plan or trust has been funded by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary), and (iii) any Capital Stock that has already been used or designated (x) as (or the proceeds of which have been used or designated as) a cash contribution amount or an Excluded Contribution or (y) to increase the amount available under clause (8) of the definition of “Permitted Investment.”

 

Excluded Marketing Subsidiaries” means Papa John's Marketing Fund, Inc. and its Subsidiaries.

 

Excluded VIE” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Amended Credit Agreement.

 

Fair Market Value” means, with respect to any asset or property, the sale value that would be obtained in an arm’s-length free market transaction between an informed and willing seller under no compulsion to sell and an informed and willing buyer under no compulsion to buy, determined in good faith by senior management or the Board of Directors of the Issuer, whose determination will be conclusive for all purposes under this Indenture.

 

Finance Lease Obligation” of any Person means the obligation to pay rent or other payment amounts under a lease of real or personal property of such Person that has been or should be, in accordance with GAAP (except for temporary treatment of construction-related expenditures under Accounting Standards Codification Topic 840 which will ultimately be treated as operating leases upon a sale and leaseback transaction), recorded on the balance sheet as capitalized leases in accordance with GAAP; provided, however, that any change in accounting for leases pursuant to GAAP resulting from the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), to the extent such adoption would require treating any lease (or similar arrangement conveying the right to use) as a capital lease where such lease (or similar arrangement) would not have been required to be so treated under GAAP as in effect on December 31, 2015, such lease shall not be considered a capitalized lease. The Stated Maturity of such obligation 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 terminated by the lessee without payment of a penalty. The principal amount of such obligation shall be the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on the face of a balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP.

 

Fitch” shall mean Fitch, Inc., and any successor to its rating agency business.

 

Foreign Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary (x) that is not organized under the laws of the United States of America or any State thereof or the District of Columbia or (y) for purposes of Section 10.1 and Section 4.15, (i) that is organized under the laws of the United States of America or any State thereof or the District of Columbia and has no material assets other than, directly or indirectly, Capital Stock of one or more foreign entities of the type described in clause (x) above or (ii) that is a subsidiary of a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957(a) of the Code.

 

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GAAP” means accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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 from time to time (except as otherwise provided in the definition of “Finance Lease Obligation”).

 

Global Note Legend” means the legend identified as such in Exhibit A.

 

Global Notes” means the Notes that are in the form of Exhibit A issued in global form and registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee.

 

Guarantee” by any Person means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing, or having the economic effect of guaranteeing, any Debt of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including, without limitation, any obligation of such Person,

 

(1)            to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Debt or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment of such Debt,

 

(2)            to purchase property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the holder of such Debt of the payment of such Debt, or

 

(3)            to maintain working capital, equity capital or other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Debt (and “Guaranteed,” “Guaranteeing” and “Guarantor” shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing);

 

provided, however, that the Guarantee by any Person shall not include endorsements by such Person for collection or deposit, in either case, in the ordinary course of business.

 

Holder” means a Person in whose name the Note is registered on the Registrar’s books.

 

IAI” means an investor constituting an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3), (7), (9) or (12) under the Securities Act.

 

Incur” means, with respect to any Debt or other obligation of any Person, to create, issue, incur (by conversion, exchange or otherwise), assume, Guarantee or otherwise become liable in respect of such Debt or other obligation including by acquisition of Subsidiaries or the recording, as required pursuant to GAAP or otherwise, of any such Debt or other obligation on the balance sheet of such Person (and “Incurrence,” “Incurred” and “Incurring” shall have meanings correlative to the foregoing); provided, however, that a change in GAAP that results in an obligation of such Person that exists at such time becoming Debt shall not be deemed an Incurrence of such Debt.

 

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

 

Initial Notes” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

 

Interest Rate, Currency or Commodity Price Agreement” of any Person means any forward contract, futures contract, swap, option or other financial agreement or arrangement (including, without limitation, caps, floors, collars and similar agreements) relating to, or the value of which is dependent upon, interest rates, currency exchange rates or commodity prices or indices (excluding contracts for the purchase or sale of goods in the ordinary course of business).

 

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Investment” by any Person means any direct or indirect loan, advance or other extension of credit or capital contribution (by means of transfers of cash or other property (other than Capital Stock that is neither Redeemable Stock nor Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary) to others or payments for property or services for the account or use of others, or otherwise) to, or purchase or acquisition of Capital Stock, bonds, notes, debentures or other securities or evidence of Debt issued by, any other Person, including any Guarantee of any obligation of such other Person, but shall not include:

 

(1)            trade accounts receivable in the ordinary course of business;

 

(2)            any Permitted Interest Rate, Currency or Commodity Price Agreement; and

 

(3)            endorsements of negotiable instruments and documents in the ordinary course of business.

 

Investment Grade Rating” means a rating equal to or higher than:

 

(1)            Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s;

 

(2)            BBB- (or the equivalent) by S&P; or

 

(3)            BBB- (or the equivalent) by Fitch;

 

or, if any such entity ceases to rate the Notes for reasons outside of the Issuer’s control, the equivalent investment grade credit rating from any other Rating Agency.

 

Investment Grade Securities” means (i) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States government or any agency or instrumentality thereof (other than Cash Equivalents), (ii) debt securities or debt instruments with an Investment Grade Rating, but excluding any debt securities or instruments constituting loans or advances among the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, (iii) investments in any fund that invests exclusively in investments of the type described in clauses (i) and (ii), which fund may also hold immaterial amounts of cash pending investment or distribution, and (iv) corresponding instruments in countries other than the United States customarily utilized for high quality investments.

 

Issue Date” means September 14, 2021.

 

Lien” means, with respect to any property or assets, any mortgage or deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, security interest, lien (statutory or otherwise), charge, easement (other than any easement not materially impairing usefulness or marketability), encumbrance, preference, priority or other security agreement or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever on or with respect to such property or assets (including, without limitation, any sale and leaseback arrangement, conditional sale or other title retention agreement having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).

 

Limited Condition Transaction” means (1) any Investment or acquisition (whether by merger, consolidation or otherwise), whose consummation is not conditioned on the availability of, or on obtaining, third-party financing, (2) any redemption, repurchase, defeasance, satisfaction and discharge or repayment of Debt requiring irrevocable notice in advance of such redemption, repurchase, defeasance, satisfaction and discharge or repayment and (3) any dividends or distributions on, or redemptions of, the Issuer’s Capital Stock requiring irrevocable notice in advance thereof.

 

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

 

Net Available Proceeds” from any Asset Disposition by any Person means cash or Cash Equivalents received (including by way of sale or discounting of a note, installment receivable or other receivable, but excluding any other consideration received in the form of assumption by the acquirer of Debt or other obligations relating to such properties or assets) therefrom by such Person, net of:

 

(1)            all legal, title and recording tax expenses, commissions and other fees and expenses Incurred and all federal, state, foreign and local taxes required to be accrued as a liability as a consequence of such Asset Disposition;

 

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(2)            all payments made by such Person or its Restricted Subsidiaries on any Debt which is secured by such assets in accordance with the terms of any Lien upon, or with respect to, such assets or which must by the terms of such Lien, or in order to obtain a necessary consent to such Asset Disposition or by applicable law, be repaid out of the proceeds from such Asset Disposition;

 

(3)            all distributions and other payments made to minority interest holders in Restricted Subsidiaries of such Person or joint ventures as a result of such Asset Disposition; and

 

(4)            appropriate amounts to be provided by such Person or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof, as the case may be, as a reserve in accordance with GAAP against any liabilities associated with such assets and retained by such Person or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof, as the case may be, after such Asset Disposition, including, without limitation, liabilities under any indemnification obligations and severance and other employee termination costs associated with such Asset Disposition, in each case as determined in good faith by senior management of the Issuer.

 

Note Custodian” means the Person appointed as custodian for the Depositary with respect to the Global Notes, or any successor entity thereto.

 

Notes” means the Initial Notes and any Additional Notes. The Initial Notes and the Additional Notes, if any, shall be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture.

 

Offer to Purchase” means a written offer (the “Offer”) sent by the Issuer by first class mail, postage prepaid, to each Holder at his address appearing in the security register or, with respect to Global Notes, given in accordance with DTC procedures on the date of the Offer offering to purchase up to the principal amount of Notes specified in such Offer at the purchase price specified in such Offer (as determined pursuant to this Indenture). Unless otherwise required by applicable law, the Offer shall specify an expiration date (the “Offer Expiration Date”) of the Offer to Purchase which shall be, subject to any contrary requirements of applicable law, not less than 10 days or more than 60 days after the date of such Offer and a settlement date (the “Purchase Date”) for purchase of Notes within three Business Days after the Offer Expiration Date. The Offer shall contain a description of the events requiring the Issuer to make the Offer to Purchase and all instructions and materials necessary to enable such Holders to tender Notes pursuant to the Offer to Purchase. The Offer shall also state:

 

(1)            the section of this Indenture pursuant to which the Offer to Purchase is being made;

 

(2)            the Offer Expiration Date and the Purchase Date and, if such Offer is made in advance of a Change of Control and conditioned upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, that the Offer is conditioned upon the occurrence of a Change of Control;

 

(3)            the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes offered to be purchased by the Issuer pursuant to the Offer to Purchase (including, if less than 100%, the manner by which such has been determined pursuant to the section of this Indenture requiring the Offer to Purchase) (the “Purchase Amount”);

 

(4)            the purchase price to be paid by the Issuer for each $1,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes accepted for payment (as specified pursuant to this Indenture) (the “Purchase Price”);

 

(5)            that the Holder may tender all or any portion of the Notes registered in the name of such Holder and that any portion of a Note tendered must be tendered in an integral multiple of $1,000 principal amount;

 

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(6)            the place or places where Notes are to be surrendered for tender pursuant to the Offer to Purchase;

 

(7)            that interest on any Note not tendered or tendered but not purchased by the Issuer pursuant to the Offer to Purchase will continue to accrue;

 

(8)            that on the Purchase Date the Purchase Price will become due and payable upon each Note being accepted for payment pursuant to the Offer to Purchase and that interest thereon shall cease to accrue on and after the Purchase Date;

 

(9)            that each Holder electing to tender a Note pursuant to the Offer to Purchase will be required to surrender such Note at the place or places specified in the Offer prior to the close of business on the Expiration Date (such Note being, if the Issuer or the Trustee so requires, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Issuer and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing);

 

(10)          that Holders will be entitled to withdraw all or any portion of Notes tendered if the Issuer (or its Paying Agent) receives, not later than the close of business on the Expiration Date, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Note the Holder tendered, the certificate number of the Note the Holder tendered and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing all or a portion of his tender;

 

(11)          that (a) if Notes in an aggregate principal amount less than or equal to the Purchase Amount are duly tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the Offer to Purchase, the Issuer shall purchase all such Notes and (b) if Notes in an aggregate principal amount in excess of the Purchase Amount are tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the Offer to Purchase, the Issuer shall purchase Notes having an aggregate principal amount equal to the Purchase Amount on a pro rata basis (with such adjustments as may be deemed appropriate so that only Notes in denominations of $1,000 or integral multiples thereof shall be purchased); and

 

(12)          that in the case of any Holder whose Note is purchased only in part, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Note without service charge, a new Note or Notes, of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder, in an aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unpurchased portion of the Note so tendered.

 

If any of the Notes subject to an Offer to Purchase is in global form, then the Offer shall be modified by the Issuer to the extent necessary to comply with the procedures of the Depositary applicable to repurchases. Any Offer to Purchase shall be governed by and effected in accordance with the Offer for such Offer to Purchase.

 

Offering Memorandum” means the Issuer’s offering memorandum, dated September 8, 2021, relating to the offer and sale of the Initial Notes.

 

Officer” means any of the following of the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor: the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the President, any Vice President, the Treasurer, any Assistant Treasurer, the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary (or, with respect to a Subsidiary Guarantor, any member or general partner authorized to act on behalf of such Subsidiary Guarantor).

 

Officer’s Certificate” means a certificate signed by one Officer that meets the requirements of Section 11.3 of this Indenture.

 

Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of, or counsel to, the Issuer or the Trustee.

 

Pari Passu Debt” means Debt of the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor that is pari passu in right of payment with the Notes, in the case of the Issuer, or the Subsidiary Guarantees, in the case of any Subsidiary Guarantor. For the purposes of this definition, no Debt will be considered to be senior or junior by virtue of being secured on a first or junior priority basis.

 

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Participant” means, with respect to the Depositary, a Person who has an account with the Depositary.

 

Paying Agent” means any Person authorized by the Issuer to pay the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Notes on behalf of the Issuer.

 

Permitted Acquisition Debt” means Debt of the Issuer or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to the extent that:

 

(1)            such Debt consists of Debt of an acquired Person that was outstanding prior to the date on which such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of having been acquired by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary and any Debt Incurred, including by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, in contemplation of such acquisition or the acquisition of the assets or business of such Person by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary; or

 

(2)            such Debt consists of Debt of a Person that was outstanding prior to the date on which such Person was merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary and any Debt Incurred, including by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, in contemplation of such merger, consolidation or amalgamation;

 

provided that on the date such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary or the date such Person was merged, consolidated and amalgamated with or into the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, after giving pro forma effect thereto,

 

(a)            the Issuer would be permitted to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Debt (other than Permitted Debt) pursuant to Section 4.9(a), or

 

(b)            the Consolidated Coverage Ratio of the Issuer would be not less than the Consolidated Coverage Ratio of the Issuer immediately prior to giving effect to such transaction.

 

Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction” means any call or capped call option (or substantially equivalent derivative transaction) on the Issuer’s common stock purchased by the Issuer in connection with the issuance of any Convertible Debt on customary terms for such transactions; provided that the purchase price for such Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction, less the proceeds received by the Issuer from the sale of any related Permitted Warrant Transaction, does not exceed the net proceeds received by the Issuer from the sale of such Convertible Debt issued in connection with the Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction.

 

Permitted Interest Rate, Currency or Commodity Price Agreement” of any Person means any Interest Rate, Currency or Commodity Price Agreement entered into with one or more financial institutions (or, in the case of commodity protection agreement, utilities) in the ordinary course of business that is designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in interest rates or currency exchange rates with respect to Debt Incurred or proposed to be Incurred and which shall have a notional amount no greater than the payments due with respect to the Debt being hedged thereby, or in the case of currency or commodity protection agreements, against currency exchange rate or commodity price fluctuations and, in each case, not for purposes of speculation.

 

Permitted Investment” means:

 

(1)            any Investment in the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary or a Person that will become or be merged into or consolidated with the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary or transfers or conveys all or substantially all its assets to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such Investment, and any Investment held by a Person at the time of such acquisition by, merger or consolidation with or transfer to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

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(2)            loans and advances to franchisees of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount outstanding not to exceed, when aggregated with amounts of Debt guaranteed pursuant to Section 4.9(b)(19)(i), the greater of (i) $75.0 million and (ii) 35% of Trailing Consolidated EBITDA (plus the aggregate returns of such Investments);

 

(3)            any Investment in cash and Cash Equivalents or Permitted Interest Rate, Currency or Commodity Price Agreements;

 

(4)            any non-cash consideration received in connection with an Asset Disposition (or a disposition excluded from the definition of Asset Disposition) that was made in compliance with Section 4.10;

 

(5)            loans or advances to officers, directors, consultants and employees of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries (i) for reasonable and customary business-related travel, entertainment, relocation and analogous ordinary business purposes, (ii) in connection with such Person’s purchase of equity interests of the Issuer (provided that the amount of such loans and advances shall be contributed to the Issuer in cash as common equity) and (iii) for purposes not described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii), in an aggregate principal amount outstanding not to exceed $5.0 million (determined without regard to any write-downs or writeoffs);

 

(6)            guarantees of Debt made in compliance with Section 4.9;

 

(7)            any Investment existing on the Issue Date or made pursuant to binding commitments in effect on the Issue Date or an Investment consisting of any extension, modification or renewal of any Investment existing on the Issue Date; provided that the amount of any such Investment may only be increased pursuant to this clause (7) to the extent required by the terms of such Investment as in existence on the Issue Date or as otherwise permitted under this Indenture;

 

(8)            Investments acquired with the net cash proceeds received by the Issuer after the Issue Date from the issuance and sale of Capital Stock (other than Redeemable Stock) or made in exchange for Capital Stock (other than Redeemable Stock or Preferred Stock); provided that the amount of all such net cash proceeds will be excluded from clause (a)(iii)(2) of Section 4.7;

 

(9)            any other Investment that, when taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (9) since the Issue Date and outstanding on the date such Investment is made, does not exceed the greater of (i) $40.0 million and (ii) 18.5% of Trailing Consolidated EBITDA (plus the aggregate returns of such Investments);

 

(10)          Investments with the proceeds of Excluded Contributions;

 

(11)          any Investment so long as, immediately after giving effect to such Investment, the Total Leverage Ratio of the Issuer is not greater than 4.75 to 1.00 on a pro forma basis;

 

(12)          Investments (including debt obligations and equity interests) made in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of suppliers, customers or franchisees or in settlement of delinquent obligations of, or other disputes with, customers, suppliers or franchisees arising in the ordinary course of business;

 

(13)          Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries, Similar Businesses or Permitted Joint Ventures which, together with any other outstanding Investment made pursuant to this clause (13), do not exceed the greater of (i) $25.0 million and (ii) 11.5% of Trailing Consolidated EBITDA at the time of such Investment; provided, however, that if any Investment pursuant to this clause (13) is made in any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary at the date of the making of such Investment and such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after such date, such Investment shall thereafter be deemed to have been made pursuant to clause (1) above and shall cease to have been made pursuant to this clause (13) for so long as such Person continues to be a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

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(14)          Investments in the ordinary course of business consisting of Article 3 of the Uniform Commercial Code endorsements for collection or deposit and Article 4 of the Uniform Commercial Code customary trade arrangements with customers consistent with past practices;

 

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

 

(16)          Investments consisting of licensing of intellectual property pursuant to joint marketing arrangements with other Persons so long as such licensing arrangements are made in the ordinary course of business and are consistent with past practice.

 

Permitted Joint Venture” means any joint venture arrangement (which may be structured as a corporation, partnership, trust, limited liability company or any other Person) or other Person (other than a Restricted Subsidiary) in which the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary owns Capital Stock.

 

Permitted Liens” means, with respect to any Person:

 

(1)            Liens securing Debt under Debt Facilities outstanding or Incurred under Section 4.9(b)(1);

 

(2)            Liens securing any Debt which became Debt pursuant to a transaction permitted under Section 5.1 or securing Debt which was created prior to (and not created in connection with, or in contemplation of) the Incurrence of such Debt (including any assumption, guarantee or other liability with respect thereto by any Restricted Subsidiary) and which Debt is permitted under the provisions of Section 4.9 and solely relate to the assets that previously secured such Debt; provided, however, that such Liens shall not extend to any other property owned by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than improvements, accessions, proceeds or dividends or distributions in respect of the assets or property securing such Debt);

 

(3)            Liens imposed by law, including carriers’, warehousemen’s and mechanics’ Liens, in each case for sums not overdue by more than 30 days or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings if a reserve or other appropriate provisions, if any, as shall be required by GAAP shall have been made in respect thereof;

 

(4)            Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges not yet overdue by more than 30 days or not yet subject to penalties for nonpayment or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings provided appropriate reserves required pursuant to GAAP have been made in respect thereof;

 

(5)            Liens under the Issuer’s joint collateral accounts, concentration accounts, deposit accounts or other funds maintained with a depositary institution or bank; provided that such deposit account is not a dedicated cash collateral account and is not subject to restrictions against access by the Issuer in excess of those set forth by regulations issued by the Federal Reserve Board;

 

(6)            Liens on assets, property or shares of stock of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or is merged with or into or consolidated or amalgamated with the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer or such assets, property or shares of stock were acquired by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that such Liens shall not extend to any other property owned by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than improvements, accessions, proceeds or dividends or distributions in respect of the assets, property or shares acquired);

 

(7)            encumbrances, ground leases, 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, building codes or other restrictions (including, without limitation, minor defects or irregularities in title and similar encumbrances) as to the use of real properties or liens incidental to the conduct of the business of such Person or to the ownership of its properties which 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;

 

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(8)            leases, licenses, subleases and sublicenses of assets (including, without limitation, real property and intellectual property rights) which do not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

(9)            Liens existing on the Issue Date (plus improvements, accessions, proceeds or dividends or distributions in respect of the assets or property subject to such Liens) (other than Liens permitted under clause (1));

 

(10)          pledges or deposits by such Person under workmen’s compensation laws, unemployment insurance laws or similar legislation, or good faith deposits in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Debt) or leases to which such Person is a party, or deposits to secure public or statutory obligations of such Person or deposits of cash or United States government bonds to secure surety or appeal bonds to which such Person is a party, or deposits as security for contested taxes or import or customs duties or for the payment of rent, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

(11)          judgment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default so long as such Lien is adequately bonded and any appropriate legal proceedings which may have been duly initiated for the review of such judgment have not been finally terminated or the period within which such proceedings may be initiated has not expired;

 

(12)          any encumbrance or restriction (including put and call arrangements) with respect to Capital Stock of any joint venture or similar arrangement pursuant to any joint venture or similar agreement;

 

(13)          Liens for the purpose of securing the payment of all or a part of the purchase price of, purchase money obligations or other payments Incurred to finance the acquisition, lease, improvement or construction of or repairs or additions to, assets or property acquired or constructed by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business; provided that: (a) the aggregate principal amount of Debt secured by such Liens is otherwise permitted to be Incurred under this Indenture and does not exceed the cost of the assets or property so acquired or constructed; and (b) such Liens are created within 270 days of the later of the acquisition, lease, completion of improvements, construction, repairs or additions or commencement of full operation of the assets or property subject to such Lien and do not encumber any other assets or property of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary other than such assets or property and assets affixed or appurtenant thereto;

 

(14)          any interest or title of a lessor under any Finance Lease Obligation; provided that such Liens do not extend to any property or assets which is not leased property subject to such Finance Lease Obligation;

 

(15)          Liens upon specific items of inventory or other goods and proceeds of any Person securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods;

 

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

 

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

 

(18)          Liens securing Permitted Interest Rate, Currency or Commodity Price Agreements;

 

(19)          Liens to secure Debt of any Foreign Subsidiary of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor securing Debt of such Foreign Subsidiary or such Restricted Subsidiary that is permitted by the terms of this Indenture to be Incurred;

 

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(20)          Liens on cash, cash equivalents or other property arising in connection with the discharge or redemption of Debt;

 

(21)          Liens on any real property constituting exceptions to title as set forth in a mortgage title policy delivered to a secured lender with respect thereto;

 

(22)          Liens on insurance policies and the proceeds thereof securing the financing of premiums with respect thereto; provided that such Liens shall not exceed the amount of such premiums so financed;

 

(23)          Liens in favor of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(24)          Liens incurred in connection with sale and leaseback transactions permitted under Sections 4.9(b)(6) and 4.9(b)(20);

 

(26)          deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, governmental contracts and leases (other than Debt), statutory obligations, surety, stay, customs and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature (including those to secure health, safety and environmental obligations) incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

(27)          Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for sale of goods entered into by the Issuer or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

 

(28)          Liens in respect of Receivables Sales and similar factoring arrangements of Receivables that extend only to the assets subject thereto;

 

(29)          Liens not otherwise covered by clauses (1) through (27) securing Debt in the aggregate amount outstanding at any time not to exceed the greater of (x) $50.0 million and (y) 23.5% of Trailing Consolidated EBITDA; and

 

(30)          Liens securing Debt Incurred to refinance Debt (other than Liens permitted under clause (1)) that was previously so secured (or otherwise replacing any such Lien), provided that any such Lien is limited to all or part of the same property or assets (plus improvements, accessions, proceeds or dividends or distributions in respect thereof) that secured (or, under the written arrangements under which the original Lien arose, could secure) the Debt being refinanced or is in respect of property that is the security for a Permitted Lien hereunder.

 

Permitted Refinancing Debt” means any Debt of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries issued in exchange for, or the net proceeds of which are used to extend, refinance, renew, replace, defease or refund other Debt of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that:

 

(1)            the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of such Permitted Refinancing Debt does not exceed the principal amount of, plus premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on the Debt so extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded (plus the amount of reasonable expenses incurred in connection therewith);

 

(2)            the Permitted Refinancing Debt has a final maturity date no earlier than the earlier of the final maturity date of the Debt being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, deferred or refunded and 91 days after the final maturity date of the Notes;

 

(3)            the Permitted Refinancing Debt has an Average Life at the time such Permitted Refinancing Debt is Incurred that is equal to or greater than the shorter of (A) the Average Life of the Debt being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, deferred or refunded and (B) 91 days after the Average Life of the Notes;

 

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(4)            if the Debt being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or a Subsidiary Guarantee, such Permitted Refinancing Debt is subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or such Subsidiary Guarantee on terms at least as favorable, taken as a whole, to the Holders of Notes as those contained in the documentation governing the Debt being extended, refinanced, renewed, replaced, defeased or refunded; and

 

(5)            such Debt shall not include Debt of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor that refinances Debt of the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

Permitted Warrant Transaction” means any call option, warrant or right to purchase (or substantially equivalent derivative transaction) on the Issuer’s common stock sold by the Issuer substantially concurrently with a related Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction.

 

Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint-stock company, trust, mutual fund trust, unincorporated organization or government or other agency or political subdivision thereof or other legal entity of any kind.

 

Preferred Stock” of any Person means Capital Stock of such Person of any class or classes (however designated) that ranks prior, as to the payment of dividends or as to the distribution of assets upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of such Person, to shares of Capital Stock of any other class of such Person.

 

Rating Agency” means each of S&P, Moody’s or Fitch, or if (and only if) S&P, Moody’s, Fitch or any combination thereof shall not make a rating on the Notes publicly available, a nationally recognized statistical rating organization or organizations, as the case may be, selected by the Issuer, which shall be substituted for S&P, Moody’s or Fitch, or any combination thereof, as the case may be.

 

Receivables” means receivables, chattel paper, instruments, documents or intangibles evidencing or relating to the right to payment of money.

 

Receivables Sale” of any Person means any sale of Receivables of such Person (pursuant to a purchase facility or otherwise), other than in connection with a disposition of the business operations of such Person relating thereto or a disposition of defaulted Receivables for purposes of collection and not as a financing arrangement.

 

Redeemable Stock” of any Person means any Capital Stock of such Person that by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable) or otherwise (including upon the occurrence of an event) matures or is required to be redeemed (other than in exchange for Capital Stock of the Issuer that is not Redeemable Stock) or is convertible into or exchangeable for Debt or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than in exchange for Capital Stock of the Issuer that is not Redeemable Stock), in whole or in part, at any time prior to the final Stated Maturity of the Notes. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, any Capital Stock that would constitute Redeemable Stock solely because the holders thereof have the right to require the Issuer to repurchase such Capital Stock upon the occurrence of a change of control or an asset sale shall not constitute Redeemable Stock if the terms of such Capital Stock provide that the Issuer shall not repurchase or redeem any such Capital Stock pursuant to such provisions unless such repurchase or redemption complies with Section 4.7.

 

Regulation S Legend” means the legend identified as such in Exhibit A.

 

Replacement Assets” means:

 

(1)            properties and assets (other than cash, Cash Equivalents, any Capital Stock or other security) that will be used in the business of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries as conducted on the Issue Date or any business reasonably similar to, ancillary thereto or supportive thereof; and

 

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(2)            Capital Stock of any Person that is engaged in the business of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries as conducted on the Issue Date or any business reasonably similar to, ancillary thereto or supportive thereof and that will be merged or consolidated with or into the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary or that will become a Restricted Subsidiary.

 

Responsible Officer” means, when used with respect to the Trustee, any officer within the corporate trust department of the Trustee, including any vice president, assistant vice president, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer, trust officer or any other officer of the Trustee who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the Persons who at the time shall be such officers, respectively, or to whom any corporate trust matter is referred because of such Person’s knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject and who shall have direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture.

 

Restricted Notes Legend” means the legend identified as such in Exhibit A.

 

Restricted Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Issuer, whether existing on or after the Issue Date, unless such Subsidiary is an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

S&P” means S&P Global Ratings, and any successor to its rating agency business.

 

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

 

Secured Debt” at any date shall mean the aggregate principal amount of Debt that would be reflected on a balance sheet prepared as of such date on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (but excluding the effects of any discounting of Permitted Acquisition Debt resulting from the application of purchase accounting), consisting of Debt for borrowed money, Finance Lease Obligations, debt obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other similar instruments, unreimbursed drawings in respect of letters of credit (or similar facilities) and Guarantees of the foregoing, that in each case is then secured by Liens on any property or assets of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary.

 

Secured Leverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (1) Secured Debt as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter for which quarterly or annual financial statements prepared on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP are available (the “secured balance sheet date”) to (2) Consolidated EBITDA of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the period of the most recently completed four consecutive fiscal quarters ending on the secured balance sheet date; provided that all commitments under the Amended Credit Agreement will be deemed fully drawn and outstanding for purposes of calculating the Secured Leverage Ratio. The Secured Leverage Ratio shall be adjusted on a pro forma basis in a manner consistent with the definition of “Consolidated Coverage Ratio.”

 

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

 

Significant Restricted Subsidiary” means, at any date of determination, any Restricted Subsidiary that would be a “significant subsidiary” of the Issuer within the meaning of Rule 1-02(w) under Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC, as such Regulation is in effect on the Issue Date.

 

Similar Business” means any business engaged or proposed to be engaged in by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries on the Issue Date and any business or other activities that are similar, ancillary, complementary, incidental or related to, or an extension, development or expansion of, the businesses in which the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries is engaged on the Issue Date.

 

Stated Maturity” means, when used with respect to any Debt or any installment of interest on such Debt, the dates specified in such Debt as the fixed date on which the principal of such Debt or such installment of interest, as the case may be, is due and payable.

 

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Subordinated Debt” means Debt of the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor that is expressly subordinated or junior in right of payment to the Notes or a Subsidiary Guarantee, as applicable, pursuant to a written agreement to that effect.

 

Subsidiary” of any Person means:

 

(1)            a corporation more than 50% of the combined voting power of the outstanding Voting Stock of which is owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person or by one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more Subsidiaries thereof or

 

(2)            any other Person (other than a corporation) in which such Person, or one or more other Subsidiaries of such Person or such Person and one or more other Subsidiaries thereof, directly or indirectly, has at least a majority ownership and power to direct the policies, management and affairs thereof,

 

in each case, excluding the Excluded Marketing Subsidiaries.

 

Subsidiary Guarantee” means the Guarantee by any Subsidiary Guarantor of the Issuer’s obligations under this Indenture.

 

Subsidiary Guarantor” means each Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer on the Issue Date that is a party to this Indenture for purposes of providing a Subsidiary Guarantee with respect to the Notes, and each other Restricted Subsidiary that is required to, or at the election of the Issuer, does become a Subsidiary Guarantor by the terms of this Indenture after the Issue Date and their respective successors and assigns, in each case, until such Person is released from its Subsidiary Guarantee in accordance with the terms of this Indenture.

 

Total Leverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (1) Debt for money borrowed of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of the end of the most recent fiscal quarter for which quarterly or annual financial statements prepared on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP are available (the “balance sheet date”) to (2) Consolidated EBITDA of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the period of the most recently completed four consecutive fiscal quarters ending on the balance sheet date. The Total Leverage Ratio shall be adjusted on a pro forma basis in a manner consistent with the definition of “Consolidated Coverage Ratio.”

 

"Trailing Consolidated EBITDA" means Consolidated EBITDA for the period of the most recently completed four consecutive fiscal quarters for which quarterly or annual financial statements are available at the time of determination, calculated with the pro forma adjustments as are appropriate and consistent with the pro forma adjustment provisions set forth in the definition of “Consolidated Coverage Ratio.”

 

Transfer Restricted Notes” means Notes that bear or are required to bear the Restricted Notes Legend.

 

Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 that has become publicly available at least two business days prior to such redemption date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from such redemption date to September 15, 2024; provided, however, that if the period from such redemption date to September 15, 2024 is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actively traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used.

 

Trustee” has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Indenture and any successor thereto.

 

United States” or “U.S.” means the United States of America.

 

U.S. Government Obligations” means direct non-callable obligations of, or guaranteed by, the United States for the payment of which guarantee or obligations the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged.

 

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Voting Stock” of any Person means Capital Stock of such Person which ordinarily has voting power for the election of directors (or persons performing similar functions) of such Person, whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of securities has such voting power by reason of any contingency.

 

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

 

SECTION 1.2.        Other Definitions.

 

Term   Defined in Section
“acceleration declaration”   6.2
“Act”   11.12(a)
“Alternate Offer”   4.13
“Authentication Order”   2.2
“balance sheet date”   1.1 (definition of “Total Leverage Ratio”)
“Change of Control Offer”   4.13
“Change of Control Purchase Price”   4.13
“Covenant Defeasance”   8.3
“Deemed Date”   1.4
“Deposit Trustee”   8.5
“EDGAR”   4.3(a)
“Event of Default”   6.1
“Excess Proceeds”   4.10(c)
“Expiration Date”   11.12(j)
“Institutional Accredited Investor Note”   2.1(b)
“Issuer”   Preamble
“LCT Election”   1.4
“LCT Test Date”   1.4
“Legal Defeasance”   8.2
“Note Amount”   4.10(c)(1)
“Offer”   1.1 (definition of “Offer to Purchase”)
“Offer Date”   4.10(c)
“Offer Expiration Date”   1.1 (definition of “Offer to Purchase”)
“Offered Price”   4.10(c)
“Pari Passu Debt Amount”   4.10(c)(2)
“Pari Passu Offer”   4.10(c)(2)
“Permitted Debt”   4.9(b)
“primary obligor”   1.1 (definition of “Guarantee”)
“Purchase Date”   1.1 (definition of “Offer to Purchase”)
“QIBs”   2.1(b)(i)
“Ratio Debt”   4.9(a)
“Registrar”   2.3
“Regulation S”   2.1(b)(ii)
“Regulation S Global Note”   2.1(b)
“Required Filing Dates”   4.3(a)
“Resale Restriction Termination Date”   2.15(a)
“Restricted Payment”   4.7(a)
“Restricted Period”   2.15(b)
“Rule 144A”   2.1(b)(i)
“Rule 144A Global Note”   2.1(b)
“secured balance sheet date”   1.1 (definition of “Secured Leverage Ratio”)
“Signature Law”   11.10
“Successor Company”   5.1(a)(1)
“Successor Subsidiary Guarantor”   5.1(b)(1)(A)
“Unrestricted Subsidiary”   4.16(a)

 

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SECTION 1.3.         Rules of Construction. Unless the context otherwise requires:

 

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

 

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

 

(3)            “or” is not exclusive;

 

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

 

(5)            unless otherwise specified, any reference to Section, Article or Exhibit refers to such Section, Article or Exhibit, as the case may be, of this Indenture;

 

(6)            provisions apply to successive events and transactions;

 

(7)            the words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not any particular Article, Section, clause or other subdivision; and

 

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

 

SECTION 1.4.        Financial Calculations for Committed Debt, Limited Condition Transactions and Otherwise.

 

In connection with the Incurrence or issuance, as applicable, of (x) revolving Debt under Section 4.9 or (y) any commitment relating to the Incurrence or issuance of Debt or Preferred Stock under Section 4.9 and/or the granting of any Lien to secure any of the foregoing, the Issuer or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary may designate such Incurrence or issuance and/or the granting of any Lien therefor as having occurred on the date of first Incurrence of such revolving Debt or commitment (such date, the “Deemed Date”), and any related subsequent actual Incurrence or issuance and/or granting of such Lien therefor will be deemed for all purposes under the Indenture to have been Incurred or issued and granted on such Deemed Date, including, without limitation, for purposes of calculating the Consolidated Coverage Ratio, usage of any baskets hereunder (if applicable), the Total Leverage Ratio, the Secured Leverage Ratio and Trailing Consolidated EBITDA (and all such calculations on and after the Deemed Date until the termination or funding of such commitment or until such election is rescinded shall be made on a pro forma basis giving effect to the deemed Incurrence or issuance, the granting of any Lien therefor as if all such Debt remains outstanding).

 

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When calculating the availability under any basket or ratio under this Indenture or compliance with any provision of this Indenture in connection with any Limited Condition Transaction and any actions or transactions related thereto (including acquisitions, Investments, the Incurrence or issuance of Debt and the use of the proceeds thereof, the Incurrence of Liens, repayments, Restricted Payments and Asset Dispositions), in each case, at the option of the Issuer (the Issuer’s election to exercise such option, an “LCT Election”), the date of determination for availability under any such basket or ratio and whether any such action or transaction is permitted (or any requirement or condition therefor is complied with or satisfied (including as to the absence of any Default or Event of Default)) under this Indenture shall be deemed to be the date (the “LCT Test Date”) the definitive agreements for such Limited Condition Transaction are entered into (or, if applicable, the date of delivery of an irrevocable notice, declaration of a dividend or similar event) and if, after giving pro forma effect to the Limited Condition Transaction and any actions or transactions related thereto (including acquisitions, Investments, the Incurrence or issuance of Debt and the use of proceeds thereof, the Incurrence of Liens, repayments, Restricted Payments and Asset Dispositions) and any related pro forma adjustments, the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries would have been permitted to take such actions or consummate such transactions on the relevant LCT Test Date in compliance with such ratio, test or basket (and any related requirements and conditions), such ratio, test or basket (and any related requirements and conditions) shall be deemed to have been complied with (or satisfied) for all purposes; provided that (a) compliance with such ratios, tests or baskets (and any related requirements and conditions) shall not be determined or tested at any time after the applicable LCT Test Date for such Limited Condition Transaction and any actions or transactions related thereto (including acquisitions, Investments, the Incurrence or issuance of Debt and the use of proceeds thereof, the Incurrence of Liens, repayments, Restricted Payments and Asset Dispositions) and (b) Consolidated EBITDA for purposes of the Consolidated Coverage Ratio will be calculated using an assumed interest rate based on the indicative interest margin contained in any financing commitment documentation with respect to such Debt or, if no such indicative interest margin exists, as reasonably determined by the Issuer in good faith.

 

For the avoidance of doubt, if the Issuer has made an LCT Election, (1) if any of the ratios, tests or baskets for which compliance was determined or tested as of the LCT Test Date would at any time after the LCT Test Date have been exceeded or otherwise failed to have been complied with as a result of fluctuations in any such ratio, test or basket, including due to fluctuations in Consolidated EBITDA of the Issuer, such baskets, tests or ratios will not be deemed to have been exceeded or failed to have been complied with as a result of such fluctuations (and no Default or Event of Default shall be deemed to have occurred due to such failure to comply), and (2) in calculating the availability under any ratio, test or basket in connection with any action or transaction unrelated to such Limited Condition Transaction following the relevant LCT Test Date and prior to the earlier of the date on which such Limited Condition Transaction is consummated or the date that the definitive agreement or date for redemption, purchase or repayment specified in an irrevocable notice for such Limited Condition Transaction is terminated, expires or passes, as applicable, without consummation of such Limited Condition Transaction, any such ratio, test or basket shall be determined or tested giving pro forma effect to such Limited Condition Transaction.

 

ARTICLE II
THE NOTES

 

SECTION 2.1.        Form and Dating. The Notes shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto. The Notes may have notations, legends or endorsements required by law, stock exchange rule or usage. Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication. The Notes will be issued in registered form, without coupons, and in denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. The registered Holder will be treated as the owner of such Note for all purposes.

 

The terms and provisions contained in the Notes shall constitute, and are hereby expressly made, a part of this Indenture, and the Issuer 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.

 

(a)            The Notes shall be issued initially in the form of one or more Global Notes, which shall be deposited on behalf of the purchasers of the Notes represented thereby with the Note Custodian, and registered in the name of the Depositary or a nominee of the Depositary, duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided.

 

Each Global Note shall represent such of the outstanding Notes as shall be specified therein, and each shall provide that it shall represent the aggregate amount of outstanding Notes from time to time endorsed thereon and that the aggregate amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby may from time to time be reduced or increased, as appropriate, to reflect exchanges, redemptions and transfers of interests. Any endorsement of a Global Note to reflect the amount of any increase or decrease in the amount of outstanding Notes represented thereby shall be made by the Trustee or the Note Custodian, at the direction of the Trustee, in accordance with instructions given by the Holder thereof as required by Section 2.6.

 

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(b)            The Initial Notes are being issued by the Issuer only (i) to “qualified institutional buyers” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act (“Rule 144A”)) (“QIBs”) and (ii) in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act (“Regulation S”). After such initial issuance, Initial Notes that are Transfer Restricted Notes may be transferred to QIBs in reliance on Rule 144A, outside the United States pursuant to Regulation S, to IAIs or to the Issuer, in accordance with certain transfer restrictions. Initial Notes that are offered in reliance on Rule 144A shall be issued in the form of one or more permanent Global Notes substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A and bear the Restricted Notes Legend (collectively, the “Rule 144A Global Note”), deposited with the Note Custodian, duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided. Initial Notes that are offered in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S shall be issued in the form of one or more permanent Global Notes substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A and bear the Regulation S Legend (collectively, the “Regulation S Global Note”), deposited with the Note Custodian, duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided. Initial Notes resold to IAIs in the United States shall be issued in the form of one or more permanent Global Notes substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A and bear the Restricted Notes Legend (collectively, the “Institutional Accredited Investor Note”), deposited with the Note Custodian, duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided. The aggregate principal amount of each Global Note may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Note Custodian, at the direction of the Trustee. Transfers of Notes among QIBs, to or by purchasers pursuant to Regulation S and to or by IAIs shall be represented by appropriate increases and decreases to the respective amounts of the appropriate Global Notes, as more fully provided in Section 2.15.

 

(c)            Section 2.1(b) shall apply only to Global Notes deposited with or on behalf of the Depositary.

 

The Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall, in accordance with this Section 2.1 and Section 2.2, authenticate and deliver the Global Notes that (i) shall be registered in the name of the Depositary or the nominee of the Depositary and (ii) shall be delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary’s instructions or held by the Note Custodian for the Depositary.

 

SECTION 2.2.        Execution and Authentication. An Officer shall sign the Notes for the Issuer by manual, electronic, facsimile or PDF transmission signature.

 

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

 

A Note shall not be valid until authenticated by the manual or electronic signature of a Responsible Officer of the Trustee. The signature of a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall be conclusive evidence that the Note has been authenticated under this Indenture.

 

The Trustee shall, upon receipt of a written order of the Issuer signed by an Officer of the Issuer (an “Authentication Order”) directing the Trustee to authenticate the Notes and an Officer’s Certificate stating that all conditions precedent to the issuance of the Notes contained herein have been complied with, authenticate Notes for original issue in the aggregate principal amount stated in such written order.

 

The Trustee may appoint an authenticating agent reasonably acceptable to the Issuer to authenticate Notes. Unless limited by the terms of such appointment, 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 or agents. An authenticating agent has the same rights as an Agent to deal with Holders or the Issuer.

 

SECTION 2.3.        Registrar; Paying Agent. The Issuer shall maintain (i) an office or agency where Notes may be presented for registration of transfer or for exchange (“Registrar”) and (ii) an office or agency where Notes may be presented for payment to a Paying Agent. The Registrar shall keep a register of the Notes and of their transfer and exchange. The Issuer 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 Issuer may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder. The Issuer and/or any Restricted Subsidiary may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

 

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The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing, and the Trustee shall notify the Holders, of the name and address of any Agent not a party to this Indenture. The Issuer shall enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Agent not a party to this Indenture. If the Issuer fails to appoint or maintain a Registrar or Paying Agent, or fails to give the foregoing notice, the Trustee shall act as such, and shall be entitled to appropriate compensation in accordance with Section 7.6.

 

The Issuer initially appoints the Trustee to act as the Registrar and Paying Agent at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.

 

The Issuer initially appoints DTC to act as the Depositary with respect to the Global Notes.

 

SECTION 2.4.         Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust. The Issuer shall require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that the Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of the Holders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal, premium or interest on the Notes, and shall notify the Trustee of any Default by the Issuer in making any such payment. While any such Default continues, the Trustee may require a Paying Agent to pay to the Trustee all money held by it in trust for the benefit of the Holders or the Trustee. The Issuer at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by it in trust for the benefit of the Holders or the Trustee to the Trustee. Upon payment over to the Trustee, the Paying Agent (if other than the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries) shall have no further liability for such money. If the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders all money held by it as Paying Agent. Upon the occurrence of any of the events specified in Section 6.1, the Trustee shall serve as Paying Agent for the Notes.

 

SECTION 2.5.         Holder Lists. The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of all Holders. If the Trustee is not the Registrar, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee at least seven (7) 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, including the aggregate principal amount of the Notes held by each Holder thereof.

 

SECTION 2.6.         Book-Entry Provisions for Global Notes.

 

(a)            Each Global Note shall (i) be registered in the name of the Depositary for such Global Notes or the nominee of such Depositary, (ii) be delivered by the Trustee to the Depositary or pursuant to the Depositary’s instructions or held by the Note Custodian for the Depositary and (iii) bear the Global Note legends as required by Section 2.6(e).

 

Members of, or Participants in, the Depositary shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any Global Note held on their behalf by the Depositary, or the Note Custodian, or under such Global Note, and the Depositary may be treated by the Issuer, and the Trustee or any Agent and any of their respective agents, as the absolute owner of such Global Note for all purposes whatsoever under this Indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Issuer, the Trustee or any Agent or their respective agents from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Depositary or impair, as between the Depositary and its Participants, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of an owner of a beneficial interest in any Global Note.

 

Neither the Trustee nor any Agent shall have any responsibility or obligation to any Holder that is a member of (or a Participant in) the Depositary or any other Person with respect to the accuracy of the records of the Depositary (or its nominee) or of any member or Participant thereof, with respect to any ownership interest in the Notes or with respect to the delivery of any notice (including any notice of redemption) or the payment of any amount or delivery of any Notes (or other security or property) under or with respect to the Notes. The Trustee and any Agent may conclusively rely (and shall be fully protected in relying) upon information furnished by the Depositary with respect to its members, Participants and any beneficial owners in the Notes.

 

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Neither the Trustee nor any Agent shall have any responsibility for any actions taken or not taken by the Depositary.

 

(b)            Transfers of a Global Note shall be limited to transfers of such Global Note in whole, but not in part, to the Depositary, its successors or their respective nominees. Interests of beneficial owners in a Global Note may be transferred in accordance with Section 2.15 and the rules and procedures of the Depositary. In addition, certificated Notes shall be transferred to beneficial owners in exchange for their beneficial interests only if (i) the Depositary notifies the Issuer that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for the Global Notes and a successor depositary is not appointed by the Issuer within 90 days of such notice, (ii) the Depositary ceases to be a “clearing agency” registered under the Exchange Act and a successor depositary is not appointed by the Issuer within 90 days of such notice, (iii) an Event of Default of which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has written notice has occurred and is continuing and the Registrar has received a request from any Holder of a Global Note to issue such certificated Notes or (iv) the Issuer, in its sole discretion, notifies the Trustee in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of certificated Notes.

 

(c)            In connection with the transfer of an entire Global Note to beneficial owners pursuant to Section 2.6(b), such Global Note shall be deemed to be surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation, and the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to each beneficial owner identified by the Depositary in exchange for its beneficial interest in such Global Note an equal aggregate principal amount of certificated Notes of authorized denominations.

 

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

 

(e)            Each Global Note shall bear the Global Note Legend on the face thereof.

 

(f)            At such time as all beneficial interests in Global Notes have been exchanged for certificated Notes, redeemed, repurchased or cancelled, all Global Notes shall be returned to or retained and cancelled by the Trustee in accordance with Section 2.11. At any time prior to such cancellation, if any beneficial interest in a Global Note is exchanged for certificated Notes, redeemed, repurchased or cancelled, the principal amount of Notes represented by such Global Note shall be reduced accordingly and an endorsement shall be made on such Global Note, by the Trustee or the Note Custodian, at the direction of the Trustee, to reflect such reduction.

 

(g)            General Provisions Relating to Transfers and Exchanges:

 

 (1)           To permit registrations of transfers and exchanges, the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate Global Notes and certificated Notes upon receipt of an Authentication Order in accordance with Section 2.2 or at the Registrar’s request.

 

 (2)           No service charge shall be made to a Holder for any registration of transfer or exchange, but the Issuer may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any stamp or transfer tax or similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith (other than any such stamp or transfer taxes or similar governmental charge payable upon exchange or transfer pursuant to Section 2.7, Section 2.10, Section 3.6, Section 4.10, Section 4.13 or Section 9.4).

 

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

 

 (4)           The Registrar is not required (A) to issue, to register the transfer of or to exchange Notes during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of any selection of Notes under Section 3.2 hereof and ending at the close of business on the day of such selection, (B) to register the transfer of or to exchange any Note so 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.

 

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 (5)           Prior to due presentment for the registration of a transfer of any Note, the Trustee, any Agent and the Issuer 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 Issuer shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

 

 (6)           The Trustee shall authenticate Global Notes and certificated Notes in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.2. Except as provided in Section 2.6(b), neither the Trustee nor the Registrar shall authenticate or deliver any certificated Note in exchange for a Global Note.

 

 (7)           Each Holder agrees to indemnify the Issuer and the Trustee against any liability that may result from the transfer, exchange or assignment of such Holder’s Note in violation of any provision of this Indenture and/or applicable United States federal or state securities law.

 

 (8)           Neither the Trustee nor any Agent shall have any obligation or duty to monitor, determine or inquire as to compliance with any restrictions on transfer imposed under this Indenture or under applicable law with respect to any transfer of any interest in any Note (including any transfers between or among Participants or beneficial owners of interests in any 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.

 

 (9)            The transferor of any Note held in certificated form shall provide or cause to be provided to the Trustee all information necessary to allow the Trustee to comply with any applicable tax reporting obligations, including without limitation any cost basis reporting obligations under Section 6045 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Trustee may conclusively rely on information provided to it and shall have no responsibility to verify or ensure the accuracy of such information.

 

SECTION 2.7.         Replacement Notes. If any mutilated Note is surrendered to the Trustee, the Registrar or the Issuer and the Trustee receives evidence to its satisfaction of the ownership and destruction, loss or theft of any Note, the Issuer shall issue and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, shall authenticate a replacement Note if the Trustee’s requirements are met. An indemnity bond must be supplied by the Holder that is sufficient in the judgment of the Trustee and the Issuer to protect the Issuer, the Trustee, any Agent and any authenticating agent from any loss that any of them may suffer if a Note is replaced. The Issuer, the Trustee and the Agents may charge for their expenses in replacing a Note.

 

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

 

SECTION 2.8.         Outstanding Notes. The Notes outstanding at any time are all the Notes authenticated by the Trustee except for those cancelled 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 2.8 as not outstanding. Except as set forth in Section 2.9, a Note does not cease to be outstanding because the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors or any of their respective Affiliates holds the Note.

 

If a Note is replaced pursuant to Section 2.7, 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 4.1 hereof, it ceases to be outstanding and interest on it ceases to accrue.

 

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

 

SECTION 2.9.         Treasury Notes. In determining whether the Holders of the required aggregate principal amount of Notes have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, Notes owned by the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors or by any of their respective Affiliates shall be considered as though not outstanding, except that for the purposes of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such direction, waiver or consent, only Notes of which a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has written notice as being so owned shall be so disregarded. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Notes that are to be acquired by the Issuer or an Affiliate of the Issuer pursuant to an exchange offer, tender offer or other agreement shall not be deemed to be owned by such entity until legal title to such Notes passes to such entity.

 

SECTION 2.10.       Temporary Notes. Until certificated Notes are ready for delivery, the Issuer may prepare and the Trustee, upon receipt of an Authentication Order, shall authenticate temporary Notes. Temporary Notes shall be substantially in the form of certificated Notes but may have variations that the Issuer considers appropriate for temporary Notes. Without unreasonable delay, the Issuer shall prepare and the Trustee shall upon receipt of a written order of the Issuer signed by one Officer, authenticate certificated Notes in certificate form in exchange for temporary Notes.

 

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

 

SECTION 2.11.       Cancellation. The Issuer at any time may deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Notes previously authenticated and delivered hereunder or which the Issuer may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and all Notes so delivered shall be promptly cancelled by the Trustee. All Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange or payment, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, shall be delivered to the Trustee. The Trustee and no one else shall cancel all Notes surrendered for registration of transfer, exchange, payment, replacement or cancellation. Subject to Sections 2.7 and 2.16, the Issuer may not issue new Notes to replace Notes that it has redeemed or paid or that have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation. All cancelled Notes held by the Trustee shall be disposed of in accordance with its customary practice.

 

SECTION 2.12.       Defaulted Interest. If the Issuer defaults in a payment of interest on the Notes, it shall 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, which date shall be the earliest practicable date but in all events at least five (5) Business Days prior to the payment date, in each case at the rate provided in the Notes and in Section 4.1; provided that no special record date shall be required with respect to any defaulted interest that is paid within the applicable grace period. The Issuer shall fix or cause to be fixed each such special record date and payment date and shall promptly thereafter notify the Trustee of any such date. At least 15 days before the special record date, the Issuer (or the Trustee, in the name and at the expense of the Issuer) shall 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. The Trustee will have no duty whatsoever to determine whether any defaulted interest is payable or the amount thereof.

 

SECTION 2.13.       Computation of Interest. Interest on the Notes shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

 

SECTION 2.14.       CUSIP and ISIN Numbers. The Issuer in issuing the Notes may use “CUSIP” and “ISIN” numbers, and, if it does so, the Trustee shall use the CUSIP and/or ISIN number in notices of redemption or exchange as a convenience to Holders; provided that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of such numbers printed in the notice or on the Notes and that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes, and any such redemption or exchange shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers, and, provided further that the Trustee shall have no liability for any defect in the “CUSIP” numbers as they appear on any Note, notice or elsewhere. The Issuer shall promptly notify the Trustee in writing of any change in the CUSIP number and ISIN number.

 

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SECTION 2.15.       Transfer and Exchange.

 

(a)            The following provisions shall apply with respect to any proposed transfer of a Rule 144A Note or an Institutional Accredited Investor Note prior to the date which is at least six months after the later of the date of its original issue, the original issue date of any Additional Notes and the last date on which the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer was the owner of such securities (or any predecessor thereto) (the “Resale Restriction Termination Date”):

 

(1)            a transfer of a Rule 144A Note or an Institutional Accredited Investor Note or a beneficial interest therein to a QIB shall be made upon the representation of the transferee, in the form of assignment as set forth on the reverse of the Note, that it is purchasing the Note for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is a QIB, and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Issuer as the undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon its foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A;

 

(2)            a transfer of a Rule 144A Note or an Institutional Accredited Investor Note or a beneficial interest therein to an IAI shall be made upon receipt by the Trustee or its agent of a certificate substantially in the form set forth under Exhibit D from the proposed transferee and, if requested by the Issuer or the Trustee, the receipt by the Trustee or its agent of an Opinion of Counsel, certification and/or other information satisfactory to each of them; and

 

(3)            a transfer of a Rule 144A Note or an Institutional Accredited Investor Note or a beneficial interest therein to a non-U.S. person shall be made upon receipt by the Trustee or its agent of a certificate substantially in the form set forth under Exhibit C from the proposed transferor and, if requested by the Issuer or the Trustee, the delivery of an Opinion of Counsel, certification and/or other information satisfactory to each of them.

 

After the Resale Restriction Termination Date, interests in a Rule 144A Note or an Institutional Accredited Investor Note may be transferred in accordance with applicable law without requiring the certifications set forth under Exhibit C or Exhibit D or any additional certification.

 

(b)            The following provisions shall apply with respect to any proposed transfer of a Regulation S Note prior to the date which is forty days after the later of the Issue Date, the closing date of the issuance of any Additional Notes and when the Notes or any predecessor of the Notes are first offered to Persons other than distributors (as defined in Rule 902 of Regulation S) in reliance on Regulation S (the “Restricted Period”):

 

(1)            a transfer of a Regulation S Note or a beneficial interest therein to a QIB shall be made upon the representation of the transferee, in the form of assignment as set forth on the reverse of the Note, that it is purchasing the Note for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is a QIB, and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Issuer as the undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon its foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A;

 

(2)            a transfer of a Regulation S Note or a beneficial interest therein to an IAI shall be made upon receipt by the Trustee or its agent of a certificate substantially in the form set forth under Exhibit D from the proposed transferee and, if requested by the Issuer or the Trustee, the delivery of an Opinion of Counsel, certification and/or other information satisfactory to each of them; and

 

(3)            a transfer of a Regulation S Note or a beneficial interest therein to a non-U.S. person shall be made upon receipt by the Trustee or its agent of a certificate substantially in the form set forth under Exhibit C hereof from the proposed transferor and, if requested by the Issuer or the Trustee, receipt by the Trustee or its agent of an Opinion of Counsel, certification and/or other information satisfactory to each of them.

 

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After the expiration of the Restricted Period, interests in the Regulation S Note may be transferred in accordance with applicable law without requiring the certifications set forth under Exhibit C or Exhibit D or any additional certification.

 

(c)            In the event that a Global Note is exchanged for Notes in certificated, registered form pursuant to Section 2.6, such Notes may be exchanged only in accordance with such procedures as are substantially consistent with the provisions of clauses (a) and (b) of this Section 2.15 (including the certification requirements intended to ensure that such transfers comply with Rule 144A or Regulation S, as the case may be) and such other procedures as may from time to time be adopted by the Issuer and notified to the Trustee in writing.

 

(d)           Restricted Notes Legend. Upon the transfer, exchange or replacement of Notes not bearing the Restricted Notes Legend, the Registrar shall deliver Notes that do not bear the Restricted Notes Legend. Upon the transfer, exchange or replacement of Notes bearing the Restricted Notes Legend, the Registrar shall deliver only Notes that bear the Restricted Notes Legend unless there is delivered to the Registrar an Opinion of Counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Issuer to the effect that neither such legend nor the related restrictions on transfer are required in order to maintain compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act.

 

(e)            Regulation S Legend. Upon the transfer, exchange or replacement of Notes not bearing the Regulation S Legend, the Registrar shall deliver Notes that do not bear the Regulation S Legend. Upon the transfer, exchange or replacement of Notes bearing the Regulation S Legend, the Registrar shall deliver only Notes that bear the Regulation S Legend unless there is delivered to the Registrar an Opinion of Counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Issuer to the effect that neither such legend nor the related restrictions on transfer are required in order to maintain compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act.

 

(f)            General. By its acceptance of any Note bearing the Restricted Notes Legend or the Regulation S Legend, as applicable, each Holder of such a Note acknowledges the restrictions on transfer of such Note set forth in this Indenture and in the Restricted Notes Legend or the Regulation S Legend, as applicable, and agrees that it shall transfer such Note only as provided in this Indenture. A transfer of a beneficial interest in a Global Note that does not involve an exchange of such interest for a certificated Note or a beneficial interest in another Global Note shall be subject to compliance with applicable law and the applicable procedures of the Depositary but is not subject to any procedure required by this Indenture.

 

In connection with any proposed transfer pursuant to Regulation S or pursuant to any other available exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act (other than pursuant to Rule 144A), the Issuer may require the delivery of an Opinion of Counsel, other certifications or other information satisfactory to the Issuer.

 

The Registrar shall retain copies of all letters, notices and other written communications received pursuant to this Section 2.15.

 

SECTION 2.16.       Issuance of Additional Notes.

 

The Issuer shall be entitled to issue Additional Notes in an unlimited aggregate principal amount under this Indenture that shall have identical terms as the Initial Notes, other than with respect to the date of issuance, issue price, first interest payment date applicable thereto, first date from which interest will accrue, transfer restrictions, any registration rights agreement and additional interest with respect thereto; provided that such issuance is not prohibited by the terms of this Indenture, including Section 4.9 and provided, further, that if any Additional Notes are not fungible with the existing Notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as determined by the Issuer, such Additional Notes will have a separate CUSIP number and ISIN number. The Initial Notes and any Additional Notes shall be treated as a single class for all purposes under this Indenture.

 

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With respect to any Additional Notes, the Issuer shall set forth in an Officer’s Certificate, a copy of which shall be delivered to the Trustee, the following information:

 

 (1)            the aggregate principal amount of such Additional Notes to be authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture;

 

 (2)            the issue price, the issue date, the CUSIP and/or ISIN number of such Additional Notes, the first interest payment date and the amount of interest payable on such first interest payment date applicable thereto and the date from which interest shall accrue;

 

 (3)            whether such Additional Notes shall be Transfer Restricted Notes; and

 

 (4)            that such issuance is not prohibited by this Indenture.

 

The Trustee shall, upon receipt of the Officer’s Certificate, an Authentication Order and an Opinion of Counsel confirming that all conditions precedent to the authentication and delivery of the Additional Notes have been satisfied and stating that the Additional Notes are the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Issuer, subject to the customary exceptions, authenticate the Additional Notes in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.2 of this Indenture.

 

ARTICLE III
REDEMPTION AND PREPAYMENT

 

SECTION 3.1.         Notices to Trustee. If the Issuer elects to redeem Notes pursuant to the optional redemption provisions of Section 3.7, it shall furnish to the Trustee, at least five Business Days (or such shorter period as is acceptable to the Trustee) before sending a notice of such redemption, an Officer’s Certificate setting forth the (i) paragraph of the Notes and/or section of this Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur, (ii) redemption date (which, in the case of a redemption subject to conditions, may be subject to extension until such conditions are satisfied), (iii) principal amount of Notes to be redeemed and (iv) redemption price or method for determining the redemption price.

 

SECTION 3.2.         Selection of Notes to Be Redeemed. In the event that less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time, the Trustee shall select the Notes (or portions of Notes) to be redeemed among the Holders in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which the Notes are listed or, if the Notes are not then listed on a national security exchange, on a pro rata basis or by lot (except that any Notes represented by a Global Note will be selected by such method the Depositary may require); provided, however, that no Notes of $2,000 in original principal amount or less shall be redeemed in part and no portion of a Note shall be redeemed that would result in the Note remaining outstanding having a principal amount that is not a multiple of $1,000. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary stated herein, to the extent any such Notes are held in the form of Global Notes, the Notes to be redeemed shall be selected in accordance with the applicable procedures and requirements of DTC.

 

SECTION 3.3.         Notice of Redemption. The Issuer shall mail or cause to be mailed (in each case sent by first class mail) in accordance with Section 11.1 and, in the case of Global Notes given in accordance with DTC procedures, a notice of redemption pursuant to Section 3.7 to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed at its registered address (with a copy to the Trustee), at least 10 days but not more than 60 days before the expected redemption date (except that notices may be delivered more than 60 days before a redemption date if the notice is issued in accordance with Article VIII).

 

The notice shall identify the Notes to be redeemed (including the name of the Notes, the series, “CUSIP” numbers and corresponding “ISINs,” if applicable, interest rate, maturity date and, if known, certificate numbers) and shall state:

 

 (1)            the redemption date (which, in the case of a redemption subject to conditions, may be subject to extension until such conditions are satisfied);

 

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 (2)            the redemption price (or the method by which it is to be determined);

 

 (3)            if any Note is being redeemed in part, the portion of the principal amount of such Note to be redeemed and that, after the redemption date, upon surrender of such Note, a new Note or Notes in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion shall be issued upon cancellation of the original Note (or appropriate adjustments to the amount and beneficial interests in a Global Note will be made, as appropriate);

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 (9)            any conditions precedent to such redemption.

 

At the Issuer’s written request, the Trustee shall give the notice of redemption in the Issuer’s name and at the Issuer’s expense; provided, however, that the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee, at least five Business Days prior to the date of the giving of the notice of redemption (or such shorter period as is acceptable to the Trustee), an Officer’s Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such notice and setting forth the information to be stated in the notice as provided in the preceding paragraph and confirming that all conditions precedent to the redemption, if any, have been satisfied. The notice sent in the manner herein provided shall be deemed to have been duly given whether or not the Holder receives such notice. In any case, failure to give such notice or any defect in the notice to the Holder of any Note shall not affect the validity of the proceeding for the redemption of any other Note.

 

SECTION 3.4.         Effect of Notice of Redemption. Subject to the next paragraph, once notice of redemption is delivered in accordance with Section 3.3, Notes called for redemption become due and payable on the redemption date at the applicable redemption price.

 

Any redemption notice may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to the satisfaction or waiver of one or more conditions precedent, including completion of an Equity Offering or other corporate transaction. In addition, if such redemption is subject to satisfaction or waiver of one or more conditions precedent, such notice shall state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the redemption date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied or waived, or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been satisfied or waived by the redemption date, or by the redemption date so delayed. The Issuer shall provide written notice, in the form of an Officer’s Certificate, of the satisfaction or waiver of such conditions, the delay of such redemption date or the rescission of such notice of redemption to the Trustee no later than the redemption date, and upon receipt the Trustee shall provide such notice to each holder of the Notes in the same manner in which the notice of redemption was given.

 

SECTION 3.5.         Deposit of Redemption Price. On or before 11:00 a.m.  (New York City time) on the redemption date, the Issuer shall deposit with the Trustee or with the Paying Agent (other than the Issuer or an Affiliate of the Issuer) money sufficient to pay the redemption price, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the applicable redemption date on all Notes to be redeemed on that date. The Trustee or the Paying Agent shall promptly return to the Issuer any money deposited with the Trustee or the Paying Agent by the Issuer in excess of the amounts necessary to pay the redemption price and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the applicable redemption date on all Notes to be redeemed.

 

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If the Issuer has deposited with the Trustee or Paying Agent money sufficient to pay the redemption price of, and unpaid and accrued interest, if any, on, all Notes to be redeemed, then on and after the redemption, interest shall cease to accrue on the Notes or the portions of Notes called for redemption (regardless of whether certificates for such securities are actually surrendered). If a Note is redeemed 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 shall not be so paid upon surrender for redemption because of the failure of the Issuer to comply with the preceding paragraph, interest shall be paid on the unpaid principal from the redemption 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 4.1.

 

SECTION 3.6.         Notes Redeemed in Part. Upon surrender and cancellation of a Note that is redeemed in part, the Issuer shall issue and, upon the written request of an Officer of the Issuer, the Trustee shall authenticate for the Holder at the expense of the Issuer a new Note equal in principal amount to the unredeemed portion of the Note surrendered and canceled; provided that each such new Note will be in a principal amount of $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

SECTION 3.7.         Optional Redemption.

 

(a)            The Notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time prior to September 15, 2024 at the option of the Issuer, 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 thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the applicable redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant regular record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date). The Issuer will, prior to such redemption date, provide written notice executed by an officer of the Issuer of the Treasury Rate and Applicable Premium, including the calculations thereof in reasonable detail.

 

(b)            At any time or from time to time on or after September 15, 2024, the Issuer, at its option, may redeem the Notes in whole or in part, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed) set forth below, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, but excluding, the applicable redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant regular record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date), if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning September 15 of the years indicated below:

 

Year   Redemption Price  
2024     101.938 %
2025     100.969 %
2026 and thereafter     100.000 %

 

(c)            In the event that on or before September 15, 2024, the Issuer receives net cash proceeds from one or more Equity Offerings, the Issuer may use an amount not greater than the amount of such net cash proceeds to redeem up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of all Notes issued (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional Notes) at a redemption price of 103.875% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the applicable redemption date (subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant regular record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date); provided that:

 

 (1)            at least 50.0% of the original aggregate principal amount of all Notes issued (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional Notes) remains outstanding after each such redemption; and

 

 (2)            the redemption date occurs not more than 180 days after the date of the consummation of any such Equity Offering.

 

(d)            Nothing herein shall limit the ability of the Issuer or its Affiliates to purchase or acquire Notes in open market purchases, tender or exchange offers or other negotiated transactions.

 

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(e)            If Holders of not less than 90% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes validly tender and do not withdraw such Notes in connection with any tender offer or other offer to purchase the Notes (including pursuant to a Change of Control Offer, Alternate Offer or an offer to purchase with the proceeds from any Asset Disposition) and the Issuer, or any other Person making such offer in lieu of the Issuer, purchases all of the Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn by such Holders, the Issuer will have the right, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, to redeem all Notes that remain outstanding following such purchase at a redemption price in cash equal to the applicable price paid to Holders in such purchase, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant regular record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date).

 

ARTICLE IV
COVENANTS

 

SECTION 4.1.         Payment of Notes.

 

(a)            The Issuer shall pay or cause to be paid the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes. Principal, premium, if any, and interest shall be considered paid for all purposes hereunder on the date the Trustee or the Paying Agent (if other than the Issuer or a Subsidiary thereof) holds, as of 11:00 a.m.  (New York City time) on the relevant payment date, U.S. dollars deposited by the Issuer in immediately available funds and designated for and sufficient to pay all such principal, premium, if any, and interest then due.

 

(b)            The Issuer shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at the rate equal to the then applicable interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; it shall 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 4.2.         Maintenance of Office or Agency. The Issuer shall maintain an office or agency in the United States where Notes may be surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors in respect of the Notes and this Indenture may be served. The Issuer shall 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 Issuer shall fail to maintain any such required office or agency or shall fail to furnish the Trustee with the address thereof, such presentations, surrenders, notices and demands may be made or served at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee.

 

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

 

The Issuer hereby designates the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee as one such office or agency of the Issuer in accordance with Section 2.3.

 

SECTION 4.3.         Provision of Financial Information.

 

(a)            Whether or not the Issuer is subject to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provision thereto, the Issuer shall provide to the Trustee and, upon request, Holders the annual reports, quarterly reports and other reports which the Issuer would have been required to file with the SEC pursuant to such Section 13(a) or 15(d), or any successor provision thereto, if the Issuer were so required, such documents to be provided to the Trustee and Holders on or prior to the respective dates (the “Required Filing Dates”) by which the Issuer would have been required to file such documents with the SEC if the Issuer were so required (after giving effect to all applicable grace periods under the Exchange Act and the rules, regulations and orders of the SEC thereunder); provided that any such reports and documents filed with the SEC pursuant to its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system (“EDGAR”) (or any successor system) or made publicly available on the Issuer’s website shall be deemed to have been delivered to the Trustee and the Holders of Notes for purposes of the foregoing requirements; provided, that the Trustee shall have no obligation whatsoever to determine if such filings have been made. The reports so provided will be prepared in all material respects with the rules and regulations of the SEC with respect to such reports, except they need not contain the information that would be required by Items 3-09, 3-10, 3-16, 13-01 or 13-02 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC.

 

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(b)            So long as any of the Notes remain outstanding, if at any time the Issuer is not subject to Section 13(a) or 15(d) under the Exchange Act, the Issuer will make available to any prospective purchaser of Notes or beneficial owner of Notes, upon their request, the information required by Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act until such time as the Holders of the Notes, other than Holders that are Affiliates of the Issuer, are able to sell all such Notes immediately without restriction pursuant to the provisions of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, or any successor provision thereto.

 

(c)            In the event that any direct or indirect parent company of the Issuer becomes a guarantor of the Notes, the Issuer may satisfy its obligations under this Section 4.3 with respect to financial information relating to the Issuer by furnishing financial information relating to such parent company; provided that the same is accompanied by consolidating information that explains in reasonable detail the differences between the information relating to such parent, on the one hand, and the information relating to the Issuer and its Subsidiaries on a standalone basis, on the other hand.

 

(d)            Any and all Defaults or Events of Default arising from a failure to furnish in a timely manner any information required by this covenant shall be deemed cured (and the Issuer shall be deemed to be in compliance with this covenant) upon furnishing such information as contemplated by this covenant (but without regard to the date on which such financial statement or report is so furnished).

 

(e)            Delivery of reports and documents to the Trustee is for informational purposes only and the Trustee’s receipt of such shall not constitute actual or constructive knowledge or notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Issuer’s or any Subsidiary Guarantor’s, as the case may be, compliance with any of its covenants under this Indenture (as to which the Trustee is entitled to rely exclusively on Officer’s Certificates of the Issuer). The Trustee shall have no obligation or responsibility to determine whether the Issuer is required to file any reports or other information with the SEC, whether the Issuer’s information is available on EDGAR (or any successor system) or whether the Issuer has otherwise delivered any notice or report in accordance with the requirements specified in this Section 4.3.

 

SECTION 4.4.         Compliance Certificate. The Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ending December 26, 2021, an Officer’s Certificate stating that a review of the activities of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries during the preceding fiscal year has been made under the supervision of the signing Officer with a view to determining whether each has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled its obligations under this Indenture, and further stating, as to such Officer signing such certificate, that, to his or her knowledge, each entity has kept, observed, performed and fulfilled each and every covenant contained in this Indenture and is not in default in the performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture (or, if a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred, describing all such Defaults or Events of Default of which he or she may have knowledge and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto).

 

The Issuer shall, so long as any of the Notes are outstanding, deliver to the Trustee, within 30 days after any Officer becomes aware of any Default or Event of Default, an Officer’s Certificate specifying such Default or Event of Default and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto.

 

SECTION 4.5.         Taxes. The Issuer shall pay, and shall 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 and with respect to which appropriate reserves have been taken in accordance with GAAP 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 4.6.         Stay, Extension and Usury Laws. The Issuer and each of the Subsidiary Guarantors covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it shall 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 Issuer and each of the Subsidiary 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 shall not, by resort to any such law, hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but shall suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law has been enacted.

 

SECTION 4.7.         Limitation on Restricted Payments.

 

(a)            The Issuer shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly:

 

 (1)            declare or pay any dividend on, or make any distribution (including any payment in connection with any merger or consolidation derived from assets of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary) in respect of its Capital Stock or to the holders thereof in their capacity as holders of Capital Stock, other than:

 

 (i)            any dividends or distributions by the Issuer payable solely in shares of its Capital Stock (other than Redeemable Stock) or in options, warrants or other rights to acquire its Capital Stock (other than Redeemable Stock), and

 

 (ii)           in the case of a Restricted Subsidiary, dividends or distributions payable to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary or, in the case of dividends or distributions made by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not wholly owned, dividends or distributions are made on a pro rata basis (or on a basis more favorable to the Issuer),

 

 (2)            purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Capital Stock of the Issuer or any parent thereof, other than in exchange for Capital Stock (other than Redeemable Stock) of the Issuer;

 

 (3)            make any Investment in any Person, other than a Permitted Investment; and

 

 (4)            redeem, repurchase, defease, prepay or otherwise acquire or retire for value, prior to any scheduled maturity, repayment or sinking fund payment, any Subordinated Debt (other than Debt owed by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer to another Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer or the Issuer, or any such payment on Debt due within one year of the date of redemption, repurchase, defeasance, prepayment, decrease or other acquisition or retirement) (each of clauses (1) through (4) above being a “Restricted Payment”) unless:

 

 (i)            no Event of Default, or an event that with the passing of time or the giving of notice, or both, would constitute an Event of Default, has occurred and is continuing or would result from such Restricted Payment,

 

 (ii)           after giving pro forma effect to such Restricted Payment as if such Restricted Payment had been made at the beginning of the applicable four-fiscal-quarter period, the Issuer could Incur at least $1.00 of additional Debt pursuant to Section 4.9(a), and

 

 (iii)          upon giving effect to such Restricted Payment, the aggregate of all Restricted Payments declared or made subsequent to the Issue Date (other than pursuant to clauses (2) and (4) through (15) of Section 4.7(b)) does not exceed the sum, without duplication, of (the “Cumulative Credit”):

 

 (1)            (i) 50% of cumulative Consolidated Net Income (or, in the case Consolidated Net Income shall be negative, less 100% of such deficit) of the Issuer since June 28, 2021 through the last day of the last full fiscal quarter ending immediately preceding the date of such Restricted Payment for which quarterly or annual financial statements are publicly available (taken as a single accounting period), plus (ii) $50.0 million; plus

 

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(2)            (i) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds, and the Fair Market Value of property other than cash, in each case received by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date from contributions of capital or the issuance and sale (other than to (1) a Subsidiary of the Issuer and (2) Excluded Contributions) of Capital Stock (other than Redeemable Stock) of the Issuer or any options, warrants or other rights to acquire Capital Stock (other than Redeemable Stock) of the Issuer, or any net payment received by the Issuer in connection with the termination or settlement of options relating to its Capital Stock; provided that any such net proceeds received by the Issuer from an employee stock ownership plan financed by loans from the Issuer or a Subsidiary of the Issuer shall be included only to the extent such loans have been repaid with cash on or prior to the date of determination, (ii) 100% of the aggregate net cash proceeds received by the Issuer after the Issue Date from the issuance and sale of convertible or exchangeable Debt of the Issuer that has been converted into or exchanged for Capital Stock (other than (1) Redeemable Stock, (2) by or from a Subsidiary of the Issuer and (3) Excluded Contributions) of the Issuer; provided that any such net proceeds received by the Issuer from an employee stock ownership plan financed by loans from the Issuer or a Subsidiary of the Issuer shall be included only to the extent such loans have been repaid with cash on or prior to the date of determination, and (iii) without duplication, any reduction of Debt on the balance sheet of the Issuer to the extent such Debt is converted into or exchanged for Capital Stock of the Issuer (other than Redeemable Stock) after the Issue Date; plus

 

 (3)           100% of the aggregate amount received by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in cash and the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Issuer) of property other than cash received by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary after the Issue Date from the disposition, liquidation or repayment (including by way of dividends) of Investments by the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries in any Person subject to clause (3) above (other than to the extent that such Investment constituted a Permitted Investment); plus

 

 (4)            in the event that any Unrestricted Subsidiary has been redesignated as a Restricted Subsidiary, or has been merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary, the Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Issuer) of the Investment of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary in such Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation, combination or transfer (or of the assets transferred or conveyed, as applicable) (other than to the extent that the designation of such Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary or Investment therein constituted a Permitted Investment).

 

(b)            Notwithstanding the foregoing, Section 4.7(a) will not prohibit:

 

 (1)            payment of any dividend on Capital Stock of any class within 60 days after the declaration thereof, or redemption of any Subordinated Debt within 30 days after giving notice of redemption thereof, if, on the date when the dividend was declared or such notice of redemption given, the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary could have paid such dividend or redeemed such Subordinated Debt in accordance with this Section 4.7;

 

 (2)            repayment or refinancing of any Subordinated Debt with Permitted Refinancing Debt, or any Restricted Payment made in exchange for, by conversion into or out of the net proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale (other than from or to a Subsidiary of the Issuer or from or to an employee stock ownership plan financed by loans from the Issuer or a Subsidiary of the Issuer) of shares of Capital Stock (other than Redeemable Stock) of the Issuer;

 

 (3)            the payment of regular quarterly dividends on the Issuer’s shares of Common Stock (excluding special or one-time dividends) that have been approved by the Issuer’s board of directors in an aggregate amount not exceeding in any fiscal year of the Issuer the greater of (i) $75.0 million and (ii) 35% of Trailing Consolidated EBITDA at the date of determination;

 

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 (4)            the acquisition of shares of Capital Stock in connection with (x) the exercise of employee or director stock options or stock appreciation rights by way of cashless exercise and (y) the withholding of a portion of such Capital Stock to pay taxes associated therewith, and the purchase of fractional shares of Capital Stock of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary arising out of stock dividends, splits or combinations or business combinations;

 

 (5)            the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement for value of equity interests of the Issuer by any future, present or former employee, consultant or director of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries; provided that the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments made pursuant to this clause (5) in any calendar year, when combined with the aggregate amount of all cash payments (whether principal or interest) made by the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors in respect of any promissory notes pursuant to Section 4.9(b)(14) in such calendar year, shall not exceed $10.0 million, provided that any unused amounts in any calendar year may be carried over to succeeding calendar years, so long as the aggregate amount of all Restricted Payments made pursuant to this clause (5) in any calendar year (after giving effect to such carry forward), when aggregated with the aggregate amount of all cash payments made in respect of promissory notes pursuant to Section 4.9(b)(14) in such calendar year (after giving effect to such carry forward), shall not exceed $20.0 million; provided that any cancellation of Debt owing to the Issuer in connection with and as consideration for a repurchase of equity interests of the Issuer shall not be deemed to constitute a Restricted Payment for purposes of this clause (5); provided, further, that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by an amount not to exceed the remainder of (x) the sum of (1) the amount of net cash proceeds of Capital Stock (other than Excluded Equity) to the extent that such net cash proceeds shall have been actually received by the Issuer through a capital contribution of such net cash proceeds by the Issuer (and to the extent not used to make a Restricted Payment to employees, directors, officers, members of management or consultants of the Issuer or of its Restricted Subsidiaries that occurs after the Issue Date) plus (2) the net cash proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries after the Issue Date less (y) the aggregate amount of all Restricted Payments made after the Issue Date with the net cash proceeds described in preceding clause (x), less (z) the aggregate amount of all cash payments made in respect of any promissory notes pursuant to Section 4.9(b)(14) after the Issue Date;

 

 (6)            dividends on Redeemable Stock of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary, or dividends on Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary, in each case incurred in compliance with Section 4.9;

 

 (7)            the payment of cash in lieu of the issuance of Capital Stock in connection with the conversion, retirement, repurchase or redemption of any series of Convertible Debt securities of the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries;

 

 (8)            upon the occurrence of a Change of Control or an Asset Disposition and after the completion of the Offer to Purchase under Section 4.10 or Section 4.13 (including the purchase of all Notes tendered and required to be purchased), any purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance, acquisition or other retirement for value of Subordinated Debt required under the terms thereof as a result of such Change of Control or Asset Disposition at a purchase or redemption price not to exceed 101% (in the case of a Change of Control) or 100% (in the case of an Asset Disposition) of the outstanding principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any; provided that, in the case of an Asset Disposition, such purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance, acquisition or other retirement for value of Subordinated Debt does not exceed the Net Available Proceeds from such Asset Disposition;

 

 (9)            the payment of the deferred purchase price or earn-outs, including holdbacks (and the receipt of any corresponding consideration therefor), or payments with respect to fractional shares, in each case in connection with an acquisition to the extent such payment would have been permitted by this Indenture at the time of such acquisition;

 

 (10)          any Restricted Payment, so long as, immediately after giving effect to such Restricted Payment, the Total Leverage Ratio of the Issuer is not greater than 4.50 to 1.00 on a pro forma basis;

 

 (11)          other Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed $50.0 million;

 

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 (12)          Restricted Payments with the proceeds of Excluded Contributions;

 

 (13)          any payments in connection with (a) the purchase of a Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction and (b) the settlement of any related Permitted Warrant Transaction (i) by delivery of shares of the Issuer’s common stock upon settlement thereof or (ii) by (A) set-off against the related Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction in shares of the Issuer’s common stock or (B) payment of an early termination amount thereof in shares of the Issuer’s common stock upon any early termination thereof; and

 

 (14)          the payment of cash to a holder of Convertible Debt upon conversion or exchange of such Convertible Debt that does not exceed an amount equal to the sum of the principal amount of the Convertible Debt that is converted or exchanged and any accrued interest paid thereon;

 

provided, however, that at the time of, and after giving effect to, any Restricted Payment permitted under clauses (10), and (11), no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would otherwise occur as a consequence thereof.

 

(c)            The amount of net proceeds from any exchange for, conversion into or sale of Capital Stock of the Issuer pursuant to clause (2) of Section 4.7(b) shall be excluded from the calculation of the amount available for Restricted Payments pursuant to clause (a)(iii)(2) of Section 4.7. For purposes of determining compliance with this covenant, (A) a Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment need not be permitted solely by reference to one category of permitted Restricted Payments (or any portion thereof) or Permitted Investments (or any portion thereof) described in the above clauses or the definitions thereof but may be permitted in part under any combination thereof and (B) in the event that a Restricted Payment (or any portion thereof) or Permitted Investment (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of one or more of the categories of permitted Restricted Payments (or any portion thereof) or Permitted Investments (or any portion thereof) described in the above clauses or the definitions thereof, the Issuer may, in its sole discretion, divide, classify or reclassify, or later divide, classify or reclassify, such permitted Restricted Payment (or any portion thereof) or Permitted Investment (or any portion thereof) in any manner that complies with this covenant and at the time of division, classification or reclassification will be entitled to only include the amount and type of such Restricted Payment (or any portion thereof) or Permitted Investment (or any portion thereof) in one of the categories of permitted Restricted Payments (or any portion thereof) or Permitted Investments (or any portion thereof) described in the above clauses or the definitions thereof. In the event that a Restricted Payment (or any portion thereof) or Investment (or any portion thereof) is divided, classified or reclassified under the Cumulative Credit or clause (10) of Section 4.7(b) (such clauses, the “Incurrence Clauses”), the determination of the amount of such Restricted Payment or Investment that may be made pursuant to the Incurrence Clauses shall be made without giving pro forma effect to any substantially concurrent Restricted Payment (or any portion thereof) or Investment (or any portion thereof) divided, classified or reclassified under any of the above clauses other than an Incurrence Clause or the incurrence of Debt to finance any such Restricted Payment (or any portion thereof) or Investment (or any portion thereof).

 

(d)            In connection with any commitment, definitive agreement, declaration, notice, action or similar event relating to the payment or making of an Investment or Restricted Payment, the Issuer or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary may designate such Investment or Restricted Payment as having occurred on the date of the commitment, definitive agreement, declaration, notice, action or similar event relating thereto (such date, the “Election Date”) if, after giving pro forma effect to such Investment or Restricted Payment and all related transactions in connection therewith and any related pro forma adjustments, the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries would have been permitted to make such Investment or Restricted Payment on the relevant Election Date in compliance with the Indenture, and any related subsequent actual declaration, payment or making of such Investment or Restricted Payment will be deemed for all purposes under the Indenture to have been made on such Election Date, including, without limitation, for purposes of calculating any ratio, compliance with any test, usage of any baskets hereunder (if applicable) and Consolidated EBITDA and for purposes of determining whether there exists any Default or Event of Default (and all such calculations on and after such Election Date until the termination, expiration, passing, rescission, retraction or rescindment of such commitment, definitive agreement, declaration, notice, action or similar event shall be made on a pro forma basis giving effect thereto and all related transactions in connection therewith).

 

(e)            For purposes of this Section 4.7, if a particular Restricted Payment involves a non-cash payment, including a distribution of assets, then such Restricted Payment shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the cash portion of such Restricted Payment, if any, plus an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of the non-cash portion of such Restricted Payment.

 

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SECTION 4.8.         Limitation on Dividend and Other Restrictions Affecting Restricted Subsidiaries.

 

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

 

 (1)            to pay dividends (in cash or otherwise) or make any other distributions in respect of its Capital Stock owned by the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary or pay any Debt or other obligation owed to the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary (it being understood that the priority of any Preferred Stock in receiving dividends, distributions or liquidating distributions prior to dividends, distributions or liquidating distributions being paid on Capital Stock shall not be deemed a restriction on the ability to make distributions on Capital Stock and any subordination of any obligation to any other obligation shall not be deemed a restriction on the ability to pay any Debt or other obligation);

 

 (2)            to make loans or advances to the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary; or

 

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

 

(b)            Notwithstanding the restrictions in Section 4.8(a), the Issuer may, and may permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, suffer to exist any such encumbrance or restriction:

 

 (1)            pursuant to any agreement in effect on the Issue Date (including the Amended Credit Agreement);

 

 (2)            pursuant to this Indenture, the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees;

 

 (3)            pursuant to an agreement relating to any Debt Incurred by or Capital Stock of a Person (other than a Restricted Subsidiary existing on the Issue Date or any Restricted Subsidiary carrying on any of the businesses of any such Restricted Subsidiary) prior to the date on which such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary and outstanding on such date and not Incurred in connection with, or anticipation of, becoming a Restricted Subsidiary, which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any Person, or the properties or assets of any Person, other than the Person so acquired; provided, that the Incurrence of such Debt was permitted under Section 4.9;

 

 (4)            pursuant to an agreement effecting a renewal, refunding, replacement, refinancing or extension of Debt Incurred pursuant to an agreement referred to in clause (1) or (3) of this Section 4.8(b); provided, however, that the provisions contained in such renewal, refunding, replacement, refinancing or extension agreement relating to such encumbrance or restriction are not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, than the provisions contained in the agreement being renewed, refunded, replaced, refinanced or extended;

 

 (5)            in the case of a restriction described in clause (3) of Section 4.8(a), contained in any security agreement (including a finance lease) securing Debt of a Restricted Subsidiary otherwise permitted under this Indenture, but only to the extent such restrictions restrict the transfer of the assets or property subject to such security agreement; provided that any such encumbrance or restriction is released to the extent the underlying Lien is released or the related Debt repaid;

 

 (6)            in the case of a restriction described in clause (3) of Section 4.8(a), consisting of customary non-assignment provisions entered into in the ordinary course of business in leases and other contracts to the extent such provisions restrict the transfer or subletting of any such lease or the assignment of rights under any such contract;

 

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 (7)            with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary, imposed pursuant to an agreement which has been entered into for the sale or disposition of all or substantially all of the Capital Stock or assets of such Restricted Subsidiary; provided that such restriction terminates if such transaction is closed or abandoned;

 

 (8)            in bona fide contracts for the sale of any property or assets;

 

 (9)            any encumbrance or restriction contained in the terms of any Debt or Capital Stock otherwise permitted to be Incurred under this Indenture if the Issuer determines that any such encumbrance or restriction either (i) will not materially affect the Issuer’s ability to make principal or interest payments on the Notes and such restrictions are not materially less favorable to Holders of Notes than is customary in comparable financings or (ii) are not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, with respect to any Restricted Subsidiary than those in effect on the Issue Date with respect to that Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to agreements in effect on the Issue Date or those contained in this Indenture or the Amended Credit Agreement, in each case as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors or an Officer of the Issuer;

 

 (10)          restrictions applicable to Foreign Subsidiaries in agreements or instruments governing Debt of Foreign Subsidiaries; or

 

 (11)            if such encumbrance or restriction is the result of applicable laws or regulations.

  

SECTION 4.9.         Limitation on Debt.

 

(a)            The Issuer shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, Incur any Debt, except that the Issuer and any Restricted Subsidiary may Incur Debt if after giving pro forma effect to the Incurrence of such Debt and the receipt and application of the proceeds thereof the Consolidated Coverage Ratio of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries would be not less than 2.00 to 1.00 (“Ratio Debt”); provided that the aggregate principal amount of Debt Incurred by Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Subsidiary Guarantors pursuant to this paragraph and outstanding at any one time shall not exceed the greater of (i) $25.0 million and (ii) 11.5% of Trailing Consolidated EBITDA determined at the time of Incurrence.

 

(b)            Notwithstanding Section 4.9(a), the following Debt may be Incurred (collectively, the “Permitted Debt”):

 

 (1)           Debt of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary under one or more Debt Facilities in an aggregate principal amount Incurred under this clause (1) at any one time outstanding not to exceed the greater of (i) $600.0 million, plus up to an additional $500.0 million and (ii) an amount such that, after giving pro forma effect thereto, the Secured Leverage Ratio (treating all Debt Incurred under this clause (1) as secured by Liens on the assets of the Issuer) of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries would not exceed 3.00 to 1.00 or, if any such Debt is Incurred in connection with an acquisition of assets or equity interests or a merger, consolidation or amalgamation not prohibited under the Indenture, does not cause the Secured Leverage Ratio, determined on a pro forma basis, to be greater than the Secured Leverage Ratio immediately prior thereto, plus, in the case of any refinancing of any Debt permitted under this clause (1) or any portion thereof, any increase in the amount of such Debt in connection with any refinancing expenses, accrued and unpaid interest, premiums and other costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith;

 

 (2)           Debt of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary outstanding on the Issue Date and not otherwise referred to in clause (1) or (4) of this Section 4.9(b);

 

 (3)           Debt owed by the Issuer to any Restricted Subsidiary or Debt owed by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that:

 

 (A)          any such Debt owing by the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not an Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor shall be expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash of all obligations with respect to the Notes, and

 

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 (B)          upon either the transfer or other disposition by such Restricted Subsidiary or the Issuer of any Debt so permitted to a Person other than the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary or the issuance (other than directors’ qualifying shares), sale, lease, transfer or other disposition of shares of Capital Stock (including by consolidation or merger) of such Restricted Subsidiary to a Person other than the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary such that it ceases to be a Restricted Subsidiary, the provisions of this clause (3) shall no longer be applicable to such Debt and such Debt shall be deemed to have been Incurred at the time of such transfer or other disposition;

 

 (4)            Debt consisting of the Notes (other than any Additional Notes);

 

 (5)            the Subsidiary Guarantees and Guarantees by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of any Debt of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary permitted to be Incurred under this Indenture;

 

 (6)           Debt of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries represented by Finance Lease Obligations or purchase money obligations, in each case, Incurred for the purpose of financing all or any part of the purchase price or cost of acquisition, construction, repair or improvement of property, plant or equipment used in the business of the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, in an aggregate principal amount, including all Debt Incurred to refund or refinance any Debt Incurred pursuant to this clause (6), not to exceed, at any one time outstanding, the greater of (i) $35.0 million and (ii) 16.25% of Trailing Consolidated EBITDA determined at the time of Incurrence;

 

 (7)           Debt of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary consisting of Permitted Interest Rate, Currency or Commodity Price Agreements;

 

 (8)            Permitted Acquisition Debt;

 

 (9)           Debt of Foreign Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount Incurred pursuant to this clause (9) at any one time outstanding not to exceed the greater of (i) $25.0 million and (ii) 11.5% of Trailing Consolidated EBITDA determined at the time of such Incurrence;

 

 (10)          Permitted Refinancing Debt which is exchanged for or the proceeds of which are used to refinance or refund, or any extension or renewal of Debt Incurred pursuant to Section 4.9(a) or pursuant to clauses (2), (4), (5), (6), (8), (19) or (20)(i) of this Section 4.9(b) and this clause (10); provided that any Permitted Refinancing Debt in respect of Debt Incurred pursuant to clauses (6), (19) and (20)(i) shall accordingly reduce amounts available thereunder;

 

 (11)          Obligations arising from agreements by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary to provide for indemnification, customary purchase price closing adjustments, earn-outs, deferred compensation or other similar obligations, in each case, Incurred in connection with the acquisition or disposition of any business or assets;

 

 (12)         Debt Incurred by the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of workers’ compensation claims, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance, self-insurance obligations, take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements, letters of credit, bank guarantees, bankers’ acceptances, performance, bid, surety and similar bonds and completion Guarantees (not for borrowed money) provided in the ordinary course of business;

 

 (13)         Debt of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries arising from customary cash management services provided by a bank or other financial institution in the ordinary course of business, including treasury, depository, overdraft, credit card processing, credit or debit card, purchase card, electronic funds transfer and other cash management arrangements;

 

 (14)          Debt consisting of promissory notes issued by the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor to current or former officers, directors, consultants and employees, their respective estates, heirs, permitted transferees, spouses or former spouses to finance the Issuer’s repurchase or redemption of Capital Stock of the Issuer permitted by Section 4.7(b)(5); provided that such Debt shall be subordinated in right of payment to the Notes;

 

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 (15)         Debt representing deferred compensation to employees of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

 (16)         Debt in an aggregate amount not to exceed the net cash proceeds received by the Issuer after the Issue Date from the issuance and sale of Capital Stock of the Issuer (other than Redeemable Stock) to the extent not used to make payments under the promissory notes referred to in clause (14) above, clauses (5) or (12) of Section 4.7(b) or taken into account for purposes of clause (a)(iii)(2) of Section 4.7;

 

 (17)         Debt in the form of letters of credit issued for the benefit of Foreign Subsidiaries in currencies or jurisdictions not available under the Amended Credit Agreement in an aggregate face amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed $15.0 million;

 

 (18)         Debt of Excluded Marketing Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed $40.0 million; provided that in no event shall any such Debt be Guaranteed by, or secured by Liens on any assets of, or otherwise be recourse to, the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor in any way (provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, the Issuer may deliver a customary "comfort letter" in connection with the issuance of any such Debt);

 

 (19)          (i) guarantees by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of Debt of franchisees in an aggregate principal amount that, when aggregated with the principal amount of all other Debt then outstanding and Incurred pursuant to this clause at the time of Incurrence (together with any Permitted Refinancing Debt in respect thereof) and all loans and advances then outstanding and made pursuant to clause (2) of the definition of "Permitted Investments," does not exceed the greater of (x) $75.0 million and (y) 35.0% of Trailing Consolidated EBITDA, and (ii) guarantees in the ordinary course of business of lease obligations of franchisees incurred in connection with the operation of non-U.S. franchises (including guarantees arising upon the disposition of stores to franchisees);

 

 (20)          Indebtedness in connection with (i) Finance Lease Obligations or other obligations or deferrals attributable to capital spending or other funds made available by food, beverage and packaging suppliers in connection with incentive arrangements, in each case, Incurred in the ordinary course of business, (ii) any sale and leaseback arrangements not in violation of the Indenture not to exceed, at any one time outstanding, the greater of (x) $35.0 million and (y) 16.25% of Trailing Consolidated EBITDA determined at the time of Incurrence, and (iii) Receivables Sales and similar factoring arrangements of Receivables; and

 

 (21)          in addition to the items referred to in clauses (1) through (20) of this Section 4.9(b), Debt of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary which, together with any other outstanding Debt Incurred pursuant to this clause (21), and including any renewals, extensions, substitutions, refinancings or replacements of such Debt, has an aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the greater of (i) $50.0 million and (ii) 23.5% of Trailing Consolidated EBITDA determined at the time of Incurrence.

 

(c)            For purposes of determining compliance with, and the outstanding principal amount of any particular Debt Incurred pursuant to, and in compliance with, this Section 4.9:

 

 (1)            in the event that Debt meets the criteria of more than one of the types of Debt described in Section 4.9(a) and Section 4.9(b) of this covenant, the Issuer, in its sole discretion, may classify such item of Debt on the date of Incurrence (or later classify or reclassify such Debt, in its sole discretion) in any manner permitted by this covenant and shall only be required to include the amount and type of such Debt in one of such clauses; provided that all Debt outstanding on the Issue Date under the Amended Credit Agreement shall be deemed Incurred under clause (1) of the second paragraph of this covenant and may not later be reclassified;

 

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 (2)            Guarantees of, or obligations in respect of letters of credit relating to, Debt which is otherwise included in the determination of a particular amount of Debt shall not be included;

 

 (3)           the principal amount of any Redeemable Stock or Preferred Stock of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary will be equal to the greater of the maximum redemption or repurchase price (not including, in either case, any redemption or repurchase premium) or the liquidation preference thereof;

 

 (4)           Debt permitted by this covenant need not be permitted solely by reference to one provision permitting such Debt but may be permitted in part by one such provision and in part by one or more other provisions of this covenant permitting such Debt;

 

 (5)           any Receivables Sale shall be the amount for which there is recourse to the seller;

 

 (6)           the amount of Debt issued at a price that is less than the principal amount thereof will be equal to the amount of the liability in respect thereof determined in accordance with GAAP; and

 

 (7)            at the time of Incurrence, division, classification or reclassification, the Issuer will be entitled to divide and classify an item of Debt in more than one of the categories of Debt described in Section 4.9(a) or clauses (1) through (21) of Section 4.9(b) (or any portion thereof) without giving pro forma effect to the Debt Incurred, divided, classified or reclassified pursuant to any other clause or paragraph above (or any portion thereof) when calculating the amount of Debt that may be Incurred, divided, classified or reclassified pursuant to any such clause or paragraph (or any portion thereof) at such time.

 

(d)            Accrual of interest, accrual of dividends, the accretion of accreted value, the payment of interest in the form of additional Debt and the payment of dividends in the form of additional shares of Preferred Stock or Redeemable Stock will not be deemed to be an Incurrence of Debt for purposes of this Section 4.9.

 

(e)            For purposes of determining compliance with any U.S. dollar-denominated restriction on the Incurrence of Debt, the U.S. dollar-equivalent principal amount of Debt denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Debt was Incurred, in the case of term Debt, or first committed, in the case of revolving credit Debt; provided that if such Debt is Incurred to refinance other Debt denominated in a foreign currency, and such refinancing would cause the applicable U.S. dollar-dominated restriction to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such refinancing, such U.S. dollar-dominated restriction shall be deemed not to have been exceeded so long as the principal amount of such refinancing Debt does not exceed the principal amount of such Debt being refinanced. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 4.9, the maximum amount of Debt that the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries may Incur pursuant to this Section 4.9 shall not be deemed to be exceeded solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies.

 

SECTION 4.10.       Limitation on Asset Dispositions.

 

(a)            The Issuer shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, make any Asset Disposition unless:

 

 (1)           the Issuer or the Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration for such Asset Disposition at least equal to the Fair Market Value (measured as of the date of the definitive agreement with respect to such Asset Disposition) for the assets or Capital Stock sold or disposed of; and

 

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(2)            in the case of an Asset Disposition or series of related Asset Dispositions having a Fair Market Value in excess of the greater of (i) $15.0 million and (ii) 7.0% of Trailing Consolidated EBITDA, at least 75% of the consideration for such Asset Disposition or series of related Asset Dispositions consists of:

 

(i)          cash or Cash Equivalents;

 

(ii)         the assumption by the transferee of Debt of the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary (other than Debt that is subordinated to the Notes or such Restricted Subsidiary’s Subsidiary Guarantee) and release of the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary from all liability on the Debt assumed;

 

(iii)        Replacement Assets;

 

(iv)        Designated Noncash Consideration;

 

(v)         Debt of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than Subordinated Debt) that is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such Asset Disposition, to the extent that the Issuer and each other Restricted Subsidiary is released from any guarantee of payment of such Debt in connection with the Asset Disposition;

 

(vi)        consideration consisting of Debt of the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary (other than Subordinated Debt) received after the Issue Date from persons who are not the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary (valued at the lower of the price paid by such third party for such Debt and par); and

 

(vii)       any combination of the foregoing;

 

provided that the amount of any consideration received by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary that is converted into cash within 180 days of the closing of such Asset Disposition shall be deemed to be cash for purposes of this Section 4.10(a)(2) (to the extent of the cash received). The foregoing clauses (1) or (2) of this Section 4.10(a) shall not apply with respect to any condemnation, event of loss or other involuntary Asset Disposition.

 

(b)          Within 365 days after the receipt of any Net Available Proceeds from an Asset Disposition, the Issuer (or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be), may apply such Net Available Proceeds at its option, in any combination of the following:

 

(1)          to repay, repurchase or otherwise retire (i) any Debt of the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor that is not Subordinated Debt or (ii) any Debt of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor, in each case, other than Debt owed to the Issuer or an Affiliate of the Issuer;

 

(2)          to acquire Replacement Assets or make capital expenditures; provided that, the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary will be deemed to have complied with its obligations under this Section 4.10(b) if it enters into a binding commitment to acquire Replacement Assets prior to 365 days after the receipt of the applicable Net Available Proceeds and such acquisition of Replacement Assets is consummated prior to 545 days after the date of receipt of the applicable Net Available Proceeds; provided, further, that upon any abandonment or termination of such commitment, the Net Available Proceeds not so applied shall constitute Excess Proceeds and be applied as set forth in Section 4.10(c); or

 

(3)          any combination of the foregoing.

 

(c)          Any Net Available Proceeds that are not applied or invested as provided in Section 4.10(b) will constitute “Excess Proceeds.” Subject to the limitations with respect to Foreign Dispositions below, when the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds the greater of (i) $25.0 million and (ii) 11.5% of Trailing Consolidated EBITDA, or earlier, at the Issuer’s election, the Issuer will apply the Excess Proceeds to the repayment of the Notes and any other Pari Passu Debt outstanding with similar provisions requiring the Issuer to make an Offer to Purchase such Debt with the proceeds from any Asset Disposition as follows:

 

(1)          the Issuer will make an Offer to Purchase from all Holders of the Notes in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Indenture in the maximum principal amount (expressed in amounts of $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof) of Notes that may be purchased out of an amount (the “Note Amount”) equal to the product of such Excess Proceeds multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the outstanding principal amount of the Notes, and the denominator of which is the sum of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes and such Pari Passu Debt (subject to proration in the event such amount is less than the aggregate Offered Price for all Notes tendered); and

 

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(2)          to the extent required by such Pari Passu Debt, the Issuer will make an offer to purchase or otherwise repurchase or redeem Pari Passu Debt (a “Pari Passu Offer”) in an amount (the “Pari Passu Debt Amount”) equal to the excess of the Excess Proceeds over the Note Amount. However, in no event will the Issuer be required to make a Pari Passu Offer in a Pari Passu Debt Amount exceeding the principal amount of such Pari Passu Debt plus the amount of any premium required to be paid to repurchase such Pari Passu Debt.

 

The offer price for the Notes will be payable in cash in an amount equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the date (the “Offer Date”) such Offer to Purchase is consummated (the “Offered Price”), in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Indenture. To the extent that the aggregate Offered Price of the Notes tendered pursuant to the Offer to Purchase is less than the Note Amount relating to the tendered Notes or the aggregate amount of Pari Passu Debt that is purchased in a Pari Passu Offer is less than the Pari Passu Debt Amount, the Issuer may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for general corporate purposes. If the aggregate principal amount of Notes and Pari Passu Debt surrendered by holders thereof exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Trustee shall select the Notes and Pari Passu Debt to be purchased on a pro rata basis; provided, that, in the case of Global Notes issued, beneficial interests in such Notes shall be repurchased on a pro rata basis based on amounts tendered only if such proration is consistent with the procedures of the applicable clearing system; otherwise, such beneficial interests shall be selected for repurchase in accordance with such procedures. Upon the completion of the purchase of all the Notes tendered pursuant to an Offer to Purchase and the completion of a Pari Passu Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds, if any, shall be reset at zero.

 

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this covenant, (i) to the extent that any of or all the Net available Proceeds of any Asset Disposition received or deemed to be received by a Foreign Subsidiary (a "Foreign Disposition") is (x) prohibited or delayed by applicable local law, (y) restricted by applicable organizational documents or any agreement or (z) subject to other onerous organizational or administrative impediments from being repatriated to the United States, the portion of such Net Available Proceeds so affected will not be required to be applied in compliance with this Section 4.10, and such amounts may be retained by the applicable Foreign Subsidiary so long, but only so long, as the applicable local law, documents or agreements will not permit repatriation to the United States (the Issuer hereby agreeing to use reasonable efforts (as determined in the Issuer's reasonable business judgment) to otherwise cause the applicable Foreign Subsidiary to within one year following the date on which the respective payment would otherwise have been required, promptly take all commercially reasonable actions reasonably required by the applicable local law, applicable organizational impediments or other impediment to permit such repatriation), and if within one year following the date on which the respective payment would otherwise have been required, such repatriation of any of such affected Net Available Proceeds is permitted under the applicable law, applicable organizational impediments or other impediment, such repatriation will be promptly effected and the amount of such repatriated Net Available Proceeds will be promptly (and in any event not later than five (5) Business Days after such repatriation) applied (net of additional taxes payable or reserved against as a result thereof) in compliance with this covenant and (ii) to the extent that the Issuer has determined in good faith that repatriation of any of or all the Net Available Proceeds of any Foreign Disposition would have an adverse tax consequence (which for the avoidance of doubt, includes, but is not limited to, any repatriation whereby doing so the Issuer, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective affiliates and/or equity owners would incur a tax liability, including as a result of a dividend or deemed dividend, or a withholding tax) with respect to such Net Available Proceeds, the Net Available Proceeds so affected may be retained by the applicable Foreign Subsidiary. The non-application of any prepayment amounts as a consequence of the foregoing provisions will not, for the avoidance of doubt, constitute a Default or an Event of Default.

 

(d)          If the Issuer becomes obligated to make an Offer to Purchase pursuant to this Section 4.10, the Notes (in amounts of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof), and the Pari Passu Debt shall be purchased by the Issuer, at the option of the Holders thereof, in whole or in part, on a date that is not earlier than 30 days and not later than 60 days from the date the notice of the Offer to Purchase is given to Holders, or such later date as may be necessary for the Issuer to comply with the requirements under the Exchange Act.

 

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(e)          The Issuer shall comply with all applicable securities laws and regulations in the United States, including, without limitation, the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other applicable laws and regulations in connection with the purchase of Notes pursuant to an Offer to Purchase. To the extent that the provisions of any applicable securities laws or regulations conflict with this Section 4.10, the Issuer shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Section 4.10 by virtue of such compliance.

 

SECTION 4.11.          Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates.

 

(a)          The Issuer shall not, and shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, enter into any transaction or series of related transactions having a value in excess of $10.0 million with or for the benefit of an Affiliate of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary, including any Investment, either directly or indirectly, unless such transaction is on terms no less favorable to the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that could be obtained in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with an entity that is not an Affiliate or is otherwise fair to the Issuer from a financial point of view. For any transaction or series of related transactions involving aggregate value in excess of $15.0 million, such transaction or series of related transactions shall be approved by either (x) a majority of the Disinterested Directors of the Board of Directors of the Issuer, if any, or in the event there is only one Disinterested Director, by such Disinterested Director, or (y) the audit committee of the Board of Directors of the Issuer (with any Director on such committee that is not a Disinterested Director recusing himself or herself).

 

(b)          The preceding requirements shall not apply to:

 

(1)          any transaction pursuant to agreements in effect on the Issue Date, as these agreements may be amended, modified, supplemented, extended or renewed from time to time, so long as any such amendment, modification, supplement, extension or renewal is not more disadvantageous to the Holders in any material respect in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors or senior management of the Issuer, when taken as a whole, than the terms of the agreements in effect on the Issue Date;

 

(2)          any employment agreement or employee benefit arrangements with any officer or director, including under any stock option or stock incentive plans, entered into by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business of the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary or approved by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors;

 

(3)          transactions between or among the Issuer and/or its Restricted Subsidiaries and any Guarantees issued by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary for the benefit of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, in accordance with Section 4.9;

 

(4)          any transaction with any Person (x) that is not an Affiliate of the Issuer immediately before the consummation of such transaction that becomes an Affiliate of the Issuer as a result of such transaction or (y) that is an Affiliate of the Issuer solely because the Issuer, directly or indirectly, owns Capital Stock in, or controls, such Person;

 

(5)          transactions with joint ventures entered into in the ordinary course of business, provided that no other Affiliate of the Issuer (other than a Subsidiary thereof) directly or indirectly holds any Capital Stock of such joint venture;

 

(6)          payment of reasonable directors fees to Persons who are not otherwise employees of the Issuer;

 

(7)          indemnities of officers, directors and employees of the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer pursuant to bylaws, or statutory provisions or indemnification agreements or the purchase of indemnification insurance for any director or officer;

 

(8)          any Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment that is permitted to be made pursuant to Section 4.7;

 

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(9)          transactions with customers, clients, suppliers or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case in the ordinary course of the business of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries and otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Indenture; provided that in the reasonable determination of the Issuer, such transactions are on terms that are no less favorable to the Issuer or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that could have been obtained at the time of such transactions in a comparable transaction by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person;

 

(10)        the grant, issuance or sale of Capital Stock (other than Redeemable Stock) to Affiliates of the Issuer and the granting of registration rights and other customary rights in connection therewith;

 

(11)        any transaction as to which the Issuer delivers to the Trustee a written opinion of an investment banking firm of national standing or other recognized independent expert with experience in appraising the terms and conditions of the type of transaction or series of related transactions for which an opinion is required stating that the transaction or series of related transactions is fair to the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view or stating that the terms are no less favorable to the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary than those that could be obtained in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with an entity that is not an Affiliate; and

 

(12)        written agreements entered into or assumed in connection with mergers or acquisitions of other businesses with Persons who were not Affiliates prior to such transactions; provided that such agreement was not entered into in contemplation of such merger or acquisition, and any amendment thereto, so long as any such amendment is not disadvantageous to the Holders in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors or senior management of the Issuer, when taken as a whole, as compared to the applicable agreement as in effect on the date of such acquisition or merger.

 

SECTION 4.12.          Limitation on Liens.

 

(a)          The Issuer shall not, and shall not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) on any property or asset (including any intercompany notes) of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary now owned or hereafter acquired, or assign or convey a right to receive any income or profits from such Liens, to secure (i) any Debt of the Issuer unless prior to, or contemporaneously therewith, the Notes are equally and ratably secured for so long as such other Debt is so secured, or (ii) any Debt of any Subsidiary Guarantor, unless prior to, or contemporaneously therewith, the Subsidiary Guarantee of such Subsidiary Guarantor is equally and ratably secured for so long as such other Debt is so secured; provided, however, that if such Debt is expressly subordinated to the Notes or a Subsidiary Guarantee, the Lien securing such Debt will be subordinated and junior to the Lien securing the Notes or such Subsidiary Guarantee, as the case may be, with the same relative priority as such Debt has with respect to the Notes or such Subsidiary Guarantee.

 

(b)          Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Lien securing the Notes or any Subsidiary Guarantee granted pursuant to this Section 4.12 will be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon the release by the holders of the Debt described in Section 4.12(a) of their Lien on the property or assets of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (including any deemed release upon payment in full of all obligations under such Debt), at such time as the holders of all such Debt also release their Lien on the property or assets of the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, or upon any sale, exchange or transfer to any Person that is not an Affiliate of the Issuer of the property or assets secured by such Lien, or of all of the Capital Stock held by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in, or all or substantially all the assets of, any Restricted Subsidiary creating such Lien.

 

SECTION 4.13.          Offer to Purchase upon Change of Control. No later than 30 days after the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Issuer will be required to make an Offer to Purchase (a “Change of Control Offer”), with a copy to the Trustee, all outstanding Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the date of purchase (the “Change of Control Purchase Price”) (subject to the right of Holders of Notes on the relevant regular record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date).

 

On or before the Purchase Date, the Issuer will, to the extent lawful, deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the Change of Control Purchase Price in respect of the Notes or portions of Notes properly tendered.

 

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On the Purchase Date, the Issuer will, to the extent lawful:

 

(1)          accept for payment all Notes or portions of Notes (in a principal amount of $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof) properly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer; and

 

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

 

The Paying Agent will promptly deliver to each Holder who has so tendered Notes the Change of Control Purchase Price for such Notes, and the Trustee will promptly authenticate and mail (or cause to be transferred by book-entry) to each Holder a new Note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the Notes so tendered, if any; provided that each such new Note will be in a principal amount of $2,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

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, if any, will be paid on the relevant interest payment date to the Person in whose name a Note is registered at the close of business on such record date and will not be paid as part of the Change of Control Purchase Price.

 

The Issuer will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if (i) 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 Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Issuer and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer, (ii) a notice of redemption for all outstanding Notes has been given pursuant to Article III, unless and until there is a default in payment of the applicable redemption price or (iii) in connection with or in contemplation of any publicly announced Change of Control, the Issuer 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 Purchase Price and has purchased all Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn in accordance with the terms of the Alternate Offer.

 

The Issuer shall comply with all applicable securities rules and regulations in the United States, including, without limitation, the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other applicable laws and regulations in connection with the purchase of Notes pursuant to an Offer to Purchase. To the extent that the provisions of any applicable securities laws or regulations conflict with this Section 4.13, the Issuer shall comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Section 4.13 by virtue of such compliance.

 

The provisions under this Indenture relating to the Issuer’s obligation to make an offer to repurchase the Notes as a result of a Change of Control Offer may be waived or modified with the written consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes.

 

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 occurrence of such Change of Control, if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time of making of the Change of Control Offer or Alternate Offer.

 

SECTION 4.14.          Corporate Existence. Subject to Article V, the Issuer shall do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence and the corporate, partnership, limited liability company or other existence of each of the Subsidiary Guarantors in accordance with the respective organizational documents (as the same may be amended from time to time) of the Issuer or any such Subsidiary Guarantor and the rights (charter and statutory), licenses and franchises of the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors; provided that the Issuer shall not be required to preserve any such right, license or franchise, or the corporate, partnership or other existence of any of the Subsidiary Guarantors, if the Issuer shall determine that the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and that the loss thereof is not adverse in any material respect to the Holders.

 

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SECTION 4.15.          Future Guarantees. If any Domestic Subsidiary that is not already a Subsidiary Guarantor guarantees any Debt of the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor under, or borrows Debt under, (i) the Amended Credit Agreement or (ii) any Capital Markets/Term Loan Debt, in each case, on or after the Issue Date, then such Domestic Subsidiary will become a Subsidiary Guarantor and execute a supplemental indenture within 30 days of the date on which it became a guarantor or borrower with respect to such other Debt.

 

SECTION 4.16.          Designation of Restricted and Unrestricted Subsidiaries.

 

(a)          The Issuer, by delivery of an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee, may designate any Restricted Subsidiary to be an “Unrestricted Subsidiary,” in which event such Subsidiary and each other Person that is then or thereafter becomes a Subsidiary of such Subsidiary will be deemed to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary, if: (1) neither the Issuer nor any of its other Subsidiaries (other than another Unrestricted Subsidiary) provides credit support for, or a Guarantee of, any Debt of such Subsidiary or any Subsidiary of such Subsidiary (including any undertaking, agreement or instrument evidencing such Debt) or is directly or indirectly liable for any Debt of such Subsidiary or any Subsidiary of such Subsidiary, and no default with respect to any Debt of such Subsidiary or any Subsidiary of such Subsidiary (including any right which the holders thereof may have to take enforcement action against such Subsidiary) would permit (upon notice, lapse of time or both) any holder of any other Debt of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries (other than another Unrestricted Subsidiary) to declare a default on such other Debt or cause the payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to its final scheduled maturity, except in either case to the extent that the amount of any such Debt constitutes a Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment that is made in compliance with Section 4.7; (2) such Subsidiary does not own any Capital Stock of, or does not own or hold any Lien on any property of, any other Restricted Subsidiary which is not a Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated or otherwise an Unrestricted Subsidiary; (3) at the time of designation, the Issuer could make a Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment in an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of its interest in such Subsidiary pursuant to Section 4.7; (4) such Subsidiary is a Person with respect to which neither the Issuer nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries has any direct or indirect obligation to (a) subscribe for additional Capital Stock of such Subsidiary or (b) maintain or preserve such Subsidiary’s financial condition or to cause such Subsidiary to achieve any specified levels of operating results, except in either case to the extent that the amount of any such obligation constitutes a Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment that is made in compliance with Section 4.7; and (5) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time of, or immediately after giving effect to, such designation.

 

(b)          The Issuer, by delivery of an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee, may at any time designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer if: (1) (a) the Issuer would be able to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Debt pursuant to Section 4.9(a), or (b) the Consolidated Coverage Ratio of the Issuer would not be less than the Consolidated Coverage Ratio of the Issuer immediately prior to such designation, in each case on a pro forma basis taking into account such designation; (2) all Liens of such Unrestricted Subsidiary outstanding immediately following such designation would, if Incurred at such time, have been permitted to be Incurred for all purposes of this Indenture; and (3) no Default or Event of Default would occur and be continuing following such designation.

 

The Trustee shall have no duty whatsoever to monitor or inquire whether a Subsidiary is a Restricted Subsidiary or an Unrestricted Subsidiary and may be entitled to conclusively rely on the Officer’s Certificates delivered to it by the Issuer as described above.

 

SECTION 4.17.          Covenant Suspension.

 

(a)          If on any date following the Issue Date, the Notes have an Investment Grade Rating from two Rating Agencies; and no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, then, upon delivery to the Trustee of an Officer’s Certificate to the foregoing effect, the covenants set forth in the following sections of this Indenture will be suspended:

 

(1)          Section 4.7;

 

(2)          Section 4.8;

 

(3)          Section 4.9;

 

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(4)          Section 4.10;

 

(5)          Section 4.11;

 

(6)          Section 4.15 (but only with respect to any Person that is required to become a Subsidiary Guarantor after the date of the commencement of the applicable suspension date); and

 

(7)          Section 5.1(a)(3).

 

During any period that the foregoing covenants have been suspended, the Issuer shall not designate any of its Subsidiaries as Unrestricted Subsidiaries unless such designation would have complied with Section 4.7 as if Section 4.7 were in effect during such period.

 

Upon the occurrence of a covenant suspension, the amount of Excess Proceeds from Net Available Proceeds shall be reset at zero. During any period that the foregoing covenants have been suspended, any reference in the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary” or “Permitted Liens” to Section 4.9 or any provision thereof shall be construed as if Section 4.9 had remained in effect since the Issue Date and during such period.

 

(b)          Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Notes cease to have an Investment Grade Rating from two Rating Agencies, the foregoing covenants will be reinstated as of and from the date of such rating decline, subject to further suspension in the future upon the satisfaction of the conditions described in Section 4.17(a) above. Any Debt Incurred during the period when the covenants are suspended will be classified as having been Incurred pursuant to Section 4.9(a) or one of the clauses of Section 4.9(b). To the extent such Debt would not be so permitted to be Incurred, such Debt will be deemed to have been outstanding on the Issue Date, so that it is classified as permitted under clause (2) of Section 4.9(b). Calculations under the reinstated Section 4.7 will be made as if Section 4.7 had been in effect prior to, but not during, the suspension period. In addition: (i) for purposes of Section 4.8, all contracts entered into during a suspension period that contain any of the restrictions contemplated by such covenant will be deemed to have been entered into pursuant to Section 4.8(b)(1); (ii) for purposes of Section 4.12, any Lien Incurred during a suspension period will be deemed to have been entered into pursuant to clause (9) of the definition of “Permitted Liens”; and (iii) for purposes of Section 4.11, all agreements and arrangements entered into by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary with an Affiliate of the Issuer during such period will be deemed to have been entered into pursuant to Section 4.11(b)(1). No Default or Event of Default will be deemed to have occurred with respect to the suspended covenants as a result of any actions taken by the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries during the period when such covenants are suspended, and the Issuer and any Subsidiary of the Issuer will be permitted, without causing a Default or Event of Default or breach of any of the suspended covenants (notwithstanding the reinstatement thereof) under this Indenture, to honor, comply with or otherwise perform any contractual commitments or obligations entered into during the period when such covenants are suspended following a downgrade and to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby.

 

(c)          Promptly following the occurrence of any suspension or reinstatement of the covenants as described above, the Issuer will provide an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee regarding such occurrence and the effective date of such change. The Trustee shall have no obligation to independently determine, monitor or verify if a suspension or reinstatement has occurred or notify the Holders of any suspension or reinstatement.

 

ARTICLE V
SUCCESSORS

 

SECTION 5.1.          Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance, Transfer or Lease.

 

(a)            The Issuer shall not consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all its assets in a single transaction or series of related transactions to, another Person, unless:

 

(1)          the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (the “Successor Company”) shall be a corporation, partnership, trust or limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and the Successor Company (if not the Issuer) shall expressly assume, by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of the Issuer under this Indenture and the Notes and, if the Successor Company is not a corporation, a co-obligor of the Notes is a corporation organized or existing under such laws;

 

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

 

(3)          immediately after giving pro forma effect to such transaction and treating any Debt which becomes an obligation of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such transaction as having been Incurred by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary at the time of the transaction, either (i) the Issuer (including any Successor Company) could Incur at least $1.00 of additional Debt (other than Permitted Debt) pursuant to Section 4.9(a), or (ii) the Consolidated Coverage Ratio of the Issuer or such Successor Company is not less immediately after such transaction than it was immediately before such transaction;

 

(4)          at the time of such transaction, unless the Issuer is the Successor Company, each Subsidiary Guarantor will have by supplemental indenture confirmed that its Subsidiary Guarantee shall apply to such Person’s obligations under this Indenture and the Notes; and

 

(5)          the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and such supplemental indenture, if any, comply with this Indenture and that the supplemental indenture constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Successor Company, subject to the customary exceptions.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) any Restricted Subsidiary may merge into the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) the provisions of clauses (2) or (3) above shall not apply to a merger of the Issuer with or into a Restricted Subsidiary, and (iii) the above provisions shall not apply to any transfer of assets between or among the Issuer and any Restricted Subsidiary.

 

For purposes of this Section 5.1(a), the sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of one or more Subsidiaries of the Issuer, which properties and assets, if held by the Issuer instead of such Subsidiaries, would constitute all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Issuer on a consolidated basis, shall be deemed to be the sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Issuer.

 

The Successor Company will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Issuer under this Indenture, and, except in the case of a lease of all or substantially all its assets, the Issuer will be released from the obligation to pay the principal of, and interest on, the Notes and all other obligations under this Indenture.

 

(b)          Except in circumstances under which this Indenture provides for the release of Subsidiary Guarantees as described under Section 10.5, each Subsidiary Guarantor will not, and the Issuer will not permit a Subsidiary Guarantor to, consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey or transfer or lease all or substantially all its assets to, another Person (other than the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor), unless at the time and after giving effect thereto:

 

(1)

 

(A)          the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (the “Successor Subsidiary Guarantor”) shall be a corporation, partnership, trust or limited liability company organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and the Successor Subsidiary Guarantor (if not the Subsidiary Guarantor) shall expressly assume, by supplemental indenture, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of the Subsidiary Guarantor under this Indenture and its Subsidiary Guarantee;

 

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(B)          immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and

 

(C)          the Subsidiary Guarantor shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and such supplemental indenture, if any, comply with this Indenture and that the supplemental indenture constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Successor Company, subject to the customary exceptions; or

 

(2)            such transaction does not violate Section 4.10.

 

For purposes of this Section 5.1(b), the sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer, or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of one or more Subsidiaries of a Subsidiary Guarantor, which properties and assets, if held by such Subsidiary Guarantor instead of such Subsidiaries, would constitute all or substantially all of the properties and assets of such Subsidiary Guarantor on a consolidated basis, shall be deemed to be the sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of such Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

The Successor Subsidiary Guarantor will succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Subsidiary Guarantor under this Indenture, but, in the case of a lease of all or substantially all its assets, the Subsidiary Guarantor will not be released from its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee.

 

ARTICLE VI
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

 

SECTION 6.1.       Events of Default. Each of the following is an “Event of Default”:

 

(1)            failure to pay principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Note when due and payable, at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise;

 

(2)            failure to pay any interest on any Note when due and payable and such default continues for 30 days;

 

(3)            default in the payment of principal, premium and interest on Notes required to be purchased pursuant to an Offer to Purchase as described under Section 4.10 and Section 4.13 when due and payable;

 

(4)            failure to perform or comply with the provisions described under Section 5.1;

 

(5)            failure to perform any other covenant or agreement of the Issuer under this Indenture or the Notes and such default continues for 60 days (or 120 days with respect to Section 4.3) after written notice to the Issuer by the Trustee or Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes;

 

(6)            default under the terms of any instrument evidencing or securing any Debt of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary having an outstanding principal amount of $50.0 million, individually or in the aggregate, which default results in the acceleration of the payment of such Debt or constitutes the failure to pay the principal amount of such Debt when due (after giving effect to any applicable grace period provided in such Debt) and which accelerated or principal amount, individually or in the aggregate, exceeds $50.0 million and if, within 20 business days of such payment default or acceleration, such Debt has not been discharged or such payment default has not been cured or such acceleration has not been rescinded or annulled; provided that in connection with any series of convertible or exchangeable securities (a) any conversion or exchange of such securities by a holder thereof into shares of Capital Stock, cash or a combination of cash and shares of Capital Stock, (b) the rights of holders of such securities to convert or exchange into shares of Capital Stock, cash or a combination of cash and shares of Capital Stock and (c) the rights of holders of such securities to require any repurchase by the Issuer of such securities in cash shall not, in itself, constitute an Event of Default under this clause (6);

 

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(7)            the rendering of one or more final judgments, orders or decrees (not subject to appeal) of any court or regulatory or administrative agency against the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary or any of their respective properties in an amount in excess of $50.0 million, either individually or in the aggregate, (exclusive of any portion of any such payment covered by insurance) which remains undischarged or unstayed for a period of 60 days after the date on which the right to appeal has expired or been extinguished;

 

(8)            the Issuer or any Significant Restricted Subsidiary or group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Restricted Subsidiary, pursuant to or within the meaning of any 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)          admits in writing to the Trustee that it generally is not paying its debts as they become due;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(iii)         orders the liquidation of the Issuer or any Significant Restricted Subsidiary or group of Restricted Subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a Significant Restricted Subsidiary and, in each case, the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 60 consecutive days; and

 

(10)          the Subsidiary Guarantee of any Subsidiary Guarantor is held by a final non-appealable order or judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable or invalid or ceases for any reason to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance with the terms of this Indenture) or any such Subsidiary Guarantor or any Person acting on behalf of any such Subsidiary Guarantor denies or disaffirms such Subsidiary Guarantor’s obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee (other than by reason of a release of such Subsidiary Guarantor from its Subsidiary Guarantee in accordance with the terms of this Indenture).

 

SECTION 6.2.          Acceleration. If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in clause (8) or (9) of Section 6.1) shall occur and be continuing under this Indenture, either the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by written notice to the Issuer and the Trustee, may declare (an “acceleration declaration”) the principal of, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all outstanding amounts owing under the Notes to be due and payable. Upon such acceleration declaration, the aggregate principal of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the outstanding Notes shall become due and payable immediately.

 

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At any time after such acceleration pursuant to this Section 6.2, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding may rescind and annul such acceleration if:

 

(1)          the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction;

 

(2)          all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived other than nonpayment of accelerated principal and interest;

 

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

 

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

 

(5)          in the event of the cure or waiver of an Event of Default of the type described in clauses (8) or (9) of Section 6.1 hereof, the Trustee shall have received an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel that such Event of Default has been cured or waived.

 

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

 

If an Event of Default specified in clause (8) or (9) of Section 6.1 occurs, then all unpaid principal of, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all of the outstanding Notes shall ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other action or notice on the part of the Trustee or any Holder of the Notes to the extent permitted by applicable law.

 

SECTION 6.3.          Other Remedies. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy to collect the payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Notes or this Indenture.

 

The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder 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 6.4.          Waiver of Past Defaults. Subject to Section 9.2, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding 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 under this Indenture except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of interest or premium on, or the principal of, the Notes (other than any such payment that has become due because of an acceleration that has been rescinded).

 

SECTION 6.5.          Control by Majority. The 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 power conferred on it. However, (a) the Trustee may require indemnity and security satisfactory to it be furnished prior to taking such actions, (b) the Trustee may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture or that the Trustee determines in good faith may be unduly prejudicial to the rights of Holders not joining in the giving of such direction (it being understood that the Trustee does not have an affirmative duty to ascertain whether or not any such direction is unduly prejudicial to the rights of such other Holders) or that would involve any personal liability for the Trustee and (c) the Trustee may take any other action it deems proper that is not inconsistent with any such direction received from the Holders.

 

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SECTION 6.6.          Limitation on Suits. Subject to Section 6.7, no Holder of a Note will have any right to institute any proceeding with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or a trustee, or for any other remedy thereunder unless (a) such Holder has previously given to the Trustee written notice of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Notes, (b) the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes have made written request, and such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity and security satisfactory to the Trustee to institute such proceeding as trustee, (c) the Trustee has failed to institute such proceeding, and (d) the Trustee has not received from the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes a direction inconsistent with such request, within 60 days after such notice, request and offer. However, such limitations do not apply to a suit instituted by a Holder of a Note for the enforcement of payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on such Note on or after the applicable due date specified in such Note.

 

A Holder may not use this Indenture to prejudice the rights of another Holder or to obtain a preference or priority over another Holder (it being understood that the Trustee does not have an affirmative duty to ascertain whether or not any such use by a Holder prejudices the rights of any other Holders or obtains priority or preference over such other Holders).

 

SECTION 6.7.          Rights of Holders of Notes to Receive Payment. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal of, premium or interest on, such Note or to bring suit for the enforcement of any such payment, on or after the due date expressed in the Notes, shall not be modified or amended in a manner adverse to such Holder without the consent of the Holder.

 

SECTION 6.8.          Collection Suit by Trustee. If an Event of Default specified in clauses (1) or (2) of Section 6.1 occurs and is continuing, the Trustee is authorized to recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Issuer for the whole amount of principal of, premium, if any, and interest remaining unpaid on the Notes and interest on overdue principal and, to the extent lawful, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses of collection, including the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel.

 

SECTION 6.9.          Trustee May File Proofs of Claim. The Trustee is authorized to file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and the Holders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Issuer (or any other obligor upon the Notes including the Subsidiary Guarantors), its creditors or its property and shall be entitled and empowered to collect, receive and distribute any money or other securities or property payable or deliverable upon the conversion or exchange of the Notes or on any such claims, and any custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due to it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due to the Trustee under Section 7.6 and all amounts under the Indenture and the Notes. To the extent that the payment of any such compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances to the Trustee, its agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.6 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 in this Section 6.9 shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee 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 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 VI, it shall pay out the money and property in the following order:

 

First: to the Trustee, its agents and attorneys for amounts due to the Trustee under Section 7.6 and under the Indenture and the Notes, including payment of all reasonable compensation, expenses and liabilities incurred, and all advances made, by it and the costs and expenses of collection;

 

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

 

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Third: without duplication, to the Holders for any other obligations owing to the Holders under this Indenture and the Notes; and

 

Fourth: to the Issuer or to such party as a court of competent jurisdiction shall direct.

 

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

 

SECTION 6.11.          Undertaking for Costs. In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as the Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section 6.11 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee, a suit by a Holder pursuant to Section 6.7, or a suit by Holders of more than 10.0% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes.

 

SECTION 6.12.          Restoration of Rights and Remedies. If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceedings, the Issuer, the Trustee and the Holders shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and the Holders shall continue as though no such proceeding has been instituted.

 

SECTION 6.13.          Rights and Remedies Cumulative. Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes in Section 2.7 hereof, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

 

SECTION 6.14.          Delay or Omission Not Waiver. No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Note to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.

 

ARTICLE VII
TRUSTEE

 

SECTION 7.1.          Duties of Trustee.

 

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

 

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

 

(1)          the duties of the Trustee shall be determined solely by the express provisions of this Indenture and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and

 

(2)          in the absence of bad faith or willful misconduct on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein); however, the Trustee shall examine the certificates and opinions furnished to it to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture.

 

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

 

(1)            this paragraph does not limit the effect of paragraph (b) of this Section 7.1;

 

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

 

(3)            the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.5; and

 

(4)            no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or incur any liability.

 

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

 

(e)            Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture that in any way relates to the Trustee is subject to this Section 7.1.

 

SECTION 7.2.         Rights of Trustee.

 

(a)            In the absence of bad faith or willful misconduct on its part, the Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be fully protected in acting or refraining from acting on any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, notice, report, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture or other document (whether in original or facsimile form or PDF transmission or in accordance with Section 11.10 hereof) believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper Person. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated therein.

 

(b)            Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officer’s Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel or both. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on such Officer’s Certificate or Opinion of Counsel. Prior to taking, suffering or admitting any action, the Trustee may consult with counsel of the Trustee’s own choosing, and the Trustee shall be fully protected from liability in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in conclusive reliance on the advice or opinion of such counsel.

 

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

 

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

 

(e)            Unless otherwise specifically provided in this Indenture, any demand, request, direction or notice from the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor shall be sufficient if signed by an Officer of the Issuer or such Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

(f)             The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders unless such Holders shall have offered to the Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to the Trustee against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred by it in compliance with such request or direction.

 

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(g)          The Trustee 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, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or documents, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine during normal business hours the books, records and premises of the Issuer, personally or by agent or attorney at the sole cost of the Issuer, and shall incur no liability or additional liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation.

 

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

 

(i)           The Trustee may request that the Issuer and each of the Subsidiary Guarantors shall deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of Officers of the Issuer and each Subsidiary Guarantor, as applicable, authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture of the Issuer, the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees, which Officer’s Certificate may be signed by any Person authorized to sign an Officer’s Certificate, including any Person specified as so authorized in any such certificate previously delivered and not superseded.

 

(j)          The Trustee shall not be deemed to have notice or be charged with knowledge of any Default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has actual knowledge thereof with respect to Section 6.1(1), (2) or (3) or the Trustee shall have received from the Issuer or Subsidiary Guarantor or from any Holder written notice thereof at its address set forth in Section 11.1 and such notice references the Notes and this Indenture. In the absence of such notice, the Trustee may conclusively assume that no such Default or Event of Default exists.

 

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

 

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

 

(m)         No provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties thereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers.

 

(n)          The permissive rights of the Trustee enumerated in this Indenture shall not be construed as duties.

 

(o)           It shall not be the duty of the Trustee to see that any duties or obligations imposed herein upon the Issuer or other persons are performed, and the Trustee shall not be liable or responsible for the failure of the Issuer or such other persons to perform any act required of them by this Indenture.

 

SECTION 7.3.          Individual Rights of the Trustee. The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. Any Agent may do the same with like rights and duties. The Trustee is also subject to Section 7.9.

 

SECTION 7.4.          Trustee’s Disclaimer. The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture, the Notes, the Offering Memorandum for the Notes or any Subsidiary Guarantee, it shall not be accountable for the use of the proceeds from the Notes or any money paid to the Issuer or upon the Issuer’s direction under any provision of this Indenture, it shall not be responsible for the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee, and it shall not be responsible for any statement or recital herein or any statement in the Notes, any Officer’s Certificate or Opinion of Counsel delivered to the Trustee hereunder, or any other document in connection with the sale of the Notes or pursuant to this Indenture other than the Trustee’s certificate of authentication hereunder.

 

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SECTION 7.5.          Notice of Defaults. If a Default or Event of Default occurs and is continuing and the Trustee has notice or knowledge thereof as provided in Section 7.2(j), the Trustee shall deliver to Holders a notice of the Default or Event of Default within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case of a Default or Event of Default in payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Note, the Trustee may withhold the notice if and so long as it in good faith determines that the withholding of such notice is in the interest of the Holders.

 

SECTION 7.6.          Compensation and Indemnity. The Issuer shall pay to the Trustee from time to time compensation for its acceptance of this Indenture and for all services rendered by it hereunder as agreed upon in writing. The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Issuer shall reimburse the Trustee, as applicable, 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 shall include the reasonable compensation, disbursements and expenses of the Trustee’s agents and counsel.

 

Each of the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors, jointly and severally, shall indemnify, defend, protect and hold the Trustee (which for purposes of this Section 7.6 shall include its officers, directors, employees and agents) harmless against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs or expenses suffered or incurred by it (including, without limitation, the fees and expenses of its agents and counsel), including taxes (other than taxes based upon, measured by or determined by the income of the Trustee), arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of its duties under this Indenture, the performance of its obligations and/or exercise of its rights hereunder, including the costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture against the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor (including this Section 7.6) and defending itself against any claim (whether asserted by the Issuer or any Holder or any other Person) or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder, except to the extent any such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense shall have been found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a non-appealable final decision to have been caused by its own gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Trustee shall notify the Issuer promptly of any claim for which it may seek indemnity. Failure by the Trustee to so notify the Issuer shall not relieve the Issuer of its obligations hereunder. The Trustee may have separate counsel, and the necessary local counsel, if applicable, and the Issuer shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel for the Trustee. The Issuer need not pay for any settlement made without its consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

The obligations of the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors under this Section 7.6 shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the payment of the Notes or the resignation or removal of the Trustee.

 

To secure the Issuer’s payment obligations in this Section 7.6, the Trustee shall have a Lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee, except that held in trust to pay principal or interest, if any, on particular Notes. Such Lien shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the payment of the Notes and the resignation or removal of the Trustee and any termination of this Indenture, including a termination in connection with a bankruptcy.

 

When the Trustee incurs expenses or renders services after an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(7) occurs, the expenses and the compensation for the services (including the fees and expenses of its agents and counsel) are intended to constitute expenses of administration under any Bankruptcy Law.

 

SECTION 7.7.          Replacement of Trustee. A resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment of a successor Trustee shall become effective only upon the successor trustee’s acceptance of appointment as provided in this Section 7.7.

 

The Trustee may resign in writing at any time and be discharged from the trust hereby created by so notifying the Issuer. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may remove the Trustee upon thirty days’ written notice to the Trustee and the Issuer. The Issuer may remove the Trustee if no Event of Default exists and:

 

(a)          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;

 

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

 

(c)          the Trustee becomes incapable of acting.

 

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

 

If a successor trustee does not take office within 30 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, such retiring Trustee (at the expense of the Issuer), the Issuer or the Holders of at least 10.0% in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor trustee.

 

If the Trustee, after written request by any Holder who has been a Holder for at least six months, fails to comply with this Section 7.7, such Holder may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor trustee.

 

A successor trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Issuer. Thereupon, the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor trustee shall have all the rights, powers and the duties of the Trustee under this Indenture. The successor trustee shall mail a notice of its succession to the Holders. The retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee; provided that all sums owing to the retiring Trustee hereunder have been paid and subject to the Lien provided for in Section 7.6. Notwithstanding replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.7, the Issuer’s and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ obligations under Section 7.6 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.

 

SECTION 7.8.          Successor Trustee by Merger, Etc. If the Trustee or any Agent consolidates, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all of its corporate trust business (including this transaction) to, another corporation or banking association, the successor corporation or banking association without any further act shall be the successor Trustee or Agent, as applicable.

 

SECTION 7.9.          Eligibility; Disqualification. There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder that is a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States or of any state thereof that is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trustee power and that is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authorities. Such Trustee together with its affiliates shall at all times have a combined capital surplus of at least $50.0 million as set forth in its most recent annual report of condition.

 

ARTICLE VIII
DEFEASANCE; DISCHARGE OF THIS INDENTURE

 

SECTION 8.1.          Option to Effect Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance. The Issuer may, by delivery of an Officer’s Certificate, at any time, elect to have either Section 8.2 or Section 8.3 applied to all outstanding Notes upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article VIII.

 

SECTION 8.2.          Legal Defeasance. Upon the Issuer’s exercise under Section 8.1 of the option applicable to this Section 8.2, the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.4, be deemed to have been discharged from their obligations with respect to all outstanding Notes and Subsidiary Guarantees and this Indenture on the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, “Legal Defeasance”). For this purpose, Legal Defeasance means that the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors shall be deemed to have paid and discharged all of the obligations with respect to this Indenture, the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees, which shall thereafter be deemed to be outstanding only for the purposes of Section 8.5 and the other Sections of this Indenture referred to in (a) and (b) below, and to have satisfied all of their other obligations under such Notes, Subsidiary Guarantees and this Indenture (and the Trustee, on written demand of and at the expense of the Issuer, shall execute instruments acknowledging the same), and this Indenture shall cease to be of further effect as to all such Notes and Subsidiary Guarantees, except for the following provisions which shall survive until otherwise terminated or discharged hereunder: (a) the rights of Holders of outstanding Notes to receive payments in respect of the principal of, and interest and premium on, such Notes when such payments are due from the trust funds referred to in Section 8.4(1); (b) the Issuer’s obligations with respect to such Notes under Section 2.2, Section 2.3, Section 2.4, Section 2.7, Section 2.10, and Section 4.2; (c) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the Trustee, including without limitation thereunder, under Section 7.6, Section 8.5 and Section 8.7 and the obligations of the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors in connection therewith; and (d) the provisions of this Article VIII. Subject to compliance with this Article VIII, the Issuer may exercise its option under this Section 8.2 notwithstanding the prior exercise of its option under Section 8.3.

 

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SECTION 8.3.          Covenant Defeasance. Upon the Issuer’s exercise under Section 8.1 above of the option applicable to this Section 8.3, the Issuer shall, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 8.4 below, be released from its obligations under Sections 4.3, 4.5, 4.7 through Section 4.16 and Section 5.1(a)(3) on and after the date the conditions set forth below are satisfied (hereinafter, “Covenant Defeasance”), and the Notes shall 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 shall continue to be deemed outstanding for all other purposes hereunder (it being understood that such Notes shall not be deemed outstanding for accounting purposes). For this purpose, Covenant Defeasance means that, with respect to the outstanding Notes, the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries may omit to comply with and shall have no liability in respect of any term, condition or limitation set forth in any such covenant, whether directly or indirectly, by reason of any reference elsewhere herein to any such covenant or by reason of any reference in any such covenant to any other provision herein or in any other document and such omission to comply shall not constitute a Default or an Event of Default under Section 6.1, and the Events of Default in clauses (3) through (7) or (8) (with respect to a Subsidiary) and (9) (with respect to a Subsidiary) of Section 6.1 shall no longer apply but, except as specified above, the remainder of this Indenture and such Notes and any Subsidiary Guarantees shall be unaffected thereby.

 

SECTION 8.4.          Conditions to Legal or Covenant Defeasance. The following shall be the conditions to the application of either Section 8.2 or Section 8.3 to the outstanding Notes:

 

(1)          the Issuer must irrevocably deposit with the Trustee, as trust funds, in trust solely for the benefit of the Holders, U.S. dollars, non-callable U.S. Government Obligations or a combination thereof, in such amounts as will be sufficient without consideration of any reinvestment of interest (if U.S. Government Obligations are deposited, in the opinion of a nationally recognized investment bank, appraisal firm or firm of independent public accountants selected by the Issuer and delivered to the Trustee), to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the outstanding Notes on the stated date for payment thereof or on the applicable redemption date, as the case may be, and any other amounts owing under this Indenture (in the case of an optional redemption date prior to electing to exercise either Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance, the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an irrevocable notice to redeem all of the outstanding Notes on such redemption date),

 

(2)          in the case of Legal Defeasance, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that, subject to customary assumptions and exclusions:

 

(A)          the Issuer has received from, or there has been published by, the United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or

 

(B)          since the Issue Date, there has been a change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax law,

 

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

 

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(3)          in the case of Covenant Defeasance, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel in the United States reasonably acceptable to the Trustee confirming that, subject to customary assumptions and exclusions, the beneficial owners of the outstanding Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the Covenant Defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such Covenant Defeasance had not occurred,

 

(4)          no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing on the date of such deposit (other than a Default or Event of Default resulting from the borrowing of funds to be applied to such deposit (and any similar concurrent deposit relating to other Debt) and the Incurrence of Liens associated with any such borrowings),

 

(5)          the Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance shall 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 Debt being defeased, discharged or replaced) to which the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is a party or by which the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is bound,

 

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

 

(7)          the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel (which opinion may be subject to customary assumptions and exclusions) each stating that the applicable conditions precedent provided for in clauses (1) through (6) of this Section 8.4 have been complied with.

 

SECTION 8.5.          Deposited Money and U.S. Government Obligations to Be Held in Trust; Other Miscellaneous Provisions. Subject to Section 8.6, all U.S. dollar and U.S. Government Obligations (including the proceeds thereof) deposited with the Trustee (or other qualifying trustee, collectively for purposes of this Section 8.5, the “Deposit Trustee”) pursuant to Section 8.4 or Section 8.8 in respect of the outstanding Notes shall be held in trust, shall not be invested, and shall be applied by the Deposit Trustee in accordance with the provisions of such Notes and this Indenture to the payment, either directly or through any Paying Agent (including the Issuer or any Subsidiary acting as Paying Agent) as the Deposit Trustee may determine, to the Holders of such Notes of all sums due and to become due thereon in respect of principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, and all other amounts due and owing under the Indenture and the Notes but such money need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

 

The Issuer shall pay and indemnify the Deposit Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against the cash or non-callable U.S. Government Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 8.4 or Section 8.8 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.

 

Anything in this Article VIII to the contrary notwithstanding, the Deposit Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Issuer from time to time upon the written request of the Issuer and be relieved of all liability with respect to any U.S. dollars or non-callable U.S. Government Obligations held by it as provided in Section 8.4 or Section 8.8 which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Deposit Trustee (which may be the opinion delivered under Section 8.4(1)), are in excess of the amount thereof that would then be required to be deposited to effect an equivalent Legal Defeasance or Covenant Defeasance or satisfaction and discharge, as the case may be.

 

SECTION 8.6.          Repayment to Issuer. Subject to applicable escheat laws, any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or then held by the Issuer, in trust for the payment of the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Note and remaining unclaimed for two years after such principal and premium, if any, or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Issuer on its written request or (if then held by the Issuer) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Note shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Issuer for payment thereof; and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Issuer as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease.

 

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SECTION 8.7.          Reinstatement. If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any U.S. dollars or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with Section 8.2, Section 8.3 or Section 8.8, 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 obligations of the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors under this Indenture and the Notes shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to Section 8.2, Section 8.3 or Section 8.8 until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money in accordance with Section 8.2, Section 8.3 or Section 8.8, as the case may be; provided, however, that, if the Issuer makes any payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Note following the reinstatement of its obligations, the Issuer shall 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.

 

SECTION 8.8.          Discharge. This Indenture will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect (except as to surviving rights or registration of transfer or exchange of Notes which shall survive until all Notes have been canceled and the rights, protections and immunities of the Trustee, as expressly provided for in this Indenture) as to all outstanding Notes and Subsidiary Guarantees when either:

 

(1)          all the Notes that have been authenticated and delivered (except lost, stolen or destroyed Notes which have been replaced or paid and Notes for whose payment money has been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Issuer and thereafter repaid to the Issuer or discharged from this trust), have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

 

(2)          (a)          all Notes not delivered to the Trustee for cancellation otherwise (i) have become due and payable by reason of mailing of a notice of redemption, (ii) will become due and payable, or may be called for redemption, within one year or (iii) have been called for redemption pursuant to Article III and, in any case, the Issuer 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 in such amounts as will be sufficient without consideration of any reinvestment of interest (if U.S. Government Obligations are deposited, in the opinion of a nationally recognized investment bank, appraisal firm or firm of independent public accountants selected by the Issuer and delivered to the Trustee) to pay and discharge the entire Debt (including all principal and accrued interest, if any) on the Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;

 

(b)          the Issuer has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable by it under this Indenture; and

 

(c)          the Issuer 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 date of redemption, as the case may be.

 

In addition, the Issuer must deliver an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the Trustee stating that all conditions precedent to satisfaction and discharge have been complied with.

 

After the Notes are no longer outstanding, the Issuer’s and the Subsidiary Guarantors’ obligations in Section 7.6, Section 8.5 and Section 8.7 shall survive any discharge pursuant to this Section 8.8.

 

After such delivery or irrevocable deposit and receipt of the Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel, the Trustee, upon written request, shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of the Issuer’s obligations under the Notes and this Indenture except for those surviving obligations specified above.

 

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ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT AND WAIVER

 

SECTION 9.1.     Without Consent of Holders of the Notes. Notwithstanding Section 9.2, without the consent of any Holders, the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may amend or supplement this Indenture, the Subsidiary Guarantees or the Notes issued hereunder for any of the following purposes:

 

(1)            to evidence the succession of another Person to the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor under this Indenture, Notes or the applicable Subsidiary Guarantee, and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Issuer or such Subsidiary Guarantor under this Indenture, Notes and in such Subsidiary Guarantee in accordance with Section 5.1;

 

(2)            to add to the covenants of the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes or to surrender any right or power conferred upon the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor, as applicable, in this Indenture, in the Notes or in any Subsidiary Guarantee;

 

(3)            to cure any ambiguity, or to correct or supplement any provision in this Indenture or in any supplemental indenture, the Notes or any Subsidiary Guarantee which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision in this Indenture, the Notes or any Subsidiary Guarantee;

 

(4)            to make any change that would provide any additional rights or benefits to the Holders of the Notes;

 

(5)            to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Indenture, the Notes or any Subsidiary Guarantee; provided that, in each case, such provisions shall not adversely affect the interest of the Holders of the Notes in any material respect;

 

(6)            to comply with the requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of this Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S. Code §§ 77aaa-77bbbb), as amended;

 

(7)            to add a Subsidiary Guarantor under this Indenture or otherwise provide a Guarantee of the Notes;

 

(8)            to evidence and provide the acceptance of the appointment of a successor Trustee under this Indenture;

 

(9)            to mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or grant a security interest in favor of the Trustee for the benefit of the Holders of the Notes as additional security for the payment and performance of the Issuer’s and any Subsidiary Guarantor’s obligations under this Indenture, in any property, or assets, including any of which are required to be mortgaged, pledged or hypothecated, or in which a security interest is required to be granted to the Trustee pursuant to this Indenture or otherwise;

 

(10)          to provide for the issuance of Additional Notes under this Indenture in accordance with the terms and subject to the limitations set forth in this Indenture;

 

(11)          to comply with the rules of any applicable Depositary; or

 

(12)          to conform the text of this Indenture, the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees to any provision of the “Description of notes” section of the Offering Memorandum to the extent such provision was intended to be a recitation of a provision of this Indenture, as certified in an Officer’s Certificate delivered to the Trustee.

 

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After an amendment under this Indenture becomes effective, the Issuer shall deliver to Holders of the Notes a notice briefly describing such amendment. However, the failure to give such notice to all Holders, or any defect therein, will not impair or affect the validity of the amendment.

 

SECTION 9.2.     With Consent of Holders of Notes. With the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, the Notes), the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee may amend or supplement this Indenture, the Notes or any Subsidiary Guarantees or waive any existing Default or Event of Default or compliance with any provision of this Indenture or the Notes; provided, however, that no such amendment, supplement or waiver shall, without the consent of the Holder of each outstanding Note affected thereby (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, the Notes):

 

(1)            change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of interest on, any Note;

 

(2)            reduce the principal amount of, (or the premium) or interest on, any Note;

 

(3)            change the place or currency of payment of principal of (or premium), or interest on, any Note;

 

(4)            (i) modify, in any manner adverse to the Holders of the Notes, the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment of principal of, (or premium) or interest on, any Note, or (ii) waive any payment in respect thereof except a default in payment arising solely from an acceleration of the Notes that has been rescinded;

 

(5)            modify any provisions of this Indenture relating to the modification and amendment of this Indenture or the waiver of past defaults or covenants which require each Holder’s consent;

 

(6)            amend any provisions relating to the redemption of the Notes (other than the notice provisions) to reduce the premium payable or change the dates on which the Notes may be redeemed, it being understood that, for the avoidance of doubt, the provisions described under Section 4.10 and Section 4.13 shall not be covered by this clause (6);

 

(7)            modify the Subsidiary Guarantees in any manner adverse to the Holders, except in accordance with this Indenture; or

 

(8)            modify any of the provisions of this Indenture adversely affecting the ranking of the Notes.

 

It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders under this Section 9.2 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment or waiver, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof.

 

SECTION 9.3.     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 and every subsequent Holder of that Note or portion of the Note that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Note, even if notation of the consent is not made on the Note. However, any such Holder or subsequent Holder may revoke the consent as to its Note if the Trustee receives written notice of revocation before the date the waiver, supplement or amendment becomes effective. When an amendment, supplement or waiver becomes effective in accordance with its terms, it thereafter binds every Holder.

 

The Issuer may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for determining which Holders consent to such amendment, supplement or waiver.

 

SECTION 9.4.     Notation on or Exchange of Notes. The Trustee may place an appropriate notation, provided by the Issuer in writing, about an amendment, supplement or waiver on any Note thereafter authenticated. The Issuer in exchange for all Notes may issue and the Trustee shall authenticate new Notes that reflect the amendment, supplement or waiver.

 

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Failure to make the appropriate notation or issue a new Note shall not affect the validity and effect of such amendment, supplement or waiver.

 

SECTION 9.5.     Trustee to Sign Amendments, Etc. The Trustee shall sign any amended or supplemental indenture authorized pursuant to this Article IX if the amendment or supplement does not adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee. In signing or refusing to sign any amendment or supplemental indenture, the Trustee shall be provided with and (subject to Section 7.1) shall be fully protected in conclusively relying upon an Officer’s 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 all conditions precedent thereto have been met or waived and that such supplemental indenture constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Issuer, subject to the customary exceptions.

 

ARTICLE X
SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES

 

SECTION 10.1.   Subsidiary Guarantees.

 

(a)            Each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally guarantees the Notes and obligations of the Issuer hereunder and thereunder, and guarantees to each Holder of a Note authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and to the Trustee, that: (i) the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on the Notes shall be paid in full when due, whether at Stated Maturity, by acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise, together with interest on the overdue principal, if any, and interest on any overdue interest, to the extent lawful, and all other obligations of the Issuer to the Holders or the Trustee under this Indenture or the Notes shall be paid in full or performed, all in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof; and (ii) in case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any Notes or of any such other obligations, the same shall be 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. Each of the Subsidiary Guarantees shall be a guarantee of payment and not of collection.

 

(b)            Each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby agrees that its obligations hereunder shall be 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 with respect to any provisions hereof or thereof, the recovery of any judgment against the Issuer, any action to enforce the same or any other circumstance which might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a Guarantor.

 

(c)            Each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby waives the benefits of diligence, presentment, demand for payment, filing of claims with a court in the event of insolvency or bankruptcy of the Issuer, any right to require a proceeding first against the Issuer or any other Person, protest, notice and all demands whatsoever and covenants that the Subsidiary Guarantee of such Subsidiary Guarantor shall not be discharged as to any Note or this Indenture except by complete performance of the obligations contained in such Note and this Indenture and such Subsidiary Guarantee. Each of the Subsidiary Guarantors hereby agrees that, in the event of a Default in payment of principal or premium, if any, or interest on any Note, whether at its Stated Maturity, by acceleration, call for redemption, purchase or otherwise, legal proceedings may be instituted by the Trustee on behalf of, or by, the Holder of such Note, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Indenture, directly against each of the Subsidiary Guarantors to enforce each such Subsidiary Guarantor’s Subsidiary Guarantee without first proceeding against the Issuer or any other Subsidiary Guarantor. Each Subsidiary Guarantor agrees that if, after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Trustee or any of the Holders are prevented by applicable law from exercising their respective rights to accelerate the maturity of the Notes, to collect interest on the Notes, or to enforce or exercise any other right or remedy with respect to the Notes, such Subsidiary Guarantor shall pay to the Trustee for the account of the Holders, upon demand therefor, the amount that would otherwise have been due and payable had such rights and remedies been permitted to be exercised by the Trustee or any of the Holders and any other amounts due and owing to the Trustee under this Indenture.

 

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(d)            If any Holder or the Trustee is required by any court or otherwise to return to the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor, or any custodian, trustee, liquidator or other similar official acting in relation to the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor, any amount paid by any of them to the Trustee or such Holder, the Subsidiary Guarantee of each of the Subsidiary Guarantors, to the extent theretofore discharged, shall be reinstated in full force and effect. This paragraph (d) shall remain effective notwithstanding any contrary action which may be taken by the Trustee or any Holder in reliance upon such amount required to be returned. This paragraph (d) shall survive the termination of this Indenture.

 

(e)            Each Subsidiary Guarantor further agrees that, as between each Subsidiary Guarantor, on the one hand, and the Holders and the Trustee, on the other hand, (x) the maturity of the obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in Article VI for the purposes of the Subsidiary Guarantee of such Subsidiary Guarantor, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the obligations guaranteed hereby, and (y) in the event of any acceleration of such obligations as provided in Article VI, such obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by each Subsidiary Guarantor for the purpose of the Subsidiary Guarantee of such Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

(f)             Each Subsidiary Guarantor that makes a payment for distribution under its Subsidiary Guarantee is entitled upon payment in full of all guaranteed obligations under this Indenture to seek contribution from each other Subsidiary Guarantor in a pro rata amount of such payment based on the respective net assets of all the Subsidiary Guarantors at the time of such payment in accordance with GAAP.

 

SECTION 10.2.   Execution and Delivery of Guarantee. To evidence its Subsidiary Guarantee set forth in Section 10.1, each Subsidiary Guarantor agrees that this Indenture or a supplemental indenture in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B shall be executed on behalf of such Subsidiary Guarantor by an Officer of such Subsidiary Guarantor (or, if an officer is not available, by a board member or director or other duly authorized signatory) on behalf of such Subsidiary Guarantor. Each Subsidiary Guarantor hereby agrees that its Subsidiary Guarantee set forth in Section 10.1 hereof shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the absence of the endorsement of any notation of such Subsidiary Guarantee on the Notes. In case the Officer, board member or director of such Subsidiary Guarantor whose signature is on this Indenture or supplemental indenture, as applicable, no longer holds office at the time the Trustee authenticates any Note, the Subsidiary Guarantee shall be valid nevertheless.

 

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

 

SECTION 10.3.   Severability. In case any provision of any Subsidiary Guarantee shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

SECTION 10.4.   Limitation of Subsidiary Guarantors’ Liability. Each Subsidiary Guarantor and by its acceptance hereof each Holder confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the Subsidiary Guarantee of such Subsidiary Guarantor not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of the Bankruptcy Law, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar federal or state law or the provisions of its local law relating to fraudulent transfer or conveyance. To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Trustee, the Holders and Subsidiary Guarantors hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee shall be limited to the maximum amount that will not, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Subsidiary Guarantor (including, without limitation, any guarantees under the Amended Credit Agreement) and after giving effect to any collections from, rights to receive contribution from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Subsidiary Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Subsidiary Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee, result in the obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee constituting a fraudulent conveyance, fraudulent preference or fraudulent transfer or otherwise reviewable under applicable law.

 

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SECTION 10.5.   Releases. A Subsidiary Guarantee of a Subsidiary Guarantor shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged upon:

 

(a)            any sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of such Subsidiary Guarantor (including by way of merger or consolidation) to a Person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transaction) the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer, if the sale or other disposition does not violate Section 4.10 of this Indenture;

 

(b)           any sale, transfer or other disposition of Capital Stock of such Subsidiary Guarantor (including by way of merger or consolidation) to a Person that is not (either before or after giving effect to such transaction) the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer, if after such sale, transfer or disposition, the Subsidiary Guarantor would cease to be a Restricted Subsidiary and the sale or other disposition does not violate Section 4.10 of this Indenture;

 

(c)            the exercise by the Issuer of its Legal Defeasance option or its Covenant Defeasance option or the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, in each case as provided under Article VIII;

 

(d)           the proper designation of such Subsidiary Guarantor by the Issuer as an Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; or

 

(e)            the Subsidiary Guarantor ceasing to guarantee any Debt of the Issuer or a Subsidiary Guarantor under, or be a borrower under, the Amended Credit Agreement and, at such time, such Subsidiary Guarantor does not have any other Debt outstanding that required such Subsidiary Guarantor to guarantee the Notes pursuant to Section 4.15, and no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

Upon delivery to the Trustee of an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that all conditions precedent to the release of a Subsidiary Guarantor’s Subsidiary Guarantee set forth in this Indenture have been satisfied, the Subsidiary Guarantor shall be deemed automatically and unconditionally released and discharged. The Trustee shall execute any documents reasonably requested by the Issuer in writing in order to evidence the release of any Subsidiary Guarantor from its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee at the Issuer’s direction and expense. With their acquisition of the Notes, the Holders of the Notes have acknowledged that any release of a Subsidiary Guarantor in accordance with this Section 10.5 shall be deemed not to impair the Holder’s repayment rights with respect to the Notes.

 

Any Subsidiary Guarantor not released from its obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee shall remain liable for the full amount of principal of and interest on the Notes and for the other obligations of any Subsidiary Guarantor under this Indenture as provided in this Article X.

 

SECTION 10.6.   Benefits Acknowledged. Each Subsidiary Guarantor acknowledges that it will receive direct and indirect benefits from the financing arrangements contemplated by this Indenture and that its guarantee and waivers pursuant to its Subsidiary Guarantee are knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits.

 

ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS

 

SECTION 11.1.   Notices. Any notice, request, direction, instruction or communication by the Issuer, any Subsidiary Guarantor or the Trustee to the others is duly given if in writing and delivered in person or mailed by first class mail (registered or certified, return receipt requested), telecopier or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, to the addresses set forth below:

 

If to the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor:

 

Papa John’s International, Inc.
2002 Papa John’s Boulevard
Louisville, Kentucky 40299-2367
Email: ann_gugino@papajohns.com

Attention: Ann Gugino, Chief Financial Officer

 

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with a copy to:

Email: caroline_oyler@papajohns.com

Attention: Caroline Oyler, Chief Legal and Risk Officer

 

With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

 

Hogan Lovells US LLP
390 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10017
Email: stuart.morrissy@hoganlovells.com

Attention: Stuart Morrissy

 

If to the Trustee:

 

Truist Bank
Mail Code 100-50-0280

2713 Forest Hills Road, Building 2 – Floor 2

Wilson, North Carolina 27893

Attention:  Corporate Trust and Escrow Services

 

The parties hereto, by written notice to the others, may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

 

Any notice or communication to a Holder and the Trustee shall be mailed by first class mail or by overnight air courier promising next Business Day delivery to its address shown on the register kept by the Registrar. Notwithstanding the foregoing, as long as the Notes are Global Notes, notices to be given to the Holders shall be given to the Depositary in accordance with its applicable policies as in effect from time to time. Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders.

 

In respect of this Indenture, the Trustee shall not have any duty or obligation to verify or confirm that the Person sending instructions, directors, reports, notices or other communications or information by electronic transmission is, in fact, a Person authorized to give such instructions, directors, reports notices or other communications or information on behalf of the party purporting to send such electronic transmission; and the Trustee shall not have any liability for any losses, liability, costs or expenses incurred or sustained by any party as a result of such reliance upon or compliance with such instructions directors, reports, notices or other communications or information. Each other party, agrees to assume all risks arising out of the use of electronic methods to submit instructions, directions, reports, notices or other communications or indemnifications to the Trustee, including without limitation the risk of the Trustee acting on unauthorized instructions, notices, reports or other communications or information, and the risks of interception and misuse by third parties.

 

If a notice or communication is delivered in the manner provided above within the time prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it, except in the case of notices or communications given to the Trustee, which shall be effective only upon actual receipt.

 

If the Issuer delivers a notice or communication to Holders, it shall mail a copy to the Trustee and each Agent at the same time.

 

SECTION 11.2.   Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent. Upon any request or application by the Issuer to the Trustee to take any action under this Indenture, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee upon request:

 

(a)            an Officer’s Certificate (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 11.3) stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent and covenants, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been satisfied; and

 

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(b)           an Opinion of Counsel (which shall include the statements set forth in Section 11.3) stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent and covenants have been satisfied; provided that no Opinion of Counsel shall be required to be delivered in connection with (1) the original issuance of Notes on the date hereof under this Indenture or (2) a request by the Issuer that the Trustee deliver a notice to Holders under the Indenture where the Trustee receives an Officer’s Certificate with respect to such notice.

 

SECTION 11.3.   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 Section 4.4) shall include substantially:

 

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

 

(b)           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;

 

(c)            a statement that, in the opinion of such Person, he or she has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been satisfied; and

 

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

 

SECTION 11.4.   Rules by Trustee and Agents. The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Holders. Each of the Agents may make reasonable rules and set reasonable requirements for its functions.

 

SECTION 11.5.   No Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and Stockholders. No past, present or future director, officer, employee, incorporator, member, partner or stockholder of the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor, as such, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or any Subsidiary Guarantor (other than the Issuer in respect of the Notes and each Subsidiary Guarantor in respect of its Subsidiary Guarantee) under the Notes, the Subsidiary Guarantees or this Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes. The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities law.

 

SECTION 11.6.   Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SHALL GOVERN AND BE USED TO CONSTRUE THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES AND THE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES. Each of the parties to this Indenture each hereby irrevocably submits 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 action or proceeding arising out of or relating to the Notes, the Subsidiary Guarantees or this Indenture, and all such parties hereby irrevocably agree that all claims in respect of such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State or federal court and hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent that they may legally do so, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding. EACH OF THE ISSUER, THE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS, THE HOLDERS AND THE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES OR THE TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

SECTION 11.7.   No Adverse Interpretation of Other Agreements. This Indenture may not be used to interpret any other indenture, loan or debt agreement of the Issuer or its Subsidiaries or of any other Person. Any such indenture, loan or debt agreement may not be used to interpret this Indenture.

 

-73-

 

 

SECTION 11.8.   Successors. All agreements of the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors in this Indenture and the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees, as applicable, shall bind their respective successors and assigns. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its respective successors and assigns.

 

SECTION 11.9.   Severability. In case any provision, or portion thereof, in this Indenture or in the Notes shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

SECTION 11.10. Execution in Counterparts. This Indenture may be executed in two or more counterparts, which when so executed shall constitute one and the same agreement. The exchange of copies of this Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original Indenture for all purposes. Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to this Indenture or any document to be signed in connection with this Indenture shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, deliveries or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical delivery thereof or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, and the parties hereto consent to conduct the transactions contemplated hereunder by electronic means. This Indenture shall be valid, binding, and enforceable against a party only when executed and delivered by an authorized individual on behalf of the party by means of (i) any electronic signature permitted by the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, state enactments of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, and/or any other relevant electronic signatures law, including relevant provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code/UCC (collectively “Signature Law”); (ii) an original manual signature; or (iii) a faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature. Each electronic signature or faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature shall for all purposes have the same validity, legal effect, and admissibility in evidence as an original manual signature. Each party hereto shall be entitled to conclusively rely upon, and shall have no liability with respect to, any faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature, or other electronic signature, of any party and shall have no duty to investigate, confirm or otherwise verify the validity or authenticity thereof. This Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall, together, constitute one and the same instrument. For avoidance of doubt, original manual signatures shall be used for execution or indorsement of writings when required under the UCC or other Signature Law due to the character or intended character of the writings.

 

SECTION 11.11. 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 shall in no way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

 

SECTION 11.12. Acts of Holders.

 

(a)            Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided by this Indenture to be given or taken by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by agent duly appointed in writing (or, with respect to Global Notes, otherwise in accordance with the rules and procedures of the Depositary); and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Issuer. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “Act” of Holders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Issuer, if made in the manner provided in this Section 11.12.

 

(b)            The fact and date of the execution by any Person of any such instrument or writing may be proved (1) by the affidavit of a witness of such execution or by a certificate of a notary public or other officer authorized by law to take acknowledgments of deeds, certifying that the individual signing such instrument or writing acknowledged to such officer the execution thereof or (2) in any other manner reasonably deemed sufficient by the Trustee. Where such execution is by a signer acting in a capacity other than such signer’s individual capacity, such certificate or affidavit shall also constitute sufficient proof of such signer’s authority. The fact and date of the execution of any such instrument or writing, or the authority of the Person executing the same, may also be proved in any other manner which the Trustee deems sufficient.

 

-74-

 

 

(c)            The ownership of Notes shall be proved by the register maintained by the Registrar hereunder.

 

(d)            Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act of the Holder of any Note shall bind every future Holder of the same Note and the Holder of every Note issued upon the registration of transfer thereof or in exchange therefor or in lieu thereof in respect of anything done, omitted or suffered to be done by the Trustee or the Issuer in reliance thereon, whether or not notation of such action is made upon such Note.

 

(e)            If the Issuer shall solicit from the Holders any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, the Issuer may, at its option, by or pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate, fix in advance a record date for the determination of Holders entitled to give such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, but the Issuer shall have no obligation to do so. If such a record date is fixed, such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act may be given before or after such record date, but only the Holders of record at the close of business on such record date shall be deemed to be Holders for the purposes of determining whether Holders of the requisite proportion of outstanding Notes have authorized or agreed or consented to such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other Act, and for that purpose the outstanding Notes shall be computed as of such record date; provided that no such authorization, agreement or consent by the Holders on such record date shall be deemed effective unless it shall become effective pursuant to the provisions of this Indenture not later than six months after the record date.

 

(f)             The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, set any day as a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders entitled to join in the giving or making of (1) any notice of default under Section 6.1, (2) any declaration of acceleration referred to in Section 6.2, (3) any direction referred to in Section 6.5 or (4) any request to pursue a remedy as permitted in Section 6.6. If any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Holders on such record date, and no other Holders, shall be entitled to join in such notice, declaration, request or direction, whether or not such Holders remain Holders after such record date; provided that no such action shall be effective hereunder unless made, given or taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date by Holders of the requisite principal amount of Notes or each affected Holder, as applicable, on such record date. Promptly after any record date is set pursuant to this paragraph, the Trustee, at the Issuer’s expense, shall cause notice of such record date, the proposed action by Holders and the applicable Expiration Date to be given to the Issuer and to each Holder in the manner set forth in Section 11.1.

 

(g)            Without limiting the foregoing, a Holder entitled to take any action hereunder with regard to any particular Note may do so with regard to all or any part of the principal amount of such Note or by one or more duly appointed agents, each of which may do so pursuant to such appointment with regard to all or any part of such principal amount. Any notice given or action taken by a Holder or its agents with regard to different parts of such principal amount pursuant to this paragraph shall have the same effect as if given or taken by separate Holders of each such different part.

 

(h)            Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a Holder, including a Depositary that is the Holder of a Global Note, may make, give or take, by a proxy or proxies duly appointed in writing, any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided in this Indenture to be made, given or taken by Holders, and a Depositary that is the Holder of a Global Note may provide its proxy or proxies to the beneficial owners of interests in any such Global Note through such Depositary’s standing instructions and customary practices.

 

(i)             The Issuer may fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Persons who are beneficial owners of interests in any Global Note held by a Depositary entitled under the procedures of such Depositary, if any, to make, give or take, by a proxy or proxies duly appointed in writing, any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided in this Indenture to be made, given or taken by Holders; provided that if such a record date is fixed, only the beneficial owners of interests in such Global Note on such record date or their duly appointed proxy or proxies shall be entitled to make, give or take such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action, whether or not such beneficial owners remain beneficial owners of interests in such Global Note after such record date. No such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action shall be effective hereunder unless made, given or taken on or prior to the applicable Expiration Date.

 

-75-

 

 

(j)             With respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section 11.12, the party hereto that sets such record date may designate any day as the “Expiration Date” and from time to time may change the Expiration Date to any earlier or later day; provided that no such change shall be effective unless notice of the proposed new Expiration Date is given to the other party hereto in writing, and to each Holder of Notes in the manner set forth in Section 11.1, on or prior to both the existing and the new Expiration Date. If an Expiration Date is not designated with respect to any record date set pursuant to this Section 11.12, the party hereto which set such record date shall be deemed to have initially designated the 90th day after such record date as the Expiration Date with respect thereto, subject to its right to change the Expiration Date as provided in this clause (j).

 

SECTION 11.13. Force Majeure. In no event shall the Trustee or any Agent be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, (i) any act or provision of any present or future law or regulation or governmental authority, (ii) any act of God, (iii) nuclear or natural disaster, (iv) pandemics, (v) epidemics, (vi) quarantine restrictions, (vii)  war, (viii) terrorism, (ix) civil unrest, (x) national emergency, (xi) malware or ransomware, interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services, and hacking, cyber-attacks, or other use or infiltration of the Trustee’s technological infrastructure exceeding authorized access, (xii) unavailability of the Federal Reserve Bank wire or telex system or other wire or other funds transfer systems, or (xiii) unavailability of any securities clearing system, it being understood that the Trustee and each Agent shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the U.S. banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.

 

SECTION 11.14. Legal Holidays. If any payment date with respect to the Notes falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the payment to be made on such payment date will be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on such payment date, and no additional interest will accrue solely as a result of such delayed payment.

 

SECTION 11.15. USA PATRIOT Act. The parties hereto acknowledge that in accordance with Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act, the Trustee, like all financial institutions and in order to help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, is required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or legal entity that establishes a relationship or opens an account. The parties hereto agrees that it will provide the Trustee with information about the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors as the Trustee may reasonably request in order for the Trustee to satisfy the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act.

 

[Signature pages follow]

 

-76-

 

 

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

 

  PAPA JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

  By: /s/ Ann B. Gugino
    Name:      Ann B. Gugino
    Title:        Chief Financial Officer

 

  PAPA JOHN’S USA, INC.

 

  By: /s/ Ann B. Gugino
    Name:      Ann B. Gugino
    Title:        Chief Financial Officer

 

  PREFERRED MARKETING SOLUTIONS, INC.

 

  By: /s/ Ann B. Gugino
    Name:      Ann B. Gugino
    Title:        Vice President

 

  CAPITAL DELIVERY, LTD.

 

  By: /s/ Ann B. Gugino
    Name:      Ann B. Gugino
    Title:        President

 

  PJ FOOD SERVICE, INC.

 

  By: /s/ Ann B. Gugino
    Name:      Ann B. Gugino
    Title:        Vice President

 

  TRANS PAPA LOGISTICS, INC.

 

  By: /s/ Ann B. Gugino
    Name:      Ann B. Gugino
    Title:        Vice President

 

[Papa John’s - Signature Page to Indenture]

 

 

 

  PAPA JOHN’S USA-GEORGIA, INC.

 

  By: /s/ Ann B. Gugino
    Name:      Ann B. Gugino
    Title:        Vice President

 

  PAPA JOHN’S FRANCHISING, LLC

 

  By: /s/ Ann B. Gugino
    Name:      Ann B. Gugino
    Title:        Vice President

 

[Papa John’s - Signature Page to Indenture]

 

 

 

  TRUIST BANK,
  as Trustee

 

  By: /s/ Cristina G. Rhodebeck
    Name:      Cristina G. Rhodebeck
    Title:        Senior Vice President

 

[Papa John’s - Signature Page to Indenture]

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

FORM OF NOTE

 

(Face of 3.875% Senior Note)
3.875% Senior Notes due 2029

 

[Global Note Legend]

 

UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK) TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OR TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER NAME AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY OR SUCH OTHER REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (AND ANY PAYMENT HEREON IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS MAY BE REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL SINCE THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

 

TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO NOMINEES OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR’S NOMINEE AND TRANSFERS OF PORTIONS OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE INDENTURE REFERRED TO ON THE REVERSE HEREOF.

 

[Restricted Notes Legend]

 

THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION. NEITHER THIS SECURITY NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE REOFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR UNLESS SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT SUBJECT TO, SUCH REGISTRATION. THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, AGREES ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF ANY INVESTOR ACCOUNT FOR WHICH IT HAS PURCHASED SECURITIES, TO OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER SUCH SECURITY, PRIOR TO THE DATE (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE”) THAT IS [IN THE CASE OF RULE 144A NOTES: ONE YEAR AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF, THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE OF THE ISSUANCE OF ANY ADDITIONAL NOTES AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE ISSUER OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ISSUER WAS THE OWNER OF THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY)] [IN THE CASE OF REGULATION S NOTES: 40 DAYS AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF AND THE DATE ON WHICH THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY) WAS FIRST OFFERED TO PERSONS OTHER THAN DISTRIBUTORS (AS DEFINED IN RULE 902 OF REGULATION S) IN RELIANCE ON REGULATION S], ONLY (A) TO THE ISSUER OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT THAT HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE SECURITIES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (“RULE 144A”), TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A THAT PURCHASES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER TO WHOM NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT THE TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (E) PURSUANT TO ANOTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT (OTHER THAN RULE 144), SUBJECT TO THE ISSUER’S AND THE TRUSTEE’S RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER PURSUANT TO CLAUSES (C), (D) OR (E) TO REQUIRE THE DELIVERY OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, CERTIFICATION AND/ OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO EACH OF THEM.

 

A-1 

 

 

[IN THE CASE OF REGULATION S NOTES: BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF, THE HOLDER HEREOF REPRESENTS THAT IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON NOR IS IT PURCHASING FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A U.S. PERSON AND IS ACQUIRING THIS SECURITY IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.]

 

EACH HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN IS DEEMED TO REPRESENT AND WARRANT THAT EITHER (1) NO PORTION OF THE ASSETS USED BY IT TO PURCHASE OR HOLD THIS SECURITY OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN CONSTITUTES THE ASSETS OF ANY (A) EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN WHICH IS SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF THE U.S. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), (B) PLAN, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT OR OTHER ARRANGEMENT THAT IS SUBJECT TO SECTION 4975 OF THE U.S. INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “CODE”), OR PROVISIONS UNDER ANY OTHER FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. OR OTHER LAWS OR REGULATIONS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO SUCH PROVISIONS OF ERISA OR THE CODE (COLLECTIVELY, “SIMILAR LAWS”), OR (C) ENTITY WHOSE UNDERLYING ASSETS ARE CONSIDERED TO INCLUDE “PLAN ASSETS” OF ANY OF THE FOREGOING PLANS, ACCOUNTS OR ARRANGEMENTS DESCRIBED IN CLAUSE (A) OR (B), OR (2) ITS PURCHASE AND HOLDING OF THIS SECURITY OR ANY INTEREST HEREIN WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A NON-EXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTION UNDER SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE OR A SIMILAR VIOLATION UNDER ANY APPLICABLE SIMILAR LAWS, AND NONE OF THE ISSUER, THE GUARANTORS, THE INITIAL PURCHASERS OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES HAS ACTED AS ITS FIDUCIARY, OR HAS BEEN RELIED UPON BY IT FOR ANY INVESTMENT ADVICE, IN CONNECTION WITH THE PURCHASE AND HOLDING OF THIS SECURITY.

 

A-2 

 

 

No.

 

CUSIP NO.1
ISIN

 

Papa John’s International, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any successor and assign thereto, promises to pay to Cede & Co. or registered assigns, the principal sum of                       [(as may be increased or decreased as set forth on the Schedule of Increases and Decreases attached hereto)]2 on September 15, 2029.

 

Interest Payment Dates: March 15 and September 15, beginning March 15, 2022

 

Record Dates: March 1 and September 1 (whether or not a Business Day)

 

Reference is made to further provisions of this Note set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as set forth at this place.

 

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual or electronic signature, this Note shall not be entitled to any benefits under the Indenture referred to on the reverse hereof or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

 

 

 

1  Rule 144A Note CUSIP: 698813AA0 Rule 144A Note ISIN: US698813AA06 Regulation S Note CUSIP: U69875AA7 Regulation S Note ISIN: USU69875AA73
   
2 For Global Notes only.  

 

A-3 

 

 

  Papa John’s International, Inc., as Issuer
     
  By:  
    Name:
    Title:

 

This is one of the Notes referred to in the|
within-mentioned Indenture:

 

Dated:

 

Truist Bank, as Trustee

 

By:    
  Authorized Signatory  

 

A-4 

 

 

(Back of 3.875% Senior Note)
3.875% Senior Notes due 2029

 

Capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture referred to below unless otherwise indicated.

 

(1)           Interest. Papa John’s International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (collectively with successors and assigns, the “Issuer”), promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of this 3.875% Senior Note due 2029 (a “Note”) at a fixed rate of 3.875% per annum. The Issuer will pay interest in U.S. dollars semiannually in arrears on March 15 and September 15, commencing on March 15, 2022 (each an “Interest Payment Date”) or if any such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on such Interest Payment Date, and no additional interest shall accrue solely as a result of such delayed payment. Interest on the Notes shall accrue from the most recent date to which interest has been paid, or, if no interest has been paid, from and including the date of issuance. The Issuer shall pay interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under any Bankruptcy Law) on overdue principal at the rate equal to the then applicable interest rate on the Notes to the extent lawful; it shall 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 shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

 

(2)           Method of Payment. The Issuer will pay interest on the Notes (except defaulted interest) on the applicable Interest Payment Date to the Persons who are registered Holders at the close of business on the March 1 and September 1 preceding the Interest Payment Date (whether or not a Business Day), even if such Notes are cancelled 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. If a Holder having an aggregate principal amount of Notes of more than $5,000,000 has given written wire transfer instructions to that holder’s U.S. dollar account within the United States to the Trustee at least 10 Business Days prior to the applicable Interest Payment Date, the Issuer will make all payments of principal, premium and interest, on such Holder’s Notes by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account specified in those instructions. Otherwise, payments on the Notes will be made at the office or agency of the Trustee or Paying Agent unless the Issuer elects to make interest payments by check mailed to the Holders at their addresses set forth in the register of Holders. Such payment shall 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.

 

Any payments of principal of this Note prior to Stated Maturity shall be binding upon all future Holders of this Note and of any Note issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange hereof or in lieu hereof, whether or not noted hereon. The final principal amount due and payable at the maturity of this Note shall be payable only upon presentation and surrender of this Note at an office of the Trustee or the Trustee’s agent appointed for such purposes. Payments in respect of Global Notes will be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the Depositary.

 

(3)           Paying Agent and Registrar. Initially, the Trustee shall act as Paying Agent and Registrar. The Issuer may change any Paying Agent or Registrar without notice to any Holder, and the Issuer and/or any Restricted Subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent or Registrar.

 

(4)           Indenture. The Issuer issued the Notes under an Indenture, dated as of September 14, 2021 (the “Indenture”), among the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors thereto and the Trustee. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture. To the extent the provisions of this Note are inconsistent with the provisions of the Indenture, the Indenture shall govern. The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture for a statement of such terms. The Initial Notes issued on the Issue Date were initially issued in an aggregate principal amount of $400,000,000. The Indenture permits the issuance of Additional Notes subject to compliance with certain conditions.

 

The payment of principal, interest on the Notes and all other amounts under the Indenture is unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis by the Subsidiary Guarantors.

 

A-5 

 

 

(5)             Optional Redemption.

 

(a)             The Notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time or from time to time prior to September 15, 2024 at the option of the Issuer, 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, if any to, but excluding, the applicable redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant regular record date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date).

 

(b)             At any time or from time to time on or after September 15, 2024, the Issuer, at its option, may redeem the Notes in whole or in part at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed) set forth below, together with accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the applicable redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant regular record date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date), if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning September 15 of the years indicated below:

 

Year   Redemption Price  
2024     101.938 %
2025     100.969 %
2026 and thereafter     100.000 %

 

(c)             In the event that on or before September 15, 2024, the Issuer receives net cash proceeds in one or more Equity Offerings, the Issuer may use an amount not greater than the amount of such net cash proceeds to redeem up to 40% of the original aggregate principal amount of all Notes issued (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional Notes) at a redemption price of 103.875% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the applicable redemption date (subject to the rights of Holders of Notes on the relevant regular record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date); provided that:

 

(1)           at least 50.0% of the original aggregate principal amount of all Notes issued (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional Notes) remains outstanding after each such redemption; and

 

(2)           the redemption date occurs not more than 180 days after the date of the consummation of any such Equity Offering.

 

(d)            The Notes may also be purchased or acquired by the Issuer or its Affiliates in certain circumstances set forth in Section 3.7(d) of the Indenture.

 

(e)             If Holders of not less than 90% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes validly tender and do not withdraw such Notes in connection with any tender offer or other offer to purchase the Notes (including pursuant to a Change of Control Offer, Alternate Offer or an offer to purchase with the proceeds from any Asset Disposition) and the Issuer, or any other Person making such offer in lieu of the Issuer, purchases all of the Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn by such Holders, the Issuer will have the right, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, to redeem all Notes that remain outstanding following such purchase at a redemption price in cash equal to the applicable price paid to Holders in such purchase, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant regular record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date).

 

(6)             Offer to Purchase upon Change of Control or Asset Disposition.

 

(a)             Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the Issuer may be required to offer to repurchase all or any part of each Holder’s Notes pursuant to a Change of Control Offer on terms set forth in the Indenture.

 

(b)             Upon the occurrence of certain Asset Dispositions, the Issuer may be required to offer to purchase Notes as provided in the Indenture.

 

A-6 

 

 

(c)             Holders of the Notes that are the subject of an offer to purchase will receive notice of an Offer to Purchase pursuant to Section 4.10 or the Change of Control Offer, as applicable, from the Issuer prior to any related purchase date and may elect to have such Notes purchased by completing the form titled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” attached hereto.

 

(7)             Notice of Redemption. Notice of redemption shall be delivered at least 10 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date (except that notices may be delivered more than 60 days before an expected redemption date if the notice is issued in accordance with Article VIII of the Indenture) to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed in accordance with Section 11.1 of the Indenture. Notices of redemption may be subject to conditions precedent as set forth in the Indenture. Notes in denominations larger than $2,000 may be redeemed in part so long as no partial redemption results in a Note having a principal amount that is not a multiple of $1,000.

 

(8)             Denominations, Transfer, Exchange. The Notes are in registered form without coupons in initial denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof. The transfer of the Notes may be registered and the Notes may be exchanged as provided in the Indenture. The Registrar, the Trustee and the Issuer may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents, and the Issuer may require a Holder to pay any stamp or transfer tax or similar government charge required by law or permitted by the Indenture in accordance with Section 2.6(g)(2) of the Indenture. The Registrar is not required (A) to issue, to register the transfer of or to exchange Notes during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of any selection of Notes for redemption and ending at the close of business on the day of such selection, (B) to register the transfer of or to exchange any Note so 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.

 

(9)             Persons Deemed Owners. The registered Holder of a Note may be treated as its owner for all purposes.

 

(10)           Amendment, Supplement and Waiver. The Indenture, the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees may be amended or supplemented as provided in the Indenture.

 

(11)           Defaults and Remedies. If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default relating to certain bankruptcy events) shall have occurred and be continuing under the Indenture, the Trustee, by written notice to the Issuer, or the Holders of at least 25.0% in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding by written notice to the Issuer and the Trustee, may declare all amounts owing under the Notes to be due and payable. Upon such acceleration declaration, the aggregate principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on the outstanding Notes shall become due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default relating to specified bankruptcy events occurs, then all unpaid principal of, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all of the outstanding Notes shall ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other action or notice on the part of the Trustee or any Holder of the Notes. Accelerations may be rescinded, and Events of Default may be waived as provided in the Indenture.

 

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

 

(13)           Authentication. This Note shall not be valid until authenticated by the manual or electronic signature of the Trustee or an authenticating agent.

 

(14)           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).

 

A-7 

 

 

(15)           CUSIP and ISIN Numbers. Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Issuer has caused CUSIP and ISIN numbers to be printed on the Notes, and the Trustee may use CUSIP and ISIN numbers in notices of redemption as a convenience to the Holders. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers either as printed on the Notes or as contained in any notice of redemption, and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers placed thereon.

 

The Issuer shall furnish to any Holder upon written request and without charge a copy of the Indenture. Requests may be made to:

 

Papa John’s International, Inc.
2002 Papa John’s Boulevard
Louisville, Kentucky 40299-2367
Email: ann_gugino@papajohns.com

Attention: Ann Gugino, Chief Financial Officer

 

with a copy to:

 

Email: caroline_oyler@papajohns.com

Attention: Caroline Oyler, Chief Legal and Risk Officer

 

A-8 

 

 

ASSIGNMENT FORM

 

To assign this Note, fill in the form below: (I) or (we) assign and transfer this Note to

 

 

(Insert assignee’s 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 Issuer. 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:

 

A-9 

 

 

OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

 

If you want to elect to have this Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to Section 4.10 or Section 4.13 of the Indenture, check the box below:

 

[   ] Section 4.10      [   ] Section 4.13

 

If you want to elect to have only part of the Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to Section 4.10 or Section 4.13 of the Indenture, state the amount you elect to have purchased: $

 

Date:

 

  Your Signature:  
    (Sign exactly as your name appears on the face of this Note)

 

Tax Identification No.:

 

Signature guarantee:

 

A-10 

 

 

[INCLUDE IN TRANSFER RESTRICTED NOTES]

 

CERTIFICATE TO BE DELIVERED UPON
EXCHANGE OF TRANSFER RESTRICTED NOTES

 

Papa John’s International, Inc.
2002 Papa John’s Boulevard
Louisville, Kentucky 40299-2367
Email: ann_gugino@papajohns.com

Attention: Ann Gugino, Chief Financial Officer

 

with a copy to:

 

Email: caroline_oyler@papajohns.com

Attention: Caroline Oyler, Chief Legal and Risk Officer

 

Truist Bank
Mail Code 100-50-0280
2713 Forest Hills Road, Building 2 – Floor 2
Wilson, North Carolina 27893
Attention: Corporate Trust and Escrow Services

 

Re: 3.875% Senior Notes due 2029 CUSIP NO.                                       

 

Reference is hereby made to that certain Indenture dated September 14, 2021 (the “Indenture”) among Papa John’s International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (collectively with successors and assigns, the “Issuer”), the guarantors named therein, and Truist Bank, as trustee (the “Trustee”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Indenture.

 

This certificate relates to $            principal amount of Notes held in (check applicable space)           book-entry or             definitive form by the undersigned.

 

In connection with any transfer of any of the Notes evidenced by this certificate occurring prior to the expiration of the Resale Restriction Termination Date, the undersigned confirms that such Notes are being transferred as follows:

 

CHECK ONE BOX BELOW:

 

(1) ¨ to the Issuer or any of its subsidiaries; or
     
(2) ¨ inside the United States to a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended) that purchases for its own account or for the account of a qualified institutional buyer to whom notice is given that such transfer is being made in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in each case pursuant to and in compliance with Rule 144A thereunder; or
     
(3) ¨ transferred pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”); or
     
(4) ¨ outside the United States in an offshore transaction within the meaning of Regulation S under the Securities Act, in compliance with Rule 904 thereunder; or
     
(5)  ¨ transferred to an institutional “accredited investor” (within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3) or (7) under the Securities Act), that has furnished to the Trustee a signed letter containing certain representations and agreements (the form of which letter appears as Exhibit D of the Indenture); or

 

A-11 

 

 

(6)  ¨     transferred pursuant to another available exemption from the registration requirements under the Securities Act.

 

Unless one of the boxes is checked, the Registrar will refuse to register any of the Notes evidenced by this certificate in the name of any person other than the registered Holder thereof; provided, however, that if box (4), (5) or (6) is checked, the Trustee or the Issuer may require, prior to registering any such transfer of the Notes, the delivery of an opinion of counsel, certification and/or other information satisfactory to each of them to confirm that such transfer is being made pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act, such as the exemption provided by Rule 144 under such Act.

 

  Signature  

 

Signature Guarantee:    
  (Signature must be guaranteed by a participant in a recognized
  signature guarantee medallion program)

 

TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER IF (2) ABOVE IS CHECKED.

 

The undersigned represents and warrants that it is purchasing this Note for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that each of it and any such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“Rule 144A”), and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Issuer as the undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon the undersigned’s foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A.

 

  [Name of Transferee]
   
   
  NOTICE: To be executed by an executive officer, if an entity

 

Dated: ________________

 

A-12

 

 

SCHEDULE OF INCREASES AND DECREASES OF 3.875% SENIOR NOTES DUE
20293

 

The following transfers, exchanges and redemption of this Global Note have been made:

 

Date of Transfer,
Exchange or
Redemption
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 Trustee
or Note Custodian
         
         
         
         
         
         
         

 

 

 

3           For Global Notes only.

 

A-13

 

 

EXHIBIT B

 

[FORM OF SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE TO BE DELIVERED
BY SUBSEQUENT SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS]

 

This Supplemental Indenture and Subsidiary Guarantee, dated as of                                               , 20__ (this “Supplemental Indenture” or “Subsidiary Guarantee”), among                          (the “New Guarantor”), Papa John’s International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (together with its successors and assigns, the “Issuer”), each other then-existing Subsidiary Guarantor under the Indenture referred to below (the “Subsidiary Guarantors”), and Truist Bank, as Trustee, paying agent and registrar under such Indenture.

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

WHEREAS, the Issuer, the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee have heretofore executed and delivered an Indenture, dated as of September 14, 2021 (as amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified, the “Indenture”), providing for the issuance of an unlimited aggregate principal amount of 3.875% Senior Notes due 2029 of the Issuer (the “Notes”);

 

WHEREAS, Section 4.15 of the Indenture provides that in certain circumstances the Issuer may be required to cause certain Domestic Subsidiaries of the Issuer to execute and deliver a Guarantee with respect to the Notes on the same terms and conditions as those set forth in the Indenture.

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 9.1(7) of the Indenture, the Trustee, the Issuer and the Subsidiary Guarantors are authorized to execute and deliver this Supplemental Indenture to amend the Indenture, without the consent of any Holder to add an additional Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the New Guarantor, the Issuer, the existing Subsidiary Guarantors and the Trustee mutually covenant and agree for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders as follows:

 

ARTICLE I
Definitions

 

SECTION 1.1     Defined Terms. As used in this Supplemental Indenture, capitalized terms defined in the Indenture or in the preamble or recitals thereto are used herein as therein defined. The words “herein,” “hereof” and “hereby” and other words of similar import used in this Supplemental Indenture refer to this Supplemental Indenture as a whole and not to any particular section hereof.

 

ARTICLE II
Agreement to be Bound; Guarantee

 

SECTION 2.1     Agreement to be Bound. The New Guarantor hereby becomes a party to the Indenture as a Subsidiary Guarantor and as such shall have all of the rights and be subject to all of the obligations and agreements of a Subsidiary Guarantor under the Indenture. The New Guarantor agrees to be bound by all of the provisions of the Indenture applicable to a Subsidiary Guarantor and to perform all of the obligations and agreements of a Subsidiary Guarantor under the Indenture, subject to the release provisions and other limitations set forth in the Indenture.

 

ARTICLE III
Miscellaneous

 

SECTION 3.1     Governing Law. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

SECTION 3.2     Severability Clause. In case any provision in this Supplemental Indenture shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability.

 

B-1

 

 

SECTION 3.3     Ratification of Indenture; Supplemental Indentures Part of Indenture; No Liability of Trustee. Except as expressly amended hereby, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and all the terms, conditions and provisions thereof shall remain in full force and effect, including, without limitation, Section 7.6 thereof. This Supplemental Indenture shall form a part of the Indenture for all purposes, and every Holder of a Note heretofore or hereafter authenticated and delivered shall be bound hereby. The Trustee makes no representation or warranty as to the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or the New Guarantor’s Subsidiary Guarantee. Additionally, the Trustee shall not 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, the New Guarantor and the Subsidiary Guarantors, and the Trustee makes no representation with respect to any such matters.

 

SECTION 3.4     Counterparts. This Supplemental Indenture may be executed in two or more counterparts, which when so executed shall constitute one and the same agreement. The exchange of copies of this Supplemental Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Supplemental Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original Indenture for all purposes. Signatures of the parties hereto transmitted by facsimile or PDF shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to this Supplemental Indenture or any document to be signed in connection with the Indenture shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, deliveries or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical delivery thereof or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, and the parties hereto consent to conduct the transactions contemplated hereunder by electronic means. Signatures of the shall be deemed to be their original signatures for all purposes. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to this Indenture or any document to be signed in connection with this Supplemental Indenture shall be deemed to include electronic signatures, deliveries or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical delivery thereof or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, and the parties hereto consent to conduct the transactions contemplated hereunder by electronic means. This Supplemental Indenture shall be valid, binding, and enforceable against a party only when executed and delivered by an authorized individual on behalf of the party by means of (i) any electronic signature permitted by the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, state enactments of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, and/or any other relevant electronic signatures law, including relevant provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code/UCC (collectively, “Signature Law”); (ii) an original manual signature; or (iii) a faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature. Each electronic signature or faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature shall for all purposes have the same validity, legal effect, and admissibility in evidence as an original manual signature. Each party hereto shall be entitled to conclusively rely upon, and shall have no liability with respect to, any faxed, scanned, or photocopied manual signature, or other electronic signature, of any party and shall have no duty to investigate, confirm or otherwise verify the validity or authenticity thereof. This Supplemental Indenture may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall, together, constitute one and the same instrument. For avoidance of doubt, original manual signatures shall be used for execution or indorsement of writings when required under the UCC or other Signature Law due to the character or intended character of the writings.

 

SECTION 3.5     Headings. The headings of the Articles and the sections in this Subsidiary Guarantee are for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to alter or affect the meaning or interpretation of any provisions hereof.

 

SECTION 3.6     Trustee Disclaimer. The Trustee shall not 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 Subsidiary Guarantor, as applicable, and the Trustee makes no representation with respect to any such matters. Additionally, the Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture.

 

B-2

 

 

SECTION 3.7     Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial. Each of the parties to this Supplemental Indenture each hereby irrevocably submits 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 action or proceeding arising out of or relating to the Notes, the Subsidiary Guarantees or this Supplemental Indenture, and all such parties hereby irrevocably agree that all claims in respect of such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State or federal court and hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent that they may legally do so, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding. EACH OF THE ISSUER, THE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTOR, THE HOLDERS AND THE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, THE NOTES OR THE TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

 

[Signatures on following page]

 

B-3

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

  Papa John’s International, Inc., AS ISSUER
   
   
  By:  
    Name:
    Title:
   
  [EXISTING SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS]
   
   
  By:  
    Name:
    Title:
   
  [NEW GUARANTOR],
as a Guarantor
   
   
  By:  
    Name:
    Title:
   
  TRUIST BANK,
as Trustee
   
   
  By:  
    Name:
    Title:

 

B-4

 

 

EXHIBIT C

 

[FORM OF CERTIFICATE TO BE DELIVERED
IN CONNECTION WITH TRANSFERS PURSUANT TO REGULATIONS]

 

Papa John’s International, Inc.
2002 Papa John’s Boulevard
Louisville, Kentucky 40299-2367
Email: ann_gugino@papajohns.com

Attention: Ann Gugino, Chief Financial Officer

 

with a copy to:

Email: caroline_oyler@papajohns.com

Attention: Caroline Oyler, Chief Legal and Risk Officer

 

Truist Bank
Mail Code 100-50-0280
2713 Forest Hills Road, Building 2 – Floor 2
Wilson, North Carolina 27893
Attention: Corporate Trust and Escrow Services

 

Re: Papa John’s International, Inc. (the “Issuer”) 3.875% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “Notes”)

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

In connection with our proposed sale of $                     aggregate principal amount of the Notes (CUSIP No.                               ), we confirm that such sale has been effected pursuant to and in accordance with Regulation S (“Regulation S”) under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and, accordingly, we represent that:

 

(1)        the offer of the Notes was not made to a person in the United States;

 

(2)        either (a) at the time the buy order was originated, the transferee was outside the United States or we and any person acting on our behalf reasonably believed that the transferee was outside the United States or (b) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated off-shore securities market and neither we nor any person acting on our behalf knows that the transaction has been pre-arranged with a buyer in the United States;

 

(3)        no directed selling efforts have been made in the United States in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(b) or Rule 904(b) of Regulation S, as applicable; and

 

(4)        the transaction is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

 

In addition, if the sale is made during a restricted period and the provisions of Rule 903(b) or Rule 904(b) of Regulation S are applicable thereto, we confirm that such sale has been made in accordance with the applicable provisions of Rule 903(b) or Rule 904(b), as the case may be.

 

C-1

 

 

The Issuer and you are entitled to rely upon this letter and are irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceedings or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby. Terms used in this certificate have the meanings set forth in Regulation S.

 

  Very truly yours,
   
   
  [Name of Transferor]
   
   
  By:  
    Authorized Signature

 

C-2

 

 

EXHIBIT D

 

[FORM OF CERTIFICATE TO BE DELIVERED
IN CONNECTION WITH TRANSFERS TO IAIs]

 

Papa John’s International, Inc.
2002 Papa John’s Boulevard
Louisville, Kentucky 40299-2367
Email: ann_gugino@papajohns.com

Attention: Ann Gugino, Chief Financial Officer

 

with a copy to:

Email: caroline oyler@papajohns.com

Attention: Caroline Oyler, Chief Legal and Risk Officer

 

Truist Bank
Mail Code 100-50-0280
2713 Forest Hills Road, Building 2 – Floor 2
Wilson, North Carolina 27893
Attention: Corporate Trust and Escrow Services

 

Re: Papa John’s International, Inc. (the “Issuer”) 3.875% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “Notes”)

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

This certificate is delivered to request a transfer of $                     principal amount of the Notes.

 

Upon transfer, the Notes would be registered in the name of the new beneficial owner as follows:

 

Name:________________________________________

 

Address:______________________________________

 

Taxpayer ID Number:____________________________

 

The undersigned represents and warrants to you that:

 

1.              We are an institutional “accredited investor” (as defined in Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3), (7), (9) or (12) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”)), purchasing for our own account or for the account of such an institutional “accredited investor” at least $250,000 principal amount of the Notes, and we are acquiring the Notes not with a view to, or for offer or sale in connection with, any distribution in violation of the Securities Act. We have such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risk of our investment in the Notes, and we invest in or purchase securities similar to the Notes in the normal course of our business. We and any accounts for which we are acting are each able to bear the economic risk of our or its investment.

 

D-1

 

 

2.            We understand that the Notes have not been registered under the Securities Act (or the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction) and, unless so registered, may not be reoffered, sold, assigned, transferred, pledged, encumbered or otherwise disposed of except as permitted in the following sentence. We agree on our own behalf and on behalf of any investor account for which we are purchasing Notes to offer, sell or otherwise transfer such Notes prior to the date that is one year after the later of the date of original issue, the original issue date of any additional Notes and the last date on which the Issuer or any affiliate of the Issuer was the owner of such Notes (or any predecessor thereto) (the “Resale Restriction Termination Date”) only (a) to the Issuer or any of its subsidiaries, (b) pursuant to a registration statement that has been declared effective under the Securities Act, (c) for so long as the Securities are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, in a transaction complying with the requirements of Rule 144A under the Securities Act, to a person we reasonably believe is a “qualified institutional buyer” under Rule 144A under the Securities Act (a “QIB”) that is purchasing for its own account or for the account of a QIB and to whom notice is given that the transfer is being made in reliance on Rule 144A, (d) pursuant to offers and sales that occur outside the United States to non-U.S. persons, in compliance with Regulation S under the Securities Act, (e) to an institutional “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3), (7), (9) or (12) under the Securities Act that is not a QIB and is purchasing for its own account or for the account of another institutional “accredited investor,” in each case in a minimum principal amount of Securities of $250,000, for investment purposes and not with a view to or for offer or sale in connection with any distribution in violation of the Securities Act or (f) pursuant to any other available exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, subject in each of the foregoing cases to any requirement of law that the disposition of our property or the property of such investor account or accounts be at all times within our or their control and in compliance with any applicable state securities laws. The foregoing restrictions on resale will not apply subsequent to the Resale Restriction Termination Date. If any resale or other transfer of the Notes is proposed to be made pursuant to clause (e) above prior to the Resale Restriction Termination Date, the transferor shall deliver a letter from the transferee substantially in the form of this letter to the Issuer and Truist Bank, as trustee (the “Trustee”), which shall provide, among other things, that the transferee is an institutional “accredited investor” (within the meaning of Rule 501(a)(1), (2), (3), (7), (9) or (12) under the Securities Act) and that it is acquiring such Securities for investment purposes and not for distribution in violation of the Securities Act. Each purchaser acknowledges that the Issuer and the Trustee reserve the right prior to any offer, sale or other transfer prior to the Resale Restriction Termination Date of the Notes pursuant to clause (d), (e) or (f) above to require the delivery of an opinion of counsel, certifications and/or other information satisfactory to the Issuer and the Trustee.

 

3.            We [are] [are not] an affiliate of the Issuer.

 

D-2

 

 

The Trustee and the Issuer are entitled to rely upon this letter and are irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceedings or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby.

 

  Very truly yours,
   
   
  [Name of Transferor]
   
   
  By:  
    Authorized Signature

 

D-3

Exhibit 10.1

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

 

 

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

dated as of

 

September 14, 2021

 

among

 

PAPA JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL, INC.,

 

The Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers Party Hereto,

 

The other Loan Parties Party Hereto,

 

The Lenders Party Hereto,

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Co-Syndication Agents,

 

TRUIST BANK and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Co-Documentation Agents,

 

and

 

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

 

 

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,
BOFA SECURITIES, INC., PNC CAPITAL MARKETS, LLC and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,
as Joint Bookrunners and Joint Lead Arrangers

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  Page
ARTICLE I Definitions 2
SECTION 1.01. Defined Terms 2
SECTION 1.02. Classification of Loans and Borrowings 49
SECTION 1.03. Terms Generally 49
SECTION 1.04. Accounting Terms; GAAP 50
SECTION 1.05. Pro Forma Adjustments for Acquisitions and Dispositions; Limited Condition Transactions 50
SECTION 1.06. Status of Obligations 52
SECTION 1.07. Interest Rates; LIBOR Notification 52
SECTION 1.08. Letter of Credit Amounts 53
SECTION 1.09. Divisions 53
SECTION 1.10. Exchange Rates; Currency Equivalents 54
SECTION 1.11. Amendment and Restatement of Existing Credit Agreement 54
   
ARTICLE II The Credits 55
SECTION 2.01. Revolving Commitments 55
SECTION 2.02. Loans and Borrowings 56
SECTION 2.03. Requests for Borrowings 57
SECTION 2.04. [Reserved] 58
SECTION 2.05. Swingline Loans 58
SECTION 2.06. Letters of Credit 60
SECTION 2.07. Funding of Borrowings 65
SECTION 2.08. Interest Elections 66
SECTION 2.09. Termination and Reduction of Revolving Commitments; Increase in Revolving Commitments; Incremental Term Loans 68
SECTION 2.10. Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt 71
SECTION 2.11. Prepayment of Loans 72
SECTION 2.12. Fees 73
SECTION 2.13. Interest 74
SECTION 2.14. Alternate Rate of Interest; Illegality 75
SECTION 2.15. Increased Costs 79
SECTION 2.16. Break Funding Payments 80
SECTION 2.17. Taxes 81
SECTION 2.18. Payments Generally; Allocation of Proceeds; Sharing of Set-offs 86
SECTION 2.19. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders 89
SECTION 2.20. Defaulting Lenders 90
SECTION 2.21. Returned Payments 92
SECTION 2.22. Banking Services and Swap Agreements 92
SECTION 2.23. Extension of Revolving Credit Maturity Date 93
SECTION 2.24. Designation of Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers 95
   
ARTICLE III Representations and Warranties 95
SECTION 3.01. Organization and Qualification 95
SECTION 3.02. [Reserved] 95
SECTION 3.03. Subsidiaries 95
SECTION 3.04. Power and Authority 96
SECTION 3.05. Validity and Binding Effect 96

 

i

 

 

SECTION 3.06. No Conflict 96
SECTION 3.07. Litigation 96
SECTION 3.08. Title to Properties 96
SECTION 3.09. Financial Statements 96
SECTION 3.10. Use of Proceeds; Margin Stock 97
SECTION 3.11. Full Disclosure 98
SECTION 3.12. Taxes 98
SECTION 3.13. Consents and Approvals 98
SECTION 3.14. No Event of Default; Compliance with Instruments 98
SECTION 3.15. Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Licenses, Etc. 99
SECTION 3.16. Insurance 99
SECTION 3.17. Compliance with Laws 99
SECTION 3.18. Investment Company Act; Regulated Entities; Commodity Exchange Act 99
SECTION 3.19. Plans and Benefit Arrangements 99
SECTION 3.20. Employment Matters 100
SECTION 3.21. Environmental Matters and Safety Matters 100
SECTION 3.22. Senior Debt Status 102
SECTION 3.23. Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions 102
SECTION 3.24. Solvency 102
SECTION 3.25. Affected Financial Institutions 102
SECTION 3.26. Security Interest in Collateral 102
   
ARTICLE IV Conditions 103
SECTION 4.01. Effective Date 103
SECTION 4.02. Each Credit Event 105
SECTION 4.03. Designation of a Foreign Subsidiary Borrower 106
   
ARTICLE V Affirmative Covenants 106
SECTION 5.01. Preservation of Existence, Etc. 106
SECTION 5.02. Payment of Liabilities, Including Taxes, Etc. 107
SECTION 5.03. Maintenance of Insurance 107
SECTION 5.04. Maintenance of Properties and Leases 107
SECTION 5.05. Maintenance of Patents, Trademarks, Etc. 107
SECTION 5.06. Visitation Rights 107
SECTION 5.07. Keeping of Records and Books of Account 108
SECTION 5.08. Plans and Benefit Arrangements 108
SECTION 5.09. Compliance with Laws 108
SECTION 5.10. Use of Proceeds 108
SECTION 5.11. Reporting Requirements 109
SECTION 5.12. Further Assurances 112
   
ARTICLE VI Negative Covenants 113
SECTION 6.01. Indebtedness 113
SECTION 6.02. Liens 115
SECTION 6.03. [Reserved] 115
SECTION 6.04. Loans, Investments, Guarantees and Acquisitions 115
SECTION 6.05. Dividends and Related Distributions 116
SECTION 6.06. Liquidations, Mergers and Consolidations 117
SECTION 6.07. Dispositions of Assets or Subsidiaries 117
SECTION 6.08. Affiliate Transactions 118
SECTION 6.09. [Reserved] 119

 

ii

 

 

SECTION 6.10. Continuation of or Change in Business 119
SECTION 6.11. Plans and Benefit Arrangements 119
SECTION 6.12. Fiscal Year 120
SECTION 6.13. Changes in Organizational Documents 120
SECTION 6.14. Maximum Leverage Ratio 120
SECTION 6.15. Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio 120
SECTION 6.16. Negative Pledges; Restrictive Agreements 121
   
ARTICLE VII Events of Default 121
   
ARTICLE VIII The Administrative Agent 125
SECTION 8.01. Authorization and Action 125
SECTION 8.02. Administrative Agent’s Reliance, Limitation of Liability, Etc. 127
SECTION 8.03. Posting of Communications 128
SECTION 8.04. The Administrative Agent Individually 129
SECTION 8.05. Successor Administrative Agent 130
SECTION 8.06. Acknowledgements of Lenders and Issuing Banks 131
SECTION 8.07. Collateral Matters 132
SECTION 8.08. Credit Bidding 133
SECTION 8.09. Certain ERISA Matters 133
SECTION 8.10. Rights under English Law 134
   
ARTICLE IX Miscellaneous 135
SECTION 9.01. Notices 135
SECTION 9.02. Waivers; Amendments 137
SECTION 9.03. Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver 140
SECTION 9.04. Successors and Assigns 142
SECTION 9.05. Survival 145
SECTION 9.06. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution 146
SECTION 9.07. Severability 147
SECTION 9.08. Right of Setoff 147
SECTION 9.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process 147
SECTION 9.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL 149
SECTION 9.11. Headings 149
SECTION 9.12. Confidentiality 149
SECTION 9.13. Several Obligations; Nonreliance; Violation of Law 150
SECTION 9.14. USA PATRIOT Act, Etc. 150
SECTION 9.15. Disclosure 150
SECTION 9.16. Releases of Loan Guarantors and Collateral 151
SECTION 9.17. Interest Rate Limitation 151
SECTION 9.18. No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility 152
SECTION 9.19. Marketing Consent 152
SECTION 9.20. Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions 153
SECTION 9.21. Judgment Currency 153
SECTION 9.22. Appointment for Perfection 153
SECTION 9.23. Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs 154
   
ARTICLE X Loan Guaranty 154
SECTION 10.01. Guaranty 154
SECTION 10.02. Guaranty of Payment 154
SECTION 10.03. No Discharge or Diminishment of Loan Guaranty 155

 

iii

 

 

SECTION 10.04. Defenses Waived 155
SECTION 10.05. Rights of Subrogation 156
SECTION 10.06. Reinstatement; Stay of Acceleration 156
SECTION 10.07. Information 156
SECTION 10.08. Termination 156
SECTION 10.09. Payments Generally 156
SECTION 10.10. Maximum Liability 156
SECTION 10.11. Contribution 157
SECTION 10.12. Liability Cumulative 157
SECTION 10.13. Keepwell 158

 

iv

 

 

SCHEDULES:

 

Commitment Schedule

Schedule 1.01(A) – Excluded VIE’s

Schedule 1.01(B) – Existing Liens

Schedule 2.06 – Existing Letters of Credit

Schedule 3.03 – Subsidiaries

Schedule 3.19 – Employee Benefit Disclosures
Schedule 3.21 – Environmental Matters
Schedule 6.01 – Existing Indebtedness
Schedule 6.04 – Existing Investments

 

EXHIBITS:

 

Exhibit A – Assignment and Assumption

Exhibit B – Form of Revolving Credit Maturity Date Extension Request

Exhibit C-1 – Borrowing Request

Exhibit C-2 – Interest Election Request

Exhibit D-1 – U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Lenders That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Exhibit D-2 – U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Participants That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Exhibit D-3 – U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Participants That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Exhibit D-4 – U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate (For Foreign Lenders That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

Exhibit E – Compliance Certificate

Exhibit F – Joinder Agreement

Exhibit G – Excluded VIE Approval Form

Exhibit H-1 – Form of Borrowing Subsidiary Agreement

Exhibit H-2 – Form of Borrowing Subsidiary Termination

 

v

 

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of September 14, 2021 (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or modified from time to time, this “Agreement”), among PAPA JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL, INC., as the Company, the FOREIGN SUBSIDIARY BORROWERS from time to time party hereto, the other Loan Parties party hereto, the Lenders party hereto, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Co-Syndication Agents, TRUIST BANK and WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Co-Documentation Agents, and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the other loan parties party thereto, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent thereunder, are currently party to the Credit Agreement, dated as of August 30, 2017 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified prior to the Effective Date, the “Existing Credit Agreement”);

 

WHEREAS, the Company, the Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers party hereto, the other Loan Parties party hereto, the Lenders party hereto and the Administrative Agent have agreed (a) to enter into this Agreement in order to (i) amend and restate the Existing Credit Agreement in its entirety, (ii) extend the maturity date in respect of the existing revolving credit facility under the Existing Credit Agreement, (iii) re-evidence the “Obligations” under, and as defined in, the Existing Credit Agreement, which shall be repayable in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and (iv) set forth the terms and conditions under which the Lenders will, from time to time, make loans and extend other financial accommodations to or for the benefit of the Borrowers and (b) that the Departing Lender shall cease to be a party to the Existing Credit Agreement as more specifically set forth in Section 1.11 of this Agreement;

 

WHEREAS, it is the intent of the parties hereto that this Agreement not constitute a novation of the obligations and liabilities of the parties under the Existing Credit Agreement or be deemed to evidence or constitute full repayment of such obligations and liabilities, but that this Agreement amend and restate in its entirety the Existing Credit Agreement and re-evidence the obligations and liabilities of the Company and the Subsidiaries outstanding thereunder, which shall be payable in accordance with the terms hereof; and

 

WHEREAS, it is also the intent of the Borrowers and the other Loan Parties party hereto to confirm that all obligations under the applicable “Loan Documents” (as referred to and defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) shall continue in full force and effect as modified or restated by the Loan Documents (as referred to and defined herein) and that, from and after the Effective Date, all references to the “Credit Agreement” contained in any such existing “Loan Documents” shall be deemed to refer to this Agreement;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereto agree that the Existing Credit Agreement is hereby amended and restated as follows:

 

 

 

ARTICLE I

 

Definitions

 

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

 

ABR”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate. All ABR Loans shall be denominated in Dollars.

 

Acquisition” has the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of “Permitted Acquisition”.

 

Acquisition Holiday” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.14.

 

Adjusted EURIBOR Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in euros for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum equal to (a) the EURIBOR Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate.

 

Adjusted LIBO Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars for any Interest Period or for any ABR Borrowing, an interest rate per annum equal to (a) the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate.

 

Adjusted TIBOR Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Japanese Yen for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum equal to (a) the TIBOR Rate for such Interest Period multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate.

 

Administrative Agent” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (including its branches and affiliates), in its capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders hereunder.

 

Administrative Questionnaire” means an Administrative Questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.

 

Affected Financial Institution” means (a) any EEA Financial Institution or (b) any UK Financial Institution.

 

Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified Person, any other Person which directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Person. “Control”, as used in this definition, 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 ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, including the power to elect a majority of the directors or trustees of a corporation or trust, as the case may be.

 

Aggregate Revolving Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate Revolving Exposure of all the Lenders at such time (with the Swingline Exposure of each Lender calculated assuming that all of the Lenders have funded their participations in all Swingline Loans outstanding at such time).

 

Agreed Currencies” means (a) Dollars and (b) each Foreign Currency.

 

Alternate Base Rate” means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the NYFRB Rate in effect on such day plus ½ of 1% and (c) the Adjusted LIBO Rate for a one-month Interest Period in dollars on such day (or if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day) plus 1%; provided that, for the purpose of this definition, the Adjusted LIBO Rate for any day shall be based on the LIBO Screen Rate (or, if the LIBO Screen Rate is not available for such one month Interest Period, the LIBO Interpolated Rate) at approximately 11:00 a.m. London time on such day. Any change in the Alternate Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate, the NYFRB Rate or the Adjusted LIBO Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate, the NYFRB Rate or the Adjusted LIBO Rate, respectively. If the Alternate Base Rate is being used as an alternate rate of interest pursuant to ‎Section 2.14 (for the avoidance of doubt, only until the Benchmark Replacement has been determined pursuant to ‎Section 2.14(b)), then the Alternate Base Rate shall be the greater of clauses (a) and (b) above and shall be determined without reference to clause (c) above. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Alternate Base Rate as determined pursuant to the foregoing would be less than 1.00%, such rate shall be deemed to be 1.00% for purposes of this Agreement.

 

2

 

 

Ancillary Document” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.06(b).

 

Anti-Corruption Laws” means all laws, rules, and regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to the Company or any of its Affiliates from time to time concerning or relating to bribery or corruption.

 

Applicable EBITDA” means, at any time, Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ended on or most recently prior to such date for which financial statements have been delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 5.11(a) or (b) (or, if prior to the date of the delivery of the first financial statements to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.11(a) or (b), the most recent financial statements referred to in Section 3.09(a)).

 

Applicable Parties” has the meaning assigned to it in ‎Section 8.03(c).

 

Applicable Percentage” means, at any time, with respect to any Lender, a percentage equal to a fraction the numerator of which is such Lender’s Revolving Commitment at such time and the denominator of which is the aggregate Revolving Commitments at such time; provided that, if the Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, the Applicable Percentages shall be determined based upon such Lender’s share of the Aggregate Revolving Exposure at such time; provided further that, in accordance with Section 2.20, so long as any Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender, such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment shall be disregarded in the calculations above.

 

Applicable Rate” means, for any day, with respect to any Loan, or with respect to the commitment fees payable hereunder, as the case may be, the applicable rate per annum set forth below under the caption “ABR Spread”, “Term Benchmark Spread”, “RFR Spread”, “CBR Spread”, “Canadian Prime Spread” or “Commitment Fee Rate”, as the case may be, based upon the Company’s Leverage Ratio as of the most recent determination date, provided that, on and as of the Effective Date, until the delivery to the Administrative Agent of the Financial Statements pursuant to Section 5.11 for the fiscal quarter of the Company ending on or about September 26, 2021, the “Applicable Rate” shall be the applicable rates per annum set forth below in Category 2:

 

Leverage Ratio   ABR Spread and
Canadian Prime
Spread
  Term Benchmark
Spread,
RFR Spread and
CBR Spread
  Commitment
Fee Rate
Category 1
< 2.00 to 1.00
  0.25%   1.25%   0.175%
Category 2
≥ 2.00 to 1.00 but
< 2.50 to 1.00
  0.375%   1.375%   0.20%
Category 3
≥ 2.50 to 1.00 but
< 3.00 to 1.00
  0.50%   1.50%   0.225%
Category 4
≥ 3.00 to 1.00 but
< 3.50 to 1.00
  0.75%   1.75%   0.25%
Category 5
≥ 3.50 to 1.00
  1.00%   2.00%   0.30%

 

3

 

 

For purposes of the foregoing, (a) the Applicable Rate shall be determined as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Company, based upon the Financial Statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.11 for such fiscal quarter and (b) each change in the Applicable Rate resulting from a change in the Leverage Ratio shall be effective during the period commencing on and including the date of delivery to the Administrative Agent of such consolidated financial statements indicating such change and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change, provided that at the option of the Administrative Agent or at the request of the Required Lenders, if the Company fails to deliver the annual or quarterly consolidated Financial Statements required to be delivered by it pursuant to Section 5.11, the Leverage Ratio shall be deemed to be in Category 5 during the period from the expiration of the time for delivery thereof until such consolidated financial statements are delivered.

 

If at any time the Administrative Agent determines that the Financial Statements upon which the Applicable Rate was determined were incorrect (whether based on a restatement, fraud or otherwise), or any ratio or compliance information in a Compliance Certificate or other certification was incorrectly calculated, relied on incorrect information or was otherwise not accurate, true or correct, the Company shall be required to retroactively pay any additional amount that the Company would have been required to pay if such Financial Statements, Compliance Certificate or other information had been accurate and/or computed correctly at the time they were delivered.

 

Approved Electronic Platform” has the meaning assigned to it in ‎Section 8.03(a).

 

Approved Fund” has the meaning assigned to the term in Section 9.04(b).

 

Arranger” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., BofA Securities, Inc., PNC Capital Markets, LLC and U.S. Bank National Association, each in its capacity as a joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner hereunder.

 

Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an assignee (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 9.04), and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in the form of Exhibit A or any other form (including electronic records generated by the use of an electronic platform) approved by the Administrative Agent.

 

Availability Period” means the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the earlier of the Revolving Credit Maturity Date and the date of termination of the Revolving Commitments.

 

Available Tenor” means, as of any date of determination and with respect to the then-current Benchmark for any Agreed Currency, as applicable, any tenor for such Benchmark (or component thereof) or payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark (or component thereof), as applicable, that is or may be used for determining the length of an Interest Period for any term rate or otherwise, for determining any frequency of making payments of interest calculated 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 clause ‎(f) of ‎Section 2.14.

 

4

 

 

Bail-In Action” means the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an Affected Financial Institution.

 

Bail-In Legislation” means (a) with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law, regulation rule or requirement for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule. and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, Part I of the United Kingdom Banking Act 2009 (as amended from time to time) and any other law, regulation or rule applicable in the United Kingdom relating to the resolution of unsound or failing banks, investment firms or other financial institutions or their affiliates (other than through liquidation, administration or other insolvency proceedings).

 

Banking Services” means each and any of the following bank services provided to any Loan Party or any Subsidiary by any Lender or any of its Affiliates: (a) credit cards for commercial customers (including, without limitation, “commercial credit cards” and purchasing cards), (b) stored value cards, (c) merchant processing services, and (d) treasury management services (including, without limitation, controlled disbursement, automated clearinghouse transactions, return items, any direct debit scheme or arrangement, overdrafts and interstate depository network services).

 

Banking Services Obligations” means any and all obligations of the Loan Parties or its Subsidiaries, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor) in connection with Banking Services.

 

Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code entitled “Bankruptcy,” as now or hereafter in effect, or any successor thereto, as hereafter amended.

 

Bankruptcy Event” means, with respect to any Person, when such Person becomes the subject of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding, or has had a receiver, conservator, trustee, administrator, custodian, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with the reorganization or liquidation of its business, appointed for it, or, in the good faith determination of the Administrative Agent, has taken any action in furtherance of, or indicating its consent to, approval of, or acquiescence in, any such proceeding or appointment or has had any order for relief in such proceeding entered in respect thereof; provided that a Bankruptcy Event shall not result solely by virtue of any ownership interest, or the acquisition of any ownership interest, in such Person by a Governmental Authority or instrumentality thereof, unless such ownership interest results in or provides such Person with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the U.S. or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permits such Person (or such Governmental Authority or instrumentality) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made by such Person.

 

Benchmark” means, initially, with respect to any Loan in any Agreed Currency, the applicable Relevant Rate for such Agreed Currency; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event, a Term SOFR Transition Event, an Early Opt-in Election or an Other Benchmark Rate Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to the applicable Relevant Rate or the then-current Benchmark for such Agreed Currency, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement to the extent that such Benchmark Replacement has replaced such prior benchmark rate pursuant to clause ‎(b) or clause ‎(c) of ‎Section 2.14.

 

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Benchmark Replacement” means, for any Available Tenor, the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Administrative Agent for the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date; provided that, in the case of any Loan denominated in a Foreign Currency or in the case of an Other Benchmark Rate Election, “Benchmark Replacement” shall mean the alternative set forth in (3) below:

 

(1)            in the case of any Loan denominated in Dollars, the sum of: (a) Term SOFR and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

 

(2)            in the case of any Loan denominated in Dollars, the sum of: (a) Daily Simple SOFR and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

 

(3)            the sum of: (a) the alternate benchmark rate that has been selected by the Administrative Agent and the Company 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 syndicated credit facilities denominated in the applicable Agreed Currency at such time in the United States; and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment;

 

provided that, in the case of clause (1) above, 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 Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion; provided further that, in the case of clause (3) above, when such clause is used to determine the Benchmark Replacement in connection with the occurrence of an Other Benchmark Rate Election, the alternate benchmark rate selected by the Administrative Agent and the Company shall be the term benchmark rate that is used in lieu of a LIBOR-based rate in the relevant other Dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities; provided further that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, upon the occurrence of a Term SOFR Transition Event, and the delivery of a Term SOFR Notice,  on the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date the “Benchmark Replacement” shall revert to and shall be deemed to be the sum of (a) Term SOFR and (b) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment, as set forth in clause (1) of this definition (subject to the first proviso immediately above).

 

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 Loan Documents.

 

Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means, with respect to any replacement of the then-current Benchmark with an Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for any applicable Interest Period and 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 Administrative 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 Interest Period 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;

 

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(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 Interest Period 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 Administrative Agent and the Company 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 and/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 syndicated credit facilities denominated in the applicable Agreed Currency at such time;

 

provided that, 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 Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.

 

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 Administrative Agent decides (in consultation with the Company) may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of such Benchmark Replacement and to permit the administration thereof by the Administrative Agent in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Administrative Agent decides (in consultation with the Company) that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Administrative Agent determines that no market practice for the administration of such Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner of administration as the Administrative Agent decides (in consultation with the Company) is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents).

 

Benchmark Replacement Date” means, with respect to any Benchmark, the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to such 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);

 

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(2)            in the case of clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the first date on which such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof) has been determined and announced by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) to be no longer representative; provided, that such non-representativeness will be determined by reference to the most recent statement or publication referenced in such clause (c) and even if any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) continues to be provided on such date;

 

(3)            in the case of a Term SOFR Transition Event, the date that is thirty (30) days after the date a Term SOFR Notice is provided to the Lenders and the Company pursuant to Section 2.14(c); or

 

(4)            in the case of an Early Opt-in Election or an Other Benchmark Rate Election, the sixth (6th) Business Day after the date notice of such Early Opt-in Election or Other Benchmark Rate Election, as applicable, is provided to the Lenders, so long as the Administrative Agent has not received, by 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date notice of such Early Opt-in Election or Other Benchmark Rate Election, as applicable, is provided to the Lenders, written notice of objection to such Early Opt-in Election or Other Benchmark Rate Election, as applicable, from Lenders comprising the Required Lenders.

 

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) above 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).

 

Benchmark Transition Event” means, with respect to any Benchmark, the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to such 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 the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof), the Board, the NYFRB, the central bank for the Agreed Currency applicable to such Benchmark, 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), in each case, 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

 

8

 

 

(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) announcing that all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) are no longer, or as of a specified future date will no longer be, 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, with respect to any Benchmark, the period (if any) (x) beginning at the time that a Benchmark Replacement Date pursuant to clause (1) or (2) of that definition has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced such then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 2.14 and (y) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced such then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in accordance with Section 2.14.

 

Beneficial Owner” means, with respect to any U.S. federal withholding Tax, the beneficial owner, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to whom such Tax relates.

 

Beneficial Ownership Certification” means a certification regarding beneficial ownership as required by the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, which certification shall be substantially similar in form and substance to the form of Certification Regarding Beneficial Owners of Legal Entity Customers published jointly, in May 2018, by the Loan Syndications and Trading Association and Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.

 

Beneficial Ownership Regulation” means 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230.

 

Benefit Arrangement” means at any time an “employee benefit plan,” within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA, which is not a Plan or a Multiemployer Plan and which is maintained, sponsored or otherwise contributed to by any member of the ERISA Group.

 

Benefit Plan” means any of (a) an “employee benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) that is subject to Title I of ERISA, (b) a “plan” as defined in Section 4975 of the Code to which Section 4975 of the Code applies, and (c) any Person whose assets include (for purposes of the Plan Asset Regulations or otherwise for purposes of Title I of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code) the assets of any such “employee benefit plan” or “plan”.

 

BHC Act Affiliate” of a party means an “affiliate’ (as such term is defined under, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 1841(k)) of such party.

 

Blocking Regulation” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 3.23.

 

Board” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America.

 

Borrower DTTP Filing” means an HM Revenue & Customs’ Form DTTP2, duly completed and filed by the relevant Borrower within the applicable time limit, which contains the scheme reference number and jurisdiction of tax residence provided by the Lender to the relevant Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

 

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Borrowers” means the Company and any Foreign Subsidiary Borrower party hereto.

 

Borrowing” means (a) Revolving Loans of the same Type, made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of Term Benchmark Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect or (b) a Swingline Loan.

 

Borrowing Request” means a request by the applicable Borrower for a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.03 in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C-1 or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

 

Borrowing Subsidiary Agreement” means a Borrowing Subsidiary Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit H-1.

 

Borrowing Subsidiary Termination” means a Borrowing Subsidiary Termination substantially in the form of Exhibit H-2.

 

Business Day” means, any day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which banks are open for business in New York City; provided that, (a) in relation to Loans denominated in Pounds Sterling and in relation to the calculation or computation of LIBOR, any such day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which banks are open for business in London, (b) in relation to Loans denominated in Japanese Yen and in relation to the calculation or computation of TIBOR, any such day (other than a Saturday or a Sunday) on which banks are open for business in Tokyo, Japan, (c) in relation to Loans denominated in euros and in relation to the calculation or computation of EURIBOR, any such day which is a TARGET Day, (d) in relation to RFR Loans and any interest rate settings, fundings, disbursements, settlements or payments of any such RFR Loan, or any other dealings in the applicable Agreed Currency of such RFR Loan, any such day that is only an RFR Business Day and (e) in relation to Loans denominated in any other Agreed Currency or any interest rate settings, fundings, disbursements, settlements or payments of any CBR Loan or CBR Borrowing, any such day on which dealings in the applicable Agreed Currency are carried on in the principal financial center of such Agreed Currency.

 

Canadian Dollars” means the lawful currency of Canada.

 

Canadian Prime” when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Canadian Prime Rate.

 

Canadian Prime Rate” means, on any day, a rate per annum determined by the Administrative Agent to be the higher of (a) the rate equal to the PRIMCAN Index rate that appears on the Bloomberg screen at 10:15 a.m. Toronto, Ontario time on such day (or, in the event that the PRIMCAN Index is not published by Bloomberg, any other information service that publishes such index from time to time, as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion), and (b) the CDOR Rate for a one month Interest Period at approximately 10:15 a.m., Toronto, Ontario time on such day (and, if such day is not a Business Day, then on the immediately preceding Business Day (as adjusted by Administrative Agent after 10:15 a.m. Toronto, Ontario time to reflect any error in the posted rate of interest or in the posted average annual rate of interest)), rounded to the nearest 1/100th of 1% (with .005% being rounded up), plus 1% per annum; provided, that if any the above rates shall be less than 1% per annum, such rate shall be deemed to be 1% per annum for purposes of this Agreement. Any change in the Canadian Prime Rate due to a change in the PRIMCAN Index or the CDOR Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the PRIMCAN Index or CDOR Rate, respectively. If the Canadian Prime Rate is being used as an alternate rate of interest pursuant to Section 2.14 (for the avoidance of doubt, only until the applicable Benchmark Replacement has been determined pursuant to Section 2.14(b)), then the Canadian Prime Rate shall be determined solely by reference to clause (a) above and shall be determined without reference to clause (b) above.

 

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Cash Management Agreement” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.05(e).

 

CBR Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate determined by reference to the Central Bank Rate.

 

CDOR Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Canadian Dollars and for any Interest Period, the CDOR Screen Rate at approximately 10:15 a.m., Toronto, Ontario time, on the first day of such Interest Period (and, if such day is not a Business Day, then on the immediately preceding Business Day (as adjusted by Administrative Agent after 10:15 a.m. Toronto, Ontario time to reflect any error in the posted rate of interest or in the posted average annual rate of interest)), rounded to the nearest 1/100th of 1% (with .005% being rounded up).

 

CDOR Screen Ratemeans, for any day and time, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Canadian Dollars and for any Interest Period, the annual rate of interest equal to the average rate applicable to Canadian Dollar Canadian bankers’ acceptances for the applicable Interest Period that appears on such day and time on the “Reuters Screen CDOR Page” as defined in the International Swap Dealer Association, Inc. definitions, as modified and amended from time to time (or, in the event such rate does not appear on such page or screen, on any successor or substitute page or screen that displays such rate, or on the appropriate page of such other information service that publishes such rate from time to time, as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion); provided that, if the CDOR Screen Rate shall be less than zero, the CDOR Screen Rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement.

 

Central Bank Rate” means, a rate per annum equal to the sum of: (A) the greater of (i) for any Loan denominated in (a) Pounds Sterling, the Bank of England’s (or any successor thereto’s) “Bank Rate” as published by the Bank of England (or any successor thereto) from time to time, (b) euro, one of the following three rates as may be selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion: (1) the fixed rate for the main refinancing operations of the European Central Bank (or any successor thereto), or, if that rate is not published, the minimum bid rate for the main refinancing operations of the European Central Bank (or any successor thereto), each as published by the European Central Bank (or any successor thereto) from time to time, (2) the rate for the marginal lending facility of the European Central Bank (or any successor thereto), as published by the European Central Bank (or any successor thereto) from time to time or (3) the rate for the deposit facility of the central banking system of the Participating Member States, as published by the European Central Bank (or any successor thereto) from time to time, (c) Japanese Yen, the “short-term prime rate” as publicly announced by the Bank of Japan (or any successor thereto) from time to time, and (d) any other Foreign Currency determined after the Effective Date, a central bank rate as determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion (any reference rate described in this clause (A)(i) for any Foreign Currency being referred to as the “CBR Reference Rate”) and (ii) 0.00%; plus (B) the applicable Central Bank Rate Adjustment. Any change in the Central Bank Rate due to a change in the CBR Reference Rate or the Central Bank Rate Adjustment shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the CBR Reference Rate or the Central Bank Rate Adjustment, respectively.

 

Central Bank Rate Adjustment” means, for any day, for any Loan denominated in (a) euro, a rate equal to the difference (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) of (i) the average of the EURIBOR Rate for the five most recent Business Days preceding such day for which the EURIBOR Screen Rate was available (excluding, from such averaging, the highest and the lowest EURIBOR Rate applicable during such period of five Business Days) minus (ii) the Central Bank Rate in respect of euro in effect on the last Business Day in such period, (b) Pounds Sterling, a rate equal to the difference (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) of (i) the average of SONIA for the five most recent RFR Business Days preceding such day for which SONIA was available (excluding, from such averaging, the highest and the lowest SONIA applicable during such period of five RFR Business Days) minus (ii) the Central Bank Rate in respect of Pounds Sterling in effect on the last RFR Business Day in such period, (c) Japanese Yen, a rate equal to the difference (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) of (i) the average of the TIBOR Rate for the five most recent Business Days preceding such day for which the TIBOR Screen Rate was available (excluding, from such averaging, the highest and the lowest TIBOR Rate applicable during such period of five Business Days) minus (ii) the Central Bank Rate in respect of Japanese Yen in effect on the last Business Day in such period and (d) any other Foreign Currency, a Central Bank Rate Adjustment as determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion. For purposes of this definition, (x) the term Central Bank Rate shall be determined disregarding clause (B) of the definition of such term and (y) each of the EURIBOR Rate and the TIBOR Rate on any day shall be based on the EURIBOR Screen Rate or the TIBOR Screen Rate, as applicable, on such day at approximately the time referred to in the definition of such term for deposits in the applicable Agreed Currency for a maturity of one month (or, in the event the EURIBOR Screen Rate or the TIBOR Screen Rate, as applicable, for deposits in the applicable Agreed Currency is not available for such maturity of one month, shall be based on the EURIBOR Interpolated Rate or the TIBOR Interpolated Rate, as applicable, as of such time); provided that if such rate shall be less than 0.00%, such rate shall be deemed to be 0.00%.

 

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CFC” means a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code.

 

Change in Law” means the occurrence after the date of this Agreement (or, with respect to any Lender, such later date on which such Lender becomes a party to this Agreement) of any of the following: (a) the adoption of or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) compliance by any Lender or any Issuing Bank (or, for purposes of Section 2.15(b), by any lending office of such Lender or by such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s holding company, if any) with any request, rules, guideline, requirement or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith or in the implementation thereof, and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the U.S. or foreign regulatory authorities, 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 or implemented.

 

Charges” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.17.

 

Chase” means JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., a national banking association, in its individual capacity, and its successors.

 

Cherokee County Transactions” means, the transactions between PJ Food Service, Inc. (“PJFS”) and the Cherokee County (Georgia) Development Authority (the “CCDA”), including (a) the transfer of title of equipment by PJFS to CCDA located in Cherokee County, Georgia for a purchase price of up to $16,500,000, (b) the loan made by PJFS to CCDA in an aggregate outstanding principal amount not to exceed $16,500,000, and (c) the leasing of such equipment transferred by PJFS from CCDA, all as contemplated by the PILOT Agreement made by and between PJFS and CCDA, entered into on December 21, 2017, and the other agreements, documents, and instruments executed in connection therewith and delivered to the Administrative Agent.

 

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Class”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Revolving Loans or Swingline Loans. Additional Classes of Loans, Borrowings, Commitments and Lenders may be established pursuant to Section 2.23.

 

Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

 

Collateral” means any and all Equity Interests and other related property, now existing or hereafter acquired, that may at any time be or become subject to a security interest or Lien pursuant to the Collateral Documents in favor of Administrative Agent, on behalf of itself and the Secured Parties, to secure the Obligations.

 

Collateral Documents” means, collectively, the Pledge Agreement and all other agreements, instruments and documents executed in connection with this Agreement or the Pledge Agreement that are intended to create, perfect or evidence Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent, on behalf of itself and the Secured Parties, to secure the Obligations, including, without limitation, all other security agreements, pledge agreements, guarantees, subordination agreements, pledges, powers of attorney, consents, assignments, notices, financing statements and all other written matter whether heretofore, now, or hereafter executed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and delivered to the Administrative Agent in connection with such Liens.

 

Commitment Schedule” means the Schedule attached hereto identified as such.

 

Commodity Exchange Act” means the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.), as amended from time to time, and any successor statute.

 

Communications” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.03(c).

 

Company” means Papa John’s International, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

Compliance Certificate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.11(c).

 

Connection Income Taxes” means Other Connection Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated) or that are franchise Taxes or branch profits Taxes.

 

Consenting Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.23(a).

 

Consolidated EBITDA” means, for any period of determination, Consolidated Net Income for such period,

 

plus        (a)            without duplication and to the extent deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income, the sum for such period of

 

(i)             depreciation,

 

(ii)            amortization,

 

(iii)           Consolidated Interest Expense,

 

(iv)           income tax expense,

 

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(v)            non-cash charges, write-downs, expenses, losses or items reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period, including any non-cash compensation expense, impairment charges, the impact of purchase accounting, unrealized foreign currency translation losses, and non-cash restructuring charges and reserves (excluding any such non-cash charge, write-down or item to the extent it represents an accrual or reserve for a cash expenditure for a future period); provided that, if any such non-cash charges, write-downs or items represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, (A) the Company may determine not to add back such non-cash charges, write-downs or items in the current period and (B) to the extent the Company does decide to add back such non-cash charges, write-downs or items, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from Consolidated EBITDA to such extent,

 

(vi)           non-recurring or unusual or extraordinary losses, expenses or charges (including restructuring and severance costs and litigation and settlement costs) in an aggregate amount during any period, when taken together with all amounts added back to Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clause (a)(vii) below for such period, not to exceed 20% of Consolidated EBITDA for such period (as determined prior to the application of this clause (a)(vi) and such clause (a)(vii) below),

 

(vii)          (A) the amount of any charges or reserves attributable to the undertaking and/or implementation of any cost-saving or restructuring initiatives or operating expense reductions, transition, business optimization and other restructuring and integration charges or reserves (including in connection with any Permitted Acquisition or similar Investment), and (B) the amount of cost savings and synergies (and costs attributable to such cost savings and synergies), consolidation and other restructuring charges, costs and reserves, and project startup costs (in each case for this clause (B), projected by the Company in good faith to be realized in connection with any Permitted Acquisition or similar Investment or the implementation of an operational initiative, operational change, restructuring, cost savings initiative or initiative similar to any of the foregoing after the Effective Date), in each case for the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), calculated on a pro forma basis as though such charges, reserves, cost savings, operating expense reductions, other operating improvements and synergies and items had been realized on the first day of such period and as if such charges, reserves, cost savings, operating expense reductions, other operating improvements and synergies and items were realized during the entirety of such period, and calculated net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that (x) in the case of clause (B), such cost savings, operating expense reductions, other operating improvements and synergies are (i) reasonably supportable and quantifiable in the good faith judgment of the Company, and (ii) reasonably anticipated to be realized within 24 months after the consummation of the applicable Permitted Acquisition or similar Investment, operating improvement, restructuring, cost saving initiative or certain other similar initiatives, as the case may be, which is expected to result in such cost savings, expense reductions, other operating improvements or synergies, (x) no charges, reserves, cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies and other items shall be added pursuant to this clause (vii) to the extent duplicative of any expenses, charges or other items otherwise added to Consolidated EBITDA, whether through a pro forma adjustment or otherwise, for such period, (y) to the extent that any charges, reserves, cost savings, operating expense reductions, other operating improvements and synergies and items are not associated with a Permitted Acquisition or similar Investment following the Effective Date, all steps shall have been taken for realizing such savings and (z) projected amounts (and not yet realized) may no longer be added in calculating Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to this clause (a)(vii) to the extent occurring more than 24 months after the applicable Permitted Acquisition or similar Investment; provided further that the aggregate of all amounts added-back to Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to this clause (a)(vii) during any period, when taken together with all amounts added back to Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clause (a)(vi) above for such period, shall not exceed an amount equal to 20% of Consolidated EBITDA for such period (as determined prior to the application of this clause (a)(vii) and such clause (a)(vi) above),

 

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(viii)         fees, charges and other expenses made or incurred during such period in connection with Permitted Acquisitions and other Investments, dispositions, and issuances of Indebtedness and Equity Interests, in each case, that were consummated, occurred, incurred or assumed during such period; provided that the aggregate amount added back to Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to this clause (a)(viii) during any period for any such transactions that are not consummated shall not exceed an amount equal to 5% of Consolidated EBITDA for such period (as determined prior to the application of this clause (a)(viii)),

 

(ix)            any charge or expense to the extent (i) reimbursed by third party insurance or by third parties that are not Affiliates of the Company pursuant to indemnification or reimbursement provisions or similar agreements, (ii) actually received during such period by the Company or applicable Subsidiary in cash and without duplication and (iii) not otherwise included as revenue in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income for such period,

 

(x)             unrealized or realized net foreign currency translation or transaction losses (including currency remeasurements of Indebtedness and the net loss resulting from Swap Agreements permitted hereunder for currency exchange risk), and

 

(xi)           severance payment and relocation costs in an aggregate amount not to exceed $10,000,000 during any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Company,

 

minus     (b)            without duplication and to the extent included in determining Consolidated Net Income, the sum for such period of

 

(i)             non-cash items of income or gains (excluding any such non-cash item of income to the extent it represents a receipt of cash in any future period, and including, for the avoidance of doubt, the impact of purchase accounting or unrealized foreign currency translation gains),

 

(ii)            non-recurring, unusual or extraordinary gains or income (other than any such gains or income directly resulting from the refranchising of stores),

 

(iii)            all cash payments made during such period on account of noncash charges that were accruals or reserves added to Consolidated Net Income pursuant to clause (a)(v) above in a prior period, and

 

(iv)            unrealized or realized net foreign currency translation or transaction gains (including currency remeasurements of Indebtedness and the net gain resulting from Swap Agreements permitted hereunder for currency exchange risk),

 

in each case, determined and consolidated for the Company and its Subsidiaries (excluding the Excluded VIE’s and the Excluded Marketing Subsidiaries) in accordance with GAAP. For purposes of calculating Consolidated EBITDA, (x) with respect to a business acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition during any period, Consolidated EBITDA shall be calculated on a pro forma basis, using historical numbers, in accordance with GAAP as if the Permitted Acquisition had been consummated at the beginning of such period, and (y) with respect to a business liquidated, sold or disposed of by the Company or any Subsidiary during any period in compliance with Section 6.07, Consolidated EBITDA shall be calculated on a pro forma basis, using historical numbers, in accordance with GAAP as if such liquidation, sale or disposition had been consummated at the beginning of such period; provided, however, that any such acquisition, liquidation, sale or disposition transaction having an aggregate consideration value of less than $5,000,000 shall not be calculated on “pro forma basis.”

 

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Consolidated Interest Expense” means, for any period of determination, the aggregate amount of interest or fees paid, accrued or scheduled to be paid or accrued in respect of any Indebtedness (including the interest portion of rentals under capitalized leases) and all but the principal component of payments in respect of conditional sales or other title retention agreements paid, accrued or scheduled to be paid or accrued during such period, net of interest income, in each case determined and consolidated for the Company and its Subsidiaries (excluding the Excluded VIE’s and the Excluded Marketing Subsidiaries) in accordance with GAAP.

 

Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, the consolidated net income (or loss) determined for the Company and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that there shall be excluded (a) the income (or deficit) of any Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Subsidiary or is merged into or consolidated with the Company or any Subsidiary, (b) the income (or deficit) of any Person (other than a Subsidiary) in which the Company or any Subsidiary has an ownership interest, except to the extent that any such income is actually received by the Company or such Subsidiary in the form of dividends or similar distributions and (c) the income (or deficit) of the Excluded VIE’s and the Excluded Marketing Subsidiaries.

 

Consolidated Net Tangible Assets” means, as of any date, Consolidated Total Assets, excluding goodwill, patents, trademarks, trade names, organization expense, unamortized debt discount and expense, capitalized or deferred research and development costs, deferred marketing expenses, and other intangible assets.

 

Consolidated Rental Expense” means, for any period of determination, the difference (if positive) of (a) the aggregate rental amounts payable by the Company and its Subsidiaries during such period under any lease of real property having a remaining term (including any required renewals or any renewals at the option of the lessor or lessee) of one year or more (but does not include any amounts payable under capitalized leases or performance rents), minus (b) the aggregate amount of cash rental income actually received by the Company and its Subsidiaries during such period from Persons that are not Affiliates of the Company under any lease of real property wholly-owned by the Company or any Subsidiary having a remaining term (including any required renewals or any renewals at the option of the lessor or lessee) of one year or more, in each case determined and consolidated for the Company and its Subsidiaries (excluding the Excluded VIE’s and the Excluded Marketing Subsidiaries) in accordance with GAAP.

 

Consolidated Total Assets” means, at any date, total assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries calculated in accordance with GAAP on a consolidated basis as of such date (excluding the Excluded VIE’s and the Excluded Marketing Subsidiaries).

 

Consolidated Total Indebtedness” means, as of any date of determination, any and all Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries, in each case, determined and consolidated for the Company and its Subsidiaries (excluding the Excluded VIE’s and the Excluded Marketing Subsidiaries), in accordance with GAAP.

 

Contamination” means the presence or release or threat of release of Regulated Substances in, on, under or emanating to or from the Property, which pursuant to Environmental Laws requires notification or reporting to a Governmental Authority, or which pursuant to Environmental Laws requires the investigation, cleanup, removal, remediation, containment, abatement of or other Remedial Action or which otherwise constitutes a violation of Environmental Laws.

 

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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.

 

Co-Documentation Agent” means each of Truist Bank and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, in its capacity as co-documentation agent for the credit facility evidenced by this Agreement.

 

Co-Syndication Agent” means each of Bank of America, N.A., PNC Bank and U.S. Bank National Association in its capacity as co-syndication agent for the credit facility evidenced by this Agreement.

 

Covered Entity” means any of the following:

 

(i)             a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b);

 

(ii)            a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or

 

(iii)           a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b).

 

Covered Party” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.23.

 

Credit Event” means a Borrowing, the issuance, amendment or extension of a Letter of Credit, an LC Disbursement or any of the foregoing.

 

Credit Party” means the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, any Swingline Lender or any other Lender.

 

Daily Simple RFR” means, for any day (an “RFR Interest Day”), an interest rate per annum equal to the greater of (a) the sum of (i) SONIA for the day that is 5 Business Days prior to (A) if such RFR Interest Day is a Business Day, such RFR Interest Day or (B) if such RFR Interest Day is not a Business Day, the Business Day immediately preceding such RFR Interest Day, plus (ii) 0.0326% per annum, and (b) 0.00%. Any change in Daily Simple RFR due to a change in the applicable RFR shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the RFR without notice to the Company.

 

Daily Simple SOFR” means, for any day, SOFR, with the conventions for this rate (which may include a lookback) being established by the Administrative 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 Administrative Agent decides that any such convention is not administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent, then the Administrative Agent may establish another convention in its reasonable discretion.

 

Declining Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.23(a).

 

Default” means any event or condition which constitutes an Event of Default or which upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, become an Event of Default.

 

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Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable.

 

Defaulting Lender” means any Lender that (a) has failed, within two Business Days of the date required to be funded or paid, to (i) fund any portion of its Loans, (ii) fund any portion of its participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans or (iii) pay over to any Credit Party any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder, unless, in the case of clause (i) above, such Lender notifies the Administrative 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 the particular default, if any) has not been satisfied, (b) has notified any Borrower or any Credit Party in writing, or has made a public statement to the effect, that it does not intend or expect to comply with any of its funding obligations under this Agreement (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 the particular 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 a Credit Party, 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 Loans and participations in then outstanding Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans under this Agreement, provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon such Credit Party’s receipt of such certification in form and substance satisfactory to it and the Administrative Agent, or (d) has become the subject of (i) a Bankruptcy Event or (ii) a Bail-In Action. Any determination by the Administrative Agent that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender under any one or more of clauses (a) through (d) above shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and such Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender (subject to Section 2.20(d)) upon delivery by the Administrative Agent of written notice of such determination to the Company, each Issuing Bank, each Swingline Lender and each Lender.

 

Departing Lender” means BMO Harris Bank, N.A.

 

DEPZZA” means DEPZZA, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

Dollar Equivalent” means, for any amount, at the time of determination thereof, (a) if such amount is expressed in Dollars, such amount, (b) if such amount is expressed in a Foreign Currency, the equivalent of such amount in Dollars determined by using the rate of exchange for the purchase of Dollars with the Foreign Currency last provided (either by publication or otherwise provided to the Administrative Agent) by Reuters on the Business Day (New York City time) immediately preceding the date of determination or if such service ceases to be available or ceases to provide a rate of exchange for the purchase of Dollars with the Foreign Currency, as provided by such other publicly available information service which provides that rate of exchange at such time in place of Reuters chosen by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion (or if such service ceases to be available or ceases to provide such rate of exchange, the equivalent of such amount in Dollars as determined by the Administrative Agent using any method of determination it deems appropriate in its reasonable discretion) and (c) if such amount is denominated in any other currency, the equivalent of such amount in Dollars as determined by the Administrative Agent using any method of determination it deems appropriate in its reasonable discretion.

 

dollars”, “Dollars” or “$” refers to lawful money of the U.S.

 

Domestic Subsidiary” means a Subsidiary organized under the laws of a jurisdiction located in the United States of America.

 

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Early Opt-in Election” means, if the then current Benchmark with respect to Dollars is LIBO Rate, the occurrence of:

 

(1)            a notification by the Administrative Agent to (or the request by the Company to the Administrative Agent to notify) each of the other parties hereto that at least five currently outstanding 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 Administrative Agent and the Company to trigger a fallback from LIBO Rate and the provision, as applicable, by the Administrative Agent of written notice of such election to the Company and the Lenders.

 

ECP” means an “eligible contract participant” as defined in Section 1(a)(18) of the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder and the applicable rules issued by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or the SEC.

 

EEA Financial Institution” means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a subsidiary of an institution described in clause (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent.

 

EEA Member Country” means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

 

EEA Resolution Authority” means any public administrative authority or any Person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institution.

 

Effective Date” means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 4.01 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02).

 

Electronic Signature” means an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to, or associated with, a contract or other record and adopted by a Person with the intent to sign, authenticate or accept such contract or record.

 

Eligible Foreign Subsidiary” means any Foreign Subsidiary that is (i) wholly-owned by the Company, (ii) incorporated under the laws of England and Wales and (iii) approved from time to time by the Administrative Agent.

 

Environmental Complaint” means any (i) notice of non-compliance or violation, citation or order relating in any way to any Environmental Law, Environmental Permit, Contamination or Regulated Substance; (ii) civil, criminal, administrative or regulatory investigation instituted by a Governmental Authority relating in any way to any Environmental Law, Environmental Permit, Contamination or Regulated Substance; (iii) administrative, regulatory or judicial action, suit, claim or proceeding instituted by any Person or Governmental Authority or any written notice of liability or potential liability from any Person or Governmental Authority, in either instance, setting forth allegations relating to or a cause of action for personal injury (including death), property damage, natural resource damage, contribution or indemnity for the costs associated with the performance of Remedial Actions, direct recovery for the costs associated with the performance of Remedial Actions, liens or encumbrances attached to or recorded or levied against property for the costs associated with the performance of Remedial Actions, civil or administrative penalties, criminal fines or penalties, or declaratory or equitable relief arising under any Environmental Laws; or (iv) subpoena, request for information or other written notice or demand of any type issued to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries by a Governmental Authority pursuant to any Environmental Laws.

 

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Environmental Laws” means all federal, state, local and foreign Requirements of Law (including, but not limited to, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 9601 et seq., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. § 6901 et seq., the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. § 5101 et seq., the Toxic Substances Control Act, 15 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq., the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, 33 U.S.C. §§ 1251 et seq., the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300f-300j, the Federal Air Pollution Control Act, 42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq., the Oil Pollution Act, 33 U.S.C. § 2701 et seq., the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, 7 U.S.C. §§ 136 to 136y) each as amended, and any regulations promulgated thereunder or any equivalent state or local Requirements of Law, each as amended, and any regulations promulgated thereunder and any consent decrees, settlement agreements, judgments, orders, directives or any binding policies having the force and effect of law issued by or entered into with a Governmental Authority pertaining or relating to: (i) pollution or pollution control; (ii) protection of human health from exposure to Regulated Substances; (iii) protection of the environment and/or natural resources; (iv) the presence, use, management, generation, manufacture, processing, extraction, treatment, recycling, refining, reclamation, labeling, sale, transport, storage, collection, distribution, disposal or release or threat of release of Regulated Substances; (v) the presence of Contamination; (vi) the protection of endangered or threatened species; and (vii) the protection of Environmentally Sensitive Areas.

 

Environmental Liability” means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities) directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) any violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Regulated Substance, (c) any exposure to any Regulated Substance, (d) the Contamination or threatened Contamination of any Regulated Substances into the environment or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.

 

Environmental Permit” means all permits, licenses, bonds or other forms of financial assurances, consents, registrations, identification numbers, approvals or authorizations required under Environmental Laws (i) to own, occupy or maintain the Property; (ii) for the operations and business activities of the Loan Parties or any Subsidiary of any Loan Party; or (iii) for the performance of a Remedial Action.

 

Environmental Records” means all notices, reports, records, plans, applications, forms or other filings relating or pertaining to the Property, Contamination, the performance of a Remedial Action and the operations and business activities of the Loan Parties which pursuant to Environmental Laws, Environmental Permits or at the request or direction of a Governmental Authority either must be submitted to a Governmental Authority or otherwise must be maintained.

 

Environmentally Sensitive Area” means (i) any wetland as defined by or designated by applicable Requirements of Law, including Environmental Laws; (ii) any area designated as a coastal zone pursuant to applicable Requirements of Law, including Environmental Laws; (iii) any area of historic or archeological significance or scenic area as defined or designated by applicable Requirements of Law, including Environmental Laws; (iv) habitats of endangered species or threatened species as designated by applicable Requirements of Law, including Environmental Laws; (v) wilderness or refuge areas as defined or designated by applicable Requirements of Law, including Environmental Laws; or (vi) a floodplain or other flood hazard area as defined pursuant to any applicable Requirements of Law.

 

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Equity Interests” means shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests in a Person, and any warrants, options or other rights entitling the holder thereof to purchase or acquire any of the foregoing.

 

ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

ERISA Group” means, at any time, the Company and all members of a controlled group of corporations and all trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) under common control and all other entities which, together with the Company, are treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.

 

EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule” means the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor Person), as in effect from time to time.

 

EURIBOR Interpolated Rate” means, at any time, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in euros and for any Interest Period, the rate per annum (rounded to the same number of decimal places as the EURIBOR Screen Rate) determined by the Administrative Agent (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) to be equal to the rate that results from interpolating on a linear basis between: (a) the EURIBOR Screen Rate for the longest period (for which the EURIBOR Screen Rate is available) that is shorter than the Impacted EURIBOR Rate Interest Period; and (b) the EURIBOR Screen Rate for the shortest period (for which the EURIBOR Screen Rate is available) that exceeds the Impacted EURIBOR Rate Interest Period, in each case, at such time; provided that, if any EURIBOR Interpolated Rate shall be less than 0.00%, such rate shall be deemed to be 0.00% for the purposes of this Agreement.

 

EURIBOR Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in euros and for any Interest Period, the EURIBOR Screen Rate at approximately 11:00 a.m., Brussels time, two TARGET Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period; provided that, if the EURIBOR Screen Rate shall not be available at such time for such Interest Period (an “Impacted EURIBOR Rate Interest Period”) with respect to euros then the EURIBOR Rate shall be the EURIBOR Interpolated Rate.

 

EURIBOR Screen Rate” means, for any day and time, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in euros and for any Interest Period, the euro interbank offered rate administered by the European Money Markets Institute (or any other Person which takes over the administration of that rate) for euros for the relevant Interest Period displayed (before any correction, recalculation or republication by the administrator) on such day and time on page EURIBOR01 of the Reuters screen (or any replacement Reuters page which displays that rate or on the appropriate page of such other information service which publishes that rate from time to time in place of Reuters as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion). If such page or service ceases to be available, the Administrative Agent may specify another page or service displaying the relevant rate after consultation with the Company. If the EURIBOR Screen Rate shall be less than 0.00%, the EURIBOR Screen Rate shall be deemed to be 0.00% for purposes of this Agreement.

 

euro” and/or “” means the single currency of the Participating Member States.

 

Event of Default” has the meaning assigned to such term in Article VII.

 

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Exchange Rate” means, for any Foreign Currency, the rate of exchange therefor as described in clause (b) of the definition of “Dollar Equivalent”.

 

Excluded Equity Interests” means any Equity Interests of a Person which consists of: (a) any Equity Interests if, to the extent and for so long as, the grant of a Lien thereon to secure the Obligations is prohibited by any Requirements of Law; (b) Equity Interests in any Person other than wholly owned Subsidiaries; (c) Equity Interests in any Excluded VIE or any Excluded Marketing Subsidiary; (d) Equity Interests in any Foreign Subsidiary that is not a Material Foreign Subsidiary or a Foreign Subsidiary Borrower; (e) Equity Interests in any FSHCO that does not hold Equity Interests in a wholly-owned Material Foreign Subsidiary; and (f) Equity Interests in Risk Services Corp.

 

Excluded Marketing Subsidiaries” means Papa John’s Marketing Fund, Inc. and its Subsidiaries, including Papa Card, Inc.

 

Excluded Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Loan Guarantor, any Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the Guarantee of such Loan Guarantor of, or the grant by such Loan Guarantor of a security interest to secure, such Swap Obligation (or any Guarantee thereof) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) by virtue of such Loan Guarantor’s failure for any reason to constitute an ECP at the time the Guarantee of such Loan Guarantor or the grant of such security interest becomes or would become effective with respect to such Swap Obligation. If a Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Swap Obligation that is attributable to swaps for which such Guarantee or security interest is or becomes illegal.

 

Excluded Taxes” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient: (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes, and branch profits Taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its applicable lending office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Lender, U.S. federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan, Letter of Credit or Revolving Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires such interest in the Loan, Letter of Credit or Revolving Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by any Borrower under Section 2.19(b)) or (ii) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 2.17, amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender acquired the applicable interest in a Loan, Letter of Credit or Revolving Commitment or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office, (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 2.17(f), (d) any withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA and (e) in respect of a UK Borrower, any Excluded UK Taxes.

 

Excluded UK Taxes” means any withholding Taxes imposed by the United Kingdom on any amounts payable in respect of interest under any Loan Document to or for the account of a Recipient in circumstances where (i) that Recipient is not or has ceased to be a UK Qualifying Lender at the date on which the payment falls due and the withholding Taxes would not have applied had that Recipient been a UK Qualifying Lender at that date, except to the extent that such withholding Taxes are due and/or that Lender has ceased to be a UK Qualifying Lender solely as a result of any change after the date that Lender became a Lender under this Agreement in (or in the interpretation, administration, or application of) any law or UK Treaty or any published practice or concession of the relevant Government Authority; (ii) the relevant Recipient is a UK Qualifying Lender solely by virtue of paragraphs (b), (c) or (d) of the definition of UK Qualifying Lender and (x) an officer of HM Revenue & Customs has given (and not revoked) a direction (a “Direction”) under section 931 of the Income Tax Act 2007 which relates to the payment and the Recipient has received from the Borrower making the payment a certified copy of that Direction, and (y) the payment could have been made to the Recipient without any withholding Taxes if that Direction had not been made; (iii) the relevant Recipient is a UK Qualifying Lender solely by virtue of paragraphs (b), (c) or (d) of the definition of UK Qualifying Lender and (x) the relevant Recipient has not given a Tax Confirmation to the relevant Borrower, and (y) the payment could have been made to the Recipient without any withholding Taxes if the Recipient had given a Tax Confirmation to the relevant Borrower, on the basis that the Tax Confirmation would have enabled that Borrower to have formed a reasonable belief that the payment was an ‘excepted payment’ for the purpose of section 930 of the Income Tax Act 2007; or (iv) the relevant Recipient is a UK Treaty Lender and the relevant Borrower is able to demonstrate that the payment could have been made to the Recipient without any withholding Taxes had the Recipient complied with its obligations under Section 2.18(g).

 

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Excluded VIE” means those VIE’s identified in Schedule 1.01(A) attached hereto and made a part hereof, together with any VIE hereafter that is requested by the Company to be approved by the Lenders as an Excluded VIE and that the Required Lenders, each acting in their sole and absolute discretion, approve as an Excluded VIE pursuant to execution and delivery by the Required Lenders of a document not materially varying from the form thereof attached to and made a part hereof as Exhibit G, a copy of which shall be delivered by the Administrative Agent to the Company and each of the Lenders promptly following receipt by the Administrative Agent thereof, signed by at least the Required Lenders, it being understood and agreed that no Lender shall have any obligation to approve any additional Excluded VIE for which approval is requested by the Company.

 

Existing Credit Agreement” has the meaning assigned to such term in the recitals hereto.

 

Existing Letters of Credit” is defined in Section 2.06(a).

 

Existing Revolving Credit Maturity Date” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.23(a).

 

Extension Agreement” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.23(a).

 

FATCA” means 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 or official interpretations thereof, any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code and any fiscal or regulatory legislation, rules or practices adopted pursuant to any intergovernmental agreement, treaty or convention among Governmental Authorities and implementing such Sections of the Code.

 

Federal Funds Effective Rate” means, for any day, the rate calculated by the NYFRB based on such day’s federal funds transactions by depositary institutions, as determined in such manner as shall be set forth on the NYFRB’s Website from time to time, and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the NYFRB as the effective federal funds rate; provided that if the Federal Funds Effective Rate as so determined would be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for the purposes of this Agreement.

 

Financial Officer” means the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, treasurer, controller, and Vice President, Treasury and Tax of the Company.

 

Financial Projections” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.09(b).

 

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Financial Statements” means the annual or quarterly financial statements, and accompanying certificates and other documents, of the Company and its Subsidiaries required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.11(a) or 5.11(b).

 

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 LIBO Rate, EURIBOR Rate, the CDOR Rate, TIBOR Rate, TIIE Rate or each Daily Simple RFR, as applicable.

 

Foreign Currencies” means (i) euro, (ii) Pounds Sterling, (iii) Canadian Dollars, (iv) Japanese Yen, (v) Mexican Pesos and (vi) any other currency (x) that is a lawful currency (other than dollars) that is readily available and freely transferable, not restricted and convertible into dollars and (y) that is agreed to by the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders.

 

Foreign Currency Letter of Credit” means a Letter of Credit denominated in a Foreign Currency.

 

Foreign Currency Sublimit” means $50,000,000.

 

Foreign Lender” means (a) if a Borrower is a U.S. Person, a Lender that is not a U.S. Person, and (b) if a Borrower is not a U.S. Person, a Lender that is resident or organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which such Borrower is resident for tax purposes.

 

Foreign Plan” means any retirement benefit or pension plan maintained or contributed to by, or entered into with, the Company or any Subsidiary with respect to any employees employed outside the United States which under applicable laws is required to be funded through a trust or other funding vehicle other than a trust or funding vehicle maintained exclusively by a Governmental Authority.

 

Foreign Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary which is not a Domestic Subsidiary.

 

Foreign Subsidiary Borrower” means any Eligible Foreign Subsidiary that becomes a Foreign Subsidiary Borrower pursuant to Section 2.24 and that has not ceased to be a Foreign Subsidiary Borrower pursuant to such Section.

 

FSHCO” means any Domestic Subsidiary that (i) owns (directly or indirectly) no material assets other than Equity Interests (or Equity Interests and debt interests) of one or more CFCs, (ii) does not conduct any business or activity other than the ownership of such Equity Interests or debt interests and business or activity incidental thereto and (iii) does not incur, and is not otherwise liable for, any indebtedness or other liabilities other than Indebtedness or other liabilities permitted under Section 6.01 or incurred in connection with the ownership of assets described in clause (i) hereof.

 

Funding Account” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.01(g).

 

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles as are in effect in the United States from time to time, subject to the provisions of Section 1.04, and applied on a consistent basis both as to classification of items and amounts.

 

Governmental Authority” means the government of the U.S., any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether state or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.

 

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Guarantee” or “Guaranty” of or by any Person means any obligation of such Person guaranteeing or in effect guaranteeing any liability or obligation of any other Person in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including any agreement to indemnify or hold harmless any other Person, any performance bond or other suretyship arrangement and any other form of assurance against loss, except endorsement of negotiable or other instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business.

 

Guaranteed Obligations” means (i) with respect to the Borrowers, the Specified Ancillary Obligations and (ii) with respect to any Subsidiary Guarantor, the Obligations, and, in each case, all costs and expenses including, without limitation, all court costs and reasonable and documented out-of-pocket attorneys’ and paralegals’ fees and reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses paid or incurred by the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders in endeavoring to collect all or any part of the Obligations from, or in prosecuting any action against, the Borrowers, any Loan Guarantor or any other guarantor of all or any part of the Obligations; provided that, in each case, the definition of “Guaranteed Obligations” shall not create any guarantee by any Loan Guarantor of any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Loan Guarantor for purposes of determining any obligations of any Loan Guarantor.

 

Historical Financial Statements” shall have the meaning assigned to the term in Section 3.09(a).

 

Hostile Acquisition” means (a) the acquisition of the Equity Interests of a Person through a tender offer or similar solicitation of the owners of such Equity Interests which has not been approved (prior to such acquisition) by the board of directors (or any other applicable governing body) of such Person or by similar action if such Person is not a corporation and (b) any such acquisition as to which such approval has been withdrawn.

 

Impacted EURIBOR Rate Interest Period” has the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of “EURIBOR Rate.”

 

Impacted LIBO Rate Interest Period” has the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of “LIBO Rate.”

 

Impacted TIBOR Rate Interest Period” has the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of “TIBOR Rate.”

 

Impacted TIIE Rate Interest Period” has the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of “TIIE Rate.”

 

Incremental Term Loan” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.09.

 

Incremental Term Loan Amendment” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.09.

 

Indebtedness” means, 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: (i) borrowed money, (ii) amounts raised under or liabilities in respect of any note purchase or acceptance credit facility, (iii) reimbursement obligations (contingent or otherwise) under any letter of credit or Swap Agreement, (iv) any 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 (but not including 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), or (v) any Guaranty of Indebtedness for borrowed money.

 

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Indemnified Taxes” means (a) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in the foregoing clause (a), Other Taxes.

 

Indemnitee” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.03(b).

 

Ineligible Institution” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(b).

 

Information” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.12.

 

Interest Coverage Ratio” means, for any period, the ratio of (a) the sum of (i) Consolidated EBITDA for such period and (ii) Consolidated Rental Expense for such period, to (b) the sum of (i) Consolidated Interest Expense for such period and (ii) Consolidated Rental Expense for such period.

 

Interest Election Request” means a request by the applicable Borrower to convert or continue a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.08 in the form attached as Exhibit C-2 or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

 

Interest Payment Date” means (a) with respect to any ABR Loan (other than a Swingline Loan), any CBR Loan or any Canadian Prime Loan, the last day of each March, June, September and December and the Revolving Credit Maturity Date, (b) with respect to any RFR Loan, (1) each date that is on the numerically corresponding day in each calendar month that is one month after the Borrowing of such Loan (or, if there is no such numerically corresponding day in such month, then the last day of such month) and (2) the Revolving Credit Maturity Date, (c) with respect to any Term Benchmark Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than three months’ duration, each day prior to the last day of such Interest Period that occurs at intervals of three months’ duration after the first day of such Interest Period, and the Revolving Credit Maturity Date and (d) with respect to any Swingline Loan, the day that such Loan is required to be repaid and the Revolving Credit Maturity Date.

 

Interest Period” means (a) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing (other than a TIIE Rate Borrowing), the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one, three or six months (or, with the consent of each Lender, twelve months) thereafter (provided that a six-month Interest Period will not be available for Loans denominated in Canadian Dollars) and (b) with respect to any TIIE Rate Borrowing, the period commencing on the date the applicable Loans in respect of such Borrowing are disbursed or continued and ending on the day that is one month thereafter, in each case, subject to the availability for the Benchmark applicable to the relevant Loan or Revolving Commitment for any Agreed Currency, as the Company may elect; provided, that (i) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless, in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing only, such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day, (ii) any Interest Period pertaining to a Term Benchmark Borrowing that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on 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 and (iii) no tenor that has been removed from this definition pursuant to Section 2.14(f) shall be available for specification in such Borrowing Request or Interest Election Request unless reinstated pursuant to Section 2.14(f). For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and, in the case of any Borrowing other than a Swingline Loan, thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.

 

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Investment” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.04.

 

IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

 

ISDA Definitions” means 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.

 

Issuing Bank Sublimit” means, as of the Effective Date, (i) $24,500,000, in the case of Chase, (ii) $18,500,000, in the case of PNC Bank, (iii) $18,500,000, in the case of U.S. Bank National Association, (iv) $18,500,000, in the case of Bank of America, N.A. and (v) in the case of any other Issuing Bank, such amount as shall be designated to the Administrative Agent and the Company in writing by such Issuing Bank; provided that any Issuing Bank shall be permitted at any time to increase or reduce its Issuing Bank Sublimit upon providing five (5) days’ prior written notice thereof to the Administrative Agent and the Company; provided further that any decrease in the Issuing Bank Sublimit of any Issuing Bank to an amount less than such Issuing Bank’s Issuing Bank Sublimit as of the Effective Date (or such later date as such Person shall have initially become an Issuing Bank hereunder), shall require the consent of the Company, the Administrative Agent and such Issuing Bank.

 

Issuing Banks” means, individually or collectively, each of (i) Chase, (ii) PNC Bank, (iii) U.S. Bank National Association, (iv) Bank of America, N.A., in each case, in its capacity as an issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, and any other Lender from time to time designated by the Company as an Issuing Bank, with the consent of such Lender and the Administrative Agent, and their respective successors in such capacity as provided in Section 2.06(i). Any Issuing Bank may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more Letters of Credit to be issued by its Affiliates, in which case the term “Issuing Bank” shall include any such Affiliate with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Affiliate (it being agreed that such Issuing Bank shall, or shall cause such Affiliate to, comply with the requirements of Section 2.06 with respect to such Letters of Credit).

 

Japanese Yen” means the lawful currency of Japan.

 

Jeffersontown IRB” means collectively (i) that certain Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand and 00/100 Dollar ($7,500,000.00) Industrial Revenue Bond issued by the City of Jeffersontown, Kentucky on December 27, 1997, (ii) that certain Sixty Two Million Seven Hundred Thousand and 00/100 Dollar ($62,700,000.00) Industrial Revenue Bond issued by the City of Jeffersontown, Kentucky on November 9, 1999, and (iii) that certain Ten Million and 00/100 Dollar ($10,000,000.00) Industrial Revenue Bond issued by the City of Jeffersontown, Kentucky on December 20, 2000, each of the same being supported by the sale and leaseback of property located at 2002 Papa John’s Boulevard, Jeffersontown, Kentucky.

 

Joinder Agreement” means a Joinder Agreement in substantially the form of Exhibit F.

 

Labor Contracts” means all employment agreements, employment contracts, collective bargaining agreements and other similar agreements guaranteeing a right of employment among any Loan Party or a Subsidiary of a Loan Party and its employees.

 

LC Collateral Account” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.06(j).

 

LC Disbursement” means any payment made by an Issuing Bank pursuant to a Letter of Credit.

 

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LC Exposure” means at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn Dollar Equivalent of all outstanding Letters of Credit at such time plus (b) the aggregate Dollar Equivalent of all LC Disbursements that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of the Company at such time. The LC Exposure of any Lender at any time shall be its Applicable Percentage of the aggregate LC Exposure at such time.

 

Lenders” means the Persons listed on the Commitment Schedule (or, if the Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, a Person holding Revolving Exposure) and any other Person that shall have become a Lender hereunder pursuant to Section 2.09 or an Assignment and Assumption or other documentation contemplated hereby, other than any such Person that ceases to be a Lender hereunder pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or other documentation contemplated hereby. Unless the context otherwise requires, the term “Lenders” includes the Swingline Lenders and the Issuing Banks. For the avoidance of doubt, the term “Lenders” excludes the Departing Lenders.

 

Letter of Credit Agreement” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 2.06(b).

 

Letters of Credit” means the letters of credit issued pursuant to this Agreement (including the Existing Letters of Credit), and the term “Letter of Credit” means any one of them or each of them singularly, as the context may require.

 

Leverage Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Total Indebtedness on such date (excluding, to the extent included in Consolidated Total Indebtedness, (i) Indebtedness under the Jeffersontown IRB on such date so long as such Indebtedness is owed to a Subsidiary of the Company, (ii) Indebtedness outstanding under the Cherokee County Transactions on such date, (iii) Indebtedness constituting contingent reimbursement under any Swap Agreement in an aggregate amount not to exceed $10,000,000 as of any date of determination and (iv) obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business in respect of surety bonds in respect of insurance programs or other financing of insurance premiums of the Company and its Subsidiaries), to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters ending on or most recently prior to such date.

 

Liabilities” means any losses, claims (including intraparty claims), demands, damages or liabilities of any kind.

 

LIBO Interpolated Rate” means, at any time, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars and for any Interest Period, the rate per annum (rounded to the same number of decimal places as the LIBO Screen Rate) determined by the Administrative Agent (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) to be equal to the rate that results from interpolating on a linear basis between: (a) the LIBO Screen Rate for the longest period (for which the LIBO Screen Rate is available for the applicable Agreed Currency) that is shorter than the Impacted LIBO Rate Interest Period; and (b) the LIBO Screen Rate for the shortest period (for which the LIBO Screen Rate is available for the applicable Agreed Currency) that exceeds the Impacted LIBO Rate Interest Period, in each case, at such time; provided that if any LIBO Interpolated Rate shall be less than 0.00%, such rate shall be deemed to be 0.00% for the purposes of this Agreement.

 

LIBO Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars and for any Interest Period or for any ABR Borrowing, the LIBO Screen Rate at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period; provided that, if the LIBO Screen Rate shall not be available at such time for such Interest Period (an “Impacted LIBO Rate Interest Period”) with respect to Dollars then the LIBO Rate shall be the LIBO Interpolated Rate.

 

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LIBO Screen Rate” means, for any day and time, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars and for any Interest Period or for any ABR Borrowing, the London interbank offered rate as administered by ICE Benchmark Administration (or any other Person that takes over the administration of such rate) for Dollars for a period equal in length to such Interest Period as displayed on such day and time on pages LIBOR01 or LIBOR02 of the Reuters screen that displays such rate (or, in the event such rate does not appear on a Reuters page or screen, on any successor or substitute page on such screen that displays such rate, or on the appropriate page of such other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion); provided that if the LIBO Screen Rate as so determined would be less than 0.00%, such rate shall be deemed to be 0.00% for the purposes of this Agreement.

 

LIBOR” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 1.07.

 

Lien” means any mortgage, leasehold mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, lien, security interest, charge or other encumbrance or security arrangement of any nature whatsoever, whether voluntarily or involuntarily given, including any conditional sale or title retention arrangement, and any assignment, deposit arrangement or lease intended as, or having the effect of, security.

 

Limited Condition Transaction” means any Permitted Acquisition or other Investment permitted hereunder that the Company or one or more of its Subsidiaries is contractually committed to consummate (it being understood that such commitment may be subject to conditions precedent, which conditions precedent may be amended, satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms of the applicable agreement) and whose consummation is not conditioned on the availability of, or on obtaining, third party financing.

 

Loan Documents” means, collectively, this Agreement, the Collateral Documents, each promissory note issued pursuant to this Agreement, any Letter of Credit Agreement, the Loan Guaranty, any Incremental Term Loan Amendment, any Extension Agreement and each other agreement, fee letter, instrument, document and certificate identified in Section 4.01 executed and delivered to, or in favor of, the Administrative Agent or any Lender and including each other pledge, power of attorney, consent, assignment, contract, notice, letter of credit agreement, legal opinion issued in connection with the other Loan Documents, any agreement between the Company and any Swingline Lender regarding such Swingline Lender’s Swingline Lender Sublimit, any letter of credit application and any agreement between the Company and any Issuing Bank regarding such Issuing Bank’s Issuing Bank Sublimit or the respective rights and obligations between the Company and such Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance of Letters of Credit, and each other written matter whether heretofore, now or hereafter executed by or on behalf of any Loan Party, or any employee of any Loan Party, and delivered to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. Any reference in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to a Loan Document shall include all appendices, exhibits or schedules thereto, and all amendments, restatements, supplements or other modifications thereto, and shall refer to this Agreement or such Loan Document as the same may be in effect at any and all times such reference becomes operative.

 

Loan Guarantor” means each Loan Party.

 

Loan Guaranty” means Article X of this Agreement.

 

Loan Parties” means, collectively, the Borrowers and the Subsidiary Guarantors and their successors and assigns, and the term “Loan Party” means any one of them or all of them individually, as the context may require.

 

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Loans” means the loans and advances made by the Lenders to the Borrowers pursuant to this Agreement, including Swingline Loans.

 

Local Time” means (i) New York City time in the case of a Loan, Borrowing or LC Disbursement denominated in dollars and (ii) local time in the case of a Loan, Borrowing or LC Disbursement denominated in a Foreign Currency (it being understood that such local time shall mean London, England time unless otherwise notified by the Administrative Agent).

 

Margin Stock” means margin stock as defined in Regulation U, together with all official rulings and interpretations issued thereunder.

 

Material Adverse Effect” means any set of circumstances or events which (a) has or could reasonably be expected to have any material adverse effect whatsoever upon the validity or enforceability of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (b) is or could reasonably be expected to have any material adverse effect on the business, properties, assets, financial condition or results of operations of the Loan Parties taken as a whole, (c) impairs materially or could reasonably be expected to impair materially the ability of the Loan Parties to duly and punctually pay or perform their payment obligations under the Loan Documents, or (d) impairs materially or could reasonably be expected to impair materially the ability of the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders, to the extent permitted, to enforce their legal remedies pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

 

Material Domestic Subsidiaries” means each wholly-owned Domestic Subsidiary of the Company other than (a) (i) Subsidiaries which, as of the most recent fiscal quarter of the Company, for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters then ended, for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.11(a) or (b) (or, if prior to the date of the delivery of the first financial statements to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.11(a) or (b), the most recent financial statements referred to in Section 3.09(a)), contributed less than $1,000,000 of Consolidated EBITDA for such period or (ii) Subsidiaries which contributed less than $1,000,000 of Consolidated Total Assets as of such date, (b) any FSHCO, or (c) any Domestic Subsidiary that is a direct or indirect Subsidiary of a CFC.

 

Material Foreign Subsidiaries” means (a) each Foreign Subsidiary Borrower and (b) each wholly-owned Foreign Subsidiary of the Company other than (a) (i) Subsidiaries which, as of the most recent fiscal quarter of the Company, for the period of four consecutive fiscal quarters then ended, for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.11(a) or (b) (or, if prior to the date of the delivery of the first financial statements to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.11(a) or (b), the most recent financial statements referred to in Section 3.09(a)), contributed less than $1,000,000 of Consolidated EBITDA for such period or (ii) Subsidiaries which contributed less than $1,000,000 of Consolidated Total Assets as of such date.

 

Maximum Leverage Ratio” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.14.

 

Maximum Rate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.17.

 

Mexican Pesos” means the lawful currency of the Republic of Mexico.

 

Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and its successors.

 

Multiemployer Plan” means any employee benefit plan which is a “multiemployer plan” within the meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA and to which the Company or any member of the ERISA Group is then making or accruing an obligation to make contributions or, within the preceding five (5) Plan years, has made or had an obligation to make such contributions.

 

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Multiple Employer Plan” means a Plan which has two (2) or more contributing sponsors (including the Company or any member of the ERISA Group) at least two (2) of whom are not under common control, as such a plan is described in Sections 4063 and 4064 of ERISA.

 

Non-Consenting Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.02(c).

 

NYFRB” means the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

 

NYFRB Rate” means, for any day, the greater of (a) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day and (b) the Overnight Bank Funding Rate in effect on such day (or for any day that is not a Business Day, for the immediately preceding Business Day); provided that if none of such rates are published for any day that is a Business Day, the term “NYFRB Rate” means the rate for a federal funds transaction quoted at 11:00 a.m. on such day received by the Administrative Agent from a federal funds broker of recognized standing selected by it; provided, further, that if any of the aforesaid rates as so determined be less than 0.00%, such rate shall be deemed to be 0.00% for purposes of this Agreement.

 

NYFRB’s Websitemeans the website of the NYFRB at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source.

 

Obligated Party” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 10.02.

 

Obligations” means (i) all unpaid principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans, all LC Exposure, all accrued and unpaid fees and all expenses, reimbursements, indemnities and other obligations and indebtedness (including interest and fees accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding), obligations and liabilities of any of the Loan Parties to any of the Lenders, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or any indemnified party, individually or collectively, existing on the Effective Date or arising thereafter, direct or indirect, joint or several, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured, arising by contract, operation of law or otherwise, arising or incurred under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents or in respect of any of the Loans made or reimbursement or other obligations incurred or any of the Letters of Credit or other instruments at any time evidencing any thereof, (ii) all Banking Services Obligations and (iii) all Swap Agreement Obligations; provided that the definition of “Obligations” shall not create any guarantee by any Loan Guarantor of any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Loan Guarantor for purposes of determining any obligations of any Loan Guarantor.

 

OFAC” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury.

 

Other Benchmark Rate Election” means, with respect to any Loan denominated in Dollars, if the then-current Benchmark is the LIBO Rate, the occurrence of:

 

(a) a request by the Company to the Administrative Agent to notify each of the other parties hereto that, at the determination of the Company, Dollar-denominated syndicated credit facilities at such time contain (as a result of amendment or as originally executed), in lieu of a LIBOR-based rate, a term benchmark rate as a benchmark rate, and

 

(b) the Administrative Agent and the Company jointly elect to trigger a fallback from the LIBO Rate and the provision, as applicable, by the Administrative Agent of written notice of such election to the Company and the Lenders.

 

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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 Taxes (other than a connection 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, any Loan Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan, Letter of Credit, or any Loan Document).

 

Other Taxes” means all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document, except any such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 2.19).

 

Overnight Bank Funding Rate” means, for any day, the rate comprised of both overnight federal funds and overnight Eurodollar borrowings denominated in Dollars by U.S.-managed banking offices of depository institutions, as such composite rate shall be determined by the NYFRB as set forth on the NYFRB’s Website from time to time, and published on the next succeeding Business Day by the NYFRB as an overnight bank funding rate.

 

Overnight Rate” means, for any day, (a) with respect to any amount denominated in Dollars, the NYFRB Rate and (b) with respect to any amount denominated in a Foreign Currency, an overnight rate determined by the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Banks, as the case may be, in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

 

Parent” means, with respect to any Lender, any Person as to which such Lender is, directly or indirectly, a subsidiary.

 

Participant” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(c).

 

Participant Register” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(c).

 

Participating Member State” means any member state of the European Union that adopts or has adopted the euro as its lawful currency in accordance with legislation of the European Union relating to economic and monetary union.

 

Payment” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 8.06(c).

 

Payment in Full of all Obligations” means all Revolving Commitments shall have expired or been terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees, expenses and other amounts payable under any Loan Document and all other Obligations shall have been paid in full in cash (other than Banking Services Obligations, Specified Ancillary Obligations and contingent obligations with respect to which no claim has been asserted) and all Letters of Credit shall have expired or terminated (other than Letters of Credit as to which other arrangements with respect thereto satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuing Bank in their sole discretion shall have been made), in each case without any pending draw, and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed.

 

Payment Notice” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 8.06(c).

 

PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation established pursuant to Subtitle A of Title IV of ERISA or any successor.

 

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Permitted Acquisition” means the acquisition by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in one or a series of transactions, whether by purchase, lease or otherwise or by merger or consolidation, of (i) all or substantially all of the ownership interests of another Person or (ii) all or substantially all of the assets of another Person or of a business or division of another Person (each such transaction, an “Acquisition”); provided that each of the following requirements is met:

 

(a)            if the Person so acquired shall become a Material Domestic Subsidiary, such Person shall execute a Joinder Agreement and deliver such other documents required by Section 5.12 and join this Agreement as a Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to Section 5.12 before or within thirty (30) calendar days (or such longer period agreed to by the Administrative Agent) of such Acquisition (and without giving effect to any other grace periods provided therein);

 

(b)            such Acquisition is not a Hostile Acquisition;

 

(c)            the business or division acquired, or the business conducted by the Person whose ownership interests are being acquired, as applicable, is engaged in the same or similar line or lines of business (or a line of business reasonably related to the line of business) conducted by the Company and its Subsidiaries or businesses reasonably related thereto and shall comply with Section 6.10;

 

(d)            in the case of a merger or consolidation involving any Borrower or a Subsidiary, a Borrower or a Subsidiary is the surviving entity; provided that (i) any merger or consolidation involving the Company shall result in the Company as the surviving entity, (ii) subject to the immediately preceding clause (i), any merger or consolidation involving a Borrower shall result in a Borrower as the surviving entity, and (iii) any merger or consolidation involving a Loan Party other than a Borrower shall result in a Loan Party as the surviving entity; and

 

(e)            immediately prior to and after giving effect (including giving effect on a pro forma basis) to such Acquisition (including any Indebtedness incurred or assumed in connection therewith), (A) no Default or Event of Default exists or would result therefrom and (B) the Company is in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Section 6.14 (including after giving effect to any Acquisition Holiday) and Section 6.15.

 

Permitted Investments” means:

 

(a)            direct obligations of the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof or obligations backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America maturing in twelve (12) months or less from the date of acquisition;

 

(b)            readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state of the U.S. or any political subdivision of any such state or any public instrumentality thereof, in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof and having, at the time of the acquisition thereof, a rating of at least P-1 from Moody's or at least A-1 from S&P;

 

(c)            commercial paper maturing in one hundred eighty (180) days or less rated not lower than A-1, by S&P or P-1 by Moody’s on the date of acquisition;

 

(d)            demand deposits, time deposits or certificates of deposit maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof issued or guaranteed by or placed with, and money market deposit accounts issued or offered by, (i) a Lender or (ii) any domestic office of any commercial bank organized under the laws of the U.S. or any state thereof which has a combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500,000,000;

 

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(e)            variable rate demand notes having a minimum long-term credit rating of A2 or A, or the equivalent, using the lowest credit rating by Moody’s or S&P, or with a short-term credit rating of A-1/P-2 or A-2/P-1, or the equivalent, using the lowest credit rating by Moody’s or S&P (issues with only one short-term credit rating must have a minimum credit rating of A-1, P-1 or the equivalent);

 

(f)             money market funds that (i) comply with the criteria set forth in SEC Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, (ii) are rated AAA by S&P and Aaa by Moody's and (iii) have portfolio assets of at least $5,000,000,000; and

 

(g)            with respect to investments made by any Foreign Subsidiary, foreign investments substantially comparable to any of the foregoing in connection with the managing of cash of any such Foreign Subsidiary.

 

Permitted Liens” means any Liens created pursuant to any Loan Document and:

 

(a)            Liens for taxes, assessments, or similar charges, incurred in the ordinary course of business and which are not yet delinquent;

 

(b)            pledges or deposits made in the ordinary course of business to secure payment of workmen’s compensation, or to participate in any fund in connection with workmen’s compensation, unemployment insurance, old-age pensions or other social security programs;

 

(c)            Liens of mechanics, materialmen, warehousemen, carriers, or other like Liens, securing obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business that are not overdue for a period of more than 30 days and Liens of landlords securing obligations to pay lease payments that are not overdue for a period of more than 30 days;

 

(d)            good-faith pledges or deposits made in the ordinary course of business to secure performance of bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the repayment of borrowed money) or leases, not in excess of the aggregate amount due thereunder, or to secure statutory obligations, or surety, appeal, indemnity, performance or other similar bonds required in the ordinary course of business;

 

(e)            encumbrances consisting of zoning restrictions, easements or other restrictions on the use of real property arising in the ordinary course of business that do not secure monetary obligations, none of which materially impairs the use of such property or the value thereof, and none of which is violated in any material respect by existing or proposed structures or land use;

 

(f)             Liens on property leased by any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any Loan Party under capital and operating leases securing obligations of such Loan Party or Subsidiary to the lessor under such leases;

 

(g)            any Lien existing on the date of this Agreement and described on Schedule 1.01(B), and any modifications, replacements, renewals or extensions thereof provided that the principal amount of the obligation secured thereby is not hereafter increased, and no additional assets become subject to such Lien (other than the addition of proceeds, products, accessions and improvements to such property on customary terms);

 

(h)            Purchase Money Security Interests, and any modifications, replacements, renewals or extensions thereof provided that the aggregate amount of loans and deferred payments secured by such Purchase Money Security Interests shall not exceed the amount set forth in Section 6.01(c) hereof (excluding for the purpose of this computation any loans or deferred payments secured by Liens described on Schedule 1.01(B));

 

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(i)             the following, (A) if the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate and lawful proceedings diligently conducted so long as levy and execution thereon have been stayed and continue to be stayed or (B) if a final judgment is entered such judgment does not constitute an Event of Default under clause (f) of Article VII:

 

(i)            claims or Liens for taxes, assessments or charges due and payable and subject to interest or penalty, provided that the applicable Loan Party maintains such reserves or other appropriate provisions as shall be required by GAAP and pays all such taxes, assessments or charges forthwith upon the commencement of proceedings to foreclose any such Lien;

 

(ii)            claims, Liens or encumbrances upon, and defects of title to, real or personal property, including any attachment of personal or real property or other legal process prior to adjudication of a dispute on the merits;

 

(iii)           claims or Liens of mechanics, materialmen, warehousemen, carriers, or other statutory nonconsensual Liens; or

 

(iv)           Liens resulting from final judgments or orders that do not constitute an Event of Default under clause (f) of Article VII;

 

(j)             Liens attaching to earnest money deposits (or equivalent deposits otherwise named) made in connection with proposed Acquisitions that would be Permitted Acquisitions or other Investments that would be permitted under Section 6.04;

 

(k)            Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities which secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods in the ordinary course of business;

 

(l)             Liens (i) arising solely by virtue of any contractual, statutory or common law provision relating to banker’s liens, rights of set-off or similar rights relating to the establishment of depository relationships with banks and not granted in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness or other obligations, and (ii) of a collecting bank arising in the ordinary course of business under Section 4-210 of the UCC in effect in the relevant jurisdiction covering only the items being collected upon;

 

(m)           Liens representing any interest or title of any (A) licensor, sublicensor, lessor or sublessor and where a Loan Party or any Subsidiary thereof is a licensee, sublicensee, lessee or sublessee or (B) lessee, sublessee, licensee or sublicensee, in the case of clauses (A) and (B) under any lease, sublease, license or sublicense not prohibited by the terms of this Agreement and entered in to in the ordinary course of business, in each case to the extent any such Lien relates to the property being leased or licensed and so long as, in the case of Liens under clause (B), all such leases, subleases, licenses and sublicenses do not individually or in the aggregate (1) interfere in any material respect with the ordinary conduct of the business of any Loan Party or (2) materially impair the use (for its intended purposes) or the value of the property subject thereto;

 

(n)            Liens on assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries not otherwise permitted above so long as the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Indebtedness and other obligations subject to such Liens does not at any time exceed $30,000,000;

 

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(o)            Liens securing judgments for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default under clause (f) of Article VII or securing appeal or other surety bonds related to such judgments;

 

(p)            Liens on property of a Person existing at the time such Person is acquired, merged into or consolidated with any Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Company or becomes a Subsidiary of any Borrower or on any property acquired, in each case, in connection with any Permitted Acquisition; provided that such Liens were not created in contemplation of such Permitted Acquisition and do not extend to any assets other than those of the Person acquired, merged into or consolidated with such Borrower or such Subsidiary or acquired by such Borrower or such Subsidiary and the obligations secured thereby are permitted under Section 6.01(j);

 

(q)            (i) Liens created by any Loan Party in favor of any other Loan Party and (ii) Liens created by any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in favor of the Company or any other Subsidiary;

 

(r)             Liens of reclaiming sellers of goods to the Company and any of its Subsidiaries arising under Article 2 of the UCC in the ordinary course of business, covering only the good sold and securing only the unpaid purchase price for such good and related expenses in connection with transactions permitted or not prohibited hereby; and

 

(s)            Liens securing the Obligations.

 

Person” means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.

 

Plan” means at any time an employee pension benefit plan (including a Multiple Employer Plan, but not a Multiemployer Plan or Foreign Plan) which is covered by Title IV of ERISA or is subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code and either (i) is maintained by any member of the ERISA Group for employees of any member of the ERISA Group or (ii) has at any time within the preceding five years been maintained by any entity which was at such time a member of the ERISA Group for employees of any entity which was at such time a member of the ERISA Group.

 

Plan Asset Regulations” means 29 CFR § 2510.3-101 et seq., as modified by Section 3(42) of ERISA.

 

Pledge Agreement” means that certain Amended and Restated Pledge Agreement (including any and all supplements thereto), dated as of the Effective Date, among the applicable Loan Parties and the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, as the same may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time.

 

PNC Bank” means PNC Bank, National Association, in its individual capacity, and its successors.

 

Pounds Sterling” means the lawful currency of the United Kingdom.

 

Prime Rate” means the rate of interest last quoted by The Wall Street Journal as the “Prime Rate” in the U.S. or, if The Wall Street Journal ceases to quote such rate, the highest per annum interest rate published by the Board in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) (Selected Interest Rates) as the “bank prime loan” rate or, if such rate is no longer quoted therein, any similar rate quoted therein (as determined by the Administrative Agent) or any similar release by the Board (as determined by the Administrative Agent). Each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective from and including the date such change is publicly announced or quoted as being effective.

 

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Proceeding” means any claim, litigation, investigation, action, suit, arbitration or administrative, judicial or regulatory action or proceeding in any jurisdiction.

 

Prohibited Transaction” means any prohibited transaction as defined in Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA for which neither an individual nor a class exemption has been issued by the United States Department of Labor.

 

Property” means all real property, both owned and leased, of any Loan Party or Subsidiary of a Loan Party.

 

PTE” means a prohibited transaction class exemption issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, as any such exemption may be amended from time to time.

 

Purchase Money Security Interest” means Liens upon real or tangible personal property securing loans to any Loan Party or Subsidiary of a Loan Party or deferred payments by such Loan Party or Subsidiary for the purchase of such real or tangible personal property.

 

QFC” has the meaning assigned to the term “qualified financial contract” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. 5390(c)(8)(D).

 

QFC Credit Support” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.23.

 

Qualified ECP Guarantor” means, in respect of any Swap Obligation, each Loan Party that has total assets exceeding $10,000,000 at the time the relevant Loan Guaranty becomes or would become effective with respect to such Swap Obligation or such other person as constitutes an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder and can cause another person to qualify as an “eligible contract participant” at such time by entering into a keepwell under Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

Recipient” means, as applicable, (a) the Administrative Agent, (b) any Lender and (c) any Issuing Bank, or any combination thereof (as the context requires).

 

Reference Time” with respect to any setting of the then-current Benchmark means (1) if such Benchmark is LIBO Rate, 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the day that is two London banking days preceding the date of such setting, (2) if such Benchmark is EURIBOR Rate, 11:00 a.m. Brussels time two TARGET Days preceding the date of such setting, (3) if such Benchmark is TIBOR Rate, 11:00 a.m. Japan time two Business Days preceding the date of such setting, (4) if the RFR for such Benchmark is SONIA, then 4 Business Days prior to such setting, or (5) if such Benchmark is none of the LIBO Rate, the EURIBOR Rate, the TIBOR Rate or SONIA, the time determined by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion.

 

Register” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(b).

 

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Regulated Substances” means, without limitation, any substance, material or waste, regardless of its form or nature, defined under Environmental Laws as a “hazardous substance,” “pollutant,” “pollution,” “contaminant,” “hazardous or toxic substance,” “extremely hazardous substance,” “toxic chemical,” “toxic substance,” “toxic waste,” “hazardous waste,” “special handling waste,” “industrial waste,” “residual waste,” “solid waste,” “municipal waste,” “mixed waste,” “infectious waste,” “chemotherapeutic waste,” “medical waste,” “pesticide” or “regulated substance” or any other substance, material or waste, regardless of its form or nature, which is regulated, controlled or governed by Environmental Laws due to its radioactive, ignitable, corrosive, reactive, explosive, toxic, carcinogenic or infectious properties or nature or any other material, substance or waste, regardless of its form or nature, which otherwise is regulated, controlled or governed by, or could give rise to liability under, Environmental Laws, including petroleum and petroleum products (including crude oil and any fractions thereof), natural gas, synthetic gas and any mixtures thereof, asbestos, urea formaldehyde, polychlorinated biphenyls, mercury, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, radon and radioactive materials.

 

Regulation U” means Regulation U, T or X as promulgated by the Board, as amended from time to time.

 

Related Parties” means, with respect to any specified Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the respective directors, officers, partners, members, trustees, employees, agents, administrators, managers, representatives and advisors of such Person and such Person’s Affiliates.

 

Relevant Governmental Body” means (i) with respect to a Benchmark Replacement in respect of Loans denominated in Dollars, the Board and/or the NYFRB, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Board and/or the NYFRB or, in each case, any successor thereto, (ii) with respect to a Benchmark Replacement in respect of Loans denominated in Pounds Sterling, the Bank of England, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Bank of England or, in each case, any successor thereto, (iii) with respect to a Benchmark Replacement in respect of Loans denominated in euros, the European Central Bank, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the European Central Bank or, in each case, any successor thereto, (iv) with respect to a Benchmark Replacement in respect of Loans denominated in Japanese Yen, the Bank of Japan, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Bank of Japan or, in each case, any successor thereto, and (v) with respect to a Benchmark Replacement in respect of Loans denominated in any other currency, (a) the central bank for the currency in which such Benchmark Replacement is denominated or any central bank or other supervisor which is responsible for supervising either (1) such Benchmark Replacement or (2) the administrator of such Benchmark Replacement or (b) any working group or committee officially endorsed or convened by (1) the central bank for the currency in which such Benchmark Replacement is denominated, (2) any central bank or other supervisor that is responsible for supervising either (A) such Benchmark Replacement or (B) the administrator of such Benchmark Replacement, (3) a group of those central banks or other supervisors or (4) the Financial Stability Board or any part thereof.

 

Relevant Rate” means (i) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars, the LIBO Rate, (ii) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in euros, the EURIBOR Rate, (iii) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Japanese Yen, the TIBOR Rate, (iv) with respect to any Borrowing denominated in Pounds Sterling, the applicable Daily Simple RFR, (v) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Canadian Dollars, the CDOR Rate, or (vi) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Mexican Pesos, the TIIE Rate, as applicable.

 

Relevant Screen Rate” means (i) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars, the LIBO Screen Rate, (ii) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in euros, the EURIBOR Screen Rate, (iii) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Japanese Yen, the TIBOR Screen Rate, (iv) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Canadian Dollars, the CDOR Screen Rate or (v) with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Mexican Pesos, the TIIE Screen Rate, as applicable.

 

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Remedial Action” means any investigation, identification, preliminary assessment, characterization, delineation, feasibility study, cleanup, corrective action, removal, remediation, risk assessment, fate and transport analysis, in situ treatment, containment, monitoring, operation and maintenance or management in-place, control or abatement of or other response actions to Regulated Substances and any closure or post-closure measures associated therewith.

 

Reportable Event” means a reportable event described in Section 4043 of ERISA and regulations thereunder with respect to a Plan or a Multiemployer Plan.

 

Required Lenders” means, at any time, Lenders (other than Defaulting Lenders) having Revolving Exposures and unused Revolving Commitments representing more than 50% of the sum of the Aggregate Revolving Exposure and unused Revolving Commitments at such time; provided that, for purposes of declaring the Loans to be due and payable pursuant to Article VII, and for all purposes after the Loans become due and payable pursuant to Article VII or the Revolving Commitments expire or terminate, then, as to each Lender, clause (a) of the definition of Swingline Exposure shall only be applicable for purposes of determining its Revolving Exposure to the extent such Lender shall have funded its participation in the outstanding Swingline Loans.

 

Requirement of Law” means, with respect to any Person, (a) the charter, articles or certificate of organization or incorporation and bylaws or operating, management or partnership agreement, or other organizational or governing documents of such Person and (b) any statute, law (including common law), treaty, rule, regulation, code, ordinance, order, decree, writ, judgment, injunction or determination of any arbitrator or court or other Governmental Authority (including Environmental Laws), in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject.

 

Resolution Authority” means an EEA Resolution Authority or, with respect to any UK Financial Institution, a UK Resolution Authority.

 

Responsible Officer” means any executive officer or director of any Loan Party, including without limitation, any Financial Officer.

 

Restricted Payment” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.05.

 

Reuters” means, as applicable, Thomson Reuters Corp., Refinitiv, or any successor thereto.

 

Revaluation Date” shall mean (a) with respect to any Loan denominated in any Foreign Currency, each of the following: (i) the date of the Borrowing of such Loan and (ii) each date of a conversion into or continuation of such Loan pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; (b) with respect to any Letter of Credit denominated in a Foreign Currency, each of the following: (i) the date on which such Letter of Credit is issued, (ii) the first Business Day of each calendar month and (iii) the date of any amendment of such Letter of Credit that has the effect of increasing the face amount thereof; and (c) any additional date as the Administrative Agent may determine at any time when an Event of Default exists.

 

Revolving Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment, if any, of such Lender to make Revolving Loans and to acquire participations in Letters of Credit and Swingline Loans hereunder, expressed as an amount representing the maximum aggregate permitted amount of such Lender’s Revolving Exposure hereunder, as such commitment may be reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to (a) Section 2.09 and (b) assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04. The initial amount of each Lender’s Revolving Commitment is set forth on the Commitment Schedule, or in the applicable documentation or record (as such term is defined in Section 9-102(a)(70) of the UCC) contemplated hereby pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Revolving Commitment pursuant to the terms hereof, as applicable. The aggregate amount of the Lenders’ Revolving Commitments as of the Effective Date is $600,000,000.

 

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Revolving Credit Maturity Date” means September 14, 2026 (if the same is a Business Day, or if not then the immediately next succeeding Business Day), or any earlier date on which the Revolving Commitments are reduced to zero or otherwise terminated pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

Revolving Credit Maturity Date Extension Request” means a request by the Company, in the form of Exhibit B hereto or such other form as shall be approved by the Administrative Agent, for the extension of the Revolving Credit Maturity Date pursuant to Section 2.23.

 

Revolving Exposure” means, with respect to any Lender, at any time, the sum of the aggregate outstanding principal Dollar Equivalent of such Lender’s Revolving Loans and its LC Exposure and its Swingline Exposure at such time.

 

Revolving Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.01.

 

RFR” means, for any RFR Loan denominated in Pounds Sterling, SONIA. All RFR Loans shall be denominated in Pounds Sterling.

 

RFR Borrowing” means, as to any Borrowing, the RFR Loans comprising such Borrowing.

 

RFR Business Day” means, for any Loan denominated in Pounds Sterling, any day except for (i) a Saturday, (ii) a Sunday or (iii) a day on which banks are closed for general business in London.

 

RFR Interest Day” has the meaning specified in the definition of “Daily Simple RFR”.

 

RFR Loan” means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on Daily Simple RFR.

 

RSC” means RSC Insurance Services Ltd., a Bermuda company and its successors and assigns.

 

S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, a Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC business, and its successors.

 

Safety Complaints” means any (i) notice of non-compliance or violation, citation or order relating in any way to any Safety Law; (ii) civil, criminal, administrative or regulatory investigation instituted by a Governmental Authority relating in any way to any Safety Law; (iii) administrative, regulatory or judicial action, suit, claim or proceeding instituted by any Person or Governmental Authority or any written notice of liability or potential liability from any Person or Governmental Authority, in either instance, setting forth allegations relating to or a cause of action for civil or administrative penalties, criminal fines or penalties, or declaratory or equitable relief arising under any Safety Laws; or (iv) subpoena, request for information or other written notice or demand of any type issued by a Governmental Authority pursuant to any Safety Laws.

 

Safety Filings and Records” means all notices, reports, records, plans, applications, forms, logs, programs, manuals or other filings or documents relating or pertaining to compliance with Safety Laws, including employee safety in the workplace, employee injuries or fatalities, employee training, or the protection of employees from exposure to Regulated Substances which pursuant to Safety Laws or at the direction or order of any Governmental Authority, the Loan Parties or any Subsidiaries of any Loan Party either must submit to a Governmental Authority or otherwise must maintain in their records.

 

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Safety Laws” means the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 29 U.S.C. § 651 et seq., as amended, and any regulations promulgated thereunder or any equivalent foreign, federal, state or local Requirements of Law, each as amended, and any regulations promulgated thereunder or any other foreign, federal, state or local Requirements of Law, each as amended, and any regulations promulgated thereunder, pertaining or relating to the protection of employees from exposure to Regulated Substances in the workplace (but excluding workers compensation and wage and hour laws).

 

Sanctioned Country” means, at any time, a country, region or territory which is itself the subject or target of any Sanctions (at the time of this Agreement, Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea and Syria).

 

Sanctioned Person” means, at any time, (a) any Person listed in any Sanctions-related list of designated Persons maintained by OFAC, the U.S. Department of State or by the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, any European Union member state, Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom or other relevant sanctions authority, (b) any Person operating, organized or resident in a Sanctioned Country, (c) any Person 50% or more owned in the aggregate or controlled by any such Person or Persons described in the foregoing clauses (a) or (b), or (d) any Person otherwise the subject of any Sanctions.

 

Sanctions” means all economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by (a) the U.S. government, including those administered by OFAC or the U.S. Department of State, or (b) the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, any European Union member state or Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom or other relevant sanctions authority.

 

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

 

Secured Parties” means the holders of the Obligations from time to time and shall include (i) each Lender and each Issuing Bank in respect of its Loans and LC Exposure respectively, (ii) the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders in respect of all other present and future obligations and liabilities of each Borrower and each Subsidiary of every type and description arising under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (iii) each Lender and Affiliate of such Lender in respect of Swap Agreement Obligations and Banking Services Obligations owing to such Person by any Borrower or any Subsidiary, (iv) each indemnified party under Section 9.03 in respect of the obligations and liabilities of the Borrowers to such Person hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, and (v) their respective successors and permitted transferees and assigns.

 

Senior Notes” means, collectively, the $400,000,000 in principal amount 3.875% senior secured notes due 2029 of the Company issued on or about the Effective Date pursuant to the Senior Notes Agreement and any additional notes issued thereunder from time to time.

 

Senior Notes Agent” means Truist Bank in its capacity as trustee and collateral agent for the holders of the Senior Notes, and each of its successors in such capacities.

 

Senior Notes Agreement” means that certain Indenture, dated as of the Effective Date, by and among the Senior Notes Agent and the Loan Parties party thereto relating to the Senior Notes.

 

Senior Notes Documents” means, collectively, the Senior Notes Agreement and the Senior Notes.

 

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Significant Subsidiary” means a “significant subsidiary” (as defined in Regulation S-X of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as interpreted by the SEC) of the Company.

 

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.

 

SOFR Administrator” means the NYFRB (or a successor administrator of the secured overnight financing rate).

 

SOFR Administrator’s Website” means the NYFRB’s Website, at the date of this Agreement 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.

 

Solvent” means, with respect to any Person on a particular date, that on such date (i) the fair value of the property of such Person is greater than the total amount of liabilities, including, without limitation, contingent and subordinated liabilities, of such Person, (ii) the present fair saleable value of the assets of such Person is not less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person on its debts as they become absolute and matured, (iii) such Person is able to generally pay its debts and other liabilities, contingent obligations and other commitments as they mature in the normal course of business, (iv) such Person does not intend to, and does not believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond such Person’s ability to pay as such debts and liabilities mature, and (v) such Person is not engaged in business or a transaction, and is not about to engage in business or a transaction, for which such Person’s property would constitute unreasonably small capital after giving due consideration to the prevailing practice in the industry in which such Person is engaged. In computing the amount of contingent liabilities at any time, it is intended that such liabilities will be computed at the amount which, in light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

 

SONIA” means, with respect to any Business Day, a rate per annum equal to the Sterling Overnight Index Average for such Business Day published by the SONIA Administrator on the SONIA Administrator’s Website on the immediately succeeding Business Day.

 

SONIA Administrator” means the Bank of England (or any successor administrator of the Sterling Overnight Index Average).

 

SONIA Administrator’s Website” means the Bank of England’s website, currently at http://www.bankofengland.co.uk, or any successor source for the Sterling Overnight Index Average identified as such by the SONIA Administrator from time to time.

 

Specified Ancillary Obligations” means, with respect to any Borrower, (a) all Obligations of the other Borrowers and (b) all obligations and liabilities (including interest and fees accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding) of any of the Subsidiaries, existing on the Effective Date or arising thereafter, direct or indirect, joint or several, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, secured or unsecured, arising by contract, operation of law or otherwise, to the Lenders or any of their Affiliates in respect of any Swap Agreement Obligations or any Banking Services Obligations; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the definition of “Specified Ancillary Obligations” shall not create or include any guarantee by any Borrower of (or grant of security interest by any Borrower to support, as applicable) any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Borrower for purposes of determining any obligations of such Borrower.

 

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Specified Representations” means those representations and warranties made in Sections 3.01 (a) (with respect to the Loan Parties only), 3.04, 3.05, 3.06(a)(i), 3.10, 3.18, 3.23 (the last sentence thereof only), 3.24 and 3.26 (subject to customary “funds certain” limitations).

 

Specified Share Repurchase Program” means the publicly disclosed share repurchase program or authorization approved by the Board of Directors of the Company that permits the Company to purchase shares of its common stock from time to time (which may be effected through tender offers or open-market, privately negotiated or accelerated share repurchase transactions, or otherwise), as such program or authorization may be extended or increased from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

Statement” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.18(g).

 

Statutory Reserve Rate” means a fraction (expressed as a decimal), the numerator of which is the number one and the denominator of which is the number one minus the aggregate of the maximum reserve percentage (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves) expressed as a decimal established by the Board to which the Administrative Agent is subject with respect to the Adjusted LIBO Rate, Adjusted EURIBOR Rate or Adjusted TIBOR Rate, as applicable, for eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “Eurocurrency liabilities” in Regulation D of the Board) or any other reserve ratio or analogous requirement of any central banking or financial regulatory authority imposed in respect of the maintenance of the Revolving Commitments or the funding of the Loans. Such reserve percentage shall include those imposed pursuant to Regulation D of the Board. Term Benchmark Loans shall be deemed to constitute eurocurrency funding and to be subject to such reserve requirements without benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets that may be available from time to time to any Lender under Regulation D of the Board or any comparable regulation. The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in any reserve percentage.

 

Subordinated Indebtedness” of a Person means any Indebtedness of such Person, the payment of which is subordinated to payment of the Obligations to the written reasonable satisfaction of the Administrative Agent.

 

Subsidiary” of any Person at any time means (i) any corporation or trust of which fifty percent (50%) or more (by number of shares or number of votes) of the outstanding capital stock or shares of beneficial interest normally entitled to vote for the election of one or more directors or trustees (regardless of any contingency which does or may suspend or dilute the voting rights) is at such time owned directly or indirectly by such Person or one or more of such Person’s Subsidiaries, (ii) any partnership of which such Person is a general partner or of which fifty percent (50%) or more of the partnership interests are at the time directly or indirectly owned by such Person or one or more of such Person’s Subsidiaries, (iii) any limited liability company of which such Person is a member or of which fifty percent (50%) or more of the limited liability company interests are at the time directly or indirectly owned by such Person or one or more of such Person’s Subsidiaries or (iv) any corporation, trust, partnership, limited liability company or other entity which is controlled or capable of being controlled by such Person or one or more of such Person’s Subsidiaries. Unless otherwise set forth in any Loan Document, any reference to a “Subsidiary” in the Loan Documents shall mean a Subsidiary of the Company.

 

Subsidiary Guarantor” means the Company’s Material Domestic Subsidiaries party hereto as Subsidiary Guarantors as of the Effective Date and any other Material Domestic Subsidiary that becomes a party to this Agreement pursuant to a Joinder Agreement.

 

Supported QFC” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.23.

 

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Swap Agreement” means any agreement with respect to any swap, forward, spot, future, credit default or derivative transaction or option or similar agreement involving, or settled by reference to, one or more rates, currencies, commodities, equity or debt instruments or securities, or economic, financial or pricing indices or measures of economic, financial or pricing risk or value or any similar transaction or any combination of these transactions; provided that no phantom stock or similar plan providing for payments only on account of services provided by current or former directors, officers, employees or consultants of the Company or the Subsidiaries shall be a Swap Agreement.

 

Swap Agreement Obligations” means any and all obligations of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, whether absolute or contingent and howsoever and whensoever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor), under (a) any Swap Agreement permitted hereunder with a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender, and (b) any cancellations, buy backs, reversals, terminations or assignments of any Swap Agreement transaction permitted hereunder with a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender.

 

Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Loan Guarantor, any obligation to pay or perform under any agreement, contract or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act or any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

Swingline Exposure” means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans outstanding at such time. The Swingline Exposure of any Lender at any time shall be the sum of (a) its Applicable Percentage of the total Swingline Exposure at such time other than with respect to any Swingline Loans made by such Lender in its capacity as a Swingline Lender and (b) the aggregate principal amount of all Swingline Loans made by such Lender in its capacity as a Swingline Lender outstanding at such time (less the amount of participations funded by the other Lenders in such Swingline Loans).

 

Swingline Lender Sublimit” means, as of the Effective Date, (i) $20,000,000, in the case of Chase, (ii) $20,000,000, in the case of PNC Bank, and (iii) in the case of any other Swingline Lender, such amount as shall be designated to the Administrative Agent and the Company in writing by such Swingline Lender; provided that any Swingline Lender shall be permitted at any time to increase or reduce its Swingline Lender Sublimit upon providing five (5) days’ prior written notice thereof to the Administrative Agent and the Company; provided further that any decrease in the Swingline Lender Sublimit of any Swingline Lender to an amount less than such Swingline Lender’s Swingline Lender Sublimit as of the Effective Date (or such later date as such Person shall have initially become a Swingline Lender hereunder), shall require the consent of the Company, the Administrative Agent and such Swingline Lender.

 

Swingline Lenders” means each of Chase and PNC Bank, each in their capacity as a lender of Swingline Loans hereunder. Any consent required of the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Banks shall be deemed to be required of the Swingline Lenders and any consent given by Chase in its capacity as Administrative Agent or an Issuing Bank shall be deemed given by Chase in its capacity as a Swingline Lender as well and any consent given by PNC Bank in its capacity as an Issuing Bank shall be deemed given by PNC Bank in its capacity as a Swingline Lender as well.

 

Swingline Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to Section 2.05.

 

TARGET2” means the Trans-European Automated Real-time Gross Settlement Express Transfer payment system which utilizes a single shared platform and which was launched on November 19, 2007.

 

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TARGET Day” means any day on which TARGET2 (or, if such payment system ceases to be operative, such other payment system, if any, determined by the Administrative Agent to be a suitable replacement) is open for the settlement of payments in euro.

 

Taxes” means any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), value added taxes, or any other goods and services, use or sales taxes, assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.

 

Tax Confirmation” means, in respect of a UK Borrower, a confirmation by a Recipient that the person beneficially entitled to interest payable to that Recipient in respect of a Loan is either (i) a company resident in the United Kingdom for United Kingdom tax purposes; or (ii) a partnership each member of which is (x) a company so resident in the United Kingdom, or (y) a company not so resident in the United Kingdom which carries on a trade in the United Kingdom through a permanent establishment and which brings into account in computing its chargeable profits (within the meaning of section 19 of the Corporation Tax Act 2009) the whole of any share of interest payable in respect of that advance that falls to it by reason of Part 17 of the Corporation Tax Act 2009; or (iii) a company not so resident in the United Kingdom which carries on a trade in the United Kingdom through a permanent establishment and which brings into account interest payable in respect of that advance in computing the chargeable profits (within the meaning of section 19 of the Corporation Tax Act 2009) of that company.

 

Term Benchmark” when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate, the Adjusted EURIBOR Rate, the CDOR Rate, the TIIE Rate or the Adjusted TIBOR Rate.

 

Term Benchmark Payment Office” of the Administrative Agent shall mean, for each Foreign Currency, the office, branch, affiliate or correspondent bank of the Administrative Agent for such currency as specified from time to time by the Administrative Agent to the Company and each Lender.

 

Term SOFRmeans, 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 Administrative Agent to the Lenders and the Company of the occurrence of a Term SOFR Transition Event.

 

Term SOFR Transition Event” means the determination by the Administrative Agent that (a) Term SOFR has been recommended for use by the Relevant Governmental Body, (b) the administration of Term SOFR is administratively feasible for the Administrative Agent and (c) a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable (and, for the avoidance of doubt, not in the case of an Other Benchmark Rate Election), has previously occurred resulting in a Benchmark Replacement in accordance with Section 2.14 that is not Term SOFR.

 

TIBOR Interpolated Rate” means, at any time, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Japanese Yen and for any Interest Period, the rate per annum (rounded to the same number of decimal places as the TIBOR Screen Rate) determined by the Administrative Agent (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) to be equal to the rate that results from interpolating on a linear basis between: (a) the TIBOR Screen Rate for the longest period (for which the TIBOR Screen Rate is available) that is shorter than the Impacted TIBOR Rate Interest Period; and (b) the TIBOR Screen Rate for the shortest period (for which the TIBOR Screen Rate is available) that exceeds the Impacted TIBOR Rate Interest Period, in each case, at such time; provided that, if any TIBOR Interpolated Rate shall be less than 0.00%, such rate shall be deemed to be 0.00% for the purposes of this Agreement.

 

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TIBOR Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Japanese Yen and for any Interest Period, the TIBOR Screen Rate at approximately 11:00 a.m., Japan time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period; provided that, if the TIBOR Screen Rate shall not be available at such time for such Interest Period (an “Impacted TIBOR Rate Interest Period”) with respect to Japanese Yen then the TIBOR Rate shall be the TIBOR Interpolated Rate.

 

TIBOR Screen Rate” means, for any day and time, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Japanese Yen and for any Interest Period, the Tokyo interbank offered rate administered by the Ippan Shadan Hojin JBA TIBOR Administration (or any other Person which takes over the administration of that rate) for Japanese Yen for the relevant Interest Period displayed on such day and time on page DTIBOR01 of the Reuters screen (or, in the event such rate does not appear on such Reuters page or screen, on any successor or substitute page on such screen that displays such rate, or on the appropriate page of such other information service that publishes such rate as selected by the Administrative Agent from time to time in its reasonable discretion). If the TIBOR Screen Rate shall be less than 0.00%, the TIBOR Screen Rate shall be deemed to be 0.00% for purposes of this Agreement.

 

TIIE Interpolated Rate” means, at any time, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Mexican Pesos and for any Interest Period, the rate per annum (rounded to the same number of decimal places as the TIIE Screen Rate) determined by the Administrative Agent (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) to be equal to the rate that results from interpolating on a linear basis between: (a) the TIIE Screen Rate for the longest period (for which the TIIE Screen Rate is available) that is shorter than the Impacted TIIE Rate Interest Period; and (b) the TIIE Screen Rate for the shortest period (for which the TIIE Screen Rate is available) that exceeds the Impacted TIIE Rate Interest Period, in each case, at such time; provided that, if any TIIE Interpolated Rate shall be less than 0.00%, such rate shall be deemed to be 0.00% for the purposes of this Agreement.

 

TIIE Rate” means, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Mexican Pesos and for any Interest Period, the TIIE Screen Rate at approximately 11:00 a.m., Mexico City, Mexico time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period; provided that, if the TIIE Screen Rate shall not be available at such time for such Interest Period (an “Impacted TIIE Rate Interest Period”), then the TIIE Rate shall be the TIIE Interpolated Rate.

 

TIIE Screen Rate” means, for any day and time, with respect to any Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Mexican Pesos and for any Interest Period, the Equilibrium Interbank Rate as published by Banco de Mexico in the Federation’s Official Gazette for Mexican Pesos on such day and time with a tenor equal to such Interest Period (or, in the event such rate does not appear in such Official Gazette, any other rate determined by the Administrative Agent to be a similar rate published by Banco de Mexico, or on the appropriate page of such other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Administrative Agent in its reasonable discretion). For the avoidance of doubt, if the TIIE Screen Rate shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero for purposes of this Agreement.

 

Transactions” means the execution, delivery and performance by the Loan Parties of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, the borrowing of Loans and other credit extensions, the use of the proceeds thereof and the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder.

 

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Type”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether the rate of interest on such Loan, or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate, the Adjusted EURIBOR Rate, the Adjusted TIBOR Rate, the CDOR Rate, the TIIE Rate, the Canadian Prime Rate, the Alternate Base Rate, the Central Bank Rate or the Daily Simple RFR.

 

UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in the State of New York or in any other state, the laws of which are required to be applied in connection with the issue of perfection of security interests.

 

UK Borrower” means any Borrower (i) that is organized or formed under the laws of the United Kingdom or (ii) payments from which under this Agreement or any other Loan Document are subject to withholding Taxes imposed by the laws of the United Kingdom.

 

UK Financial Institutions” means any BRRD Undertaking (as such term is defined under the PRA Rulebook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Prudential Regulation Authority) or any person falling within IFPRU 11.6 of the FCA Handbook (as amended from time to time) promulgated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, which includes certain credit institutions and investment firms, and certain affiliates of such credit institutions or investment firms.

 

UK Qualifying Lender” means, in relation to any UK Borrower, a Lender which is beneficially entitled to interest payable to that Lender in respect of a Loan and:

 

(a)            where the interest is paid on a Loan made under a Loan Document by a person that was a bank (as defined for the purposes of section 879 of Income Tax Act 2007) at the time that that Loan was made, is at the due date for payment of the interest either within the charge to UK corporation tax as respects that interest payment or is a bank which would be within the charge to UK corporation tax as respects that interest payment apart from section 18A of Corporation Tax Act 2009;

 

(b)            is a company which is resident in the UK for UK tax purposes;

 

(c)            is a partnership each member of which is (A) a company so resident in the UK, or (B) a company not so resident in the UK which carries on a trade in the UK through a permanent establishment and which brings into account in computing its chargeable profits (within the meaning of section 19 of Corporation Tax Act 2009) the whole of any share of interest payable in respect of that Loan that falls to it by reason of Part 17 of Corporation Tax Act 2009;

 

(d)            is a company which is not resident in the UK but which carries on a trade in the UK through a permanent establishment and which brings into account interest payable in respect of that Loan in computing the chargeable profits (within the meaning of section 19 of Corporation Tax Act 2009) of that company; or

 

(e)            is a UK Treaty Lender.

 

UK Resolution Authoritymeans the Bank of England or any other public administrative authority having responsibility for the resolution of any UK Financial Institution.

 

UK Treaty” means a double taxation agreement between the United Kingdom and another jurisdiction.

 

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UK Treaty Lender” means any Recipient which:

 

(a)            is treated as a resident of a UK Treaty State for the purposes of the UK Treaty;

 

(b)            does not carry on a business in the United Kingdom through a permanent establishment with which that Recipient’s participation under the relevant Loan Document in relation to any Borrower that is a UK Person is effectively connected; and

 

(c)            meets all other conditions in the UK Treaty which relate to that Recipient and which that Recipient is required to meet in order to claim full exemption from tax imposed by the United Kingdom on interest amounts paid to or for its account under the relevant Loan Document (subject to the completion of any procedural formalities).

 

UK Treaty State” means a jurisdiction that is party to a UK Treaty which makes provision for full exemption from tax imposed by the United Kingdom on interest.

 

Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement means the applicable Benchmark Replacement excluding the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.

 

Unliquidated Obligations” means, at any time, any Obligations (or portion thereof) that are contingent in nature or unliquidated at such time, including any Obligation that is: (i) an obligation to reimburse a bank for drawings not yet made under a letter of credit issued by it; (ii) any other obligation (including any guarantee) that is contingent in nature at such time; or (iii) an obligation to provide collateral to secure any of the foregoing types of obligations.

 

U.S.” means the United States of America.

 

U.S. Person” means a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.

 

U.S. Special Resolution Regime” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 9.23.

 

U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.17(f)(ii)(B)(3).

 

USA PATRIOT Act” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001.

 

VIE” means any Person that is a variable interest entity pursuant to ASC 810, “Consolidations” (previously referred to as Financial Accounting Standard Board Interpretation #46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (FIN 46)).

 

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

 

Withholding Agent” means any Loan Party and the Administrative Agent.

 

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Write-Down and Conversion Powers” means, (a) with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail-In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write-down and conversion powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule, and (b) with respect to the United Kingdom, any powers of the applicable Resolution Authority under the Bail-In Legislation to cancel, reduce, modify or change the form of a liability of any UK Financial Institution or any contract or instrument under which that liability arises, to convert all or part of that liability into shares, securities or obligations of that Person or any other Person, to provide that any such contract or instrument is to have effect as if a right had been exercised under it or to suspend any obligation in respect of that liability or any of the powers under that Bail-In Legislation that are related to or ancillary to any of those powers.

 

SECTION 1.02. Classification of Loans and Borrowings. For purposes of this Agreement, Loans may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Revolving Loan”) or by Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Loan” or an “RFR Loan”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Revolving Loan” or an “RFR Revolving Loan”). Borrowings also may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Revolving Borrowing”) or by Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Borrowing” or an “RFR Borrowing”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing” or an “RFR Revolving Borrowing”).

 

SECTION 1.03. Terms Generally. The definitions of terms herein 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 “law” shall be construed as referring to all statutes, rules, regulations, codes and other laws (including official rulings and interpretations thereunder having the force of law or with which affected Persons customarily comply) and all judgments, orders and decrees of all Governmental Authorities. 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 or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, restatements, supplements or modifications set forth herein), (b) any definition of or reference to any statute, rule or regulation shall be construed as referring thereto as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (including by succession of comparable successor laws), (c) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and assigns (subject to any restrictions on assignments set forth herein) and, in the case of any Governmental Authority, any other Governmental Authority that shall have succeeded to any or all functions thereof, (d) 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, (e) 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, (f) any reference in any definition to the phrase “at any time” or “for any period” shall refer to the same time or period for all calculations or determinations within such definition,(g) 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, and (h) any reference in this Agreement to the Administrative Agent acting as the "collateral agent" or "administrative agent" for the Secured Parties, on behalf of the Secured Parties, or for the benefit of the Secured Parties shall be deemed to include the Administrative Agent acting in its capacity as trustee in respect of any Collateral governed by the laws of England and Wales in favor of the Secured Parties. Whenever any performance obligation hereunder or under any other Loan Document (other than a payment obligation) shall be stated to be due or required to be satisfied on a day other than a Business Day, such performance shall be made or satisfied on the next succeeding Business Day.

 

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SECTION 1.04. Accounting Terms; GAAP.

 

(a)            Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time; provided that, if after the date hereof there occurs any change in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of any provision hereof and the Company notifies the Administrative Agent that the Company requests an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of such change in GAAP or in the application thereof (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Company that the Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith. Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature used herein shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made (i) without giving effect to any election under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 825-10-25 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any Indebtedness or other liabilities of the Company or any Subsidiary at “fair value”, as defined therein and (ii) without giving effect to any treatment of Indebtedness in respect of convertible debt instruments under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 470-20 (or any other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any such Indebtedness in a reduced or bifurcated manner as described therein, and such Indebtedness shall at all times be valued at the full stated principal amount thereof.

 

(b)            Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 1.04(a) or in the definition of “Capital Lease Obligations,” any change in accounting for leases pursuant to GAAP resulting from the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“FAS 842”), to the extent such adoption would require treating any lease (or similar arrangement conveying the right to use) as a capital lease where such lease (or similar arrangement) would not have been required to be so treated under GAAP as in effect on December 31, 2015, such lease shall not be considered a capital lease, and all calculations and deliverables under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be made or delivered, as applicable, in accordance therewith.

 

SECTION 1.05. Pro Forma Adjustments for Acquisitions and Dispositions; Limited Condition Transactions.

 

(a)            To the extent the Company or any Subsidiary makes any Permitted Acquisition or disposition of assets outside the ordinary course of business permitted by Section 6.07 during the period of four fiscal quarters of the Company most recently ended, the Leverage Ratio and Interest Coverage Ratio shall be calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto (including pro forma adjustments arising out of events which are directly attributable to the acquisition or the disposition of assets, are factually supportable and are expected to have a continuing impact, in each case as determined on a basis consistent with Article 11 of Regulation S-X of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as interpreted by the SEC, and as certified by a Financial Officer), as if such acquisition or such disposition (and any related incurrence, repayment or assumption of Indebtedness) had occurred in the first day of such four-quarter period; provided, however, that any such acquisition, liquidation, sale or disposition transaction having an aggregate consideration value of less than $5,000,000 shall not be calculated on “pro forma basis” pursuant to this Section 1.05.

 

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(b)           Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in connection with any Limited Condition Transaction being financed all or in part with the proceeds of Incremental Term Loans, for purposes of:

 

(i)             determining compliance with any provision of this Agreement which requires the calculation of the Leverage Ratio and the Interest Coverage Ratio;

 

(ii)            determining compliance with the applicable representations and warranties in Article III, to the extent required by Section 4.02(a) (other than with respect to Specified Representations, which must be true and correct in all material respects (without duplication of materiality qualifiers) on the closing date of such Limited Condition Transaction), determining compliance with any covenant in this Agreement and the absence of any Default or Event of Default (other than any Event of Default under Section 7.01(a), (h), (k) or (l)); or

 

(iii)           testing availability under baskets set forth in this Agreement (including baskets measured as a percentage of Consolidated EBITDA);

 

in each case, at the option of the Company (the Company’s election to exercise such option in connection with any Limited Condition Transaction, an “LCT Election”), the date of determination of whether any such action is permitted hereunder (or any such representation, warranty, requirement or condition therefor is complied with or satisfied (including as to the absence of any continuing Default or Event of Default (other than with respect to any Event of Default under Section 7.01(a), (h), (k) or (l))) shall be deemed to be the date the purchase agreement or other definitive agreement related to such Limited Condition Transaction are entered into (the “LCT Test Date”), and if, after giving pro forma effect to the Limited Condition Transaction (and the other transactions to be entered into in connection therewith, including any Indebtedness incurred or assumed in connection therewith), the Company or any of its Subsidiaries would have been permitted to take such action on the relevant LCT Test Date in compliance with such ratio, test, condition or basket (and any related representations, warranties, requirements and conditions), such ratio, test, condition or basket (and any related representations, warranties, requirements and conditions) shall be deemed to have been complied with (or satisfied).

 

Upon making an LCT Election, the Company shall deliver a certificate of a Responsible Officer to the Administrative Agent demonstrating compliance on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such Limited Condition Transaction on such LCT Test Date with any relevant ratios, tests, conditions or baskets. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Company has made an LCT Election and any of the ratios, tests, conditions or baskets for which compliance was determined or tested as of the LCT Test Date would have failed to have been complied with as a result of fluctuations in any such ratio, test, condition or basket, including due to fluctuations in Consolidated EBITDA of the Company or the Person subject to such Limited Condition Transaction, at or prior to the consummation of the relevant transaction or action, such baskets, tests or ratios will not be deemed to have failed to have been complied with as a result of such fluctuations.

 

If the Company has made an LCT Election for any Limited Condition Transaction, then in connection with any calculation of any ratio, test, condition or basket availability with respect to the incurrence or assumption of Indebtedness or Liens, the making of Restricted Payments, the making of any Investment, the occurrence or consummation of any merger, consolidation, dissolution, division, liquidation, winding-up, sale, conveyance, assignment, lease, abandonment, transfer or disposition, or the making of any capital expenditure (each, a “Subsequent Transaction”) following the relevant LCT Test Date and prior to the earlier of the date on which such Limited Condition Transaction is consummated and the date that the purchase agreement or other definitive agreement or irrevocable notice for such Limited Condition Transaction is terminated or expires without consummation of such Limited Condition Transaction, for purposes of determining whether such Subsequent Transaction is permitted under this Agreement, any such ratio, test, condition or basket shall be required to be satisfied on a pro forma basis (x) assuming such Limited Condition Transaction and other transactions in connection therewith (including any incurrence or assumption of Indebtedness and the use of proceeds thereof) have been consummated and (y) assuming such Limited Condition Transaction and other transactions in connection therewith (including any incurrence or assumption of Indebtedness and the use of proceeds thereof) have not been consummated.

 

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SECTION 1.06. Status of Obligations. In the event that any Borrower or any other Loan Party shall at any time issue or have outstanding any Subordinated Indebtedness, the Company shall take or cause such other Loan Party to take all such actions as shall be necessary to cause the Obligations to constitute senior indebtedness (however denominated) in respect of such Subordinated Indebtedness and to enable the Administrative Agent and the Lenders to have and exercise any payment blockage or other remedies available or potentially available to holders of senior indebtedness under the terms of such Subordinated Indebtedness. Without limiting the foregoing, the Obligations are hereby designated as “senior indebtedness” and as “designated senior indebtedness” and words of similar import under and in respect of any indenture or other agreement or instrument under which such Subordinated Indebtedness is outstanding and are further given all such other designations as shall be required under the terms of any such Subordinated Indebtedness in order that the Lenders may have and exercise any payment blockage or other remedies available or potentially available to holders of senior indebtedness under the terms of such Subordinated Indebtedness.

 

SECTION 1.07. Interest Rates; LIBOR Notification. The interest rate on a Loan denominated in Dollars or a Foreign Currency may be derived from an interest rate benchmark that is, or may in the future become, the subject of regulatory reform. Regulators have signaled the need to use alternative benchmark reference rates for some of these interest rate benchmarks and, as a result, such interest rate benchmarks may cease to comply with applicable laws and regulations, may be permanently discontinued, and/or the basis on which they are calculated may change. The London interbank offered rate (“LIBOR”) is intended to represent the rate at which contributing banks may obtain short-term borrowings from each other in the London interbank market. On March 5, 2021, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) publicly announced that: (a) immediately after December 31, 2021, publication of all seven euro LIBOR settings, the spot next, 1-week, 2-month and 12-month Japanese Yen LIBOR settings, the overnight, 1-week, 2-month and 12-month British Pound Sterling LIBOR settings, and the 1-week and 2-month U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings will permanently cease; immediately after June 30, 2023, publication of the overnight and 12-month U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings will permanently cease; immediately after December 31, 2021, the 1-month, 3-month and 6-month Japanese Yen LIBOR settings and the 1-month, 3-month and 6-month British Pound Sterling LIBOR settings will cease to be provided or, subject to consultation by the FCA, be provided on a changed methodology (or “synthetic”) basis and no longer be representative of the underlying market and economic reality they are intended to measure and that representativeness will not be restored; and immediately after June 30, 2023, the 1-month, 3-month and 6-month U.S. Dollar LIBOR settings will cease to be provided or, subject to the FCA’s consideration of the case, be provided on a synthetic basis and no longer be representative of the underlying market and economic reality they are intended to measure and that representativeness will not be restored. There is no assurance that dates announced by the FCA will not change or that the administrator of LIBOR and/or regulators will not take further action that could impact the availability, composition, or characteristics of LIBOR or the currencies and/or tenors for which LIBOR is published. Each party to this agreement should consult its own advisors to stay informed of any such developments. Public and private sector industry initiatives are currently underway to identify new or alternative reference rates to be used in place of LIBOR. Upon the occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, a Term SOFR Transition Event, an Early Opt-in Election or an Other Benchmark Rate Election, Sections 2.14(b) and (c) provide a mechanism for determining an alternative rate of interest. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Company, pursuant to Section 2.14(e), of any change to the reference rate upon which the interest rate on Term Benchmark Loans is based. However, the Administrative Agent does not warrant or accept any responsibility for, and shall not have any liability with respect to, the administration, submission, performance or any other matter related to the Daily Simple RFR, LIBOR or other rates in the definition of “LIBO Rate” (or “EURIBOR Rate”, “TIIE Rate”, “CDOR Rate”, or “TIBOR Rate”, as applicable) or with respect to any alternative or successor rate thereto, or replacement rate thereof (including, without limitation, (i) any such alternative, successor or replacement rate implemented pursuant to Section 2.14(b) or (c), whether upon the occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, a Term SOFR Transition Event, an Early Opt-in Election or an Other Benchmark Rate Election, and (ii) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes pursuant to Section 2.14(d)), including without limitation, whether the composition or characteristics of any such alternative, successor or replacement reference rate will be similar to, or produce the same value or economic equivalence of, the Daily Simple RFR, the LIBO Rate (or the EURIBOR Rate, CDOR Rate, TIIE Rate or the TIBOR Rate, as applicable) or have the same volume or liquidity as did the London interbank offered rate (or the euro interbank offered rate or the Tokyo interbank offered rate, as applicable) prior to its discontinuance or unavailability. The Administrative Agent and its affiliates and/or other related entities may engage in transactions that affect the calculation of any Daily Simple RFR, any alternative, successor or alternative rate (including any Benchmark Replacement) and/or any relevant adjustments thereto, in each case, in a manner adverse to the Company. The Administrative Agent may select information sources or services in its reasonable discretion to ascertain any RFR, Daily Simple RFR or the Term Benchmark Rate, any component thereof, or rates referenced in the definition thereof, in each case pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, and shall have no liability to the Company, any Lender or any other Person or entity for damages of any kind, including direct or indirect, special, punitive, incidental or consequential damages, costs, losses or expenses (whether in tort, contract or otherwise and whether at law or in equity), for any error or calculation of any such rate (or component thereof) provided by any such information source or service.

 

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SECTION 1.08. Letter of Credit Amounts. Unless otherwise specified herein, the amount of a Letter of Credit at any time shall be deemed to be the Dollar Equivalent of the stated amount of such Letter of Credit available to be drawn at such time; provided that with respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any Letter of Credit Agreement related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the available amount thereof, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the Dollar Equivalent of the maximum amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum amount is available to be drawn at such time. For all purposes of this Agreement, if on any date of determination a Letter of Credit has expired by its terms but any amount may still be drawn thereunder by reason of the operation of Article 29(a) of the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 600 (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the applicable time) or Rule 3.13 or Rule 3.14 of the International Standby Practices, International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 590 (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the applicable time) or similar terms of the Letter of Credit itself, or if compliant documents have been presented but not yet honored, such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be “outstanding” and “undrawn” in the amount so remaining available to be paid, and the obligations of the Borrowers and each Lender shall remain in full force and effect until the Issuing Bank and the Lenders shall have no further obligations to make any payments or disbursements under any circumstances with respect to any Letter of Credit.

 

SECTION 1.09. Divisions. For all purposes under the Loan Documents, in connection with any division or plan of division under Delaware law (or any comparable event under a different jurisdiction’s laws): (a) if any asset, right, obligation or liability of any Person becomes the asset, right, obligation or liability of a different Person, then it shall be deemed to have been transferred from the original Person to the subsequent Person, and (b) if any new Person comes into existence, such new Person shall be deemed to have been organized and acquired on the first date of its existence by the holders of its Equity Interests at such time.

 

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SECTION 1.10. Exchange Rates; Currency Equivalents. (a) The Administrative Agent or the Issuing Bank, as applicable, shall determine the Dollar Equivalent of Term Benchmark Borrowings or Letter of Credit extensions denominated in Foreign Currencies. Such Dollar Equivalent shall become effective as of such Revaluation Date and shall be the Dollar Equivalent of such amounts until the next Revaluation Date to occur. Except for purposes of financial statements delivered by the Company hereunder or calculating financial covenants hereunder or except as otherwise provided herein, the applicable amount of any Agreed Currency (other than Dollars) for purposes of the Loan Documents shall be such Dollar Equivalent amount as so determined by the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Bank, as applicable.

 

(b)            Wherever in this Agreement in connection with a Borrowing, conversion, continuation or prepayment of a Term Benchmark Loan or an RFR Loan or the issuance, amendment or extension of a Letter of Credit, an amount, such as a required minimum or multiple amount, is expressed in Dollars, but such Borrowing, Loan or Letter of Credit is denominated in a Foreign Currency, such amount shall be the Dollar Equivalent of such amount (rounded to the nearest unit of such Foreign Currency, with 0.5 of a unit being rounded upward), as determined by the Administrative Agent or the Issuing Bank, as the case may be.

 

SECTION 1.11. Amendment and Restatement of Existing Credit Agreement.

 

(a)            The parties to this Agreement agree that, on the Effective Date, the terms and provisions of the Existing Credit Agreement shall be and hereby are amended, superseded and restated in their entirety by the terms and provisions of this Agreement. Neither the execution, delivery and acceptance of this Agreement nor any of the terms, covenants, conditions or other provisions set forth herein are intended, nor shall they be deemed or construed, to effect a novation of any liens or indebtedness or other obligations under the Existing Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) or to pay, extinguish, release, satisfy or discharge (i) all or any part of the indebtedness or other obligations evidenced by the Existing Credit Agreement, (ii) the liability of any Person under the Existing Credit Agreement or the Loan Documents (as defined under the Existing Credit Agreement) executed and delivered in connection therewith, (iii) the liability of any Person with respect to the Existing Credit Agreement or any indebtedness or other obligations evidenced thereby, or (iv) any liens, security interests or contractual or legal rights securing all or any part of such indebtedness or other obligations. All Loans made, and Obligations incurred, under the Existing Credit Agreement which are outstanding on the Effective Date (and not terminated or otherwise repaid with the proceeds of any Loans made hereunder on the Effective Date) shall be re-evidenced as Loans and Obligations, respectively, under (and shall be governed by the terms of) this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

(b)            Without limiting the foregoing, upon the effectiveness of the amendment and restatement contemplated hereby on the Effective Date and except as otherwise expressly provided herein:

 

 (i)           all references in the “Loan Documents” (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) to the “Administrative Agent”, the “Credit Agreement” and the “Loan Documents” shall be deemed to refer to the Administrative Agent, this Agreement and the Loan Documents;

 

(ii)          the “Revolving Commitments” (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) shall continue as Revolving Commitments hereunder as set forth on Schedule 2.01;

 

(iii)         the “Revolving Loans” (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) outstanding under the Existing Credit Agreement, if any, shall continue as Revolving Loans hereunder;

 

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 (iv)        the Administrative Agent shall make such reallocations, sales, assignments or other relevant actions in respect of the applicable “Revolving Commitments” and “Credit Exposure” (each as defined in and in effect under the Existing Credit Agreement) as are necessary in order that each Lender’s Revolving Exposure hereunder reflects such Lender’s Applicable Percentage thereof on the Effective Date (and in no event exceeds each such Lender’s Revolving Commitments hereunder), and the Company and each Lender that was a “Lender” under the Existing Credit Agreement (constituting the “Required Lenders” under and as defined therein) hereby agrees (with effect immediately prior to the Effective Date) that (x) such reallocation, sales and assignments shall be deemed to have been effected by way of, and subject to the terms and conditions of, Assignment and Assumptions, without the payment of any related assignment fee, and no other documents or instruments shall be, or shall be required to be, executed in connection with such assignments (all of which are hereby waived), (y) such reallocation shall satisfy the assignment provisions of Section 9.04 and Section 9.02(c) of the Existing Credit Agreement and (z) in connection with such reallocation, sales, assignments or other relevant actions, the Company shall pay all interest and fees outstanding under the Existing Credit Agreement and accrued to the date hereof to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders party hereto; and

 

(v)         each of the signatories hereto that is also a party to the Existing Credit Agreement hereby consents to any of the actions described in the foregoing clause (iv) and agrees that any and all required notices and required notice periods under the Existing Credit Agreement in connection with any of the actions described in the foregoing clause (iv) on the Effective Date are hereby waived and of no force and effect.

 

 (c)           Without limiting the foregoing, each Loan Party party hereto, as debtor, grantor, pledgor, guarantor, or another similar capacity in which such Loan Party grants liens or security interests in its properties or otherwise acts as a guarantor, joint or several obligor or other accommodation party, as the case may be, in each case under the “Loan Documents” as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement, hereby (i) ratifies and reaffirms all of its payment and performance obligations, contingent or otherwise, under each of the “Loan Documents” as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement to which it is a party and (ii) to the extent such Loan Party granted liens on or security interests in any of its properties pursuant to any of the “Loan Documents” as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement, hereby ratifies and reaffirms such grant of security (and any filings with Governmental Authorities made in connection therewith) and confirms that such liens and security interests continue to secure the Obligations.

 

(d)           The Loans (as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement) previously made to the Company by the Departing Lender under the Existing Credit Agreement which remain outstanding as of the date of this Agreement (if any) shall be repaid in full (accompanied by any accrued and unpaid interest and fees thereon), the Departing Lender’s “Commitments” under the Existing Credit Agreement shall be terminated and the Departing Lender shall not be a Lender hereunder.

 

ARTICLE II

 

The Credits

 

SECTION 2.01. Revolving Commitments. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally (and not jointly) agrees to make Revolving Loans in Agreed Currencies to the Borrowers from time to time during the Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount that will not result (after giving effect to any application of proceeds of such Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.10(a)) in (i) the Dollar Equivalent of such Lender’s Revolving Exposure exceeding such Lender’s Revolving Commitment, (ii) the Dollar Equivalent of the Aggregate Revolving Exposure exceeding the aggregate Revolving Commitments or (iii) the Dollar Equivalent of the total outstanding Revolving Loans and LC Exposure, in each case denominated in Foreign Currencies, exceeding the Foreign Currency Sublimit. Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrowers may borrow, prepay and reborrow Revolving Loans.

 

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SECTION 2.02. Loans and Borrowings.

 

(a)            Each Loan (other than a Swingline Loan) shall be made as part of a Borrowing consisting of Loans of the same Type made by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Revolving Commitments. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan required to be made by it shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations hereunder; provided that the Revolving Commitments of the Lenders are several and no Lender shall be responsible for any other Lender’s failure to make Loans as required. Any Swingline Loan shall be made in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.05.

 

(b)            Subject to Section 2.14, each Revolving Borrowing shall be comprised (A) in the case of Borrowings in Dollars, entirely of ABR Loans or Term Benchmark Loans and (B) in the case of Borrowings in any other Agreed Currency, entirely of Term Benchmark Loans or RFR Loans, as applicable, of the same Agreed Currency, in each case, as any Borrower may request in accordance herewith; provided that each ABR Loan shall only be made in dollars. Each Swingline Loan shall be an ABR Loan (except as otherwise provided in Section 2.13(c)). Each Lender at its option may make any Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan (and in the case of an Affiliate, the provisions of Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 2.17 shall apply to such Affiliate to the same extent as to such Lender); provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of any Borrower to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

(c)            At the commencement of each Interest Period for any Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $500,000 (or, if such Borrowing is denominated in a Foreign Currency, 500,000 units of such currency) and not less than $1,000,000 (or, if such Borrowing is denominated in a Foreign Currency, 1,000,000 units of such currency). At the time that each ABR Revolving Borrowing and/or RFR Revolving Borrowing is made, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of the Dollar Equivalent of $100,000 and not less than the Dollar Equivalent of $500,000; provided that an ABR Revolving Borrowing may be in an aggregate amount that is equal to the entire unused balance of the total Revolving Commitments or that is required to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.06(e). Each Swingline Loan shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $100,000 and not less than $100,000. Borrowings of more than one Type may be outstanding at the same time; provided that there shall not at any time be more than a total of ten (10) Term Benchmark Borrowings or RFR Borrowings outstanding.

 

(d)            Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, no Borrower shall be entitled to request, or to elect to convert or continue, any Borrowing if the Interest Period requested with respect thereto would end after the Revolving Credit Maturity Date.

 

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SECTION 2.03. Requests for Borrowings. To request a Borrowing, the applicable Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request either in writing by submitting a Borrowing Request signed by a Responsible Officer of such Borrower or through any Approved Electronic Platform, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Administrative Agent, (a) in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing, not later than 12:00 noon, Local Time, three (3) Business Days (in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in dollars) or four (4) Business Days (in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in a Foreign Currency other than Mexican Pesos) or five (5) Business Days (in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Mexican Pesos), in each case before the date of the proposed Borrowing, (b) in the case of an RFR Borrowing, not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, five Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing or (c) in the case of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the date of the proposed Borrowing; provided that any such notice of an ABR Revolving Borrowing to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.06(e) may be given not later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date of the proposed Borrowing. Each Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable. Each such Borrowing Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.01:

 

(i)             the applicable Borrower;

 

(ii)            the aggregate principal amount of the requested Borrowing;

 

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

 

(iv)           whether such Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing, a Term Benchmark Borrowing or an RFR Borrowing;

 

(v)            in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing, the Agreed Currency and initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”; and

 

(vi)           the location and number of the applicable Borrower’s account to which funds are to be disbursed, which shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.07, and a breakdown of the separate wires comprising such Borrowing.

 

If no election as to the Agreed Currency of any Revolving Borrowing is specified, then the requested Revolving Borrowing shall be denominated in dollars. If no election as to the Type of Revolving Borrowing is specified, then, in the case of a Revolving Borrowing denominated in dollars, the requested Revolving Borrowing shall be an ABR Borrowing. If no Interest Period is specified with respect to any requested Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing, then the applicable Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration. Promptly following receipt of a Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the details thereof and of the amount of such Lender’s Loan to be made as part of the requested Borrowing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall any Borrower be permitted to request a Canadian Prime Rate Loan or a CBR Loan (it being understood and agreed that the Canadian Prime Rate and a Central Bank Rate shall only apply to the extent provided in Sections 2.08(e), 2.14(a), 2.14(g) and 2.14(h)).

 

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SECTION 2.04. [Reserved].

 

SECTION 2.05. Swingline Loans.

 

(a)            Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, from time to time during the Availability Period, the Swingline Lenders may agree, but shall have no obligation, to make Swingline Loans in dollars to the Company, in an aggregate principal amount at any time outstanding that will not result in (i) the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Swingline Loans exceeding $40,000,000 in the aggregate, (ii) the Dollar Equivalent of any Swingline Lender’s Revolving Exposure exceeding its Revolving Commitment, (iii) the Dollar Equivalent of the Aggregate Revolving Exposure exceeding the aggregate Revolving Commitments or (iv) the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Swingline Loans made by any Swingline Lender exceeding the Swingline Lender Sublimit of such Swingline Lender in the aggregate; provided that the Swingline Lenders shall not be required to make a Swingline Loan to refinance an outstanding Swingline Loan. Without limiting the foregoing and without affecting the limitations contained herein, it is understood and agreed that the Company may from time to time request that a Swingline Lender make Swingline Loans in excess of its individual Swingline Lender Sublimit in effect at the time of such request, and each Swingline Lender agrees to consider any such request in good faith. Any Swingline Loan so made by a Swingline Lender in excess of its individual Swingline Lender Sublimit then in effect shall nonetheless constitute a Swingline Loan for all purposes of this Agreement, and shall not affect the Swingline Lender Sublimit of any other Swingline Lender, subject to the limitations set forth in clauses (i) through (iii) of this Section 2.05(a). Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Company may borrow, prepay and reborrow Swingline Loans. To request a Swingline Loan, the Company shall submit a written notice to the Administrative Agent of such request by fax or through any Approved Electronic Platform, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Administrative Agent, not later than 2:00 p.m., New York City time, on the day of a proposed Swingline Loan. Each such notice shall be in a form approved by the Administrative Agent, shall be irrevocable and shall specify the requested date (which shall be a Business Day) and amount of the requested Swingline Loan. The Administrative Agent will promptly advise the applicable Swingline Lender requested to make such Swingline Loan of any such notice received from the Company. The applicable Swingline Lender shall make each Swingline Loan available to the Company, to the extent such Swingline Lender elects to make such Swingline Loan, by means of a credit to the Funding Account(s) (or, in the case of a Swingline Loan made to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.06(e), by remittance to the applicable Issuing Bank, and in the case of repayment of another Loan or fees or expenses as provided by Section 2.18(c), by remittance to the Administrative Agent to be distributed to the Lenders) by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the requested date of such Swingline Loan.

 

(b)            The Swingline Lenders may by written notice given to the Administrative Agent require the Lenders to acquire participations on such Business Day in all or a portion of the Swingline Loans outstanding. Such notice shall specify the aggregate amount of Swingline Loans in which the Lenders will participate. Promptly upon receipt of such notice, the Administrative Agent will give notice thereof to each Lender, specifying in such notice such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan or Loans. Each Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees, promptly upon receipt of such notice from the Administrative Agent (and in any event, if such notice is received by 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on a Business Day no later than 4:00 p.m., New York City time on such Business Day and if received after 11:00 a.m., New York City time, “on a Business Day” shall mean no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time on the immediately succeeding Business Day), to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the applicable Swingline Lender, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of such Swingline Loan or Loans. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations in Swingline Loans pursuant to this paragraph is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including the occurrence and continuance of a Default or reduction or termination of the Revolving Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever. Each Lender shall comply with its obligation under this paragraph by wire transfer of immediately available funds, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.07 with respect to Revolving Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.07 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the payment obligations of the Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the applicable Swingline Lender the amounts so received by it from the Lenders. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Company of any participations in any Swingline Loan acquired pursuant to this paragraph, and thereafter payments in respect of such Swingline Loan shall be made to the Administrative Agent and not to the applicable Swingline Lender. Any amounts received by any Swingline Lender from the Company (or other party on behalf of the Company) in respect of a Swingline Loan after receipt by such Swingline Lender of the proceeds of a sale of participations therein shall be promptly remitted to the Administrative Agent; any such amounts received by the Administrative Agent shall be promptly remitted by the Administrative Agent to the Lenders that shall have made their payments pursuant to this paragraph and to such Swingline Lender, as their interests may appear; provided that any such payment so remitted shall be repaid to such Swingline Lender or to the Administrative Agent, as applicable, if and to the extent such payment is required to be refunded to the Company for any reason. The purchase of participations in a Swingline Loan pursuant to this paragraph shall not relieve the Company of any default in the payment thereof.

 

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(c)            Any Swingline Lender may be replaced at any time by written agreement among the Company, the Administrative Agent, the replaced Swingline Lender and the successor Swingline Lender. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Lenders of any such replacement of any Swingline Lender. At the time any such replacement shall become effective, the Company shall pay all unpaid interest accrued for the account of the replaced Swingline Lender pursuant to Section 2.13(c). From and after the effective date of any such replacement, (x) the successor Swingline Lender shall have all the rights and obligations of the replaced Swingline Lender under this Agreement with respect to Swingline Loans made thereafter and (y) references herein to the term “Swingline Lenders” shall be deemed to refer to such successor or to any previous Swingline Lender, or to such successor and all previous Swingline Lenders, as the context shall require. After the replacement of any Swingline Lender hereunder, the replaced Swingline Lender shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights and obligations of a Swingline Lender under this Agreement with respect to Swingline Loans made by it prior to its replacement, but shall not be required to make additional Swingline Loans.

 

(d)            Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Swingline Lender, any Swingline Lender may resign as Swingline Lender at any time upon thirty days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent, the Company and the Lenders, in which case, such Swingline Lender shall be replaced in accordance with Section 2.05(c) above.

 

(e)            In addition to making Swingline Loans pursuant to the foregoing provisions of Section 2.05(a), PNC Bank as Swingline Lender may, without the requirement for a specific request from the Company pursuant to Section 2.05(a) but subject to the conditions for funding any Swingline Loan set forth in Section 2.05(a) and Section 4.02, make Swingline Loans to the Company in accordance with the provisions of the agreements between the Company and PNC Bank relating to the Company’s deposit, sweep and other accounts at PNC Bank and related arrangements and agreements regarding the management and investment of the Company’s cash assets as in effect from time to time (the “Cash Management Agreements”) to the extent of the daily aggregate net negative balance in the Company’s accounts which are subject to the provisions of the Cash Management Agreements. Swingline Loans made pursuant to this Section 2.05(e) in accordance with the provisions of the Cash Management Agreements shall (i) be subject to the limitations as to aggregate amount set forth in Section 2.05(a), (ii) not be subject to the limitations as to individual amount set forth in Section 2.02(c), (iii) be payable by the Company, both as to principal and interest, at the rates and times set forth in the Cash Management Agreements (but in no event later than the Revolving Credit Maturity Date, (iv) not be made at any time after PNC Bank has received written notice of the occurrence of an Event of Default and so long as such shall continue to exist, or, unless consented to by the Required Lenders, a Default exists, (v) if not repaid by the Company in accordance with the provisions of the Cash Management Agreements, be subject to each Lender's obligation pursuant to Section 2.05(b), and (vi) except as provided in the foregoing subsections (i) through (v), be subject to all of the terms and conditions of this Article II.

 

(f)            Swingline Lender Reports to the Administrative Agent. Unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent, each Swingline Lender other than Chase shall, in addition to its notification obligations set forth elsewhere in this Section, report in writing to the Administrative Agent (i) periodic activity (for such period or recurrent periods as shall be requested by the Administrative Agent) in respect of Swingline Loans made by such Swingline Lender, including all disbursements and repayments, (ii) on each Business Day on which such Swingline Lender makes any Swingline Loan, the date and amount of such Swingline Loan, (iii) on any Business Day on which the Company fails to reimburse a Swingline Loan as required to be reimbursed to such Swingline Lender on such day, the date of such failure and the applicable amount thereof, and (iv) on any other Business Day, such other information as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request as to the Swingline Loans made by such Swingline Lender.

 

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SECTION 2.06. Letters of Credit.

 

(a)            General. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Company may request the issuance of Letters of Credit denominated in Agreed Currencies as the applicant thereof for the support of its or its Subsidiaries’ obligations, in a form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuing Bank, at any time and from time to time during the Availability Period. The Company unconditionally and irrevocably agrees that, in connection with any Letter of Credit issued for the support of any Subsidiary’s obligations as provided in the first sentence of this paragraph, the Company will be fully responsible for the reimbursement of LC Disbursements in accordance with the terms hereof, the payment of interest thereon and the payment of fees due under Section 2.12(b) to the same extent as if it were the sole account party in respect of such Letter of Credit (the Company hereby irrevocably waiving any defenses that might otherwise be available to it as a guarantor or surety of the obligations of such Subsidiary that is an account party in respect of any such Letter of Credit). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no Issuing Bank shall have any obligation hereunder to issue, and shall not issue, any Letter of Credit (i) the proceeds of which would be made available to any Person (A) to fund any activity or business of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any country or territory that, at the time of such funding, is the subject of any Sanctions or (B) in any manner that would result in a violation of any Sanctions by any party to this Agreement, (ii) if any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain such Issuing Bank from issuing such Letter of Credit, or any Requirement of Law relating to such Issuing Bank or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over such Issuing Bank shall prohibit, or request that such Issuing Bank refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon such Issuing Bank with respect to such Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital requirement (for which such Issuing Bank is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Effective Date, or shall impose upon such Issuing Bank any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable on the Effective Date and which such Issuing Bank in good faith deems material to it, or (iii) if the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of such Issuing Bank applicable to letters of credit generally; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith or in the implementation thereof, and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines, requirements 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, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed not to be in effect on the Effective Date for purposes of clause (ii) above, regardless of the date enacted, adopted, issued or implemented. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the letters of credit identified on Schedule 2.06 (the “Existing Letters of Credit”) shall be deemed to be “Letters of Credit” issued on the Effective Date for all purposes of the Loan Documents.

 

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(b)            Notice of Issuance, Amendment, Extension; Certain Conditions. To request the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or the amendment or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit), the Company shall hand deliver or telecopy (or transmit through any Approved Electronic Platform, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the applicable Issuing Bank) to the applicable Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent (reasonably in advance of the requested date of issuance, amendment or extension, but in any event no less than three Business Days) a notice requesting the issuance of a Letter of Credit, or identifying the Letter of Credit to be amended or extended, and specifying the date of issuance, amendment or extension (which shall be a Business Day), the date on which such Letter of Credit is to expire (which shall comply with paragraph (c) of this Section), the amount of such Letter of Credit, the Agreed Currency applicable thereto, the name and address of the beneficiary thereof, and such other information as shall be necessary to prepare, amend or extend such Letter of Credit. In addition, as a condition to any such Letter of Credit issuance, the Company shall have entered into a continuing agreement (or other letter of credit agreement) for the issuance of letters of credit and/or shall submit a letter of credit application, in each case, as required by the Issuing Bank and using such Issuing Bank’s standard form (each, a “Letter of Credit Agreement”). In the event of any inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the terms and conditions of any Letter of Credit Agreement, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control. A Letter of Credit shall be issued, amended or extended only if (and upon issuance, amendment or extension of each Letter of Credit the Company shall be deemed to represent and warrant that), after giving effect to such issuance, amendment or extension (i) the Dollar Equivalent of the aggregate LC Exposure shall not exceed $80,000,000, (ii) no Lender’s Dollar Equivalent of Revolving Exposure shall exceed its Revolving Commitment, (iii) the Dollar Equivalent of the Aggregate Revolving Exposure shall not exceed the aggregate Revolving Commitments and (iv) the Dollar Equivalent of the total outstanding Revolving Loans and LC Exposure, in each case denominated in Foreign Currencies, shall not exceed the Foreign Currency Sublimit. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary contained herein, no Issuing Bank shall be obligated to issue or modify any Letter of Credit if, immediately after giving effect thereto, the outstanding LC Exposure in respect of all Letters of Credit issued by such Person and its Affiliates would exceed such Issuing Bank’s Issuing Bank Sublimit. Without limiting the foregoing and without affecting the limitations contained herein, it is understood and agreed that the Company may from time to time request that an Issuing Bank issue Letters of Credit in excess of its individual Issuing Bank Sublimit in effect at the time of such request, and each Issuing Bank agrees to consider any such request in good faith. Any Letter of Credit so issued by an Issuing Bank in excess of its individual Issuing Bank Sublimit then in effect shall nonetheless constitute a Letter of Credit for all purposes of this Agreement, and shall not affect the Issuing Bank Sublimit of any other Issuing Bank, subject to the limitations set forth in clauses (i) through (iv) of this Section 2.06(b).

 

(c)            Expiration Date. Each Letter of Credit shall expire (or be subject to termination or non-extension by notice from the applicable Issuing Bank to the beneficiary thereof) at or prior to the close of business on the earlier of (i) the date one year after the date of the issuance of such Letter of Credit (or, in the case of any extension of the expiration thereof, including, without limitation, any automatic extension provision, one year after such extension) and (ii) the date that is ten (10) Business Days prior to the Revolving Credit Maturity Date; provided that any Letter of Credit with a one-year tenor may provide for the extension thereof for additional one-year periods (which shall in no event extend beyond the date referred to in clause (ii) above); provided further that, notwithstanding the foregoing, a Letter of Credit may expire after the Revolving Credit Maturity Date if the Company provides cash collateral acceptable to the applicable Issuing Bank in its sole discretion in accordance with Section 2.06(j) no later than sixty (60) days prior to the Revolving Credit Maturity Date. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Revolving Credit Maturity Date shall be extended pursuant to Section 2.23, “Revolving Credit Maturity Date” as referenced in this paragraph shall refer to the Revolving Credit Maturity Date as extended pursuant to Section 2.23; provided that, notwithstanding anything in this Agreement (including Section 2.23 hereof) or any other Loan Document to the contrary, the Revolving Credit Maturity Date, as such term is used in reference to any Issuing Bank or any Letter of Credit issued thereby, may not be extended with respect to any Issuing Bank without the prior written consent of such Issuing Bank.

 

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(d)            Participations. By the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or an amendment to a Letter of Credit increasing the amount thereof) and without any further action on the part of any Issuing Bank or the Lenders, each Issuing Bank hereby grants to each Lender, and each Lender hereby acquires from such Issuing Bank, a participation in such Letter of Credit equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the aggregate amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit. In consideration and in furtherance of the foregoing, each Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the applicable Issuing Bank, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of each LC Disbursement made by such Issuing Bank and not reimbursed by the Company on the date due as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section, or of any reimbursement payment required to be refunded to the Company for any reason. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations pursuant to this paragraph in respect of Letters of Credit is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including any amendment or extension of any Letter of Credit or the occurrence and continuance of a Default or reduction or termination of the Revolving Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever.

 

(e)            Reimbursement. If any Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement in respect of a Letter of Credit, the Company shall reimburse such LC Disbursement by paying to the Administrative Agent in an amount equal to (and in the same Agreed Currency as) such LC Disbursement, not later than 12:00 p.m., Local Time, on (i) the Business Day that the Company receives notice of such LC Disbursement, if such notice is received prior to 10:00 a.m., Local Time on the day of receipt, or (ii) the Business Day immediately following the day that the Company receives such notice, if such notice is received after 10:00 a.m., Local Time, on the day of receipt; provided that, if such LC Disbursement is greater than or equal to the Dollar Equivalent of $100,000, the Company may, subject to the conditions to borrowing set forth herein, request in accordance with Section 2.03 or 2.05 that such payment be financed with (i) to the extent such LC Disbursement was made in dollars, an ABR Revolving Borrowing, Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan in dollars in an amount equal to such LC Disbursement or (ii) to the extent that such LC Disbursement was made in a Foreign Currency, a Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing or RFR Revolving Borrowing in such Foreign Currency in an amount equal to such LC Disbursement and, in each case, to the extent so financed, the Company’s obligation to make such payment shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting ABR Revolving Borrowing, Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing, RFR Revolving Borrowing or Swingline Loan, as applicable. If the Company fails to make such payment when due, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the applicable LC Disbursement, the payment then due from the Company in respect thereof, and such Lender’s Applicable Percentage thereof. Promptly following receipt of such notice, each Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent its Applicable Percentage of the payment then due from the Company, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.07 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.07 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the payment obligations of the Lenders), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly pay to the applicable Issuing Bank the amounts so received by it from the Lenders. Promptly following receipt by the Administrative Agent of any payment from the Company pursuant to this paragraph, the Administrative Agent shall distribute such payment to such Issuing Bank or, to the extent that Lenders have made payments pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse such Issuing Bank, then to such Lenders and such Issuing Bank, as their interests may appear. Any payment made by a Lender pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse any Issuing Bank for any LC Disbursement (other than the funding of Revolving Loans or a Swingline Loan as contemplated above) shall not constitute a Loan and shall not relieve the Company of its obligation to reimburse such LC Disbursement. If the Company’s reimbursement of, or obligation to reimburse, any amounts in any Foreign Currency would subject the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender to any stamp duty, ad valorem charge or similar tax that would not be payable if such reimbursement were made or required to be made in dollars, the Company shall, at its option, either (x) pay the amount of any such tax requested by the Administrative Agent, the relevant Issuing Bank or the relevant Lender or (y) reimburse each LC Disbursement made in such Foreign Currency in dollars, in an amount equal to the Dollar Equivalent thereof, calculated using the applicable Exchange Rates on the date such LC Disbursement is made, of such LC Disbursement

 

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(f)            Obligations Absolute. The Company’s obligation to reimburse LC Disbursements as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under any and all circumstances whatsoever and irrespective of (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit, any Letter of Credit Agreement or this Agreement, or any term or provision therein or herein, (ii) any draft or other document presented under a Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent or invalid in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect, (iii) any payment by any Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or other document that does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit (iv) any other event or circumstance whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, that might, but for the provisions of this Section, constitute a legal or equitable discharge of, or provide a right of setoff against, the Company’s obligations hereunder or (v) any adverse change in the relevant exchange rates or in the availability of the relevant Foreign Currency to the Company or any Subsidiary or in the relevant currency markets generally. None of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders or the Issuing Banks, or any of their Related Parties, shall have any liability or responsibility by reason of or in connection with the issuance or transfer of any Letter of Credit, or any payment or failure to make any payment thereunder (irrespective of any of the circumstances referred to in the preceding sentence), or any error, omission, interruption, loss or delay in transmission or delivery of any draft, notice or other communication under or relating to any Letter of Credit (including any document required to make a drawing thereunder), any error in interpretation of technical terms, any error in translation or any consequence arising from causes beyond the control of any Issuing Bank; provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse any Issuing Bank from liability to the Company to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by the Company to the extent permitted by applicable law) suffered by the Company that are caused by such Issuing Bank’s failure to exercise care when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof. The parties hereto expressly agree that, in the absence of gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on the part of any Issuing Bank (as finally determined by a nonappealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction), such Issuing Bank shall be deemed to have exercised care in each such determination. In furtherance of the foregoing and without limiting the generality thereof, the parties agree that, with respect to documents presented which appear on their face to be in substantial compliance with the terms of a Letter of Credit, each Issuing Bank may, in its sole discretion, either accept and make payment upon such documents without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, or refuse to accept and make payment upon such documents if such documents are not in strict compliance with the terms of such Letter of Credit.

 

(g)            Disbursement Procedures. Each Issuing Bank for any Letter of Credit shall, within the time allowed by applicable law or the specified terms of the Letter of Credit following its receipt thereof, examine all documents purporting to represent a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank. Such Issuing Bank shall promptly after such examination notify the Administrative Agent and the Company by telephone (confirmed by telecopy or any Approved Electronic Platform) of such demand for payment and whether such Issuing Bank has made or will make an LC Disbursement thereunder; provided that any failure to give or delay in giving such notice shall not relieve the Company of its obligation to reimburse such Issuing Bank and the Lenders with respect to any such LC Disbursement.

 

(h)            Interim Interest. If any Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement, then, unless the Company shall reimburse such LC Disbursement in full in the applicable currency on the date such LC Disbursement is made, the unpaid amount thereof shall bear interest, for each day from and including the date such LC Disbursement is made to but excluding the date that the Company reimburses such LC Disbursement, at the rate per annum then applicable to ABR Revolving Loans (or, in the case such LC Disbursement is denominated in a Foreign Currency, at the Overnight Rate for such Agreed Currency plus the then effective Applicable Rate with respect to Term Benchmark Revolving Loans) and such interest shall be due and payable on the date when such reimbursement is due; provided that, if the Company fails to reimburse such LC Disbursement when due pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section, then Section 2.13(d) shall apply. Interest accrued pursuant to this paragraph shall be for the account of the applicable Issuing Bank, except that interest accrued on and after the date of payment by any Lender pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section to reimburse such Issuing Bank shall be for the account of such Lender to the extent of such payment.

 

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(i)             Replacement and Resignation of an Issuing Bank.

 

 (i)            Any Issuing Bank may be replaced at any time by written agreement among the Company, the Administrative Agent, the replaced Issuing Bank and the successor Issuing Bank. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Lenders of any such replacement of any Issuing Bank. At the time any such replacement shall become effective, the Company shall pay all unpaid fees accrued for the account of the replaced Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.12(b). From and after the effective date of any such replacement, (x) the successor Issuing Bank shall have all the rights and obligations of the replaced Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit to be issued thereafter and (y) references herein to the term “Issuing Bank” shall be deemed to refer to such successor or to any previous Issuing Bank, or to such successor and all previous Issuing Banks, as the context shall require. After the replacement of an Issuing Bank hereunder, the replaced Issuing Bank shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights and obligations of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit then outstanding and issued by it prior to such replacement, but shall not be required to issue additional Letters of Credit or extend or otherwise amend any existing Letters of Credit.

 

(ii)           Subject to the appointment and acceptance of a successor Issuing Bank, any Issuing Bank may resign as an Issuing Bank at any time upon thirty days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent, the Company and the Lenders, in which case, such resigning Issuing Bank shall be replaced in accordance with Section 2.06(i)(i) above.

 

(j)             Cash Collateralization. If any Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, on the Business Day that the Company receives notice from the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders (or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated, Lenders with LC Exposure representing greater than 50% of the aggregate LC Exposure) demanding the deposit of cash collateral pursuant to this paragraph, the Company shall deposit in an account with the Administrative Agent, in the name of the Administrative Agent and for the benefit of the Lenders (the “LC Collateral Account”), an amount in cash in dollars equal to 103% of the Dollar Equivalent of the LC Exposure as of such date plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon; provided that (i) the portions of such amount attributable to undrawn Foreign Currency Letters of Credit or LC Disbursements in a Foreign Currency that the Company is not late in reimbursing shall be deposited in the applicable Foreign Currencies in the actual amounts of such undrawn Letters of Credit and LC Disbursements and (ii) the obligation to deposit such cash collateral shall become effective immediately, and such deposit shall become immediately due and payable, without demand or other notice of any kind, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default with respect to the Company described in clause (h), (k) or (l) of Article VII. The Company also shall deposit cash collateral in accordance with this paragraph as and to the extent required by Section 2.11(b) or 2.20. Each such deposit shall be held by the Administrative Agent as collateral for the payment and performance of the Obligations. The Administrative Agent shall have exclusive dominion and control, including the exclusive right of withdrawal, over the LC Collateral Account and the Company hereby grants the Administrative Agent a security interest in the LC Collateral Account and all moneys or other assets on deposit therein or credited thereto. Other than any interest earned on the investment of such deposits, which investments shall be made at the option and sole discretion of the Administrative Agent and at the Company’s risk and expense, such deposits shall not bear interest. Interest or profits, if any, on such investments shall accumulate in such account. Moneys in such account shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to reimburse each Issuing Bank for LC Disbursements for which it has not been reimbursed and, to the extent not so applied, shall be held for the satisfaction of the reimbursement obligations of the Company for the LC Exposure at such time or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated (but subject to the consent of Lenders with LC Exposure representing greater than 50% of the aggregate LC Exposure), be applied to satisfy other Obligations. If the Company is required to provide an amount of cash collateral hereunder as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Default, such amount (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned to the Company within three (3) Business Days after all such Events of Default have been cured or waived as confirmed in writing by the Administrative Agent. If the Company is required to provide an amount of cash collateral hereunder under Section 2.11(b) or Section 2.20(b), such amount (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned to the Company as requested by the Company (i) with respect to cash collateral required under Section 2.11(b), so long as after giving effect to such return, all Revolving Exposures (as calculated under such Section) would be less than or equal to the aggregate Revolving Commitments at such time and (ii) with respect to cash collateral required under Section 2.20(b), the LC Exposure of the applicable Defaulting Lender has been fully reallocated or eliminated. In addition, and without limiting the foregoing or paragraph (c) of this Section, if any LC Exposure remain outstanding after the expiration date specified in said paragraph (c), the Company shall immediately deposit into the LC Collateral Account an amount in cash equal to 103% of such LC Exposure as of such date plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon.

 

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(k)          Issuing Bank Reports to the Administrative Agent. Unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank other than Chase shall, in addition to its notification obligations set forth elsewhere in this Section, report in writing to the Administrative Agent (i) periodic activity (for such period or recurrent periods as shall be requested by the Administrative Agent) in respect of Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, including all issuances, extensions and amendments, all expirations and cancelations and all disbursements and reimbursements, (ii) reasonably prior to the time that such Issuing Bank issues, amends or extends any Letter of Credit, the date of such issuance, amendment or extension, and the stated amount of the Letters of Credit issued, amended or extended by it and outstanding after giving effect to such issuance, amendment or extension (and whether the amounts thereof shall have changed), (iii) on each Business Day on which such Issuing Bank makes any LC Disbursement, the date and amount of such LC Disbursement, (iv) on any Business Day on which the Company fails to reimburse an LC Disbursement required to be reimbursed to such Issuing Bank on such day, the date of such failure and the amount of such LC Disbursement, and (v) on any other Business Day, such other information as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request as to the Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank.

 

(l)          LC Exposure Determination. For all purposes of this Agreement, the amount of a Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any document related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the stated amount thereof shall be deemed to be the maximum stated amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum stated amount is in effect at the time of determination.

 

SECTION 2.07. Funding of Borrowings.

 

(a)          Each Lender shall make each Loan to be made by such Lender hereunder on the proposed date thereof solely by wire transfer of immediately available funds (i) in the case of Loans denominated in dollars, by 1:00 p.m., New York City time, to the account of the Administrative Agent most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Lenders in an amount equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage and (ii) in the case of each Loan denominated in a Foreign Currency, by 1:00 p.m., Local Time, in the city of the Administrative Agent’s Term Benchmark Payment Office for such currency and at such Term Benchmark Payment Office for such currency in a Dollar Equivalent denominated in such currency equal to such Lender’s Applicable Percentage; provided that Swingline Loans shall be made as provided in Section 2.05. Except in respect of the provisions of this Agreement covering the reimbursement of Letters of Credit, the Administrative Agent will make such Loans available to the applicable Borrower by promptly crediting the funds so received in the aforesaid account of the Administrative Agent to the Funding Account(s); provided that ABR Revolving Loans made to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.06(e) shall be remitted by the Administrative Agent to the applicable Issuing Bank.

 

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(b)          Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Section and may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the applicable Borrower a corresponding amount. In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the applicable Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is made available to the such Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of such Lender, the greater of the Overnight Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation or (ii) in the case of such Borrower, the interest rate applicable to ABR Loans , or in the case of Foreign Currencies, in accordance with such market practice, in each case, as applicable. If such Lender pays such amount to the Administrative Agent, then such amount shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing; provided, that any interest received from any Borrower by the Administrative Agent during the period beginning with the date the Administrative Agent funded the Borrowing until such Lender pays such amount shall be solely for the account of the Administrative Agent.

 

SECTION 2.08. Interest Elections.

 

(a)          Each Borrowing initially shall be of the Type and Agreed Currency specified in the applicable Borrowing Request and, in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing, shall have an initial Interest Period as specified in such Borrowing Request. Thereafter, the applicable Borrower may elect to convert such Borrowing to a different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing, may elect Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section. The applicable Borrower may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Borrowing, in which case each such portion shall be allocated ratably among the Lenders holding the Loans comprising such Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing. This Section shall not apply to Swingline Borrowings, which may not be converted or continued.

 

(b)          To make an election pursuant to this Section, the applicable Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such election either in writing (delivered by hand or fax) by delivering an Interest Election Request signed by a Responsible Officer of such Borrower or through any Approved Electronic Platform, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Administrative Agent, by the time that a Borrowing Request would be required under Section 2.03 if such Borrower were requesting a Borrowing of the Type and currency resulting from such election to be made on the effective date of such election. Each such Interest Election Request shall be irrevocable. Notwithstanding any contrary provision herein, this Section shall not be construed to permit any Borrower to (i) change the currency of any Borrowing, (ii) elect an Interest Period for Term Benchmark Loans that does not comply with Section 2.02(d) or (iii) elect the Canadian Prime Rate or a Central Bank Rate (it being understood and agreed that the Canadian Prime Rate and a Central Bank Rate shall only apply to the extent provided in Sections 2.08(e), 2.14(a), 2.14(g) and 2.14(h)).

 

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(c)           Each Interest Election Request (including requests submitted through any Approved Electronic Platform) shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:

 

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

 

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

 

(iii)        whether the resulting Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing (in the case of Borrowings denominated in Dollars) or a Term Benchmark Borrowing; and

 

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

 

If any such Interest Election Request requests a Term Benchmark Borrowing but does not specify an Interest Period, then the applicable Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration.

 

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

 

(e)           If any Borrower fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a Term Benchmark Borrowing in Dollars prior to the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, then, unless such Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, at the end of such Interest Period such Borrowing shall be converted or continued as a Term Benchmark Borrowing in Dollars with an Interest Period of one month’s duration. If any Borrower fails to deliver a timely and complete Interest Election Request with respect to a Term Benchmark Borrowing in a Foreign Currency prior to the end of the Interest Period therefor, then, unless such Term Benchmark Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, such Borrower shall be deemed to have selected that such Borrowing shall automatically be continued as a Term Benchmark Borrowing of the same Type and in its original Agreed Currency with the shortest Interest Period available pursuant to the definition of “Interest Period” at the end of such Interest Period.

 

Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent, at the request of the Required Lenders, so notifies the Company, then, so long as an Event of Default is continuing:

 

(i)          no outstanding Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a Term Benchmark Borrowing;

 

(ii)         unless repaid, each Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day);

 

(iii)        unless repaid, each Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Canadian Dollars shall, on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day), bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Canadian Prime Rate plus the Applicable Rate; and

 

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(iv)        unless repaid, each Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in a Foreign Currency (other than Canadian Dollars) shall, on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day), bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Foreign Currency plus the Applicable Rate; provided that, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Foreign Currency cannot be determined, any outstanding affected Term Benchmark Loans denominated in such Foreign Currency shall either be (A) converted to an ABR Borrowing denominated in Dollars (in an amount equal to the Dollar Equivalent of such Foreign Currency) at the end of the Interest Period or on the Interest Payment Date, as applicable, therefor or (B) prepaid at the end of the applicable Interest Period, as applicable, in full; provided that if no election is made by the applicable Borrower by the earlier of (x) the date that is three Business Days after receipt by such Borrower of such notice and (y) the last day of the current Interest Period for the applicable Term Benchmark Loan, such Borrower shall be deemed to have elected clause (A) above.

 

SECTION 2.09. Termination and Reduction of Revolving Commitments; Increase in Revolving Commitments; Incremental Term Loans.

 

(a)          Unless previously terminated, the Revolving Commitments shall terminate on the Revolving Credit Maturity Date.

 

(b)          The Company may at any time terminate the Revolving Commitments upon the Payment in Full of all Obligations.

 

(c)          The Company may at any time and from time to time reduce the Revolving Commitments; provided that (i) each reduction of the Revolving Commitments shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $10,000,000 and (ii) the Company shall not terminate or reduce the Revolving Commitments if, after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of the Revolving Loans in accordance with Section 2.11, (x) the Dollar Equivalent of the Aggregate Revolving Exposure would exceed the aggregate Revolving Commitments or (y) the Dollar Equivalent of the total outstanding Revolving Loans and LC Exposure, in each case, denominated in Foreign Currencies, would exceed the Foreign Currency Sublimit.

 

(d)          The Company shall notify the Administrative Agent of any election to terminate or reduce the Revolving Commitments under paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section at least three (3) Business Days prior to the effective date of such termination or reduction, specifying such election and the effective date thereof. Promptly following receipt of any notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each notice delivered by the Company pursuant to this Section shall be irrevocable; provided that a notice of termination of the Revolving Commitments delivered by the Company may state that such notice is conditioned upon the effectiveness of other credit facilities or other transactions specified therein, in which case such notice may be revoked by the Company (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied. Any termination or reduction of the Revolving Commitments shall be permanent. Each reduction of the Revolving Commitments shall be made ratably among the Lenders in accordance with their respective Revolving Commitments.

 

(e)          The Company shall have the right to increase the Revolving Commitments or enter into one or more tranches of term loans (each an “Incremental Term Loan”), in each case by obtaining additional Revolving Commitments or participations in such Incremental Term Loans, either from one or more of the Lenders or another lending institution (other than any Ineligible Institution), provided that (i) any such request for an increase or tranche of Incremental Term Loans shall be in a minimum amount of $50,000,000, (ii) after giving effect thereto, the sum of the total of the additional Revolving Commitments and Incremental Term Loans does not exceed $500,000,000, (iii) the Administrative Agent and, only in the case of any increase in the Revolving Commitments, each Swingline Lender and each Issuing Bank have approved the identity of any such new Lender, such approvals not to be unreasonably withheld, (iv) any such new Lender assumes all of the rights and obligations of a “Lender” hereunder, and (v) the procedures described in Section 2.09(f) have been satisfied. Nothing contained in this Section 2.09 shall constitute, or otherwise be deemed to be, a commitment on the part of any Lender to increase its Revolving Commitment or participate in any tranche of Incremental Term Loans hereunder at any time.

 

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(f)            As a condition precedent to such an increase of the Revolving Commitments or tranche of Incremental Term Loans, the Company shall deliver to the Administrative Agent:

 

(i)          a certificate of each Loan Party signed by an authorized officer of such Loan Party:

 

(A)        certifying and attaching the resolutions adopted by such Loan Party approving or consenting to such increase or tranche; and

 

(B)         in the case of the Company, certifying that, before and after giving effect (including giving effect on a pro forma basis) to such increase or tranche:

 

(1)          the representations and warranties contained in Article III and the other Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect), except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect) as of such earlier date (or, in the case of Incremental Term Loans the proceeds of which will be used solely to finance all or part of a substantially concurrent Limited Condition Transaction, to the extent agreed by the Lenders providing such Incremental Term Loans, the only representations and warranties that will be required to be true and correct in all material respects as of the applicable effective date for such Incremental Term Loans shall be (x) the Specified Representations (conformed as necessary for such Limited Condition Transaction) and (y) such of those under the applicable purchase agreement or other definitive agreement related to such Limited Condition Transaction as are material to the interests of the Lenders, but only to the extent that the Company (or any Affiliate of the Company) has the right to terminate the obligations of the Company or such Affiliate under such purchase agreement or other definitive agreement or not consummate such Limited Condition Transaction as a result of a breach of such representations or warranties in such purchase agreement or other definitive agreement);

 

(2)          no Default or Event of Default exists or would result therefrom (or, in the case of Incremental Term Loans the proceeds of which will be used solely to finance all or part of a substantially concurrent Limited Condition Transaction, to the extent agreed by the Lenders providing such Incremental Term Loans, (x) at the time of the execution and delivery of the purchase agreement or other definitive agreement related to such Limited Condition Transaction, no Default or Event of Default then exists or would result therefrom (such determination to be made, at the option of the Company, as of the date the purchase agreement or other definitive agreement for such Limited Condition Transaction is signed or as of the date the Limited Condition Transaction contemplated thereby is consummated) and (y) on the date of effectiveness of any such Incremental Term Loans, no Event of Default under Section 7.01(a), (h), (k) or (l) then exists or would result therefrom); and

 

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(3)          the Company is in compliance with the financial covenants contained in Section 6.14 and Section 6.15 (which calculations in this clause (B)(3) (x) shall each assume that such increase of the Revolving Commitments is fully drawn or such tranche of Incremental Term Loans is fully funded, as the case may be, and (y) in the case of Incremental Term Loans the proceeds of which will be used solely to finance all or part of a substantially concurrent Limited Condition Transaction, to the extent agreed by the Lenders providing such Incremental Term Loans, may be tested, at the option of the Company, on the date of the execution of the purchase agreement or other definitive agreement with respect to such Limited Condition Transaction); and

 

(ii)          legal opinions and documents consistent with those delivered on the Effective Date, to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent.

 

(g)          On the effective date of any such increase or tranche of Incremental Term Loans, (i) any Lender increasing (or, in the case of any newly added Lender, extending) its Revolving Commitment shall make available to the Administrative Agent such amounts in immediately available funds as the Administrative Agent shall determine, for the benefit of the other Lenders, as being required in order to cause, after giving effect to such increase or addition and the use of such amounts to make payments to such other Lenders, each Lender’s portion of the outstanding Revolving Loans of all the Lenders to equal its revised Applicable Percentage of such outstanding Revolving Loans, and the Administrative Agent shall make such other adjustments among the Lenders with respect to the Revolving Loans then outstanding and amounts of principal, interest, commitment fees and other amounts paid or payable with respect thereto as shall be necessary, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, in order to effect such reallocation and (ii) except in the case of any Incremental Term Loans, the Borrowers shall be deemed to have repaid and reborrowed all outstanding Revolving Loans as of the date of any increase (or addition) in the Revolving Commitments (with such reborrowing to consist of the Types of Revolving Loans, with related Interest Periods if applicable, specified by the Company to the Administrative Agent). The deemed payments made pursuant to clause (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence shall be accompanied by payment of all accrued interest on the amount prepaid and, in respect of each Term Benchmark Loan and applicable RFR Loan, shall be subject to indemnification by the Borrowers pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.16 if the deemed payment occurs other than on the last day of the related Interest Periods. The Incremental Term Loans (x) shall rank pari passu in right of payment with the Revolving Loans, (y) shall not mature earlier than the latest Revolving Credit Maturity Date in effect at such time (but may have amortization prior to such date) and (z) shall be treated substantially the same as (and in any event no more favorably than) the Revolving Loans; provided that (A) the terms and conditions applicable to any tranche of Incremental Term Loans maturing after the latest Revolving Credit Maturity Date in effect at such time may provide for material additional or different financial or other covenants or prepayment requirements applicable only during periods after the Revolving Credit Maturity Date and (B) the Incremental Term Loans may be priced (including, with respect to arranger fees, upfront fees, and interest rate margins) differently than the Revolving Loans. Incremental Term Loans may be made hereunder pursuant to an amendment or amendment and restatement (an “Incremental Term Loan Amendment”) of this Agreement and, as appropriate, the other Loan Documents, executed by the Company, each Lender participating in such tranche and the Administrative Agent. The Incremental Term Loan Amendment may, without the consent of any other Lenders, effect such amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.09 and reflect the applicable increase in Revolving Commitments and Incremental Term Loans. Within a reasonable time after the effective date of any increase or addition, the Administrative Agent shall, and is hereby authorized and directed to, revise the Commitment Schedule to reflect such increase or addition and shall distribute such revised Commitment Schedule to each of the Lenders and the Borrowers, whereupon such revised Commitment Schedule shall replace the old Commitment Schedule and become part of this Agreement.

 

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(h)          In connection with any increase of the Revolving Commitments or Incremental Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.09, any new lending institution becoming a party hereto shall (i) execute such documents and agreements as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request and (ii) in the case of any new lending institution that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside of the United States of America, provide to the Administrative Agent, its name, address, tax identification number and/or such other information as shall be necessary for the Administrative Agent to comply with “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including without limitation, the USA PATRIOT Act.

 

SECTION 2.10. Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt.

 

(a)          Each Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Loan on the Revolving Credit Maturity Date in the currency of such Loan, and (ii) to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swingline Lenders the then unpaid principal amount of each Swingline Loan on the earlier of the Revolving Credit Maturity Date and the fifth Business Day after such Swingline Loan is made; provided that on each date that a Revolving Loan is made, the Company shall repay all Swingline Loans then outstanding and the proceeds of any such Revolving Loan shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to repay any Swingline Loans outstanding.

 

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

 

(c)          The Administrative Agent shall maintain accounts in which it shall record (i) the amount of each Loan made hereunder, the Class, Agreed Currency and Type thereof and the Interest Period applicable thereto, if any, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrowers to each Lender hereunder and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Administrative Agent hereunder for the account of the Lenders and each Lender’s share thereof.

 

(d)          The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein; provided that the failure of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the Obligations.

 

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

 

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SECTION 2.11. Prepayment of Loans.

 

(a)          Voluntary Prepayments. The Borrowers shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any Borrowing in whole or in part, subject to prior notice in accordance with paragraph (c) of this Section and, if applicable, payment of any break funding expenses under Section 2.16.

 

(b)          Excess Revolving Exposure. If at any time, (i) other than as a result of fluctuations in currency exchange rates, (A) the sum of the principal Dollar Equivalent of the Aggregate Revolving Exposure (calculated, with respect to those Credit Events denominated in Foreign Currencies, as of the most recent Revaluation Date with respect to each such Credit Event) exceeds the aggregate Revolving Commitments or (B) the sum of the aggregate principal Dollar Equivalent of all of the outstanding Revolving Exposures denominated in Foreign Currencies (the “Foreign Currency Exposure”) (so calculated), as of the most recent Revaluation Date with respect to each such Credit Event, exceeds the Foreign Currency Sublimit or (ii) solely as a result of fluctuations in currency exchange rates, (A) the sum of the principal Dollar Equivalent of the Aggregate Revolving Exposure (so calculated) exceeds 105% of the aggregate Revolving Commitments or (B) the Foreign Currency Exposure, as of the most recent Revaluation Date with respect to each such Credit Event, exceeds 105% of the Foreign Currency Sublimit, the Company shall in each case immediately repay Borrowings or cash collateralize LC Exposure in an account with the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.06(j), as applicable, in an aggregate principal Dollar Equivalent sufficient to cause (x) the principal Dollar Equivalent of the Aggregate Revolving Exposure (so calculated) to be less than or equal to the aggregate Revolving Commitments and (y) the Foreign Currency Exposure to be less than or equal to the Foreign Currency Sublimit, as applicable. All prepayments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.11(b) shall be applied, first to prepay the Swingline Loans if such prepayment is made in Dollars, second to repay Revolving Loans in the applicable Agreed Currency and third to cash collateralize outstanding LC Exposure.

 

(c)          Notice of Prepayment; Application of Proceeds. The Company shall notify the Administrative Agent (and, in the case of prepayment of a Swingline Loan, the applicable Swingline Lender) by fax or through any Approved Electronic Platform, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by the Administrative Agent, of any prepayment under this Section: (i) in the case of prepayment of a Term Benchmark Borrowing, not later than 10:00 a.m., Local Time, three (3) Business Days (in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in dollars) or four (4) Business Days (in the case of a Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in a Foreign Currency), in each case before the date of prepayment, (ii) in the case of prepayment of an RFR Borrowing, not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, five Business Days before the date of prepayment, (iii) in the case of prepayment of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date of prepayment or (iv) in the case of prepayment of a Swingline Loan, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date of prepayment. Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the prepayment date and the principal amount of each Borrowing or portion thereof to be prepaid; provided that if a notice of prepayment is given in connection with a conditional notice of termination of the Revolving Commitments as contemplated by Section 2.09, then such notice of prepayment may be revoked if such notice of termination is revoked in accordance with Section 2.09. Promptly following receipt of any such notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the contents thereof. Each partial prepayment of any Borrowing shall be in an amount that would be permitted in the case of an advance of a Borrowing of the same Type as provided in Section 2.02, except as necessary to apply fully the required amount of a mandatory prepayment. Except as set forth in clause (b) above, each prepayment of a Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Loans included in the prepaid Borrowing. Prepayments shall be accompanied by (i) accrued interest to the extent required by Section 2.13 and (ii) break funding payments to the extent required by to Section 2.16.

 

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SECTION 2.12. Fees.

 

(a)          The Company agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent a commitment fee for the account of each Lender, which shall accrue at the Applicable Rate on the daily amount of the undrawn portion of the Revolving Commitment of such Lender during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the date on which the Lenders’ Revolving Commitments terminate; it being understood that the LC Exposure and the Swingline Exposure of a Lender shall be included in the drawn portion of the Revolving Commitment of such Lender for purposes of calculating the commitment fee; provided that, if such Lender continues to have any Revolving Exposure (excluding Revolving Loans) after its Revolving Commitment terminates, then such commitment fee shall continue to accrue on the daily Dollar Equivalent of such Lender’s Revolving Exposure from and including the date on which its Revolving Commitment terminates to but excluding the date on which such Lender ceases to have any Revolving Exposure. Accrued commitment fees shall be payable in arrears on the fifteenth (15th) day following the last day of each March, June, September and December of each year and on the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate, commencing on the first such date to occur after the date hereof; provided that any fees accruing after the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate shall be payable on demand. All commitment fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable in dollars for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day and last day of each period but excluding the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate).

 

(b)          The Company agrees to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender a participation fee with respect to its participations in Letters of Credit, which shall accrue at the same Applicable Rate used to determine the interest rate applicable to Term Benchmark Revolving Loans on the average daily Dollar Equivalent of such Lender’s LC Exposure (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date on which such Lender’s Revolving Commitment terminates and the date on which such Lender ceases to have any LC Exposure, and (ii) to each Issuing Bank for its own account a fronting fee, which shall accrue at the rate or rates per annum separately agreed upon between the Company and such Issuing Bank on the daily Dollar Equivalent of the LC Exposure attributable to Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date of termination of the Revolving Commitments and the date on which there ceases to be any LC Exposure, as well as each Issuing Bank’s standard fees and commissions with respect to the issuance, amendment, cancellation, negotiation, transfer, presentment or extension of any Letter of Credit or processing of drawings thereunder. Participation fees and fronting fees accrued through and including the last day of each March, June, September and December of each year shall be payable on the fifteenth (15th) day following such last day, commencing on the first such date to occur after the Effective Date; provided that all such fees shall be payable on the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate and any such fees accruing after the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate shall be payable on demand. Any other fees payable to any Issuing Bank pursuant to this paragraph shall be payable within ten (10) days after demand. All participation fees and fronting fees shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). Participation fees and fronting fees in respect of all Letters of Credit shall be paid in dollars.

 

(c)          Each Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for its own account, fees payable in the amounts and at the times separately agreed upon between such Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

 

(d)          All fees payable hereunder shall be paid on the dates due, in dollars (except as otherwise expressly provided in this Section 2.12) and immediately available funds, to the Administrative Agent (or to the applicable Issuing Bank, in the case of fees payable to it) for distribution, in the case of commitment fees and participation fees, to the Lenders entitled thereto. Fees paid shall not be refundable under any circumstances.

 

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SECTION 2.13. Interest.

 

(a)          The Loans comprising each ABR Borrowing (other than any Swingline Loan) shall bear interest at the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate.

 

(b)          The Loans comprising each Term Benchmark Borrowing shall bear interest at the Term Benchmark for the currency and Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus the Applicable Rate. Each RFR Loan shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Daily Simple RFR plus the Applicable Rate. Each CBR Loan shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Central Bank Rate plus the Applicable Rate. Each Canadian Prime Loan shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Canadian Prime Rate plus the Applicable Rate.

 

(c)          Each Swingline Loan shall bear interest at (i) the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate or (ii) such other rate per annum (but not less than zero) as separately agreed between any Swingline Lender and the Company.

 

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

 

(e)          Accrued interest on each Loan (for ABR Loans, accrued through the last day of the prior calendar month) shall be payable in arrears, in the same Agreed Currency as the applicable Loan, on each Interest Payment Date for such Loan and, in the case of Revolving Loans, upon termination of the Revolving Commitments; provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to paragraph (d) of this Section shall be payable on demand, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan (other than a prepayment of an ABR Revolving Loan prior to the end of the Availability Period), accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment and (iii) in the event of any conversion of any Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan prior to the end of the current Interest Period therefor, accrued interest on such Loan shall be payable on the effective date of such conversion.

 

(f)          Interest computed by reference to the Alternate Base Rate (except when based on the Prime Rate), the LIBO Rate or the EURIBOR Rate hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days. Interest computed by reference to the Canadian Prime Rate, the CDOR Rate, the TIIE Rate, the Daily Simple RFR with respect to Pounds Sterling, the TIBOR Rate or the Alternate Base Rate at times when the Alternate Base Rate is based on the Prime Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year). In each case interest shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). All interest hereunder on any Loan shall be computed on a daily basis based upon the outstanding principal amount of such Loan as of the applicable date of determination. The applicable Alternate Base Rate, the Adjusted LIBO Rate, the LIBO Rate, the CDOR Rate, the TIIE Rate, the Adjusted EURIBOR Rate, the EURIBOR Rate, the Adjusted TIBOR Rate, the TIBOR Rate, the Daily Simple RFR, RFR or the Canadian Prime Rate shall be determined by the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

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SECTION 2.14. Alternate Rate of Interest; Illegality. (a) Subject to clauses (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) of this Section 2.14, if:

 

(i)          the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) (A) prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Term Benchmark Borrowing, that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted LIBO Rate, the LIBO Rate, the Adjusted EURIBOR Rate, the EURIBOR Rate, the CDOR Rate, the TIIE Rate, the Adjusted TIBOR Rate or the TIBOR Rate (including because the Relevant Screen Rate is not available or published on a current basis), for the applicable Agreed Currency and such Interest Period or (B) at any time, that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the applicable Daily Simple RFR or RFR for the applicable Agreed Currency; or

 

(ii)         the Administrative Agent is advised by the Required Lenders that (A) prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Term Benchmark Borrowing, the Adjusted LIBO Rate, the LIBO Rate, the Adjusted EURIBOR Rate, the EURIBOR Rate, the CDOR Rate, the TIIE Rate, the Adjusted TIBOR Rate or the TIBOR Rate for the applicable Agreed Currency and such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders (or Lender) of making or maintaining their Loans (or its Loan) included in such Borrowing for the applicable Agreed Currency and such Interest Period or (B) at any time, the applicable Daily Simple RFR or RFR for the applicable Agreed Currency will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders (or Lender) of making or maintaining their Loans (or its Loan) included in such Borrowing for the applicable Agreed Currency;

 

then the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Company and the Lenders by telephone, telecopy or electronic mail as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until the Administrative Agent notifies the Company and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (A) any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Revolving Borrowing to, or continuation of any Revolving Borrowing as, a Term Benchmark Borrowing shall be ineffective, (B) if any Borrowing Request requests a Term Benchmark Revolving Borrowing in Dollars, such Borrowing shall be made as an ABR Borrowing, (C) if any Borrowing Request requests a Term Benchmark Borrowing in Canadian Dollars, such Borrowing shall be made as Canadian Prime Borrowing and (D) if any Borrowing Request requests a Term Benchmark Borrowing or an RFR Borrowing for the relevant rate above in a Foreign Currency (other than Canadian Dollars), then such request shall be ineffective; provided that if the circumstances giving rise to such notice affect only one Type of Borrowings, then all other Types of Borrowings shall be permitted.

 

Furthermore, if any Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan in any Agreed Currency is outstanding on the date of the Company’s receipt of the notice from the Administrative Agent referred to in this ‎Section 2.14(a) with respect to a Relevant Rate applicable to such Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan, then until the Administrative Agent notifies the Company and the Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist:

 

(i)          if such Term Benchmark Loan is denominated in Dollars, then on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day), such Loan shall be converted by the Administrative Agent to, and shall constitute, an ABR Loan denominated in Dollars on such day;

 

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(ii)         if such Term Benchmark Loan is denominated in any Foreign Currency (other than Canadian Dollars), then such Loan shall, on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day), bear interest at the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Agreed Currency plus the Applicable Rate; provided that, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Foreign Currency cannot be determined, any outstanding affected Term Benchmark Loans denominated in such Foreign Currency shall, at the Company’s election prior to such day: (A) be prepaid by the Company on such day or (B) solely for the purpose of calculating the interest rate applicable to such Term Benchmark Loan, such Term Benchmark Loan denominated in such Foreign Currency shall be deemed to be a Term Benchmark Loan denominated in Dollars and shall accrue interest at the same interest rate applicable to Term Benchmark Loans denominated in Dollars at such time;

 

(iii)        if such Term Benchmark Loan is denominated in Canadian Dollars, then such Loan shall, on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day), bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Canadian Prime Rate plus the Applicable Rate; and

 

(iv)        any RFR Loan shall, on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day), bear interest at the Central Bank Rate for Pounds Sterling plus the Applicable Rate; provided that, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that the Central Bank Rate for Pounds Sterling cannot be determined, any outstanding affected RFR Loans, at the Company’s election, shall either (A) be converted into ABR Loans denominated in Dollars (in an amount equal to the Dollar Equivalent of Pounds Sterling) immediately or (B) be prepaid in full immediately.

 

(b)          Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document (and any Swap Agreement shall be deemed not to be a “Loan Document” for purposes of this Section 2.14), if a Benchmark Transition Event, an Early Opt-in Election or an Other Benchmark Rate 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” with respect to Dollars for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan 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 Loan Document and (y) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (3) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” with respect to any Agreed Currency for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan Document in respect of any Benchmark setting at or after 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) 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 Loan Document so long as the Administrative Agent has not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such Benchmark Replacement from Lenders comprising the Required Lenders.

 

(c)          Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan Document and subject to the proviso below in this paragraph, with respect to a Loan denominated in Dollars, 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 the applicable Benchmark Replacement will replace the then-current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Loan 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 Loan Document; provided that, this clause (c) shall not be effective unless the Administrative Agent has delivered to the Lenders and the Company a Term SOFR Notice. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent shall not be required to deliver a Term SOFR Notice after the occurrence of a Term SOFR Transition Event and may do so in its sole discretion.

 

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(d)          In connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, the Administrative 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 Loan 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 Loan Document.

 

(e)          The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Company and the Lenders of (i) any occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event, an Early Opt-in Election or an Other Benchmark Rate Election, as applicable, (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 clause (f) below and (v) the commencement or conclusion of any Benchmark Unavailability Period. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by the Administrative Agent or, if applicable, any Lender (or group of Lenders) pursuant to this Section 2.14, 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 Loan Document, except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section 2.14.

 

(f)          Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Loan 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, CDOR Rate, LIBO Rate, EURIBOR Rate, TIIE Rate or TIBOR Rate) 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 Administrative 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 Administrative 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 Administrative Agent may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for all Benchmark settings at or after such time to reinstate such previously removed tenor.

 

(g)          Upon the Company’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, the Company may revoke any request for a Term Benchmark Borrowing or RFR Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Term Benchmark Loans or RFR Loans to be made, converted or continued during any Benchmark Unavailability Period and, in the absence of such revocation, either (x) the Company will be deemed to have converted any such request for a Term Benchmark Borrowing denominated in Dollars into a request for a Borrowing of or conversion to ABR Loans or (y) any request relating to a Term Benchmark Borrowing or RFR Borrowing denominated in a Foreign Currency shall be ineffective. 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 ABR based upon the then-current Benchmark or such tenor for such Benchmark, as applicable, will not be used in any determination of ABR.

 

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Furthermore, if any Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan in any Agreed Currency is outstanding on the date of the Company’s receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period with respect to a Relevant Rate applicable to such Term Benchmark Loan or RFR Loan, then until such time as a Benchmark Replacement for such Agreed Currency is implemented pursuant to this Section 2.14:

 

(i)          if such Term Benchmark Loan is denominated in Dollars, then on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day), such Loan shall be converted by the Administrative Agent to, and shall constitute, an ABR Loan denominated in Dollars on such day;

 

(ii)         if such Term Benchmark Loan is denominated in any Foreign Currency other than Canadian Dollars, then such Loan shall, on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day) bear interest at the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Agreed Currency plus the Applicable Rate; provided that, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that the Central Bank Rate for the applicable Foreign Currency cannot be determined, any outstanding affected Term Benchmark Loans denominated in such Foreign Currency shall, at the Company’s election prior to such day: (A) be prepaid by the Company on such day or (B) solely for the purpose of calculating the interest rate applicable to such Term Benchmark Loan, such Term Benchmark Loan denominated in such Foreign Currency shall be deemed to be a Term Benchmark Loan denominated in Dollars and shall accrue interest at the same interest rate applicable to Term Benchmark Loans denominated in Dollars at such time;

 

(iii)        if such Term Benchmark Loan is denominated in Canadian Dollars, then such Loan shall, on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day), bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Canadian Prime Rate plus the Applicable Rate; and

 

(iv)        any RFR Loan shall, on the last day of the Interest Period applicable to such Loan (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day), bear interest at the Central Bank Rate for Sterling plus the Applicable Rate; provided that, if the Administrative Agent determines (which determination shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error) that the Central Bank Rate for Pounds Sterling cannot be determined, any outstanding affected RFR Loans, at the Company’s election, shall either (i) be converted into ABR Loans denominated in Dollars (in an amount equal to the Dollar Equivalent of Pounds Sterling) immediately or (ii) be prepaid in full immediately.

 

(h)          If any Lender determines that any Requirement of Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable lending office to make, maintain or fund Term Benchmark Loans or RFR Loans, or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the applicable Term Benchmark Rate or Daily Simple RFR or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of such Lender to purchase or sell, or to take deposits of, the applicable currency in the London or other applicable offshore interbank market, then, on written notice thereof by such Lender to the Administrative Agent and the Company (and confirmation that such Lender is generally suspending such loans for similarly situated borrowers), any obligation of such Lender to make or continue Term Benchmark Loans or RFR Loans of the applicable Type or to convert ABR Loans to Term Benchmark Loans shall be suspended until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Company that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist.  Upon receipt of such notice, the Company shall, upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or, if applicable, (1) convert all Term Benchmark Loans of such Type of such Lender to (x) ABR Loans, if denominated in Dollars, (y) Canadian Prime Loans, if denominated in Canadian Dollars and (z) CBR Loans, if denominated in a Foreign Currency other than Canadian Dollars or Pounds Sterling, or (2) convert all RFR Loans of such Lender to CBR Loans, in each case, either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor (or the next succeeding Business Day if such day is not a Business Day), if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Term Benchmark Loans or RFR Loans, as applicable, to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Term Benchmark Loans or RFR Loans, as applicable.  Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrowers shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted. Prior to giving any notice contemplated above, a Lender shall designate a different lending office if such designation would avoid the need for giving such notice and if such designation would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender in its good faith discretion.

 

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SECTION 2.15. Increased Costs.

 

(a)            If any Change in Law shall:

 

(i)          impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, liquidity or similar requirement (including any compulsory loan requirement, insurance charge or other assessment) against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, any Lender (except any such reserve requirement reflected in the Adjusted LIBO Rate, Adjusted EURIBOR Rate or Adjusted TIBOR Rate, as applicable) or any Issuing Bank; or

 

(ii)         impose on any Lender or any Issuing Bank or the London or other applicable offshore interbank market for the applicable Agreed Currency any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes) affecting this Agreement or Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein; or

 

(iii)        subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes, (B) Taxes described in clauses (b) through (d) of the definition of Excluded Taxes and (C) Connection Income Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, letters of credit, commitments, or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto;

 

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender or such other Recipient of making, continuing, converting into or maintaining any Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan) or to increase the cost to such Lender, such Issuing Bank or such other Recipient of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender, such Issuing Bank or such other Recipient hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then the Borrowers will pay to such Lender, such Issuing Bank or such other Recipient, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender, such Issuing Bank or such other Recipient, as the case may be, for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered as reasonably determined by such Lender or such Issuing Bank (which determination shall be made in good faith (and not on an arbitrary or capricious basis) and consistent with similarly situated customers of the applicable Lender or the applicable Issuing Bank under agreements having provisions similar to this Section 2.15(a) after consideration of such factors as such Lender or such Issuing Bank then reasonably determines to be relevant).

 

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(b)          If any Lender or any Issuing Bank determines that any Change in Law regarding capital or liquidity requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Revolving Commitments of or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit or Swingline Loans held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by any Issuing Bank, to a level below that which such Lender or such Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy and liquidity), then from time to time the Borrowers will pay to such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s holding company for any such reduction suffered as reasonably determined by such Lender or such Issuing Bank (which determination shall be made in good faith (and not on an arbitrary or capricious basis) and consistent with similarly situated customers of the applicable Lender or the applicable Issuing Bank under agreements having provisions similar to this Section 2.15(b) after consideration of such factors as such Lender or such Issuing Bank then reasonably determines to be relevant).

 

(c)          A certificate of a Lender or an Issuing Bank setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or such Issuing Bank or its holding company, as the case may be, as specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section shall be delivered to the Borrowers and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrowers shall pay such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within ten (10) Business Days after receipt thereof.

 

(d)          Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or any Issuing Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrowers shall not be required to compensate a Lender or an Issuing Bank pursuant to this Section for any increased costs or reductions incurred more than 180 days prior to the date that such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, notifies the applicable Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions and of such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s intention to claim compensation therefor; provided further that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or reductions is retroactive, then the 180-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.

 

SECTION 2.16. Break Funding Payments. (a) With respect to Loans that are not RFR Loans, in the event of (i) the payment of any principal of any Term Benchmark Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default or an optional or mandatory prepayment of Loans), (ii) the conversion of any Term Benchmark Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (iii) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any Term Benchmark Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice may be revoked under Section 2.11(b) and is revoked in accordance therewith), (iv) the assignment of any Term Benchmark Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto as a result of a request by any Borrower pursuant to Section 2.19 or (v) the failure by any Borrower to make any payment of any Loan or drawing under any Letter of Credit (or interest due thereof) denominated in a Foreign Currency (other than Pounds Sterling) on its scheduled due date or any payment thereof in a different currency, then, in any such event, the Borrowers shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense (other than any lost profits) attributable to such event. In the case of a Term Benchmark Loan, such loss, cost or expense to any Lender shall be deemed to include an amount determined by such Lender to be the excess, if any, of (x) the amount of interest which would have accrued on the principal amount of such Loan had such event not occurred, at the Adjusted LIBO Rate, the CDOR Rate, the TIIE Rate, the Adjusted EURIBOR Rate or the Adjusted TIBOR Rate, as applicable, that would have been applicable to such Loan, for the period from the date of such event to the last day of the then current Interest Period therefor (or, in the case of a failure to borrow, convert or continue, for the period that would have been the Interest Period for such Loan), over (y) the amount of interest which would accrue on such principal amount for such period at the interest rate which such Lender would bid were it to bid, at the commencement of such period, for deposits in the applicable Agreed Currency of a comparable amount and period from other banks in the applicable offshore interbank market for such Agreed Currency, whether or not such Term Benchmark Loan was in fact so funded. A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section shall be delivered to the Borrowers and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrowers shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 Business Days after receipt thereof.

 

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(b)          With respect to RFR Loans bearing interest by reference to an RFR that is a term rate (if any), in the event of (i) the payment of any principal of any such RFR Loan other than on the Interest Payment Date applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default or an optional or mandatory prepayment of Loans), (ii) the failure to borrow or prepay any such RFR Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto (regardless of whether such notice may be revoked under Section 2.11(b) and is revoked in accordance therewith), (iii) the assignment of any such RFR Loan other than on the Interest Payment Date applicable thereto as a result of a request by the Borrowers pursuant to Section 2.19 or (iv) the failure by any Borrower to make any payment of any Loan or drawing under any Letter of Credit (or interest due thereof) denominated in a Foreign Currency on its scheduled due date or any payment thereof in a different currency, then, in any such event, the Borrowers shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense (other than any lost profits) attributable to such event. A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section shall be delivered to the Borrowers and shall be conclusive absent manifest error. The Borrowers shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 Business Days after receipt thereof.

 

SECTION 2.17. Taxes.

 

(a)          Withholding of Taxes; Gross-Up; Payments Free of Taxes. Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under any Loan Document (including, without limitation, the Obligations and Guaranteed Obligations of each Loan Party) shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by applicable law. If any applicable law (as determined in the good faith discretion of an applicable Withholding Agent) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by a Withholding Agent, then the applicable Withholding Agent shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding and shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law and, if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax, then the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after such deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.17), the applicable Recipient receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made.

 

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

 

(c)          Evidence of Payment. As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by any Loan Party to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section 2.17, such Loan Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment, or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

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(d)           Indemnification by the Loan Parties. The Loan Parties shall jointly and severally indemnify each Recipient, within ten (10) days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Loan Party by a Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

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

 

(f)            Status of Lenders.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(2)          in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming that its extension of credit will generate U.S. effectively connected income, an executed IRS Form W-8ECI;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(g)  Additional United Kingdom Withholding Tax Matters.

 

(i)          Subject to (ii) below, each Lender and each UK Borrower which makes a payment to such Lender shall cooperate in completing, as soon as is reasonably practicable, any procedural formalities necessary for such UK Borrower to obtain authorization to make such payment without withholding or deduction for Taxes imposed under the laws of the United Kingdom.

 

(ii)         (A)  A Lender on the Effective Date that (x) holds a passport under the HMRC DT Treaty Passport scheme and (y) wishes such scheme to apply to this Agreement, shall provide written notification of its scheme reference number and its jurisdiction of tax residence to each UK Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or as soon as reasonably practicable following the Effective Date; and

 

(B)        a Lender which becomes a Lender hereunder after the day on which this Agreement closes that (x) holds a passport under the HMRC DT Treaty Passport scheme and (y) wishes such scheme to apply to this Agreement, shall provide written notification of its scheme reference number and its jurisdiction of tax residence to each UK Borrower and the Administrative Agent on the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender hereunder, and

 

(C)        Upon satisfying either clause (A) or (B) above, such Lender shall have satisfied its obligation under paragraph (g)(i) above.

 

(iii)        If a Lender has confirmed its scheme reference number and its jurisdiction of tax residence in accordance with paragraph (g)(ii) above, the UK Borrower(s) shall make a Borrower DTTP Filing with respect to such Lender, and shall promptly provide such Lender with a copy of such filing; provided that, if:

 

(A)        each UK Borrower making a payment to such Lender has not made a Borrower DTTP Filing in respect of such Lender; or

 

(B)        each UK Borrower making a payment to such Lender has made a Borrower DTTP Filing in respect of such Lender but:

 

(1)          such Borrower DTTP Filing has been rejected by HM Revenue & Customs; or

 

(2)          HM Revenue & Customs has not given such UK Borrower authority to make payments to such Lender without a deduction for tax within 30 days of the date of such Borrower DTTP Filing; or

 

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(3)            HM Revenue & Customs has given such UK Borrower authority to make payments to such Lender without a deduction for tax but such authority has subsequently been revoked or expired;

 

and in each case, such UK Borrower has notified that Lender in writing, then such Lender and such UK Borrower shall co-operate in completing any additional procedural formalities necessary for such UK Borrower to obtain authorization to make that payment without withholding or deduction for Taxes imposed under the laws of the United Kingdom.

 

(iv)           If a Lender has not confirmed its scheme reference number and jurisdiction of tax residence in accordance with paragraph (g)(ii) above, no UK Borrower shall make a Borrower DTTP Filing or file any other form relating to the HMRC DT Treaty Passport scheme in respect of that Lender’s Commitment(s) or its participation in any Loan unless the Lender otherwise agrees.

 

(v)            Each UK Borrower shall, promptly on making a Borrower DTTP Filing, deliver a copy of such Borrower DTTP Filing to the Administrative Agent for delivery to the relevant Lender.

 

(vi)           Each Lender shall provide written notification on the date on which it becomes a Lender hereunder, and without liability to any Borrower, whether it is a UK Qualifying Lender (other than a UK Treaty Lender), a UK Treaty Lender or not a UK Qualifying Lender. If a Lender fails to indicate its status in accordance with this Section, then such Lender shall be treated for the purposes of the Loan Documents as if it is not a UK Qualifying Lender until such time as it notifies the Company that it is a UK Qualifying Lender.

 

(vii)          Each Lender shall notify the Borrower and Administrative Agent if it determines in its sole discretion that it is ceases to be a UK Qualifying Lender .

 

(h)           Treatment of Certain Refunds. If any party determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section 2.17 (including by the payment of additional amounts pursuant to this Section 2.17), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section 2.17 with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) of such indemnified party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund). Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this paragraph (h) (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) in the event that such indemnified party is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph (h), in no event will the indemnified party be required to pay any amount to an indemnifying party pursuant to this paragraph (h) the payment of which would place the indemnified party in a less favorable net after-Tax position than the indemnified party would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts giving rise to such refund had never been paid. This paragraph (h) shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.

 

(i)             Survival. Each party’s obligations under this Section 2.17 shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Revolving Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under any Loan Document (including the Payment in Full of all Obligations).

 

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(j)             Defined Terms. For purposes of this Section 2.17, the term “applicable law” includes FATCA.

 

SECTION 2.18. Payments Generally; Allocation of Proceeds; Sharing of Set-offs.

 

(a)            Each Loan Party shall make each payment required to be made by it hereunder (whether of principal, interest, fees or reimbursement of LC Disbursements, or of amounts payable under Sections 2.15, 2.16 or 2.17, or otherwise) prior to (i) in the case of payments denominated in dollars, 2:00 p.m., New York City time and (ii) in the case of payments denominated in a Foreign Currency, 2:00 p.m., Local Time, in the city of the Administrative Agent’s Term Benchmark Payment Office for such currency, in each case on the date when due or the date fixed for any prepayment hereunder, in immediately available funds, without set-off, recoupment or counterclaim. Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. All such payments shall be made (i) in the same currency in which the applicable Credit Event was made (or where such currency has been converted to euro, in euro) and (ii) to the Administrative Agent at its offices at 10 S. Dearborn St., Chicago IL 60603, or, in the case of a Credit Event denominated in a Foreign Currency, the Administrative Agent’s Term Benchmark Payment Office for such currency, except payments to be made directly to any Issuing Bank or any Swingline Lender as expressly provided herein and except that payments pursuant to Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03 shall be made directly to the Persons entitled thereto. The Administrative Agent shall distribute any such payments denominated in the same currency received by it for the account of any other Person to the appropriate recipient promptly following receipt thereof. Unless otherwise provided for herein, if any payment hereunder shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day, and, in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be payable for the period of such extension. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section, if, after the making of any Credit Event in any Foreign Currency, currency control or exchange regulations are imposed in the country which issues such currency with the result that the type of currency in which the Credit Event was made (the “Original Currency”) no longer exists or the applicable Borrower is not able to make payment to any Issuing Bank or the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders in such Original Currency (or any Lender is unable to make a reimbursement obligation denominated in such Original Currency to an Issuing Bank or the Administrative Agent), then all payments to be made by such Borrower (or any such Lender) hereunder in such currency shall instead be made when due in dollars in an amount equal to the Dollar Equivalent (as of the date of repayment) of such payment due, it being the intention of the parties hereto that such Borrower takes all risks of the imposition of any such currency control or exchange regulations and such Borrower agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Issuing Bank, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders from and against any loss resulting from any Credit Event made to or for the benefit of such Borrower denominated in a Foreign Currency that is not repaid to such Issuing Bank, the Administrative Agent or the Lenders, as the case may be, in the Original Currency. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent may require that any payments due under this Agreement be made in the U.S.

 

(b)            If at any time that payments are not required to be applied in the manner required by Section 2.18(h) insufficient funds are received by and available to the Administrative Agent to pay fully all amounts of principal, unreimbursed LC Disbursements, interest and fees then due hereunder, such funds shall be applied (i) first, towards payment of interest and fees then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of interest and fees then due to such parties, and (ii) second, towards payment of principal and unreimbursed LC Disbursements then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of principal and unreimbursed LC Disbursements then due to such parties.

 

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(c)            At the election of the Administrative Agent, all payments of principal, interest, LC Disbursements, fees, premiums, reimbursable expenses (including, without limitation, all reimbursement for fees, costs and expenses pursuant to Section 9.03), and other sums payable under the Loan Documents, may be paid from the proceeds of Borrowings made hereunder, whether made following a request by a Borrower pursuant to Section 2.03 or 2.05 or a deemed request as provided in this Section or may be deducted from any deposit account of a Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent. Each Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes (i) the Administrative Agent to make a Revolving Borrowing for the purpose of paying each payment of principal, interest and fees as it becomes due hereunder or any other amount due under the Loan Documents and agrees that all such amounts charged shall constitute Revolving Loans (including Swingline Loans), and that all such Borrowings shall be deemed to have been requested pursuant to Sections 2.03 or 2.05, as applicable, and (ii) the Administrative Agent to charge any deposit account of such Borrower maintained with the Administrative Agent for each payment of principal, interest and fees as it becomes due hereunder or any other amount due under the Loan Documents.

 

(d)            If, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, any Lender shall, by exercising any right of set-off or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Loans or participations in LC Disbursements or Swingline Loans resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans and accrued interest thereon than the proportion received by any other similarly situated Lender, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans of other Lenders to the extent necessary so that the benefit of all such payments shall be shared by all such Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans; provided that (i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest, and (ii) the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to any payment made by a Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement or any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment or sale of a participation in any of its Loans or participations in LC Disbursements or Swingline Loans to any assignee or participant, other than to such Borrower or any Subsidiary or Affiliate thereof (as to which the provisions of this paragraph shall apply). Each Borrower consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against such Borrower rights of set-off and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of such Borrower in the amount of such participation.

 

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

 

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(f)             If any Lender shall fail to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.05, 2.06(d) or (e), 2.07(b), 2.18(e) or 9.03(c), then the Administrative Agent may, in its discretion (notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof), (i) apply any amounts thereafter received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the applicable Swingline Lender or the applicable Issuing Bank to satisfy such Lender’s obligations under such Sections until all such unsatisfied obligations are fully paid and/or (ii) hold any such amounts in a segregated account over which the Administrative Agent shall have exclusive control as cash collateral for, and application to, any future funding obligations of such Lender under such Sections. Application of amounts pursuant to (i) and (ii) above shall be made in such order as may be determined by the Administrative Agent in its discretion.

 

(g)            The Administrative Agent may from time to time provide the Borrowers with account statements or invoices with respect to any of the Obligations (the “Statements”). The Administrative Agent is under no duty or obligation to provide Statements, which, if provided, will be solely for the Borrowers’ convenience. Statements may contain estimates of the amounts owed during the relevant billing period, whether of principal, interest, fees or other Obligations. If any Borrower pays the full amount indicated on a Statement on or before the due date indicated on such Statement, such Borrower shall not be in default of payment with respect to the billing period indicated on such Statement; provided, that acceptance by the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, of any payment that is less than the total amount actually due at that time (including but not limited to any past due amounts) shall not constitute a waiver of the Administrative Agent’s or the Lenders’ right to receive payment in full at another time.

 

(h)            Any payments and any proceeds of Collateral received by the Administrative Agent (i) not constituting either (A) a specific payment of principal, interest, fees or other sum payable under the Loan Documents (which shall be applied as specified by the Borrowers) or (B) a mandatory prepayment (which shall be applied in accordance with Section 2.11) or (ii) after an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Administrative Agent so elects or the Required Lenders so direct, such funds shall be applied ratably first, to pay any fees, indemnities, or expense reimbursements including amounts then due to the Administrative Agent, the Swingline Lenders and the Issuing Banks from the Borrowers (other than in connection with Banking Services Obligations or Swap Agreement Obligations), second, to pay any fees, indemnities, or expense reimbursements then due to the Lenders from the Loan Parties (other than in connection with Banking Services Obligations or Swap Agreement Obligations), third, to pay interest then due and payable on the Loans ratably, fourth, to prepay principal on the Loans and unreimbursed LC Disbursements, to pay any amounts owing in respect of Swap Agreement Obligations and Banking Services Obligations up to and including the amount most recently provided to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.22 and to pay an amount to the Administrative Agent equal to one hundred three percent (103%) of the aggregate LC Exposure, to be held as cash collateral for such Obligations, ratably, and fifth, to the payment of any other Obligation due to the Administrative Agent or any Lender from any Borrower or any other Loan Party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, amounts received from any Loan Party shall not be applied to any Excluded Swap Obligation of such Loan Party. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, unless so directed by the Company, or unless a Default is in existence, neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall apply any payment which it receives to any Term Benchmark Loan, except (i) on the expiration date of the Interest Period applicable thereto, or (ii) in the event, and only to the extent, that there are no outstanding ABR Loans and, in any such event, the Borrowers shall pay the break funding payment required in accordance with Section 2.16. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall have the continuing and exclusive right to apply and reverse and reapply any and all such proceeds and payments to any portion of the Obligations.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, Obligations arising under Banking Services Obligations or Swap Agreement Obligations shall be excluded from the application described above and paid in clause fifth if the Administrative Agent has not received written notice thereof, together with such supporting documentation as the Administrative Agent may have reasonably requested from the applicable provider of such Banking Services or Swap Agreements.

 

SECTION 2.19. Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.

 

(a)            If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.15, or if any Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.17, then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or Affiliates, if, in the judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.15 or 2.17, as the case may be, in the future and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender. The Company hereby agrees to pay all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment.

 

(b)            If any Lender asserts the existence of a condition under Section 2.14(h) that prevents the availability of Term Benchmark Borrowings or Term Benchmark Loans in the Agreed Currency, requests compensation under Section 2.15, or if any Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.17, or if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender or a Declining Lender, then the Company may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04), all its interests, rights (other than its existing rights to payments pursuant to Section 2.15 or 2.17) and obligations under this Agreement and other Loan Documents (or, in the case of any such assignment resulting from a Lender having become a Declining Lender solely with respect to a specified Class of Loans, all of its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement as a Lender of the Class or Classes of Loans with respect to which such Lender is a Declining Lender) to an assignee (other than an Ineligible Institution) that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (i) the Company shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent (and in circumstances where its consent would be required under Section 9.04, each Issuing Bank and each Swingline Lender), which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, (ii) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and Swingline Loans, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder, from the assignee (to the extent of such outstanding principal and accrued interest and fees) or the Company (in the case of all other amounts), (iii) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim under Section 2.14, such assignment will result in the availability of the applicable Class and Type of Borrowings or Loans in the Agreed Currency, as applicable, from the replacement lender, (iv) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.15 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.17, such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments and (v) in the case of any assignment resulting from a Lender becoming a Declining Lender, the applicable assignee shall have consented to the applicable Revolving Credit Maturity Date Extension Request. A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver by such Lender or otherwise, the circumstances entitling the Company to require such assignment and delegation cease to apply. Each party hereto agrees that (A) an assignment required pursuant to this paragraph may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Company, the Administrative Agent and the assignee (or, to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and such parties are participants), and (B) the Lender required to make such assignment need not be a party thereto in order for such assignment to be effective and shall be deemed to have consented to and be bound by the terms thereof; provided that, following the effectiveness of any such assignment, the other parties to such assignment agree to execute and deliver such documents necessary to evidence such assignment as reasonably requested by the applicable Lender; provided that any such documents shall be without recourse to or warranty by the parties thereto.

 

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SECTION 2.20. Defaulting Lenders. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then the following provisions shall apply for so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender:

 

(a)            fees shall cease to accrue on the unfunded portion of the Revolving Commitment of such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.12(a);

 

(b)            any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to ‎Section 7.03 or otherwise) or received by the Administrative Agent from a Defaulting Lender pursuant to ‎Section 9.08 shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second, to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Issuing Banks or Swingline Lenders hereunder; third, to cash collateralize LC Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender in accordance with this Section; fourth, as the Company may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; fifth, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Company, to be held in a deposit account and released pro rata in order to (x) satisfy such Defaulting Lender’s potential future funding obligations with respect to Loans under this Agreement and (y) cash collateralize future LC Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender with respect to future Letters of Credit issued under this Agreement, in accordance with this Section; sixth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or Swingline Lenders as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender, the Issuing Banks or Swingline Lenders against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document; seventh, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrowers as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrowers against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement or under any other Loan Document; and eighth, to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or LC Disbursements in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share, and (y) such Loans were made or the related Letters of Credit were issued at a time when the conditions set forth in ‎Section 4.02 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of, and LC Disbursements owed to, all non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of, or LC Disbursements owed to, such Defaulting Lender until such time as all Loans and funded and unfunded participations in the Borrowers’ obligations corresponding to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure and Swingline Loans are held by the Lenders pro rata in accordance with the Revolving Commitments without giving effect to clause (d) below. Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post cash collateral pursuant to this Section shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.

 

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(c)            such Defaulting Lender shall not have the right to vote on any issue on which voting is required (other than to the extent expressly provided in Section 9.02(c)) and the Revolving Commitment and Revolving Exposure of such Defaulting Lender shall not be included in determining whether the Required Lenders have taken or may take any action hereunder or under any other Loan Document; provided that, except as otherwise provided in Section 9.02, this clause (c) shall not apply to the vote of a Defaulting Lender in the case of an amendment, waiver or other modification requiring the consent of such Lender or each Lender directly affected thereby;

 

(d)            if any Swingline Exposure or LC Exposure exists at the time such Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender then:

 

(i)             all or any part of the Swingline Exposure and LC Exposure of such Defaulting Lender (other than the portion of such Swingline Exposure referred to in clause (b) of the definition of such term) shall be reallocated among the non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages but only (x) to the extent that the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 are satisfied at the time of such reallocation (and, unless the Company shall have otherwise notified the Administrative Agent at such time, the Company shall be deemed to have represented and warranted that such conditions are satisfied at such time) and (y) to the extent that such reallocation does not, as to any non-Defaulting Lender, cause the Dollar Equivalent of such non-Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Exposure to exceed its Revolving Commitment;

 

(ii)            if the reallocation described in clause (i) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, the Company shall within one (1) Business Day following notice by the Administrative Agent (x) first, prepay such Swingline Exposure and (y) second, cash collateralize, for the benefit of the applicable Issuing Banks, the Company’s obligations corresponding to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure (after giving effect to any partial reallocation pursuant to clause (i) above) in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.06(j) for so long as such LC Exposure is outstanding;

 

(iii)           if the Company cash collateralizes any portion of such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure pursuant to clause (ii) above, the Company shall not be required to pay any fees to such Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 2.12(b) with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure during the period such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure is cash collateralized;

 

(iv)           if the LC Exposure of the non-Defaulting Lenders is reallocated pursuant to clause (i) above, then the fees payable to the Lenders pursuant to Sections 2.12(a) and 2.12(b) shall be adjusted in accordance with such non-Defaulting Lenders’ Applicable Percentages; and

 

(v)           if all or any portion of such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure is neither reallocated nor cash collateralized pursuant to clause (i) or (ii) above, then, without prejudice to any rights or remedies of any Issuing Bank or any other Lender hereunder, all letter of credit fees payable under Section 2.12(b) with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s LC Exposure shall be payable to the applicable Issuing Banks until and to the extent that such LC Exposure is reallocated and/or cash collateralized; and

 

(e)            so long as such Lender is a Defaulting Lender, no Swingline Lender shall be required to fund any Swingline Loan and no Issuing Bank shall be required to issue, amend, extend or increase any Letter of Credit, unless it is satisfied that the related exposure and such Defaulting Lender’s then outstanding LC Exposure will be 100% covered by the Revolving Commitments of the non-Defaulting Lenders and/or cash collateral will be provided by the Company in accordance with Section 2.20(d), and Swingline Exposure related to any such newly made Swingline Loan or LC Exposure related to any newly issued or increased Letter of Credit shall be allocated among non-Defaulting Lenders in a manner consistent with Section 2.20(d)(i) (and such Defaulting Lender shall not participate therein).

 

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If (i) a Bankruptcy Event or a Bail-In Action with respect to the Parent of any Lender shall occur following the date hereof and for so long as such event shall continue or (ii) the applicable Swingline Lender or the applicable Issuing Bank has a good faith belief that any Lender has defaulted in fulfilling its obligations under one or more other agreements in which such Lender commits to extend credit, such Swingline Lender shall not be required to fund any Swingline Loan and such Issuing Bank shall not be required to issue, amend or increase any Letter of Credit, unless such Swingline Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, shall have entered into arrangements with the Company or such Lender, satisfactory to such Swingline Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be, to defease any risk to it in respect of such Lender hereunder.

 

In the event that each of the Administrative Agent, the Company, each Swingline Lender and each Issuing Bank agrees that a Defaulting Lender has adequately remedied all matters that caused such Lender to be a Defaulting Lender, then the Swingline Exposure and LC Exposure of the Lenders shall be readjusted to reflect the inclusion of such Lender’s Revolving Commitment and on the date of such readjustment such Lender shall purchase at par such of the Loans of the other Lenders (other than Swingline Loans) as the Administrative Agent shall determine may be necessary in order for such Lender to hold such Loans in accordance with its Applicable Percentage.

 

SECTION 2.21. Returned Payments. If, after receipt of any payment which is applied to the payment of all or any part of the Obligations (including a payment effected through exercise of a right of setoff), the Administrative Agent or any Lender is for any reason compelled to surrender such payment or proceeds to any Person because such payment or application of proceeds is invalidated, declared fraudulent, set aside, determined to be void or voidable as a preference, impermissible setoff, or a diversion of trust funds, or for any other reason (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Administrative Agent or such Lender in its discretion), then the Obligations or part thereof intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued and this Agreement shall continue in full force as if such payment or proceeds had not been received by the Administrative Agent or such Lender. The provisions of this Section 2.21 shall be and remain effective notwithstanding any contrary action which may have been taken by the Administrative Agent or any Lender in reliance upon such payment or application of proceeds. The provisions of this Section 2.21 shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 2.22. Banking Services and Swap Agreements. Each Lender or Affiliate thereof providing Banking Services for, or having Swap Agreements with, any Loan Party or any Subsidiary shall deliver to the Administrative Agent, promptly after entering into such Banking Services or Swap Agreements, written notice setting forth the aggregate amount of all Banking Services Obligations and Swap Agreement Obligations of such Loan Party or Subsidiary to such Lender or Affiliate (whether matured or unmatured, absolute or contingent). In furtherance of that requirement, each such Lender or Affiliate thereof shall furnish the Administrative Agent, from time to time after a significant change therein or upon a request therefor, a summary of the amounts due or to become due in respect of such Banking Services Obligations and Swap Agreement Obligations. For the avoidance of doubt, so long as Chase or its Affiliate is the Administrative Agent, neither Chase nor any of its Affiliates providing Banking Services for, or having Swap Agreements with, any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of a Loan Party shall be required to provide any notice described in this Section 2.22 in respect of such Banking Services or Swap Agreements.

 

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SECTION 2.23. Extension of Revolving Credit Maturity Date.

 

(a)            The Company may, by delivery of a Revolving Credit Maturity Date Extension Request to the Administrative Agent (who shall promptly deliver a copy thereof to each of the Lenders) not less than thirty (30) days prior to the then existing Revolving Credit Maturity Date (the “Existing Revolving Credit Maturity Date”), request that the Lenders extend the Existing Revolving Credit Maturity Date in accordance with this Section. Each Revolving Credit Maturity Date Extension Request shall (i) specify the date to which the Revolving Credit Maturity Date is sought to be extended, (ii) specify the changes, if any, to the Applicable Rate to be applied in determining the interest payable on the Loans of, and fees payable hereunder to, Consenting Lenders (as defined below) in respect of that portion of their Revolving Commitments and/or Loans extended to such new Revolving Credit Maturity Date and the time as of which such changes will become effective (which may be prior to the Existing Revolving Credit Maturity Date) and (iii) specify any other amendments or modifications to this Agreement to be effected in connection with such Revolving Credit Maturity Date Extension Request; provided that no such changes or modifications requiring approvals pursuant to the provisos to Section 9.02(b) shall become effective prior to the then Existing Revolving Credit Maturity Date unless such other approvals have been obtained. In the event that a Revolving Credit Maturity Date Extension Request shall have been delivered by the Company, each Lender shall have the right to agree to the extension of the Existing Revolving Credit Maturity Date and other matters contemplated thereby on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein (each Lender agreeing to the Revolving Credit Maturity Date Extension Request being referred to herein as a “Consenting Lender” and, each Lender not agreeing thereto being referred to herein as a “Declining Lender”), which right may be exercised by written notice thereof, specifying the maximum amount of the Revolving Commitment and/or Loans of such Lender with respect to which such Lender agrees to the extension of the Revolving Credit Maturity Date, delivered to the Company (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) not later than a day to be agreed upon by the Company and the Administrative Agent following the date on which the Revolving Credit Maturity Date Extension Request shall have been delivered by the Company (it being understood and agreed that any Lender that shall have failed to exercise such right as set forth above shall be deemed to be a Declining Lender). If a Lender elects to extend only a portion of its then existing Revolving Commitment and/or Loans, it will be deemed for purposes hereof to be a Consenting Lender in respect of such extended portion and a Declining Lender in respect of the remaining portion of its Revolving Commitment and/or Loans, and the aggregate principal amount of each Type of Loans of such Lender shall be allocated ratably among the extended and non-extended portions of the Loans of such Lender based on the aggregate principal amount of such Loans so extended and not extended. If Consenting Lenders shall have agreed to such Revolving Credit Maturity Date Extension Request in respect of Revolving Commitments and/or Loans held by them, then, subject to paragraph (c) of this Section, on the date specified in the Revolving Credit Maturity Date Extension Request as the effective date thereof, (i) the Existing Revolving Credit Maturity Date of the applicable Revolving Commitments and/or Loans shall, as to the Consenting Lenders, be extended to such date as shall be specified therein, (ii) the terms and conditions of the applicable Revolving Commitments and/or Loans of the Consenting Lenders (including interest and fees (including Letter of Credit fees) payable in respect thereof) shall be modified as set forth in the Revolving Credit Maturity Date Extension Request and (iii) such other modifications and amendments hereto specified in the Revolving Credit Maturity Date Extension Request shall (subject to any required approvals (including those of the Required Lenders) having been obtained) become effective. The Company, the Administrative Agent and the Consenting Lenders shall enter into an amendment to this Agreement (an “Extension Agreement”) to effect such modifications as may be necessary to reflect the terms of the Revolving Credit Maturity Date Extension Request. The Revolving Credit Maturity Date may be extended no more than two times pursuant to this Section 2.23.

 

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(b)            If a Revolving Credit Maturity Date Extension Request has become effective hereunder:

 

(i)             not later than the fifth (5th) Business Day prior to the Existing Revolving Credit Maturity Date, the Borrowers shall make prepayments of Revolving Loans and shall provide cash collateral in respect of Letters of Credit in the manner set forth in Section 2.06(j), such that, after giving effect to such prepayments and such provision of cash collateral, the Aggregate Revolving Exposure as of such date will not exceed the aggregate Revolving Commitments of the Consenting Lenders extended pursuant to this Section (and the Borrowers shall not be permitted thereafter to request any Revolving Loan or any issuance, amendment or extension of a Letter of Credit if, after giving effect thereto, (A) the Dollar Equivalent of the aggregate LC Exposure would exceed $80,000,000, (B) any Lender’s Dollar Equivalent of Revolving Exposure would exceed its Revolving Commitment, (C) the Dollar Equivalent of the Aggregate Revolving Exposure would exceed the aggregate Revolving Commitments and (D) the Dollar Equivalent of the total outstanding Revolving Loans and LC Exposure, in each case denominated in Foreign Currencies, would exceed the Foreign Currency Sublimit); and

 

(ii)            on the Existing Revolving Credit Maturity Date, the Revolving Commitment of each Declining Lender shall, to the extent not assumed, assigned or transferred as provided in paragraph (b) of this Section, terminate, and the Borrowers shall repay all the Revolving Loans of each Declining Lender, to the extent such Loans shall not have been so purchased, assigned and transferred, in each case together with accrued and unpaid interest and all fees and other amounts owing to such Declining Lender hereunder, it being understood and agreed that, subject to satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 4.02, such repayments may be funded with the proceeds of new Revolving Borrowings made simultaneously with such repayments by the Consenting Lenders, which such Revolving Borrowings shall be made ratably by the Consenting Lenders in accordance with their extended Revolving Commitments;

 

(c)            The effectiveness of any Extension Agreement shall be subject to the satisfaction on the date thereof of each of the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 and, to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, receipt by the Administrative Agent of (i) customary legal opinions, board resolutions and officers’ certificates of the type delivered on the Effective Date and (ii) reaffirmation agreements and/or such amendments to the Loan Documents as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent in order to ensure that the Revolving Commitments and Loans of the Consenting Lenders are provided with the benefit of the applicable Loan Documents.

 

(d)            Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, it is hereby agreed that no extension of an Existing Revolving Credit Maturity Date in accordance with the express terms of this Section, or any amendment or modification of the terms and conditions of the Revolving Commitments and the Loans of the Consenting Lenders effected pursuant thereto, shall be deemed to (i) violate the last sentence of Section 2.09(d) or Section 2.18(b) or 2.18(d) or any other provision of this Agreement requiring the ratable reduction of Revolving Commitments or the ratable sharing of payments or (ii) require the consent of all Lenders or all affected Lenders under Section 9.02(b); provided that, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.23 or otherwise, except with respect to the termination of the Revolving Commitments of Declining Lenders on the Existing Revolving Credit Maturity Date applicable thereto and the repayment of outstanding Revolving Loans in connection therewith, each Revolving Borrowing, each repayment or prepayment of each Revolving Borrowing and each reduction of the Revolving Commitments shall be made on a pro rata basis among the Lenders in accordance with their respective Revolving Commitments, without regard to whether such Lenders are Consenting Lenders or Declining Lenders.

 

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SECTION 2.24. Designation of Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers.

 

(a)            The Company may at any time and from time to time designate any Eligible Foreign Subsidiary as a Foreign Subsidiary Borrower by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a Borrowing Subsidiary Agreement executed by such Subsidiary and the Company and the satisfaction of the other conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.03, and upon such delivery and satisfaction such Subsidiary shall for all purposes of this Agreement be a Foreign Subsidiary Borrower and a party to this Agreement. Each Foreign Subsidiary Borrower shall remain a Foreign Subsidiary Borrower until the Company shall have executed and delivered to the Administrative Agent a Borrowing Subsidiary Termination with respect to such Subsidiary, whereupon such Subsidiary shall cease to be a Foreign Subsidiary Borrower and a party to this Agreement. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, no Borrowing Subsidiary Termination will become effective as to any Foreign Subsidiary Borrower at a time when any principal of or interest on any Loan to such Borrower shall be outstanding hereunder, provided that such Borrowing Subsidiary Termination shall be effective to terminate the right of such Foreign Subsidiary Borrower to make further Borrowings under this Agreement. As soon as practicable upon receipt of a Borrowing Subsidiary Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall furnish a copy thereof to each Lender.

 

(b)            Each Eligible Foreign Subsidiary of the Company that is or becomes a “Foreign Subsidiary Borrower” pursuant to this Section 2.24 hereby irrevocably appoints the Company as its agent for all purposes relevant to this Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents, including (i) the giving and receipt of notices, (ii) the execution and delivery of all documents, instruments and certificates contemplated herein and all modifications hereto, and (iii) the receipt of the proceeds of any Loans made by the Lenders to any such Foreign Subsidiary Borrower hereunder. Any acknowledgment, consent, direction, certification or other action which might otherwise be valid or effective only if given or taken by all Borrowers, or by each Borrower acting singly, shall be valid and effective if given or taken only by the Company, whether or not any such other Borrower joins therein. Any notice, demand, consent, acknowledgement, direction, certification or other communication delivered to the Company in accordance with the terms of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been delivered to each Borrower.

 

ARTICLE III

 

Representations and Warranties

 

Each Loan Party represents and warrants to the Lenders that (and where applicable, agrees):

 

SECTION 3.01. Organization and Qualification. Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary of each Loan Party (a) is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Requirements of Law of its jurisdiction of organization, (b) has the lawful power to own or lease its properties and to engage in the business it presently conducts or proposes to conduct, and (c) is duly licensed or qualified and in good standing in each jurisdiction where the property owned or leased by it or the nature of the business transacted by it or both makes such licensing or qualification necessary; except in each case referred to clauses (a) (other than with respect to the Loan Parties), (b) or (c) to the extent such failure to do so would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 3.02. [Reserved].

 

SECTION 3.03. Subsidiaries. Schedule 3.03 states the name of each of the Company’s Subsidiaries as of the Effective Date, its jurisdiction of organization, the issued and outstanding Equity Interests and the owners thereof. Each of the Loan Parties has good and marketable title to all of the Equity Interests it purports to own, free and clear in each case of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens). All Equity Interests of the Company’s Subsidiaries have been validly issued, and all such Equity Interests are fully paid and, in the case of each Subsidiary that is a corporation, nonassessable. All capital contributions and other consideration required to be made or paid in connection with the issuance of such Equity Interests have been made or paid, as the case may be. As of the Effective Date, there are no options, warrants or other rights outstanding to purchase any Equity Interests of the Company’s Subsidiaries except as indicated on Schedule 3.03.

 

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SECTION 3.04. Power and Authority. Each Loan Party has full power to enter into, execute, deliver and carry out this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party, to incur the Indebtedness contemplated by the Loan Documents and to perform its Obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and all such actions have been duly authorized by all necessary proceedings on its part.

 

SECTION 3.05. Validity and Binding Effect. This Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by each Loan Party, and each other Loan Document to which any Loan Party is a party has been duly executed and delivered by such Loan Party. This Agreement and each other Loan Document constitutes legal, valid and binding obligations of each Loan Party which is a party thereto, enforceable against such Loan Party in accordance with its terms, except to the extent that enforceability of any of such Loan Document may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar Requirements of Law affecting the enforceability of creditors’ rights generally or limiting the right of specific performance and by general principles of equity.

 

SECTION 3.06. No Conflict. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents by any Loan Party nor the consummation of the Transactions or compliance with the terms and provisions hereof or thereof by any of them will (a) conflict with, constitute a default under or result in any breach of (i) the terms and conditions of the certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws, certificate of limited partnership, partnership agreement, certificate of formation, limited liability company agreement or other organizational documents of any Loan Party, (ii) any Requirement of Law or (iii) any agreement or instrument or order, writ, judgment, injunction or decree to which any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries is a party or by which it is bound or to which it or any of its Subsidiaries is subject, or (b) other than any Lien securing the Obligations, result in (or require) the creation or enforcement of any Lien, charge or encumbrance whatsoever upon any property (now or hereafter acquired) of any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries; except (in the case of clauses (a)(ii) and (iii)), to the extent that such conflict, default or breach would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 3.07. Litigation. There are no actions, suits, proceedings or investigations pending or, to the knowledge of any Loan Party, threatened against such Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries at law or equity before any Governmental Authority which individually or in the aggregate would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. None of the Loan Parties or any Subsidiaries of any Loan Party is in violation of any order, writ, injunction or any decree of any Governmental Authority which would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 3.08. Title to Properties. Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary of each Loan Party has good and marketable title to (or ownership of) or valid leasehold interest in all properties, assets and other rights which it purports to own or lease or which are reflected as owned or leased on its books and records, free and clear of all Liens and encumbrances except Permitted Liens, and in the case of property leased by such Loan Party, subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable leases, except where the failure to have such title or other interest would not reasonably be expected to result in, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 3.09. Financial Statements.

 

(a)            Historical Statements. The Company has delivered to the Administrative Agent copies of its (i) audited consolidated year-end financial statements for and as of the end the fiscal year ended December 27, 2020, reported on by Ernst & Young LLP, and (ii) unaudited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal quarter and the portion of the fiscal year ended June 27, 2021, certified by a Financial Officer (collectively, the “Historical Financial Statements”). The Historical Financial Statements were compiled from the books and records maintained by the Company’s management, fairly present in all material respects the consolidated financial condition of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of their dates and the results of operations for the fiscal periods then ended and have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods covered thereby, except as otherwise noted therein, subject to normal year end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes in the case of the Historical Financial Statements referred to in clause (ii) above.

 

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(b)            Financial Projections. The Company has delivered prior to the Effective Date to the Administrative Agent financial projections of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the period from fiscal year 2021 through fiscal year 2025 derived from various assumptions of the Company’s management (the “Financial Projections”). The Financial Projections represent the Company’s good faith estimate of a reasonable range of possible results in light of the history of the business, present and foreseeable conditions and the intentions of the Company’s management, it being understood that such projections are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies (such as those described in the Company’s periodic public financial disclosures), many of which are beyond the Company’s control, and that no assurance can be given that the projections will be realized and actual results may differ materially. The Financial Projections accurately reflect in all material respects the liabilities of the Company and its Subsidiaries upon consummation of the Transactions contemplated hereby as of the Effective Date.

 

(c)            Accuracy of Financial Statements. As of the Effective Date, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary of the Company has any liabilities, contingent or otherwise, or forward or long-term commitments that are not disclosed in the Historical Financial Statements or in the notes thereto and has not otherwise been disclosed in writing to the Lenders on or prior to the Effective Date, and except as disclosed therein or disclosed in writing to the Lenders on or prior to the Effective Date there are no unrealized or anticipated losses from any commitments of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, in each case which would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Since December 27, 2020, no Material Adverse Effect has occurred.

 

SECTION 3.10. Use of Proceeds; Margin Stock.

 

(a)            Use of Proceeds. The Loan Parties intend to use the proceeds of the Loans and Letters of Credit (i) to refinance certain existing Indebtedness of the Company and (ii) to finance the working capital needs and general corporate purposes of the Company and its Subsidiaries, including but not limited to transaction costs and expenses, capital expenditures, permitted stock repurchases, dividends and distributions (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any repurchase of Equity Interests of the Company pursuant to the Specified Share Repurchase Program), Permitted Acquisitions, permitted Investments and permitted Restricted Payments.

 

(b)            Margin Stock. None of the Loan Parties or any Subsidiaries of any Loan Party engages in the business of extending credit for the purpose, immediately, incidentally or ultimately, of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U). No part of the proceeds of any Loan has been or will be used, immediately, incidentally or ultimately, to purchase or carry any margin stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any margin stock or to refund Indebtedness originally incurred for such purpose, or for any other purpose, in any such case, which entails a violation of or which is inconsistent with the provisions of Regulation U. None of the Loan Parties or any Subsidiary of any Loan Party holds or will hold following application of the proceeds of the Loans, margin stock in such amounts that more than twenty five percent (25%) of the value of the assets (as determined by a reasonable method) of such Loan Party or Subsidiary (either separately or together on a consolidated basis) are or will be represented by margin stock. After applying the proceeds of the Loans, margin stock will constitute less than twenty five percent (25%) of the value of those assets of each Loan Party and Subsidiary (either separately or together on a consolidated basis) that are subject to any limitation on sale, pledge or other restriction hereunder. For purposes of this Section, “assets” of the Loan Parties and any Subsidiary of any Loan Party includes, without limitation, treasury stock that has not been retired.

 

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SECTION 3.11. Full Disclosure.

 

(a)            Neither this Agreement nor any other Loan Document, nor any certificate, statement, agreement or other documents furnished in writing (other than information of a general economic or industry nature) to the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection herewith or therewith, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained herein and therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading; provided that, with respect to projected financial information, the Loan Parties represent only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time prepared (it being understood that the projected financial information is not to be viewed as facts or guaranties of future performance, that actual results may vary materially from the projected financial information and that the Loan Parties make no representation that the projected financial information will in fact be realized). As of the Effective Date, there is no fact known to any Loan Party which materially adversely affects the business, property, assets, financial condition, or results of operations of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any Loan Party which has not been set forth in this Agreement, in the certificates, statements, agreements or other documents furnished in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders prior to or at the Effective Date in connection with the Transactions contemplated hereby or publicly disclosed prior to the Effective Date by the Company pursuant to its filings with the SEC.

 

(b)            As of the Effective Date, to the knowledge of the Company, the information included in any Beneficial Ownership Certification provided on or prior to the Effective Date to any Lender in connection with this Agreement is true and correct in all respects.

 

SECTION 3.12. Taxes. All federal, state, and material local and other tax returns required to have been filed with respect to each Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any Loan Party have been filed, and payment or adequate provision has been made for the payment of all material taxes, fees, assessments and other governmental charges which have or may become due pursuant to said returns or to assessments received, except to the extent (i)  that such taxes, fees, assessments and other charges are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and for which such reserves or other appropriate provisions, if any, as shall be required by GAAP shall have been made or (ii) other than with regard to any federal or state tax return, the failure to file or pay would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 3.13. Consents and Approvals. No consent, approval, exemption, order or authorization of, or a registration or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is required by any Requirement of Law or any agreement in connection with the execution, delivery and carrying out of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents by any Loan Party, except (i) any that shall have been obtained or made on or prior to the Effective Date or the execution of such Loan Document or (ii) any the failure of which to obtain or make would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 3.14. No Event of Default; Compliance with Instruments. No event has occurred and is continuing and no condition exists after giving effect to the borrowings or other extensions of credit to be made on the Effective Date under or pursuant to the Loan Documents which constitutes an Event of Default or Default. None of the Loan Parties or any Subsidiary of any Loan Party is in violation of (i) any term of its, as applicable, certificate of incorporation, bylaws, certificate of limited partnership, partnership agreement, certificate of formation, limited liability company agreement or other organizational documents or (ii) any agreement or instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties may be subject or bound where such violation would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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SECTION 3.15. Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Licenses, Etc. Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary of each Loan Party owns or possesses all the material patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, licenses, registrations, franchises, permits and rights necessary to own and operate its properties and to carry on its business as presently conducted and planned to be conducted by such Loan Party or Subsidiary, without, to the knowledge of the Loan Parties, alleged or actual conflict with the rights of others, except to the extent such failure or conflict, either individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 3.16. Insurance. All insurance policies and other bonds to which any Loan Party is a party provide adequate coverage from reputable and financially sound insurers in amounts sufficient to insure the assets and risks of each Loan Party and each Subsidiary of any Loan Party in accordance with customary business practice in the industry of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries and owning similar properties in localities where the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries are located.

 

SECTION 3.17. Compliance with Laws. The Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries are in compliance with all applicable Requirements of Law (other than Environmental Laws or Safety Laws which are specifically addressed in Section 3.21) in all jurisdictions in which any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any Loan Party is presently or will be doing business, except where the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 3.18. Investment Company Act; Regulated Entities; Commodity Exchange Act. None of the Loan Parties or any Subsidiary of any Loan Party is an “investment company” registered or required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as such terms are defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940. None of the Loan Parties or any Subsidiary of any Loan Party is subject to any other federal or state statute or regulation limiting its ability to incur Indebtedness for borrowed money. Each Borrower is a Qualified ECP Guarantor.

 

SECTION 3.19. Plans and Benefit Arrangements. Except as set forth on Schedule 3.19 or as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect:

 

(a)            The Company and each other member of the ERISA Group are in compliance with any applicable provisions of ERISA with respect to all Benefit Arrangements, Plans and Multiemployer Plans. There has been no Prohibited Transaction with respect to any Benefit Arrangement or any Plan or, to the best knowledge of the Company and each member of the ERISA Group, with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, which could result in any liability of the Company or any other member of the ERISA Group. The Company and all other members of the ERISA Group have made when due any and all payments required to be made under any agreement relating to a Multiemployer Plan or a Multiple Employer Plan or any Requirement of Law pertaining thereto. With respect to each Plan and Multiemployer Plan, the Company and each other member of the ERISA Group (i) have fulfilled their obligations under the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the Code, (ii) have not incurred any liability to the PBGC that remains outstanding, and (iii) have not had asserted against them any penalty for failure to fulfill the minimum funding requirements of ERISA or the Code.

 

(b)            To the best of the Company’s knowledge and to the best knowledge of each member of the ERISA Group, each Multiemployer Plan and Multiple Employer Plan is able to pay benefits thereunder when due and no Multiemployer Plan is or expected to be insolvent (within the meaning of Section 4245 of ERISA).

 

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(c)            None of the assets of the Company or any member of the ERISA Group is subject to any lien arising under Section 303(k)(1) or Section 4068 of ERISA or Section 430(k) of the Code, and, to the knowledge of the Loan Parties, no fact or event exists which would give rise to any such lien.

 

(d)            No Plan is, or is expected to be, in “at risk” status (as defined in Section 303(i)(4) of ERISA or Section 430(i)(4) of the Code) and no Multiemployer Plan is, or expected to be, in “endangered status” or “critical status” (as defined in Section 305(b) of ERISA and Section 432(b) of the Code).

 

(e)            Neither the Company nor any other member of the ERISA Group has incurred any Withdrawal Liability that remains outstanding or reasonably expects to incur any Withdrawal Liability or other liability on account of a withdrawal from a Multiple Employer Plan. Neither the Company nor any other member of the ERISA Group has been notified by any Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan that such Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan has been terminated within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA and, to the best knowledge of the Company and each member of the ERISA Group, no Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan is reasonably expected to be terminated, within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA.

 

(f)             All Plans, Benefit Arrangements and Multiemployer Plans have been administered in accordance with their terms and applicable Requirements of Law.

 

(g)            Each Foreign Plan has been maintained in compliance in all material respects with its terms and with the requirements of any and all applicable laws, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has incurred any obligation in connection with the termination of or withdrawal from any Foreign Plan.

 

SECTION 3.20. Employment Matters. Each of the Loan Parties and each of their Subsidiaries is in compliance with the Labor Contracts and all applicable federal, state and local labor and employment Requirements of Law including those related to equal employment opportunity and affirmative action, labor relations, minimum wage, overtime, child labor, medical insurance continuation, worker adjustment and relocation notices, immigration controls and worker and unemployment compensation, where the failure to comply would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. There are no outstanding grievances, arbitration awards or appeals therefrom arising out of the Labor Contracts or current or threatened strikes, picketing, handbilling or other work stoppages or slowdowns at facilities of any of the Loan Parties or any of their Subsidiaries which in any case would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 3.21. Environmental Matters and Safety Matters. Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.21:

 

(a)            None of the Loan Parties and none of the Subsidiaries of any Loan Party has received any Environmental Complaint, whether directed or issued to any Loan Party or relating or pertaining to any predecessor of any Loan Party or Subsidiary or to any prior owner, operator or occupant of the Property which has caused or would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, and none of such Loan Parties or Subsidiaries have reason to believe that it might receive an Environmental Complaint which has caused or would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(b)            No activity of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any Loan Party at the Property is being or has been conducted in violation of any Environmental Law or Environmental Permit which has caused or would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect and to the knowledge of any such Loan Party of Subsidiary no activity of any predecessor of any Loan Party or Subsidiary or any prior owner, operator or occupant of the Property was conducted in violation of any Environmental Law which has caused or would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(c)            There are no Regulated Substances present on, in, under, or emanating from, or to any Loan Party’s or Subsidiary of any Loan Party’s knowledge, emanating to, the Property or any portion thereof which result in Contamination and which would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(d)            Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary of each Loan Party has all Environmental Permits and all such Environmental Permits are in full force and effect except for those Environmental Permits which the failure to have would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(e)            Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary of each Loan Party has submitted to a Governmental Authority and/or maintains, as appropriate, all Environmental Records except for those Environmental Records which the failure to submit or maintain would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(f)             No portion of the Property is identified or to the knowledge of each Loan Party and each Subsidiary of each Loan Party proposed to be identified on any list of contaminated properties or other properties which pursuant to Environmental Laws are the subject of a Remedial Action by a Governmental Authority or any other Person (including any such Loan Party or Subsidiary) except for Remedial Action that would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(g)            No portion of the Property constitutes an Environmentally Sensitive Area except for those portions of the Property constituting an Environmentally Sensitive Area which would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(h)            No lien or other encumbrance authorized by Environmental Laws exists against the Property and none of the Loan Parties nor any Subsidiary of any Loan Party has any reason to believe that such a lien or encumbrance may be imposed, in each case, other than Permitted Liens.

 

(i)             The activities and operations of the Loan Parties and the Subsidiaries of the Loan Parties are being conducted in compliance with applicable Safety Laws except where the failure to comply would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(j)             The Loan Parties and the Subsidiaries of the Loan Parties have not received any Safety Complaints which have or would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, and to the knowledge of the Loan Parties and Subsidiaries, no Safety Complaints are being threatened which have or would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect and the Loan Parties and Subsidiaries have no reason to believe that a Safety Complaint might be received or instituted which have or would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Each Loan Party and each Subsidiary of each Loan Party has submitted to a Governmental Authority and/or maintains in its files, as applicable, all Safety Filings and Records except for those Safety Filings and Records which the failure to submit or maintain would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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SECTION 3.22. Senior Debt Status. The Obligations of each Loan Party under this Agreement, and each of the other Loan Documents to which any Loan Party is a party rank at least pari passu in priority of payment with all other Indebtedness of such Loan Party, except Indebtedness of such Loan Party to the extent secured by Permitted Liens that do not encumber any Collateral. There is no Lien upon or with respect to any of the properties or income of any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any Loan Party which secures Indebtedness or other obligations of any Person except for Permitted Liens.

 

SECTION 3.23. Anti-Corruption Laws and Sanctions. Each Loan Party has implemented and maintains in effect policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure compliance by such Loan Party, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions, and such Loan Party, its Subsidiaries and their respective officers and employees and to the knowledge of such Loan Party its directors and agents, are in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions in all material respects and are not knowingly engaged in any activity that would reasonably be expected to result in any Loan Party being designated as a Sanctioned Person. None of (a) any Loan Party, any Subsidiary or any of their respective directors, officers or employees, or (b) to the knowledge of any such Loan Party or Subsidiary, any agent of such Loan Party or any Subsidiary that will act in any capacity in connection with or benefit from the credit facility established hereby, is a Sanctioned Person. No Borrowing or Letter of Credit, use of proceeds, Transaction or other transaction contemplated by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents will violate Anti-Corruption Laws or applicable Sanctions. The foregoing representations in this Section 3.23 will not apply to any party hereto to which Council Regulation (EC) 2271/96 (the “Blocking Regulation”) applies, if and to the extent that such representations are or would be unenforceable by or in respect of that party pursuant to, or would otherwise result in a breach and/or violation of, (i) any provision of the Blocking Regulation (or any law or regulation implementing the Blocking Regulation in any member state of the European Union) or (ii) any similar blocking or anti-boycott law in the United Kingdom.

 

SECTION 3.24. Solvency. After giving effect to the Transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Loan Documents and the making of each Loan and each issuance of a Letter of Credit hereunder, the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, are Solvent.

 

SECTION 3.25. Affected Financial Institutions. No Loan Party is an Affected Financial Institution.

 

SECTION 3.26. Security Interest in Collateral. The provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents create legal and valid Liens on all the Collateral in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and such Liens constitute perfected and continuing Liens on the Collateral, securing the Obligations, enforceable against the applicable Loan Party and all third parties, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principals of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law, and having priority over all other Liens on the Collateral, subject to Permitted Liens to the extent any such Permitted Liens would have priority over the Liens in favor of the Administrative Agent pursuant to any applicable law.

 

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ARTICLE IV

 

Conditions

 

SECTION 4.01. Effective Date. The obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and of the Issuing Banks to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become effective until the date on which each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02):

 

(a)            Credit Agreement and Loan Documents. The Administrative Agent (or its counsel) shall have received (i) from each party hereto, a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of such party (which, subject to Section 9.06(b), may include any Electronic Signatures transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf, or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page) and (ii) duly executed copies of the Loan Documents and such other certificates, documents, instruments and agreements as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request in connection with the Transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, including any promissory notes requested prior to the Effective Date by a Lender pursuant to Section 2.10 payable to the order of each such requesting Lender and written opinions of the Loan Parties’ counsel (it being acknowledged and agreed that opinions may be provided by internal counsel of the Loan Parties as to certain corporate capacity and authorization matters and non-New York, non-federal and non-Delaware law matters), addressed to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders, in each case in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

(b)            Financial Statements and Projections. The Lenders shall have received (i) audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the 2019 and 2020 fiscal years, (ii) unaudited interim consolidated financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries for each fiscal quarter ended after the date of the latest applicable financial statements delivered pursuant to clause (i) of this paragraph as to which such financial statements are available, and such financial statements shall not, in the reasonable judgment of the Administrative Agent, reflect any material adverse change in the consolidated financial condition of the Company and its Subsidiaries, as reflected in the audited, consolidated financial statements described in clause (i) of this paragraph and (iii) satisfactory Financial Projections.

 

(c)            Closing Certificates; Certified Certificate of Incorporation; Good Standing Certificates. The Administrative Agent shall have received (i) a certificate of each Loan Party, dated the Effective Date and executed by its Secretary or Assistant Secretary, or to the extent not available or applicable, any authorized officer, director, manager or member, which shall (A) certify the resolutions of its Board of Directors, members or other governing body authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents to which it is a party, (B) identify by name and title and bear the signatures of the officers of such Loan Party authorized to sign the Loan Documents to which it is a party and, in the case of the Company, its Financial Officers, and (C) contain appropriate attachments, including the charter, articles or certificate of organization or incorporation of each Loan Party certified by the relevant authority of the jurisdiction of organization of such Loan Party and a true and correct copy of its bylaws or operating, management or partnership agreement, or other organizational or governing documents, and (ii) a good standing certificate for each Loan Party from its jurisdiction of organization.

 

(d)            No Default Certificate. The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, signed by a Financial Officer of the Company, dated as of the Effective Date (i) stating that no Default has occurred and is continuing as of such date, (ii) stating that the representations and warranties contained in the Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect) on such date (it being understood and agreed that any representation or warranty which by its terms is made as of a specified date shall be true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect) only as of such specified date), and (iii) certifying as to any other factual matters as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent.

 

(e)            Fees. The Lenders and the Administrative Agent shall have received all fees required to be paid, and all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses required to be reimbursed for which invoices have been presented (including the reasonable fees and expenses of legal counsel), before the Effective Date. All such amounts may be paid with proceeds of Loans made on the Effective Date and if paid with such proceeds, will be reflected in the funding instructions given by the Company to the Administrative Agent on or before the Effective Date.

 

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(f)             Existing Credit Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall have received, for the account of the applicable Persons, satisfactory evidence as to payment of (x) all accrued and unpaid interest and fees owing under the Existing Credit Agreement immediately prior to the Effective Date, (y) all principal of any “Swingline Loans” outstanding under and as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement immediately prior to the Effective Date, and (z) all principal of any “Term Loans” outstanding under and as defined in the Existing Credit Agreement immediately prior to the Effective Date.

 

(g)            Funding Account. The Administrative Agent shall have received a notice (which notice may be in the form of a Borrowing Request or such other form or method as approved by the Administrative Agent) setting forth the deposit account of the Company (as may be updated from time to time by written notice from the Company to the Administrative Agent, the “Funding Account”) to which the Administrative Agent is authorized by the Company to transfer the proceeds of any Borrowings requested or authorized pursuant to this Agreement.

 

(h)            Solvency. The Administrative Agent shall have received a solvency certificate signed by a Financial Officer dated the Effective Date in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

(i)             Due Diligence. The Administrative Agent and its counsel shall have completed all legal due diligence, the results of which shall be reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent in its sole discretion.

 

(j)             USA PATRIOT Act, Etc. At least five (5) days prior to the Effective Date, (i) the Administrative Agent and Lenders shall have received (x) all documentation and other information required by bank regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act, to the extent reasonably requested in writing of the Borrowers at least ten (10) days prior to the Effective Date and (y) a properly completed and signed IRS Form W-8 or W-9, as applicable, for each Loan Party and (ii) to the extent any Borrower qualifies as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, any Lender that has requested, in a written notice to such Borrower at least ten (10) days prior to the Effective Date, a Beneficial Ownership Certification in relation to such Borrower shall have received such Beneficial Ownership Certification (provided that, upon the execution and delivery by such Lender of its signature page to this Agreement, the condition set forth in this clause (ii) shall be deemed to be satisfied).

 

(k)            Collateral. The Administrative Agent shall have received:

 

(i)           the results of a recent lien search in the jurisdiction of organization of each Loan Party, and such searches shall reveal no Liens on any of the assets of the Loan Parties except for liens permitted by Section 6.02 or discharged on or prior to the Effective Date pursuant to a pay-off letter or other documentation satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

 

(ii)          to the extent not delivered prior to the Effective Date, the certificates representing the Equity Interests pledged pursuant to the Pledge Agreement, together with an undated stock power for each such certificate executed in blank by a duly authorized officer of the pledgor thereof; and

 

(iii)         to the extent not delivered or filed prior to the Effective Date, each document (including any Uniform Commercial Code financing statements) required by the Collateral Documents or under law or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to be filed, registered or recorded in order to create in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a perfected Lien on the Collateral described therein, prior and superior in right to any other Person (other than with respect to Liens expressly permitted by Section 6.02), all in proper form for filing, registration or recordation.

 

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(l)            Senior Notes. The Administrative Agent shall have received evidence reasonably satisfactory to it that the Company shall have issued (or will substantially concurrently issue) the Senior Notes on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

(m)          Other Documents. The Administrative Agent shall have received such other documents as the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, any Lender or their respective counsel may have reasonably requested (including, without limitation, a properly completed letter of credit application (whether standalone or pursuant to a master agreement, as applicable) if the issuance of a Letter of Credit will be required on the Effective Date, together with an executed copy of the applicable Issuing Bank’s master agreement for the issuance of commercial Letters of Credit).

 

The Administrative Agent shall notify the Company, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and of the Issuing Banks to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become effective unless each of the foregoing conditions is satisfied (or waived pursuant to Section 9.02) at or prior to 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 30, 2021 (and, in the event such conditions are not so satisfied or waived, the Revolving Commitments shall terminate at such time).

 

SECTION 4.02. Each Credit Event. The obligation of each Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing, and of the Issuing Banks to issue, amend or extend any Letter of Credit, is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

 

(a)           The representations and warranties of the Loan Parties set forth in the Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect) with the same effect as though made on and as of the date of such Borrowing or the date of issuance, amendment or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable (it being understood and agreed that any representation or warranty which by its terms is made as of a specified date shall be required to be true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects in the case of any representation or warranty qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect) only as of such specified date).

 

(b)          At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing or the issuance, amendment or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

Each Borrowing (other than a continuation or conversion of any Loan) made and each issuance, amendment or extension of a Letter of Credit shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrowers on the date thereof as to the matters specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section.

 

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SECTION 4.03. Designation of a Foreign Subsidiary Borrower. The designation of a Foreign Subsidiary Borrower pursuant to Section 2.24 is subject to the condition precedent that the Company or such proposed Foreign Subsidiary Borrower shall have furnished or caused to be furnished to the Administrative Agent:

 

(a)           Copies, certified by a director of such Subsidiary, of (i) its Board of Directors’ resolutions (and resolutions of other bodies, if any are deemed necessary by counsel for the Administrative Agent) approving the Borrowing Subsidiary Agreement and any other Loan Documents to which such Subsidiary is becoming a party and (ii) such documents and certificates as the Administrative Agent or its counsel may reasonably request relating to the organization and existence of such Subsidiary;

 

(b)          An incumbency certificate, executed by a director of such Subsidiary, which shall identify by name and title and bear the signature of the officers of such Subsidiary authorized to request Borrowings hereunder and sign the Borrowing Subsidiary Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Subsidiary is becoming a party, upon which certificate the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely until informed of any change in writing by the Company or such Subsidiary;

 

(c)           Opinions of counsel to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, with respect to the laws of its jurisdiction of organization or incorporation and such other matters as are reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent and addressed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders;

 

(d)          Any promissory notes requested by any Lender, and any other instruments and documents reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent; and

 

(e)           (i) The Administrative Agent and Lenders shall have received (x) notice of the Foreign Subsidiary Borrower designation at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date of effectiveness of the applicable Borrowing Subsidiary Agreement, (y) at least five (5) days prior to the date of effectiveness of the applicable Borrowing Subsidiary Agreement, all documentation and other information required by bank regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act, to the extent reasonably requested in writing in respect of such Subsidiary at least ten (10) days prior to the proposed date of effectiveness of the applicable Borrowing Subsidiary Agreement (which documentation and other information does not, as reasonably determined by any Lender, indicate any reasonable likelihood of violations of such rules and regulations) and (z) a properly completed and signed IRS Form W-8 or W-9, as applicable, for such Subsidiary and (ii) to the extent such Subsidiary qualifies as a “legal entity customer” under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, any Lender that has requested, in a written notice to such Borrower at least ten (10) days prior to the proposed date of effectiveness of the applicable Borrowing Subsidiary Agreement, a Beneficial Ownership Certification in relation to such Subsidiary shall have received such Beneficial Ownership Certification.

 

ARTICLE V

 

Affirmative Covenants

 

Until the Payment in Full of all Obligations, each Loan Party executing this Agreement covenants and agrees, jointly and severally with all of the other Loan Parties, with the Lenders that:

 

SECTION 5.01. Preservation of Existence, Etc. Each Loan Party shall and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain its legal existence and its license or qualification and good standing in each jurisdiction in which its ownership or lease of property or the nature of its business makes such license or qualification necessary, except (i) as otherwise permitted in Section 6.06 and (ii) (other than as to the legal existence and good standing in its jurisdiction of organization of each Loan Party) as would not reasonably be expect to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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SECTION 5.02. Payment of Liabilities, Including Taxes, Etc. Each Loan Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, duly pay and discharge all liabilities to which it is subject or which are asserted against it, as and when the same shall become due and payable, including all taxes, assessments and governmental charges upon it or any of its properties, assets, income or profits, prior to the date on which penalties attach thereto, except (i) to the extent that such liabilities, including taxes, assessments or charges, are being contested in good faith and by appropriate and lawful proceedings diligently conducted and for which such reserve or other appropriate provisions, if any, as shall be required by GAAP shall have been made, or (ii) to the extent that failure to discharge any such liabilities would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 5.03. Maintenance of Insurance. Each Loan Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, insure its properties and assets against loss or damage by fire and such other insurable hazards as such assets are commonly insured (including fire, extended coverage, property damage, workers’ compensation, public liability and business interruption insurance) and against other risks (including errors and omissions) in such amounts as similar properties and assets are insured by prudent companies in similar circumstances carrying on similar businesses and owning properties in similar localities, and with reputable and financially sound insurers, including self-insurance to the extent customary.

 

SECTION 5.04. Maintenance of Properties and Leases. Except if the failure to do so would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each Loan Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, maintain in good repair, working order and condition (ordinary wear and tear and casualty and condemnation events excepted) in accordance with the general practice of other businesses of similar character and size, all of those properties useful or necessary to its business, and from time to time, such Loan Party will make or cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals or replacements thereof as appropriate in the exercise of its commercially reasonable judgment.

 

SECTION 5.05. Maintenance of Patents, Trademarks, Etc. Each Loan Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, maintain in full force and effect all patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights, licenses, franchises, permits and other authorizations necessary for the ownership and operation of its properties and business if the failure so to maintain the same would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 5.06. Visitation Rights. Each Loan Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to permit any of the officers or authorized employees or representatives of the Administrative Agent or any of the Lenders to visit, during normal business hours and inspect any of its properties and to examine and make excerpts from its books and records and discuss its business affairs, finances and accounts with its officers, all in such detail and at such times and as often as any of the Lenders may reasonably request, provided that each Lender shall provide the Company and the Administrative Agent with reasonable notice prior to any visit or inspection (it being acknowledged and agreed that (i) so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Loan Parties shall not be obligated to pay costs or expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with any visit or inspection and (ii) during the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default, the Loan Parties shall be obligated to pay costs or expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent or any Lender in connection with each such inspection or visit). In the event any Lender desires to visit and inspect any Loan Party, such Lender shall make a reasonable effort to conduct such visit and inspection contemporaneously with any visit and inspection to be performed by the Administrative Agent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Loan Party nor any of their respective Subsidiaries shall be required to disclose (a) any materials subject to, to the extent not created in contemplation of the Loan Parties obligations under the Loan Documents, a confidentiality obligation binding upon such Loan Party or such Subsidiary to the extent such disclosure would violate such obligations, (b) any communications protected by attorney-client privilege the disclosure or inspection of which would waive such privilege, or (c) non-financial trade secrets or non-financial proprietary information.

 

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SECTION 5.07. Keeping of Records and Books of Account. The Company shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary of the Company to, maintain and keep proper books of record and account which enable the Company and its Subsidiaries to issue financial statements in accordance with GAAP and as otherwise required by applicable Requirements of Law of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, and in which full, true and correct entries shall be made in all material respects of all its dealings and business and financial affairs covered thereby.

 

SECTION 5.08. Plans and Benefit Arrangements. The Company shall, and shall cause each other member of the ERISA Group to, comply with ERISA, the Code and other applicable Requirements of Law applicable to Plans, Foreign Plans and Benefit Arrangements except where such failure, alone or in conjunction with any other failure, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 5.09. Compliance with Laws . Each Loan Party shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, comply with all applicable Requirements of Law, including all Environmental Laws, in all respects, provided that it shall not be deemed to be a violation of this Section 5.09 if any failure to comply with any Requirement of Law would not result in fines, penalties, remediation costs, other similar liabilities or injunctive relief which in the aggregate would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. Each Loan Party will maintain in effect and enforce policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure compliance by such Loan Party, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions.

 

SECTION 5.10. Use of Proceeds. The Loan Parties will use the Letters of Credit and the proceeds of the Loans for the purposes stated in Section 3.10. No Loan Party shall use the Letters of Credit or the proceeds of the Loans for any purposes which contravenes any applicable Requirement of Law or any provision hereof. The Borrowers will not request any Borrowing or Letter of Credit, and the Borrowers shall not use, and shall procure that their Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents shall not use, the proceeds of any Borrowing or Letter of Credit (a) in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any Person in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws, (b) for the purpose of funding, financing or facilitating any activities, business or transaction of or with any Sanctioned Person, or in any Sanctioned Country, to the extent that such activities, businesses or transaction would be prohibited by Sanctions if conducted by a corporation incorporated in the United States or the European Union, or (c) in any manner that would result in the violation of any Sanctions applicable to any party hereto. The foregoing clauses (b) and (c) of this Section 5.10 will not apply to any party hereto to which the Blocking Regulation applies, if and to the extent that such representations are or would be unenforceable by or in respect of that party pursuant to, or would otherwise result in a breach and/or violation of, (i) any provision of the Blocking Regulation (or any law or regulation implementing the Blocking Regulation in any member state of the European Union) or (ii) any similar blocking or anti-boycott law in the United Kingdom.

 

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SECTION 5.11. Reporting Requirements. The Company will furnish to the Administrative Agent (who shall promptly deliver to each Lender):

 

(a)           Quarterly Financial Statements. As soon as available and in any event within forty-five (45) calendar days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters in each fiscal year of the Company (commencing with the fiscal quarter ending on or about September 26, 2021), financial statements of the Company, consisting of: (i) a consolidated balance sheet as of the end of such fiscal quarter and as of the end of the prior fiscal year; (ii) a consolidated statement of operations for such fiscal quarter and the year-to-date period of the then-current fiscal year, and for the corresponding fiscal quarter and year-to-date period of the prior fiscal year; (iii) a consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity as of the end of such fiscal quarter, as of the end of the corresponding fiscal quarter of the prior fiscal year, and as of the end of the prior fiscal year; and (iv) a consolidated statement of cash flows for the year-to-date period of the then-current fiscal year and the corresponding year-to-date period of the prior fiscal year. Each of the aforementioned financial statements shall be in reasonable detail and certified (subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes) by a Financial Officer of the Company as having been prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied throughout the periods covered thereby, except as otherwise noted therein. The Loan Parties will be deemed to have complied with the delivery requirements of this Section 5.11(a) on the date on which such documents are filed for public availability on the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering and Retrieval System (or any successor system) if (x) such date of public filing is within forty-five (45) calendar days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters in each fiscal year of the Company (commencing with the fiscal quarter ending September 26, 2021) and (y) the financial statements contained therein meet the requirements described in this Section.

 

(b)          Annual Financial Statements. As soon as available and in any event within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company (commencing with the fiscal year ending on or about December 26, 2021), financial statements of the Company consisting of a consolidated balance sheet as of the end of such fiscal year, and related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the fiscal year then ended, all in reasonable detail and setting forth in comparative form the financial statements as of the end of and for the preceding fiscal year, and audited by independent certified public accountants of nationally recognized standing. The certificate or report of accountants shall be free of qualifications (other than any consistency qualification that may result from a change in the method used to prepare the financial statements as to which such accountants concur or any going concern qualification or exception that is solely with respect to, or resulting solely from, an upcoming maturity date under this Agreement occurring within one year from the time such report is delivered). The Loan Parties will be deemed to have complied with the delivery requirements of this Section 5.11(b) on the date on which such documents are filed for public availability on the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering and Retrieval System (or any successor system) if (x) such date of public filing is within ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company (commencing with the fiscal year ending on or about December 26, 2021) and (y) the financial statements contained therein meet the requirements described in this Section.

 

(c)           Certificate of the Company. Concurrently with the financial statements of the Company furnished to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Sections 5.11(a) and 5.11(b), a certificate (each a “Compliance Certificate”) of the Company signed by a Financial Officer of the Company, in the form of Exhibit E, to the effect that, pursuant to Section 5.11(d), (i) no Event of Default or Default exists and is continuing on the date of such certificate and (ii) containing calculations in sufficient detail to demonstrate compliance as of the date of such financial statements with all financial covenants contained in Sections 6.14 and 6.15.

 

(d)          Notice of Default. Promptly after any Responsible Officer of any Loan Party has learned of the occurrence of an Event of Default or Default, a certificate signed by any Responsible Officer setting forth the details of such Event of Default or Default and the action which such Loan Party proposes to take with respect thereto.

 

(e)           Notice of Litigation. Promptly after the commencement thereof, notice of all actions, suits, proceedings or investigations before or by any Governmental Authority or any other Person against any Loan Party or Subsidiary of any Loan Party or which if adversely determined would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(f)            Budgets, Forecasts, Other Reports and Information. Promptly upon their becoming available to the Company:

 

(i)         the annual budget of the Company, to be supplied not later than February 15th of the fiscal year to which any of the foregoing may be applicable;

 

(ii)        any reports, notices or proxy statements generally distributed by the Company to its stockholders on a date no later than the date supplied to such stockholders;

 

(iii)       regular or periodic reports, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, registration statements and prospectuses, filed by the Company with the SEC;

 

(iv)      a copy of any order in any proceeding to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party issued by any Governmental Authority which would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; and

 

(v)       such other reports and information as any of the Lenders may from time to time reasonably request to the extent (a) the confidentiality of such information is not required by (i) Requirement of Law, (ii) to the extent not created in contemplation of any Loan Party’s obligations under the Loan Documents, a contractual obligation to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is bound, (iii) the maintenance of attorney-client privilege with respect to communications protected by such privilege or (b) such reports or information do not constitute non-financial trade secrets or non-financial proprietary information.

 

(g)           Notices Regarding Plans and Benefit Arrangements.

 

(i)        Certain Events. Promptly upon becoming aware of the occurrence thereof, notice (including the nature of the event and, when known, any action taken or threatened by the IRS or the PBGC with respect thereto) of:

 

(A)          any “reportable event”, as defined in Section 4043 of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder, with respect to any Plan of the Company or any other member of the ERISA Group (other than “reportable events” where the obligation to report said “reportable event” to the PBGC has been waived);

 

(B)           any Prohibited Transaction which could subject the Company or any other member of the ERISA Group to a material civil penalty assessed pursuant to Section 502(i) of ERISA or a material tax imposed by Section 4975 of the Code in connection with any Plan, any Benefit Arrangement or any trust created thereunder;

 

(C)          any assertion of material Withdrawal Liability or material liability on account of a withdrawal from a Multiple Employer Plan;

 

(D)          any partial or complete withdrawal from a Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan by the Company or any other member of the ERISA Group (or assertion thereof), where such withdrawal is likely to result in material Withdrawal Liability or other material liability on account of such withdrawal;

 

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(E)           any event that will subject the assets of the Company or any member of the ERISA Group to a Lien under Section 303(k)(1) or 4068 of ERISA or Section 430(k) of the Code;

 

(F)           any Plan is determined to be in “at-risk” status (as defined in Section 303(i)(4) of ERISA or Section 403(i)(4) of the Code);

 

(G)           any Multiemployer Plan is determined to be in “endangered status” or “critical status” (as defined in Section 305(b) of ERISA or Section 432(b) of the Code); and

 

(H)          in the case of any Foreign Plan, the occurrence of any termination, withdrawal or noncompliance with applicable laws or plan terms that, alone or together with any other termination, withdrawal or noncompliance with applicable laws or plan terms that have occurred, could reasonably be expected to result in a material liability of the Company and its Subsidiaries.

 

(h)           Notices of Involuntary Termination and Annual Reports. Promptly after receipt thereof, copies of (a) all notices received by the Company or any other member of the ERISA Group of the PBGC’s intent to terminate any Plan administered or maintained by the Company or any member of the ERISA Group, or to have a trustee appointed to administer any such Plan; and (b) at the request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender each annual report (IRS Form 5500 series) and all accompanying schedules, the most recent actuarial reports, the most recent financial information concerning the financial status of each Plan administered or maintained by the Company or any other member of the ERISA Group, and schedules showing the amounts contributed to each such Plan by or on behalf of the Company or any other member of the ERISA Group in which any of their personnel participate or from which such personnel may derive a benefit, and each Schedule B (Actuarial Information) to the annual report filed by the Company or any other member of the ERISA Group with the IRS with respect to each such Plan.

 

(i)            Notice of Voluntary Termination. Promptly upon the filing thereof, copies of any Form 5310, or any successor or equivalent form to Form 5310, filed with the PBGC in connection with the termination of any Plan.

 

(j)            Delivery of Certain Documents. Without limiting anything contained in this Section 5.11, the Loan Parties will be deemed to have complied with the delivery requirements of this Section 5.11 on the date, (i) in the case of Section 5.11(f)(ii), and (f)(iii) (or as provided in Section 5.11(a) and (b)), on the date on which such documents are filed for public availability on the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering and Retrieval System (or any successor system), (ii) on which the Company posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the Company’s website on the Internet or (iii) on which such documents are posted on the Company’s behalf on IntraLinks/IntraAgency or another relevant website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access , in each case, if (x) such date of filing or posting is within the time periods required by this Section and (y) the financial statements, documents or other information contained therein meets the applicable requirements described in this Section. The Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to request the delivery of or to maintain paper copies of the documents referred to above, and in any event shall have no responsibility to monitor compliance by the Company with any such request by a Lender for delivery, and each Lender shall be solely responsible for timely accessing posted documents or requesting delivery of paper copies of such document to it and maintaining its copies of such documents.

 

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(k)           USA PATRIOT Act, Etc. (i) Promptly following any request therefor, information and documentation reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or any Lender for purposes of compliance with applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation and (ii) promptly after any such occurrence, notice of any change in the information provided in the Beneficial Ownership Certification delivered to such Lender that would result in a change to the list of beneficial owners identified in such certification.

 

SECTION 5.12. Further Assurances.

 

(a)     As promptly as possible but in any event within ten (10) days following the delivery of the then due Compliance Certificate (or such later date as may be agreed upon by the Administrative Agent) after any Person becomes a Material Domestic Subsidiary, or any Subsidiary qualifies independently as, or is designated by the Company as, a Material Domestic Subsidiary pursuant to the definition of “Material Domestic Subsidiary” during such fiscal quarter, then, in each case, the Company shall (i) provide the Administrative Agent with written notice thereof setting forth information in reasonable detail describing the material assets of such Person and (ii) cause each such Material Domestic Subsidiary to execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a Joinder Agreement, which Joinder Agreement shall be accompanied by appropriate organizational resolutions, other organizational documentation and, to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent, legal opinions in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel (it being agreed that legal opinions in form and substance substantially consistent with such opinions delivered on the Effective Date shall be satisfactory for this purpose). Each such Person delivering a Joinder Agreement (x) shall automatically become a Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder and thereupon shall have all of the rights, benefits, duties, and obligations in such capacity under the Loan Documents and (y) will grant Liens to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, in the Equity Interests (other than Excluded Equity Interests) of each wholly-owned Domestic Subsidiary, each Foreign Subsidiary Borrower and each wholly-owned Material Foreign Subsidiary owned by such Person together with the associated property of such Loan Party which constitutes Collateral pursuant to the Pledge Agreement, in each case, subject to the limitations described in Section 5.12(b).

 

(b)     Concurrently with any Person becoming a Loan Party pursuant to Section 5.12(a), or at any other time required pursuant to the Collateral Documents, the Company will cause, and will cause each other Loan Party to cause, (i) 100% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of each of its wholly-owned Domestic Subsidiaries (other than any FSHCO) and each Foreign Subsidiary Borrower owned by it and (ii) 65% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests entitled to vote (within the meaning of Treas. Reg. Section 1.956-2(c)(2)) and 100% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests not entitled to vote (within the meaning of Treas. Reg. Section 1.956-2(c)(2)) in each wholly-owned FSHCO that holds Equity Interests in any wholly-owned Material Foreign Subsidiary and in each wholly-owned Material Foreign Subsidiary directly owned by any Loan Party, in each case, to be subject at all times to a first priority, perfected Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, subject only to Permitted Liens, to secure the Obligations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Collateral Documents or other pledge or security documents as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request; provided that in no event shall any Loan Party be required pursuant to this Agreement or any Collateral Document to pledge or grant a security interest in any Excluded Equity Interests. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of the Loan Documents to the contrary, in no event shall the Loan Parties be required to take security interest creation or perfection actions with respect to the Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary under the laws of any jurisdiction not located in the United States of America.

 

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(c)     Without limiting the foregoing each Loan Party will, and will cause each Subsidiary to, execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, to the Administrative Agent such documents, agreements and instruments, and will take or cause to be taken such further actions (including the filing and recording of financing statements and other documents and such other actions or deliveries of the type required by Section 4.01, as applicable), which may be required by any Requirement of Law or which the Administrative Agent may, from time to time, reasonably request to carry out the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to ensure perfection and priority of the Liens created or intended to be created by the Collateral Documents, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and all at the expense of the Loan Parties.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

Negative Covenants

 

Until the Payment in Full of all Obligations, each Loan Party executing this Agreement covenants and agrees, jointly and severally with all of the other Loan Parties, with the Lenders that:

 

SECTION 6.01. Indebtedness. Each of the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, at any time create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except:

 

(a)      Indebtedness under the Loan Documents;

 

(b)     existing Indebtedness as set forth on Schedule 6.01 (including any extensions or renewals thereof, provided there is no increase in the principal amount thereof, or an earlier maturity date for any payment payable thereunder, or the provision of any additional security or guaranties therefor or other significant change in the terms thereof (except fees and interest rates) that are materially less favorable to the obligor thereunder than the original terms);

 

(c)      Indebtedness in the form of capitalized leases or secured by Purchase Money Security Interests in an aggregate outstanding principal amount not to exceed at any time the greater of (i) $30,000,000 and (ii) an amount equal to 15% of Applicable EBITDA (including any extensions or renewals thereof, provided there is no increase in the principal amount thereof, or an earlier maturity date for any payment payable thereunder, or the provision of any additional security or guaranties therefor or other significant change in the terms thereof (except fees and interest rates) that are materially less favorable to the obligor thereunder than the original terms);

 

(d)      Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary to the Company or another Subsidiary;

 

(e)      Banking Services Obligations;

 

(f)      Indebtedness (including Swap Agreement Obligations) arising from Swap Agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;

 

(g)     Guarantees permitted under Section 6.04;

 

(h)     Indebtedness under the Jeffersontown IRB, including Indebtedness arising in respect of the sale and leaseback of property located at 2002 Papa John’s Boulevard, Jeffersontown, Kentucky, provided that the principal amount is not subsequently increased (such Jeffersontown IRB shall continue to be permitted Indebtedness hereunder if DEPZZA should subsequently sell its rights thereunder to a Person which is not an Affiliate of the Company);

 

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(i)      unsecured Indebtedness of any Loan Party, provided that (i) such Indebtedness does not mature prior to 181 days following the latest Revolving Credit Maturity Date then in effect, (ii) the financial maintenance covenants governing such debt shall not be more numerous or more restrictive than the financial maintenance covenants set forth in Sections 6.14 and 6.15 (as determined by the Company in good faith), (iii) the negative covenants, other restrictive covenants and events of default applicable to such Indebtedness shall not be more restrictive, taken as a whole, than the negative covenants, other restrictive covenants and events of default, taken as a whole, set forth in the Loan Documents (as determined by the Company in good faith), (iv) immediately prior to and after giving effect (including giving effect on a pro forma basis) to the incurrence of such Indebtedness (A) no Default or Event of Default exists or would result therefrom, (B) the Leverage Ratio is not greater than 4.75 to 1.00 and (C) the Company is in compliance with the financial covenant set forth in Section 6.15 and (v) at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness, a Financial Officer of the Company shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate certifying compliance with the foregoing clauses (i) through (iv);

 

(j)      Indebtedness of any Person that becomes a Subsidiary of the Company as a result of a Permitted Acquisition or other Investment permitted by Section 6.04 existing on the date of such Permitted Acquisition or Investment, provided that (i) such Indebtedness was not created in anticipation of such Permitted Acquisition or Investment, (ii) neither the Company nor any Subsidiary other than such new Subsidiary shall have any liability or other obligation with respect to such Indebtedness and (iii) immediately prior to and after giving effect (including giving effect on a pro forma basis) to such Permitted Acquisition or such Investment and such Indebtedness of such acquired Subsidiary or otherwise incurred in connection therewith (A) no Default or Event of Default exists or would result therefrom and (B) the Company is in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Sections 6.14 (including after giving effect to any Acquisition Holiday) and 6.15;

 

(k)     Indebtedness in respect of performance bonds, surety bonds, appeal bonds, completion guarantees or like instruments or with respect to workers’ compensation, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

(l)      Indebtedness of Foreign Subsidiaries in an aggregate outstanding principal amount not to exceed at any time the greater of (i) $15,000,000 and (ii) an amount equal to 7.5% of Applicable EBITDA;

 

(m)    other Indebtedness in an aggregate outstanding principal amount not to exceed at any time the greater of (i) $20,000,000 and (ii) an amount equal to 10% of Applicable EBITDA;

 

(n)     letters of credit issued for the benefit of Foreign Subsidiaries in an aggregate face amount not to exceed the Dollar Equivalent of $10,000,000 at any time;

 

(o)     Indebtedness of Excluded Marketing Subsidiaries in an aggregate outstanding principal amount not to exceed $30,000,000 at any time; provided that in no event shall any such Indebtedness be Guaranteed by, or secured by Liens on any assets of, or otherwise be recourse to, any Loan Party in any way (provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, the Company may deliver a customary “comfort letter” in connection with the issuance of any such Indebtedness);

 

(p)     Indebtedness arising under the Cherokee County Transactions, including Indebtedness in respect of the sale leaseback of equipment located in Cherokee County, Georgia, in an aggregate outstanding principal amount not to exceed $16,500,000; and

 

(q)     Indebtedness under the Senior Notes and any guarantee thereof by any Loan Party (including any extensions or renewals thereof, provided there is no increase in the principal amount thereof, or an earlier maturity date for any payment payable thereunder, or the provision of any additional security or guaranties therefor or other significant change in the terms thereof (except fees and interest rates) that are materially less favorable to the obligor thereunder than the original terms).

 

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SECTION 6.02. Liens. Each of the Loan Parties shall not and shall not permit any of their Subsidiaries to at any time create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien on any of its property or assets, tangible or intangible, now owned or hereafter acquired, or agree or become liable to do so, except Permitted Liens.

 

SECTION 6.03. [Reserved].

 

SECTION 6.04. Loans, Investments, Guarantees and Acquisitions. Each of the Loan Parties shall not and shall not permit any of their Subsidiaries to, at any time, directly or indirectly, become or be liable in respect of any Guaranty, or assume, guarantee, become surety for, endorse or otherwise agree, become or remain directly or contingently liable upon or with respect to any obligation or liability of any other Person, or acquire by purchase, lease or otherwise all or substantially all of the assets or capital stock of any other Person, or make or suffer to remain outstanding any loan or advance to, or purchase, acquire or own any stock, bonds, notes or securities of, or any partnership interest (whether general or limited) or limited liability company interest in, or any other investment or interest in, or make any capital contribution to, any other Person (any of the foregoing being referred to as an “Investment”), except:

 

(a)      (i) trade credit extended on usual and customary terms in the ordinary course of business, (ii) bank deposits in the ordinary course of business, (iii) endorsement of negotiable instruments held for collection in the ordinary course of business and (iv) lease, utility and other similar deposits in the ordinary course of business;

 

(b)     advances to employees to meet expenses incurred by such employees in the ordinary course of business;

 

(c)      (i) cash and Permitted Investments, (ii) investments by any Loan Party in Equity Interests in their respective Subsidiaries existing as of the Effective Date, and (iii) other Investments existing on the date of this Agreement and described on Schedule 6.04;

 

(d)      Investments to, or in, the Company or any Subsidiary (other than any disposition or other transfer of Equity Interests in any Foreign Subsidiary Borrower to any Person that is not a Loan Party);

 

(e)      Investments constituting Swap Agreements permitted by Section 6.01(f);

 

(f)      Permitted Acquisitions, including Subsidiaries acquired pursuant to Permitted Acquisitions and Investments of such Subsidiaries at the time of their respective Acquisition pursuant to Permitted Acquisitions;

 

(g)     ownership of equity interests or securities acquired in connection with the satisfaction or enforcement of Indebtedness or claims due or owing to a Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business or as security for any such Indebtedness or claim;

 

(h)     (i) Guarantees constituting endorsements of checks and other negotiable instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business, and (ii) Guarantees of Indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries that is permitted under Section 6.01 (other than Section 6.01(g)); provided that the Senior Notes (or any replacement or refinancing thereof) may only be guaranteed by the Loan Parties;

 

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(i)      any other Investment (other than Acquisitions or any disposition or other transfer of Equity Interests in any Foreign Subsidiary Borrower to any Person that is not a Loan Party) so long as the aggregate amount of all such Investments does not exceed $30,000,000 at any time;

 

(j)       Investments (other than Acquisitions or any disposition or other transfer of Equity Interests in any Foreign Subsidiary Borrower to any Person that is not a Loan Party) not otherwise permitted by any of the foregoing, provided that immediately prior to and after giving effect (including giving effect on a pro forma basis) to any such Investment (i) no Default or Event of Default exists or would result therefrom and (ii) the Leverage Ratio is not greater than 4.75 to 1.00;

 

(k)      Investments made to Cherokee County Development Authority in connection with the Cherokee County Transactions in an aggregate amount not to exceed $16,500,000; and

 

(l)       loans and advances to franchisees of the Company and its Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount outstanding at any time not to exceed $50,000,000.

 

SECTION 6.05. Dividends and Related Distributions. Each of the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, (i) make or pay or (ii) agree to become or remain liable to make or pay, in each case, any dividend or other distribution of any nature (whether in cash, property, securities or otherwise) on account of or in respect of its Equity Interests, including any sinking fund or similar deposit, or on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, cancellation, termination or acquisition of its Equity Interests (or warrants, options or rights therefor) (any of the foregoing being referred to as a “Restricted Payment”), except:

 

(a)      the Company may declare and pay Restricted Payments with respect to its Equity Interests payable solely in additional shares of its common stock;

 

(b)     Subsidiaries may declare and pay dividends ratably with respect to their Equity Interests;

 

(c)      the Company may make Restricted Payments pursuant to and in accordance with stock option plans or other benefit plans for management or employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries;

 

(d)     the Company may declare and pay cash dividends with respect to its common Equity Interests in an aggregate amount for any fiscal year of the Company not to exceed $75,000,000; and

 

(e)     the Company and its Subsidiaries may make any other Restricted Payment (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any repurchase of Equity Interests of the Company pursuant to the Specified Share Repurchase Program, but excluding any disposition or other transfer of Equity Interests in any Foreign Subsidiary Borrower to any Person that is not a Loan Party) so long as immediately prior to and after giving effect (including giving effect on a pro forma basis) to such Restricted Payment (i) no Default or Event of Default exists or would result therefrom and (ii) the Leverage Ratio is not greater than 4.50 to 1.00.

 

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SECTION 6.06. Liquidations, Mergers and Consolidations. Each of the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, divide, dissolve, liquidate or wind-up its affairs, or become a party to any merger or consolidation, except:

 

(a)      any Loan Party may consolidate or merge into another Loan Party; provided that (i) for any merger or consolidation with the Company, the Company shall be the survivor thereof and (ii) subject to the immediately preceding clause (i), for any merger or consolidation with a Borrower, a Borrower shall be the survivor thereof;

 

(b)     any Subsidiary of a Loan Party which is not a Loan Party may consolidate or merge into another Subsidiary of a Loan Party or any Loan Party; provided that, for any merger or consolidation with any Loan Party, such Loan Party shall be the survivor thereof;

 

(c)     any Subsidiary of the Company (other than a Borrower) may merge or consolidate with or into any other Person that is not an Affiliate in connection with any disposition of such Subsidiary that is a transaction permitted by Section 6.07;

 

(d)     the Company may dissolve, liquidate or wind-up any of its Subsidiaries that (i) are not Loan Parties or (ii) are Loan Parties (other than any Borrower) if the Company determines in good faith that such liquidation or dissolution is in the best interests of the Company and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders and such Loan Parties are being released from their obligations under the Loan Guaranty pursuant to Section 9.16 prior to or substantially concurrently with such dissolution, liquidation or wind-up; and

 

(e)      in connection with any Permitted Acquisition.

 

SECTION 6.07. Dispositions of Assets or Subsidiaries. Each of the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, sell, convey, assign, lease, abandon or otherwise transfer or dispose of, voluntarily or involuntarily, any of its properties or assets, tangible or intangible, (including sale, assignment, discount or other disposition of accounts, contract rights, chattel paper, equipment or general intangibles, with or without recourse, or of capital stock, shares of beneficial interest, partnership interests or limited liability company interests of a Subsidiary of such Loan Party), except:

 

(a)     transactions involving the sale of inventory in the ordinary course of business;

 

(b)     any sale, transfer or lease of properties or assets in the ordinary course of business which are no longer necessary or required in the conduct of such Loan Party’s or its Subsidiary’s business;

 

(c)     subject to Section 6.08, any sale, transfer or lease of properties or assets by any Loan Party or its Subsidiary to a Loan Party or to another Subsidiary (other than any disposition or other transfer of Equity Interests in any Foreign Subsidiary Borrower to any Person that is not a Loan Party);

 

(d)     any sale, transfer or lease of properties or assets in the ordinary course of business which are replaced by substitute properties or assets acquired or leased and not otherwise prohibited by the terms of this Agreement;

 

(e)     transfers and dispositions of cash and cash equivalents as consideration for a transaction permitted by the terms of this Agreement;

 

(f)      dispositions resulting from any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any property or asset of the Company or any Subsidiary;

 

(g)     the termination of Swap Agreements permitted by Section 6.01(f);

 

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(h)     transactions permitted under Section 6.06, transactions constituting Restricted Payments made pursuant to and in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.05, and transactions constituting Investments permitted under Section 6.04;

 

(i)       forgiveness or discounting, on a non-recourse basis and in the ordinary course of business, of past due accounts in connection with the collection or compromise thereof or the settlement of delinquent accounts or in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of suppliers or customers;

 

(j)       the abandonment of intellectual property rights which, in the reasonable good faith determination of the Company, are no longer used or useful to the business of any Loan Party or their respective Subsidiaries;

 

(k)      sales or disposals or Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary in order to qualify a member of the board of directors (or equivalent governing body) of such Person if required and to the extent in accordance with Requirements of Law;

 

(l)       [reserved];

 

(m)     any sale, transfer, lease or other disposition of properties or assets, other than those excepted pursuant to clauses (a) through (l) above (other than any disposition or other transfer of Equity Interests in any Foreign Subsidiary Borrower to any Person that is not a Loan Party), provided that:

 

(i)         there shall not exist any Event of Default or Default immediately prior to and after giving effect to such sale, transfer, lease or other disposition; and

 

(ii)        the aggregate value of such assets sold, transferred, leased or otherwise disposed of by the Company and its Subsidiaries during any fiscal year of the Company shall not exceed $15,000,000; provided that the foregoing dollar limitation shall not apply to or include any sale, transfer, lease or other disposition of property for fair market value to the extent (x) the Company or such Subsidiary shall receive at least 75% cash consideration for such sale, transfer, lease or other disposition and (y) at the time of and immediately after giving effect (including giving effect on a pro forma basis) thereto, the Company is in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Section 6.14 and Section 6.15; and

 

(n)     any sale or disposition of property pursuant to the Cherokee County Transactions, including in respect of the sale leaseback of equipment located in Cherokee County, Georgia.

 

SECTION 6.08. Affiliate Transactions. Each of the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into or carry out any transaction with a fair market value (as determined by the Company in good faith) in excess of $1,000,000 with any Affiliate of any Loan Party (including purchasing property or services from or selling property or services to any Affiliate of any Loan Party) unless such transaction (a) is not otherwise prohibited by this Agreement, (b) is upon fair and reasonable terms substantially as favorable to such Loan Party or such Subsidiary as would be obtainable by such Loan Party or such Subsidiary at the time in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate and (c) is in accordance with Requirements of Law; provided, that the foregoing restriction shall not apply to (i) transactions between or among the Loan Parties and their respective wholly-owned Subsidiaries, (ii) Restricted Payments permitted to be made pursuant to Section 6.05, (iii) issuances of securities or other payments pursuant to, or the funding of, employment arrangements, indemnification agreements, stock options and stock ownership plans approved by the board of directors or the compensation committee of the board of directors of such Loan Party or such Subsidiary, (iv) the grant of stock options or similar rights to employees and directors of the Company and its Subsidiaries pursuant to plans approved by the board of directors of the Company, (v) Investments permitted pursuant to Section 6.04, (vi) [reserved], (vii) the payment of reasonable fees and expenses and the provision of customary indemnities to directors of the Company and its Subsidiaries who are not employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries and (viii)  transactions approved pursuant to the Company’s “Related Person Transaction Policies and Procedures” dated effective October 27, 2017.

 

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SECTION 6.09. [Reserved].

 

SECTION 6.10. Continuation of or Change in Business. Each of the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to engage in any business other than the operation and franchising of pizza delivery, dine in and carryout restaurants, together with production, manufacturing, printing, promotion and all other services in support of such business and all reasonably similar, incidental or complementary thereto and reasonable extensions thereof.

 

SECTION 6.11. Plans and Benefit Arrangements. Each of the Loan Parties shall not:

 

(a)      fail to satisfy the minimum funding requirements of ERISA and the Code with respect to any Plan;

 

(b)     request a minimum funding waiver from the IRS with respect to any Plan;

 

(c)     engage in a Prohibited Transaction with or with respect to any Plan, Benefit Arrangement, Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan which, alone or in conjunction with any other circumstances or set of circumstances resulting in liability under ERISA, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(d)     permit any Plan to be in “at-risk” status (as defined in Section 303(i)(4) of ERISA or Section 430(i)(4) of the Code);

 

(e)      fail to make when due any contribution to any Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan that the Company or any member of the ERISA Group may be required to make under any agreement relating to such Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan, or any Requirement of Law pertaining thereto where such failure would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(f)      withdraw (completely or partially) from any Multiemployer Plan or withdraw (or be deemed under Section 4062(e) of ERISA to withdraw) from any Multiple Employer Plan, where any such withdrawal would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(g)     terminate, or institute proceedings to terminate, any Plan or Foreign Plan, where such termination would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(h)     provide any form of security under Code Section 436(f) in order to avoid funding-based limits on benefits and benefit accruals under any Plan, as required under Code Section 436, or make any amendment to a Plan for which contributions (in addition to contributions required under ERISA Section 303) are required under Section 206(g)(2) of ERISA;

 

(i)       fail to give any and all notices and make all disclosures and governmental filings required under ERISA or the Code, where such failure would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; or

 

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(j)       fail to pay any required premiums or contributions with respect to any Benefit Arrangement when due, where such failure would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 6.12. Fiscal Year. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary of the Company (other than RSC) to, unless it shall have provided thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the Administrative Agent (or such shorter period as may be approved by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion), change its fiscal year from the fifty-two (52)/fifty-three (53) week fiscal year beginning on the Monday closest to December 31 of each calendar year and ending on the last Sunday in December of each calendar year; provided, however that if during any calendar year December 31 is a Sunday such fifty-two (52)/fifty-three (53) week period shall begin on January 1 of the immediately following calendar year.

 

SECTION 6.13. Changes in Organizational Documents. Each of the Loan Parties shall not, and shall not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, amend in any material respect its applicable certificate or articles of incorporation, by-laws, certificate of limited partnership, partnership agreement, certificate of formation, limited liability company agreement or other organizational documents without, in the case of the Loan Parties only, providing prompt, but in any event on or prior to the date of the delivery of the next Compliance Certificate, notice to the Administrative Agent and, in the event such change would be materially adverse to the enforcement rights of the Lenders under the Loan Documents, obtaining the prior written consent of the Required Lenders.

 

SECTION 6.14. Maximum Leverage Ratio. The Loan Parties shall not permit the Leverage Ratio, calculated as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Company ending on or after September 26, 2021 for the period equal to the four (4) fiscal quarters then ended, to exceed 5.25 to 1.00 (the “Maximum Leverage Ratio”); provided that, in the event any Loan Party consummates a Permitted Acquisition having aggregate consideration in excess of $200,000,000 and, after giving pro forma effect to such acquisition, the Leverage Ratio would exceed 5.25 to 1.00, then, in any such case, so long as no Event of Default shall be continuing at such time or would result therefrom (after giving effect to this proviso), the Company may elect to increase the Maximum Leverage Ratio in effect at such time by 0.50 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter in which such acquisition occurs and the immediately following three (3) consecutive fiscal quarters thereafter (any such period of increase in the Maximum Leverage Ratio, an “Acquisition Holiday”); provided, further, that no election to utilize an Acquisition Holiday shall be permitted unless one full fiscal quarter shall have passed since the last day of the prior Acquisition Holiday.

 

SECTION 6.15. Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio. The Loan Parties shall not permit the Interest Coverage Ratio, calculated as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Company ending on or after September 26, 2021 for the period equal to the four (4) fiscal quarters then ended, to be less than 2.00 to 1.00.

 

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SECTION 6.16. Negative Pledges; Restrictive Agreements. No Loan Party shall directly or indirectly enter into or assume or become bound by, or permit any Subsidiary to enter into or assume or become bound by, any agreement (other than this Agreement and the other Loan Documents), or any provision of any certificate of incorporation, bylaws, partnership agreement, operating agreement or other organizational formation or governing document prohibiting (a) the creation or assumption of any Lien or encumbrance upon any such Loan Party’s or Subsidiary’s properties, whether now owned or hereafter created or acquired, (b) prohibiting or restricting the payment of dividends or distributions to any Borrower or to make or repay Loans to any Borrower or to Guaranty Indebtedness of any Borrower or (c) otherwise prohibiting or restricting the Transactions contemplated hereby and repayment and performance by the Loan Parties of its obligations under the Loan Documents; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to (i) restrictions and conditions imposed by any Requirement of Law or by any Loan Document, (ii) with respect to clause (a) only, restrictions or conditions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness or other obligations permitted by this Agreement but only to the extent such restriction or condition is limited to the specific assets (other than any assets constituting Collateral) subject to a Permitted Lien, (iii) customary provisions in leases, licenses or other agreements restricting assignment thereof, (iv) customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements relating to the sale of any property pending such sale, provided such restrictions and conditions apply only to such property that is to be sold and such sale is permitted hereunder, (v) with respect to clause (a) only, with respect to software and other intellectual property licenses pursuant to which the borrower or any Subsidiary is the licensee of the relevant software or intellectual property, as the case may be (in which case, any such prohibition or limitation shall relate only to the assets subject to the applicable licenses), (vi) with respect to clauses (a) and (b), agreements relating to Indebtedness permitted hereunder provided such restrictions are no more restrictive in any material respect than those contained in this Agreement, (vii) with respect to clauses (a) and (b) of the foregoing, provisions contained in joint venture agreements or similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business and permitted by the terms of this Agreement, so long as in each case such provisions are applicable only to such joint venture, its assets and any Equity Interests therein, (viii) agreements relating to Indebtedness of any Foreign Subsidiary (in which case any such prohibition or limitation shall relate only to such Foreign Subsidiary and its assets) and (ix) with respect to clauses (a) and (b), the Senior Notes Documents.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

Events of Default

 

If any of the following events (“Events of Default”) shall occur:

 

(a)     any Borrower shall fail to pay (i) any principal of any Loan (including scheduled installments, mandatory prepayments or the payment due at maturity) or LC Disbursement when such principal or LC Disbursement is due hereunder or (ii) any interest on any Loan or any other Obligation owing hereunder or under the other Loan Documents within five (5) Business Days after such interest or other Obligation becomes due in accordance with the terms hereof or thereof (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise);

 

(b)     any representation or warranty made at any time by any of the Loan Parties herein or by any of the Loan Parties in any other Loan Document, or in any certificate, other instrument or statement furnished pursuant to the provisions hereof or thereof, shall prove to have been false or misleading in any material respect as of the time it was made or furnished;

 

(c)      any of the Loan Parties shall default in the observance or performance of any covenant contained in Section 5.03, Section 5.06, Section 5.10 or Article VI;

 

(d)     any of the Loan Parties shall default in the observance or performance of any other covenant, condition or provision hereof or of any other Loan Document and such default shall continue unremedied for a period of thirty (30) days after any Responsible Officer of any Loan Party, as the case may be, becomes aware of the occurrence thereof (such grace period to be applicable only in the event such default can be remedied by corrective action of the Loan Parties);

 

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(e)     a default or event of default or breach shall occur at any time under the terms of any other agreement involving Indebtedness under which any Loan Party or any Subsidiary of any Loan Party may be obligated as a borrower or guarantor in excess of $35,000,000 in the aggregate, and such breach, default or event of default consists of the failure to pay (beyond any period of grace permitted with respect thereto, whether waived or not) any Indebtedness when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) or if such breach or default (after giving effect to any applicable period of grace) permits or causes the acceleration of any Indebtedness (whether or not such right shall have been waived) or the termination of any commitment to lend; provided, that this paragraph (e) shall not apply to (x) Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of customary non-default mandatory prepayments events, such as asset dispositions, casualty and condemnation events, or issuances of debt or equity, if such transaction is permitted hereunder and under the documents providing for such Indebtedness or (y) Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the exercise by any holder thereof of conversion, exchange or similar rights related to the value of the Company’s equity securities, in the case of each of clause (x) and clause (y), as long as such Indebtedness is paid when due, redeemed for cash or converted into or exchanged for equity securities of the Company pursuant to the terms of such Indebtedness;

 

(f)      any final judgments or orders for the payment of money in excess of $35,000,000 (other than to the extent any such judgment is covered by insurance (other than under a self-insurance program) provided by a financially sound insurer to the extent a claim therefor has been made in writing and liability therefor has not been denied by the insurer) in the aggregate shall be entered against any Loan Party by a court having jurisdiction in the premises, which judgment is not discharged, vacated, bonded or stayed pending appeal within a period of sixty (60) days from the date of entry;

 

(g)     any of the Loan Documents shall cease to be legal, valid and binding agreements enforceable against the Loan Party executing the same or such Loan Party’s successors and assigns (as permitted under the Loan Documents) in accordance with the respective terms thereof or shall in any way be terminated (except in accordance with its terms) or become or be declared ineffective or inoperative or shall in any way be challenged or contested by a Loan Party or cease to give or provide the remedies, powers or privileges intended to be created thereby in favor of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders;

 

(h)     any Loan Party or any Significant Subsidiary shall generally become unable, admit in writing its inability or publicly declare its intention not to, or fail generally, to pay its debts as they become due;

 

(i)       any of the following occurs, the occurrence of which would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect: (i) any Reportable Event which constitutes grounds for the termination of any Plan by the PBGC or the appointment of a trustee to administer or liquidate any Plan, shall have occurred and be continuing; (ii) proceedings shall have been instituted or other action taken to terminate any Plan, or a termination notice shall have been filed with respect to any Plan; (iii) a trustee shall be appointed to administer or liquidate any Plan; (iv) the PBGC shall give notice of its intent to institute proceedings to terminate any Plan or Plans or to appoint a trustee to administer or liquidate any Plan; and, in the case of the occurrence of (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) above, the Administrative Agent determines in good faith that the amount of the Loan Parties’ liability is likely to exceed ten percent (10%) of its consolidated tangible net worth; (v) the Company or any member of the ERISA Group shall fail to make any contributions when due to a Plan, Multiemployer Plan or Multiple Employer Plan; (vi) any Loan Party or any Subsidiary provides any form of security under Code Section 436(f) in order to avoid funding-based limits on benefits and benefit accruals under any Plan, as required under Code Section 436, or make any amendment to a Plan for which contributions (in addition to contributions required under ERISA Section 303) are required under Section 206(g)(2) of ERISA; (vii) the Company or any other member of the ERISA Group shall withdraw completely or partially from a Multiemployer Plan; or (viii) the Company or any other member of the ERISA Group shall withdraw (or shall be deemed under Section 4062(e) of ERISA to withdraw) from a Multiple Employer Plan and, with respect to any of the events specified in (v), (vi), (vii), or (viii), the occurrence of which would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; or (ix) in the case of any Foreign Plan, a termination, withdrawal or noncompliance with applicable laws or plan terms shall have occurred that, when taken together with all other terminations, withdrawals or noncompliance with applicable laws or plan terms that have occurred, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

 

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(j)       (i) any person or group of persons (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) other than John H. Schnatter (or his estate or beneficiaries) shall have acquired beneficial ownership of (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated by the SEC under said Act) forty percent (40%) or more of the voting capital stock of the Company, (ii) within a period of twelve (12) consecutive calendar months, individuals who were directors of the Company on the first day of such period, together with any directors whose election by such board of directors or whose nomination for election by the shareholders was approved by a vote of the majority of the directors then in office shall cease to constitute a majority of the board of directors of the Company or (iii) the Company ceases to own, directly or indirectly, and control 100% (other than directors’ qualifying shares) of the ordinary voting and economic power of any Foreign Subsidiary Borrower;

 

(k)      a proceeding shall have been instituted in a court having jurisdiction in the premises seeking a decree or order for relief in respect of any Loan Party or any Significant Subsidiary in an involuntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar Requirement of Law now or hereafter in effect, or for the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator, conservator (or similar official) of any Loan Party or Significant Subsidiary for any substantial part of its property, or for the winding-up or liquidation of its affairs, and such proceeding shall remain undismissed or unstayed and in effect for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days or such court shall enter a decree or order granting any of the relief sought in such proceeding;

 

(l)       any Loan Party or any Significant Subsidiary shall commence a voluntary case under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, shall consent to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary case under any such law, or shall consent to the appointment or taking possession by a receiver, liquidator, assignee, custodian, trustee, sequestrator, conservator (or other similar official) of itself or for any substantial part of its property or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or shall fail generally to pay its debts as they become due, or shall take any action in furtherance of any of the foregoing; or

 

(m)     except as permitted by the terms of any Loan Document, or solely as a result of acts or omissions of the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties, (i) any Collateral Document shall for any reason fail to create a valid security interest in any Collateral purported to be covered thereby, (ii) any Lien securing any Obligation shall cease to be a perfected, first priority Lien to the extent required by the Loan Documents; or (iii) any Collateral Document shall fail to remain in full force or effect or any action shall be taken to discontinue or to assert the invalidity or unenforceability of any Collateral Document;

 

then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to a Borrower described in (k) or (l) of this Article), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, by notice to the Company, take any or all of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate the Revolving Commitments, whereupon the Revolving Commitments shall terminate immediately, (ii) declare the Loans then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, but ratably as among the Loans at the time outstanding, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), whereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other Obligations accrued hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, shall become due and payable immediately, in each case without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers, (iii) require cash collateral for the LC Exposure in accordance with Section 2.06(j) hereof and (iv) exercise on behalf of itself, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks all rights and remedies available to it, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks under the Loan Documents and applicable law; and in the case of any event with respect to a Borrower described in clause (k) or (l) of this Article, the Revolving Commitments shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then outstanding and cash collateral for the LC Exposure as provided in clause (iii) above, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other Obligations accrued hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, shall automatically become due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, increase the rate of interest applicable to the Loans and other Obligations as set forth in this Agreement and exercise any rights and remedies provided to the Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents or at law or equity, including all remedies provided under the UCC.

 

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In addition to any other rights and remedies granted to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in the Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties may exercise all rights and remedies of a secured party under the UCC or any other applicable law. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent, without demand of performance or other demand, presentment, protest, advertisement or notice of any kind (except any notice required by law referred to below) to or upon any Loan Party or any other Person (all and each of which demands, defenses, advertisements and notices are hereby waived by each Borrower on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries), may in such circumstances forthwith collect, receive, appropriate and realize upon the Collateral, or any part thereof, or consent to the use by any Loan Party of any cash collateral arising in respect of the Collateral on such terms as the Administrative Agent deems reasonable, and/or may forthwith sell, lease, assign give an option or options to purchase or otherwise dispose of and deliver, or acquire by credit bid on behalf of the Lenders, the Collateral or any part thereof (or contract to do any of the foregoing), in one or more parcels at public or private sale or sales, at any exchange, broker’s board or office of the Administrative Agent or any Lender or elsewhere, upon such terms and conditions as it may deem advisable and at such prices as it may deem best, for cash or on credit or for future delivery, all without assumption of any credit risk. The Administrative Agent or any Lender shall have the right upon any such public sale or sales, and, to the extent permitted by law, upon any such private sale or sales, to purchase the whole or any part of the Collateral so sold, free of any right or equity of redemption in any Loan Party, which right or equity is hereby waived and released by each Borrower on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries. Each Borrower further agrees on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries, at the Administrative Agent’s request, to assemble the Collateral and make it available to the Administrative Agent at places which the Administrative Agent shall reasonably select, whether at the premises of such Borrower, another Loan Party or elsewhere. The Administrative Agent shall apply the net proceeds of any action taken by it pursuant to this Article VII, after deducting all reasonable costs and expenses of every kind incurred in connection therewith or incidental to the care or safekeeping of any of the Collateral or in any other way relating to the Collateral or the rights of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereunder, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, to the payment in whole or in part of the obligations of the Loan Parties under the Loan Documents, and only after such application and after the payment by the Administrative Agent of any other amount required by any provision of law, including Section 9-615(a)(3) of the UCC, need the Administrative Agent account for the surplus, if any, to any Loan Party. To the extent permitted by applicable law, each Borrower on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries waives all Liabilities it may acquire against the Administrative Agent or any Lender arising out of the exercise by them of any rights hereunder. If any notice of a proposed sale or other disposition of Collateral shall be required by law, such notice shall be deemed reasonable and proper if given at least 10 days before such sale or other disposition.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

 

The Administrative Agent

 

SECTION 8.01. Authorization and Action. (a) Each Lender and each Issuing Bank hereby irrevocably appoints the entity named as Administrative Agent in the heading of this Agreement and its successors and assigns to serve as the administrative agent and collateral agent under the Loan Documents and each Lender and each Issuing Bank authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as are delegated to the Administrative Agent under such agreements and to exercise such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Without limiting the foregoing, each Lender and each Issuing Bank hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to execute and deliver, and to perform its obligations under, each of the Loan Documents to which the Administrative Agent is a party, and to exercise all rights, powers and remedies that the Administrative Agent may have under such Loan Documents.

 

(b)            As to any matters not expressly provided for herein and in the other Loan Documents (including enforcement or collection), the Administrative 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 written instructions of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, pursuant to the terms in the Loan Documents), and, unless and until revoked in writing, such instructions shall be binding upon each Lender and each Issuing Bank; provided, however, that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that (i) the Administrative Agent in good faith believes exposes it to liability unless the Administrative Agent receives an indemnification and is exculpated in a manner satisfactory to it from the Lenders and the Issuing Banks with respect to such action or (ii) is contrary to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or applicable law, including any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any requirement of law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any requirement of law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors; provided, further, that the Administrative Agent may seek clarification or direction from the Required Lenders prior to the exercise of any such instructed action and may refrain from acting until such clarification or direction has been provided. Except as expressly set forth in the Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to any Borrower, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any capacity. Nothing in this Agreement shall require the Administrative Agent to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability 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 adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

 

(c)            In performing its functions and duties hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent is acting solely on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks (except in limited circumstances expressly provided for herein relating to the maintenance of the Register), and its duties are entirely mechanical and administrative in nature. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing:

 

(i)            the Administrative Agent does not assume and shall not be deemed to have assumed any obligation or duty or any other relationship as the agent, fiduciary or trustee of or for any Lender, Issuing Bank or holder of any other obligation other than as expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, regardless of whether a Default or an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing (and it is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” (or any similar term) herein or in any other Loan Document with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary duty or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable law, and that such term is used as a matter of market custom and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties); additionally, each Lender agrees that it will not assert any claim against the Administrative Agent based on an alleged breach of fiduciary duty by the Administrative Agent in connection with this Agreement and/or the transactions contemplated hereby; and

 

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(ii)            nothing in this Agreement or any Loan Document shall require the Administrative Agent to account to any Lender for any sum or the profit element of any sum received by the Administrative Agent for its own account;

 

(d)            The Administrative Agent may perform any of its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any of their respective duties and exercise their respective rights and powers through their respective Related Parties. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities pursuant to this Agreement. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub-agent except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final and nonappealable judgment that the Administrative Agent acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct in the selection of such sub-agent.

 

(e)            None of any Co-Syndication Agent, any Co-Documentation Agent or any Arranger shall have obligations or duties whatsoever in such capacity under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and shall incur no liability hereunder or thereunder in such capacity, but all such persons shall have the benefit of the indemnities provided for hereunder.

 

(f)             In case of the pendency of any proceeding with respect to any Loan Party under any Federal, state or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or any Obligation shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on any Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered (but not obligated) by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

 

(i)             to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, LC Disbursements and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Administrative Agent (including any claim under Sections 2.12, 2.13, 2.15, 2.17 and 9.03) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

 

(ii)            to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

 

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and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender, each Issuing Bank and each other Secured Party to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or the other Secured Parties, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due to it, in its capacity as the Administrative Agent, under the Loan Documents (including under ‎Section 9.03). Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender or Issuing Bank any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or Issuing Bank or to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender or Issuing Bank in any such proceeding.

 

(g)            The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, and, except solely to the extent of any Borrower’s rights to consent pursuant to and subject to the conditions set forth in this Article, no Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any of their respective Affiliates, shall have any rights as a third party beneficiary under any such provisions. Each Secured Party, whether or not a party hereto, will be deemed, by its acceptance of the benefits of the Collateral and of the Guarantees of the Obligations provided under the Loan Documents, to have agreed to the provisions of this Article.

 

SECTION 8.02. Administrative Agent’s Reliance, Limitation of Liability, Etc. (a) Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its Related Parties shall be (i) liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by such party, the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties under or in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (x) with the consent of or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith to be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in the Loan Documents) or (y) in the absence of its own gross negligence or willful misconduct (such absence to be presumed unless otherwise determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and non-appealable judgment) or (ii) responsible in any manner to any of the Lenders for any recitals, statements, representations or warranties made by any Loan Party or any officer thereof contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Administrative Agent under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document or for the value, validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including, for the avoidance of doubt, in connection with the Administrative Agent’s reliance on any Electronic Signature transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page) or for any failure of any Loan Party to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder.

 

(b)            The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any (i) notice of any of the events or circumstances set forth or described in Section 5.02 unless and until written notice thereof stating that it is a “notice under Section 5.02” in respect of this Agreement and identifying the specific clause under said Section is given to the Administrative Agent by the Company, or (ii) notice of any Default or Event of Default unless and until written notice thereof (stating that it is a “notice of Default” or a “notice of an Event of Default”) is given to the Administrative Agent by the Company, a Lender or an Issuing Bank. Further, the Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (A) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with any Loan Document, (B) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered thereunder or in connection therewith, (C) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth in any Loan Document or the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, (D) the sufficiency, validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of any Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, (E) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere in any Loan Document, other than to confirm receipt of items (which on their face purport to be such items) expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent or satisfaction of any condition that expressly refers to the matters described therein being acceptable or satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, or (F) the creation, perfection or priority of Liens on the Collateral. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Administrative Agent shall not be liable for, or be responsible for any Liabilities, costs or expenses suffered by any Borrower, any Subsidiary, any Lender or any Issuing Bank as a result of, any determination of the Revolving Exposure, any of the component amounts thereof or any portion thereof attributable to each Lender or Issuing Bank, or any Exchange Rate or calculation of any Dollar Equivalent.

 

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(c)            Without limiting the foregoing, the Administrative Agent (i) may treat the payee of any promissory note as its holder until such promissory note has been assigned in accordance with Section 9.04, (ii) may rely on the Register to the extent set forth in Section 9.04(b), (iii) may consult with legal counsel (including counsel to the Borrowers), independent public accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts, (iv) makes no warranty or representation to any Lender or Issuing Bank and shall not be responsible to any Lender or Issuing Bank for any statements, warranties or representations made by or on behalf of any Loan Party in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (v) in determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, or the issuance of a Letter of Credit, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender or an Issuing Bank, may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender or Issuing Bank unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender or Issuing Bank sufficiently in advance of the making of such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit and (vi) shall be entitled to rely on, and shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement or any other Loan Document by acting upon, any notice, consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which writing may be a fax, any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) or any statement made to it orally or by telephone and believed by it to be genuine and signed or sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper party or parties (whether or not such Person in fact meets the requirements set forth in the Loan Documents for being the maker thereof).

 

SECTION 8.03. Posting of Communications. (a) Each Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, make any Communications available to the Lenders and the Issuing Banks by posting the Communications on IntraLinks™, DebtDomain, SyndTrak, ClearPar or any other electronic platform chosen by the Administrative Agent to be its electronic transmission system (the “Approved Electronic Platform”).

 

(b)            Although the Approved Electronic Platform and its primary web portal are secured with generally-applicable security procedures and policies implemented or modified by the Administrative Agent from time to time (including, as of the Effective Date, a user ID/password authorization system) and the Approved Electronic Platform is secured through a per-deal authorization method whereby each user may access the Approved Electronic Platform only on a deal-by-deal basis, each of the Lenders, each of the Issuing Banks and each Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the distribution of material through an electronic medium is not necessarily secure, that the Administrative Agent is not responsible for approving or vetting the representatives or contacts of any Lender that are added to the Approved Electronic Platform, and that there may be confidentiality and other risks associated with such distribution. Each of the Lenders, each of the Issuing Banks and the Borrowers hereby approves distribution of the Communications through the Approved Electronic Platform and understands and assumes the risks of such distribution.

 

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(c)            THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND THE COMMUNICATIONS ARE PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE”. THE APPLICABLE PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE COMMUNICATIONS, OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM AND THE COMMUNICATIONS. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY THE APPLICABLE PARTIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMMUNICATIONS OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ANY ARRANGER, ANY CO-DOCUMENTATION AGENT, ANY CO-SYNDICATION AGENT OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE RELATED PARTIES (COLLECTIVELY, “APPLICABLE PARTIES”) HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO ANY LOAN PARTY, ANY LENDER, ANY ISSUING BANK OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING DIRECT OR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSSES OR EXPENSES (WHETHER IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF ANY LOAN PARTY’S OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT’S TRANSMISSION OF COMMUNICATIONS THROUGH THE INTERNET OR THE APPROVED ELECTRONIC PLATFORM.

 

Communications” means, collectively, any notice, demand, communication, information, document or other material provided by or on behalf of any Loan Party pursuant to any Loan Document or the transactions contemplated therein which is distributed by the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank by means of electronic communications pursuant to this Section, including through an Approved Electronic Platform.

 

(d)            Each Lender and each Issuing Bank agrees that notice to it (as provided in the next sentence) specifying that Communications have been posted to the Approved Electronic Platform shall constitute effective delivery of the Communications to such Lender for purposes of the Loan Documents. Each Lender and Issuing Bank agrees (i) to notify the Administrative Agent in writing (which could be in the form of electronic communication) from time to time of such Lender’s or Issuing Bank’s (as applicable) email address to which the foregoing notice may be sent by electronic transmission and (ii) that the foregoing notice may be sent to such email address.

 

(e)             Each of the Lenders, each of the Issuing Banks and the Borrowers agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but (except as may be required by applicable law) shall not be obligated to, store the Communications on the Approved Electronic Platform in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s generally applicable document retention procedures and policies.

 

(f)             Nothing herein shall prejudice the right of the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank to give any notice or other communication pursuant to any Loan Document in any other manner specified in such Loan Document.

 

SECTION 8.04. The Administrative Agent Individually. With respect to its Revolving Commitment, Loans (including Swingline Loans) and Letters of Credit, the Person serving as the Administrative Agent shall have and may exercise the same rights and powers hereunder and is subject to the same obligations and liabilities as and to the extent set forth herein for any other Lender or Issuing Bank, as the case may be. The terms “Issuing Banks”, “Lenders”, “Required Lenders” and any similar terms shall, unless the context clearly otherwise indicates, include the Administrative Agent in its individual capacity as a Lender, Issuing Bank or as one of the Required Lenders, as applicable. The Person serving as the Administrative Agent and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, own securities of, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust or other business with, any Borrower, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing as if such Person was not acting as the Administrative Agent and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders or the Issuing Banks.

 

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SECTION 8.05. Successor Administrative Agent. (a) The Administrative Agent may resign at any time by giving 30 days’ prior written notice thereof to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Company, whether or not a successor Administrative Agent has been appointed. Upon any such resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right to appoint a successor Administrative Agent. If no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders, and shall have accepted such appointment, within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent’s giving of notice of resignation, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, appoint a successor Administrative Agent, which shall be a bank with an office in New York, New York or an Affiliate of any such bank. In either case, such appointment shall be subject to the prior written approval of the Company (which approval may not be unreasonably withheld and shall not be required while an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing). Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Administrative Agent by a successor Administrative Agent, such successor Administrative Agent shall succeed to, and become vested with, all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent. Upon the acceptance of appointment as Administrative Agent by a successor Administrative Agent, the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Prior to any retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation hereunder as Administrative Agent, the retiring Administrative Agent shall take such action as may be reasonably necessary to assign to the successor Administrative Agent its rights as Administrative Agent under the Loan Documents.

 

(b)            Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this Section, in the event no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its intent to resign, the retiring Administrative Agent may give notice of the effectiveness of its resignation to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Company, whereupon, on the date of effectiveness of such resignation stated in such notice, (i) the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents; provided that, solely for purposes of maintaining any security interest granted to the Administrative Agent under any Collateral Document for the benefit of the Secured Parties, the retiring Administrative Agent shall continue to be vested with such security interest as collateral agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and continue to be entitled to the rights set forth in such Collateral Document and Loan Document, and, in the case of any Collateral in the possession of the Administrative Agent, shall continue to hold such Collateral, in each case until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed and accepts such appointment in accordance with this Section (it being understood and agreed that the retiring Administrative Agent shall have no duty or obligation to take any further action under any Collateral Document, including any action required to maintain the perfection of any such security interest), and (ii) the Required Lenders shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent; provided that (A) all payments required to be made hereunder or under any other Loan Document to the Administrative Agent for the account of any Person other than the Administrative Agent shall be made directly to such Person and (B) all notices and other communications required or contemplated to be given or made to the Administrative Agent shall directly be given or made to each Lender and each Issuing Bank. Following the effectiveness of the Administrative Agent’s resignation from its capacity as such, the provisions of this Article and Section 9.03, as well as any exculpatory, reimbursement and indemnification provisions set forth in any other Loan Document, shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while the retiring Administrative Agent was acting as Administrative Agent and in respect of the matters referred to in the proviso under clause (i) above.

 

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SECTION 8.06. Acknowledgements of Lenders and Issuing Banks. (a) Each Lender and each Issuing Bank represents and warrants that (i) the Loan Documents set forth the terms of a commercial lending facility, (ii) it is engaged in making, acquiring or holding commercial loans and in providing other facilities set forth herein as may be applicable to such Lender or Issuing Bank, in each case in the ordinary course of business, and not for the purpose of purchasing, acquiring or holding any other type of financial instrument (and each Lender and each Issuing Bank agrees not to assert a claim in contravention of the foregoing), (iii) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any Co-Syndication Agent, any Co-Documentation Agent or any other Lender or Issuing Bank, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement as a Lender, and to make, acquire or hold Loans hereunder and (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to make, acquire and/or hold commercial loans and to provide other facilities set forth herein, as may be applicable to such Lender or such Issuing Bank, and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to make, acquire and/or hold such commercial loans or to provide such other facilities, is experienced in making, acquiring or holding such commercial loans or providing such other facilities. Each Lender and each Issuing Bank also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any Co-Syndication Agent, any Co-Documentation Agent or any other Lender or Issuing Bank, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information (which may contain material, non-public information within the meaning of the United States securities laws concerning the Borrowers and their Affiliates) as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

 

(b)            Each Lender, by delivering its signature page to this Agreement on the Effective Date, or delivering its signature page to an Assignment and Assumption or any other Loan Document pursuant to which it shall become a Lender hereunder, shall be deemed to have acknowledged receipt of, and consented to and approved, each Loan Document and each other document required to be delivered to, or be approved by or satisfactory to, the Administrative Agent or the Lenders on the Effective Date.

 

(c)            (i) Each Lender hereby agrees that (x) if the Administrative Agent notifies such Lender that the Administrative Agent has determined in its sole discretion that any funds received by such Lender from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates (whether as a payment, prepayment or repayment of principal, interest, fees or otherwise; individually and collectively, a “Payment”) were erroneously transmitted to such Lender (whether or not known to such Lender), and demands the return of such Payment (or a portion thereof), such Lender shall promptly, but in no event later than one Business Day thereafter, return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made in same day funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such Payment (or portion thereof) was received by such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation from time to time in effect, and (y) to the extent permitted by applicable law, such Lender shall not assert, and hereby waives, as to the Administrative Agent, any claim, counterclaim, defense or right of set-off or recoupment with respect to any demand, claim or counterclaim by the Administrative Agent for the return of any Payments received, including without limitation any defense based on “discharge for value” or any similar doctrine. A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender under this Section 8.06(c) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.

 

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(ii)            Each Lender hereby further agrees that if it receives a Payment from the Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates (x) that is in a different amount than, or on a different date from, that specified in a notice of payment sent by the Administrative Agent (or any of its Affiliates) with respect to such Payment (a “Payment Notice”) or (y) that was not preceded or accompanied by a Payment Notice, it shall be on notice, in each such case, that an error has been made with respect to such Payment.  Each Lender agrees that, in each such case, or if it otherwise becomes aware a Payment (or portion thereof) may have been sent in error, such Lender shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of such occurrence and, upon demand from the Administrative Agent, it shall promptly, but in no event later than one Business Day thereafter, return to the Administrative Agent the amount of any such Payment (or portion thereof) as to which such a demand was made in same day funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such Payment (or portion thereof) was received by such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent at the greater of the NYFRB Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation from time to time in effect.

 

(iii)           The Borrowers and each other Loan Party hereby agrees that (x) in the event an erroneous Payment (or portion thereof) are not recovered from any Lender that has received such Payment (or portion thereof) for any reason, the Administrative Agent shall be subrogated to all the rights of such Lender with respect to such amount and (y) an erroneous Payment shall not pay, prepay, repay, discharge or otherwise satisfy any Obligations owed by any Borrower or any other Loan Party.

 

(iv)          Each party’s obligations under this Section 8.06(c) shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any transfer of rights or obligations by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Revolving Commitments or the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all Obligations under any Loan Document.

 

SECTION 8.07. Collateral Matters. (a) Except with respect to the exercise of setoff rights in accordance with Section 9.08 or with respect to a Secured Party’s right to file a proof of claim in an insolvency proceeding, no Secured Party shall have any right individually to realize upon any of the Collateral or to enforce any Guarantee of the Obligations, it being understood and agreed that all powers, rights and remedies under the Loan Documents may be exercised solely by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

(b)            In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation thereof, no arrangements in respect of Banking Services, the obligations under which constitute Obligations and no Swap Agreement, the obligations under which constitute Obligations, will create (or be deemed to create) in favor of any Secured Party that is a party thereto any rights in connection with the management or release of any Collateral or of the obligations of any Loan Party under any Loan Document. By accepting the benefits of the Collateral, each Secured Party that is a party to any such arrangement in respect of Banking Services or Swap Agreement, as applicable, shall be deemed to have appointed the Administrative Agent to serve as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Loan Documents and agreed to be bound by the Loan Documents as a Secured Party thereunder, subject to the limitations set forth in this paragraph.

 

(c)            The Secured Parties irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion, to subordinate any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Lien on such property that is permitted by clause (h) of the definition of Permitted Lien. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have a duty to ascertain or inquire into any representation or warranty regarding the existence, value or collectability of the Collateral, the existence, priority or perfection of the Administrative Agent’s Lien thereon or any certificate prepared by any Loan Party in connection therewith, nor shall the Administrative Agent be responsible or liable to the Lenders or any other Secured Party for any failure to monitor or maintain any portion of the Collateral.

 

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SECTION 8.08. Credit Bidding. The Secured Parties hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at the direction of the Required Lenders, to credit bid all or any portion of the Obligations (including by accepting some or all of the Collateral in satisfaction of some or all of the Obligations pursuant to a deed in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise) and in such manner purchase (either directly or through one or more acquisition vehicles) all or any portion of the Collateral (a) at any sale thereof conducted under the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, including under Sections 363, 1123 or 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code, or any similar laws in any other jurisdictions to which a Loan Party is subject, or (b) at any other sale, foreclosure or acceptance of collateral in lieu of debt conducted by (or with the consent or at the direction of) the Administrative Agent (whether by judicial action or otherwise) in accordance with any applicable law. In connection with any such credit bid and purchase, the Obligations owed to the Secured Parties shall be entitled to be, and shall be, credit bid by the Administrative Agent at the direction of the Required Lenders on a ratable basis (with Obligations with respect to contingent or unliquidated claims receiving contingent interests in the acquired assets on a ratable basis that shall vest upon the liquidation of such claims in an amount proportional to the liquidated portion of the contingent claim amount used in allocating the contingent interests) for the asset or assets so purchased (or for the equity interests or debt instruments of the acquisition vehicle or vehicles that are issued in connection with such purchase). In connection with any such bid, (i) the Administrative Agent shall be authorized to form one or more acquisition vehicles and to assign any successful credit bid to such acquisition vehicle or vehicles, (ii) each of the Secured Parties’ ratable interests in the Obligations which were credit bid shall be deemed without any further action under this Agreement to be assigned to such vehicle or vehicles for the purpose of closing such sale, (iii) the Administrative Agent shall be authorized to adopt documents providing for the governance of the acquisition vehicle or vehicles (provided that any actions by the Administrative Agent with respect to such acquisition vehicle or vehicles, including any disposition of the assets or equity interests thereof, shall be governed, directly or indirectly, by, and the governing documents shall provide for, control by the vote of the Required Lenders or their permitted assignees under the terms of this Agreement or the governing documents of the applicable acquisition vehicle or vehicles, as the case may be, irrespective of the termination of this Agreement and without giving effect to the limitations on actions by the Required Lenders contained in ‎Section 9.02 of this Agreement), (iv) the Administrative Agent on behalf of such acquisition vehicle or vehicles shall be authorized to issue to each of the Secured Parties, ratably on account of the relevant Obligations which were credit bid, interests, whether as equity, partnership interests, limited partnership interests or membership interests, in any such acquisition vehicle and/or debt instruments issued by such acquisition vehicle, all without the need for any Secured Party or acquisition vehicle to take any further action, and (v) to the extent that Obligations that are assigned to an acquisition vehicle are not used to acquire Collateral for any reason (as a result of another bid being higher or better, because the amount of Obligations assigned to the acquisition vehicle exceeds the amount of Obligations credit bid by the acquisition vehicle or otherwise), such Obligations shall automatically be reassigned to the Secured Parties pro rata with their original interest in such Obligations and the equity interests and/or debt instruments issued by any acquisition vehicle on account of such Obligations shall automatically be cancelled, without the need for any Secured Party or any acquisition vehicle to take any further action. Notwithstanding that the ratable portion of the Obligations of each Secured Party are deemed assigned to the acquisition vehicle or vehicles as set forth in clause (ii) above, each Secured Party shall execute such documents and provide such information regarding the Secured Party (and/or any designee of the Secured Party which will receive interests in or debt instruments issued by such acquisition vehicle) as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request in connection with the formation of any acquisition vehicle, the formulation or submission of any credit bid or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by such credit bid.

 

SECTION 8.09. Certain ERISA Matters. (a) Each Lender (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent, and each Arranger and their respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of any Borrower or any other Loan Party, that at least one of the following is and will be true:

 

(i)            such Lender is not using “plan assets” (within the meaning of the Plan Asset Regulations) of one or more Benefit Plans in connection with the Loans, the Letters of Credit or the Revolving Commitments,

 

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(ii)             the transaction exemption set forth in one or more PTEs, such as PTE 84-14 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by independent qualified professional asset managers), PTE 95-60 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company general accounts), PTE 90-1 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving insurance company pooled separate accounts), PTE 91-38 (a class exemption for certain transactions involving bank collective investment funds) or PTE 96-23 (a class exemption for certain transactions determined by in-house asset managers), is applicable with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Revolving Commitments and this Agreement,

 

(iii)            (A) such Lender is an investment fund managed by a “Qualified Professional Asset Manager” (within the meaning of Part VI of PTE 84-14), (B) such Qualified Professional Asset Manager made the investment decision on behalf of such Lender to enter into, participate in, administer and perform the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Revolving Commitments and this Agreement, (C) the entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Revolving Commitments and this Agreement satisfies the requirements of sub-sections (b) through (g) of Part I of PTE 84-14 and (D) to the best knowledge of such Lender, the requirements of subsection (a) of Part I of PTE 84-14 are satisfied with respect to such Lender’s entrance into, participation in, administration of and performance of the Loans, the Letters of Credit, the Revolving Commitments and this Agreement, or

 

(iv)            such other representation, warranty and covenant as may be agreed in writing between the Administrative Agent, in its sole discretion, and such Lender.

 

(b)            In addition, unless sub-clause (i) in the immediately preceding clause (a) is true with respect to a Lender or such Lender has provided another representation, warranty and covenant as provided in sub-clause (iv) in the immediately preceding clause (a), such Lender further (x) represents and warrants, as of the date such Person became a Lender party hereto, to, and (y) covenants, from the date such Person became a Lender party hereto to the date such Person ceases being a Lender party hereto, for the benefit of, the Administrative Agent, and each Arranger and their respective Affiliates, and not, for the avoidance of doubt, to or for the benefit of any Borrower or any other Loan Party, that none of the Administrative Agent, or any Arranger, any Co-Syndication Agent, any Co-Documentation Agent or any of their respective Affiliates is a fiduciary with respect to the Collateral or the assets of such Lender (including in connection with the reservation or exercise of any rights by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement, any Loan Document or any documents related to hereto or thereto).

 

SECTION 8.10. Rights under English Law.(a) The Administrative Agent declares that it shall hold all Liens on Collateral governed by English law on trust for itself and each of the other Secured Parties on the terms contained in this Agreement.

 

(b)            The rights, powers, authorities and discretions given to the Administrative Agent under or in connection with the Loan Documents shall be supplemental to the Trustee Act 1925 (United Kingdom) and the Trustee Act 2000 (United Kingdom) and in addition to any which may be vested in the Administrative Agent by law or regulation or otherwise.

 

(c)            Section 1 of the Trustee Act 2000 (United Kingdom) shall not apply to the duties of the Administrative Agent in relation to the trusts constituted by this Agreement. Where there are any inconsistencies between the Trustee Act 1925 (United Kingdom) or the Trustee Act 2000 (United Kingdom) and the provisions of this Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement shall, to the extent permitted by law and regulation, prevail and, in the case of any inconsistency with the Trustee Act 2000 (United Kingdom), the provisions of this Agreement shall constitute a restriction or exclusion for the purposes of that Act.

 

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ARTICLE IX

 

Miscellaneous

 

SECTION 9.01. Notices.

 

(a)            Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and subject to paragraph (b) below), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by telecopy, as follows:

 

(i)            if to any Loan Party, to it in care of the Company at:

 

Papa John’s International, Inc.
2002 Papa John’s Blvd.
Louisville, Kentucky 40299

  Attention: Ann Gugino, Chief Financial Officer
    Chris Collins, Vice President, Treasury and Tax

E-Mail: Ann_Gugino@papajohns.com

Chris_Collins@papajohns.com

 

In each case, with a copy to:

 

Papa John’s International, Inc.
2002 Papa John’s Blvd.
Louisville, Kentucky 40299
Attention: Chief Legal Officer
Fax No: (502) 261-4190

E-Mail: caroline_oyler@papajohns.com

 

(ii)            if to the Administrative Agent, to Chase at:

 

In the case of any Borrowing denominated in dollars:

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

Loan and Agency

10 South Dearborn, Floor L2

Suite IL1-0480

Chicago, IL, 60603-2300

Attention: Sean Melvin

E-Mail: jpm.agency.cri@jpmorgan.com

 

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In the case of Borrowings denominated in Foreign Currencies:

 

J.P. Morgan Europe Limited
25 Bank Street
Canary Wharf, London E14 5JP
Attention: The Manager, Loan & Agency Services
Fax No.: 44 207 777 2360

E-Mail: loan_and_agency_london@jpmorgan.com

 

In each case, with a copy to:

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

3424 Peachtree Road NE, 23rd Floor

Atlanta, GA 30326

Attention: Blakely Engel

Fax No.: 844-753-7635

E-Mail: blakely.engel@jpmorgan.com

 

(iii)            if to Chase in its capacity as an Issuing Bank, to Chase at:

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

10 South Dearborn Street, Floor L2

Suite IL1-0480

Chicago, IL 60603-2300

Attention: Chicago LC Agency Activity Team

Fax No.: 214-307-6874

E-Mail: Chicago.LC.Agency.Activity.Team@JPMChase.com

 

(iv)            if to Chase in its capacity as a Swingline Lender, to Chase at:

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

10 South Dearborn Street, Floor L2

Suite IL1-0480

Chicago, IL 60603-2300

Attention: Briahna Amos

Fax No.: 844-490-5663

E-Mail: jpm.agency.cri@jpmorgan.com

 

(v)            if to PNC Bank in its capacity as a Swingline Lender, to PNC Bank at:

 

PNC Bank, National Association

101 South Fifth Street

K1-K201-37-2

Louisville, KY 40202

Attention: William Nusky

Fax: 502.581.7904

Telephone No: 502.581.4969

Email: bryan.nusky@pnc.com

 

(vi)            if to any other Lender or Issuing Bank, to it at its address or fax number set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire.

 

All such notices and other communications (i) sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail shall be deemed to have been given when received, (ii) sent by telecopy shall be deemed to have been given when sent, provided that if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day of the recipient, or (iii) delivered through Approved Electronic Platforms to the extent provided in paragraph (b) below shall be effective as provided in such paragraph (b).

 

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(b)            Notices and other communications to any Loan Party or any Lender hereunder may be delivered or furnished by using Approved Electronic Platforms pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices pursuant to Article II or to compliance and no Default certificates delivered pursuant to Section 5.11(d) unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the applicable Lender. Each of the Administrative Agent and the Company (on behalf of the Loan Parties) may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by using Approved Electronic Platforms or electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications. Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise proscribes, all such notices and other communications (i) sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgement from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgement), provided that if not given during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient, and (ii) posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient, at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i), of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefor; provided that, for both clauses (i) and (ii) above, if such notice, e-mail or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next Business Day of the recipient.

 

(c)            Any party hereto may change its address, facsimile number or e-mail address for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.

 

SECTION 9.02. Waivers; Amendments.

 

(a)            No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders hereunder and under any other Loan Document are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of any Loan Document or consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of a Loan or issuance of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.

 

(b)            Except as provided in Section 2.09 with respect to any Incremental Term Loan Amendment or modification of the Commitment Schedule, in Sections 2.14(b), (c) and (d), and in Section 2.23 with respect to any Extension Agreement, and subject to the other provisions of this Section 9.02, neither this Agreement nor any other Loan Document nor any provision hereof or thereof may be waived, amended or modified except (i) in the case of this Agreement, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Company and the Required Lenders or (ii) in the case of any other Loan Document, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent and the Loan Party or Loan Parties that are parties thereto; provided that no such agreement shall:

 

(i)             increase the Revolving Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of such Lender (including any such Lender that is a Defaulting Lender),

 

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(ii)            reduce or forgive the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce or forgive any interest or fees payable hereunder, without the written consent of each Lender (including any such Lender that is a Defaulting Lender) directly affected thereby (except that any amendment, waiver or modification of (x) the financial covenants in this Agreement (or defined terms used in the financial covenants in this Agreement) or (y) the default rate payable under Section 2.13(d), in each case, shall only require the approval of the Required Lenders),

 

(iii)           postpone any scheduled date of payment of the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement (excluding voluntary prepayments), or any date for the payment of any interest, fees or other Obligations payable hereunder, or reduce the amount of, waive or excuse any such payment, or postpone the scheduled date of expiration of any Revolving Commitment, without the written consent of each Lender (including any such Lender that is a Defaulting Lender) directly affected thereby (other than any reduction of the amount of, or any extension of the payment date for, the mandatory prepayments required under Section 2.11, in each case which shall only require the approval of the Required Lenders),

 

(iv)           change the last sentence of Section 2.09(d) or Section 2.18(b) or (d) in a manner that would alter the ratable reduction of Revolving Commitments or the manner in which payments are shared, without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender) directly or adversely affected thereby,

 

(v)            change any of the provisions of this Section or the definition of “Required Lenders” or any other provision of any Loan Document specifying the number or percentage of Lenders required to waive, amend or modify any rights thereunder or make any determination or grant any consent thereunder, without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender) directly affected thereby (it being understood that, solely with the consent of the parties prescribed by Section 2.09 to be parties to an Incremental Term Loan Amendment, Incremental Term Loans may be included in the determination of Required Lenders on substantially the same basis as the Revolving Commitments and the Revolving Loans are included on the Effective Date),

 

(vi)           release any Borrower or release all or substantially all of the Loan Guarantors from their obligations under its Loan Guaranty (except as otherwise permitted herein or in the other Loan Documents), without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender),

 

(vii)         change Section 2.18(h) or Section 2.20 in any manner without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender),

 

(viii)        change the definition of “Foreign Currencies” without the written consent of each Lender, or

 

(ix)           except as provided in Section 9.02(g) or in any Collateral Document, release all or substantially all of the Collateral without the written consent of each Lender (other than any Defaulting Lender);

 

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provided further that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent, any Swingline Lender or any Issuing Bank hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent, such Swingline Lender or such Issuing Bank, as the case may be (it being understood that any amendment to Section 2.20 shall require the consent of the Administrative Agent, each Swingline Lender and each Issuing Bank); provided further that (x) no such agreement shall amend or modify the provisions of Section 2.06 or any Letter of Credit Agreement or any letter of credit application and any bilateral agreement between the Company and any Issuing Bank regarding such Issuing Bank’s Issuing Bank Sublimit or the respective rights and obligations between the Company and such Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance of Letters of Credit without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and such Issuing Bank, respectively and (y) no such agreement shall amend or modify the provisions of Section 2.05 or any bilateral agreement between the Company and any Swingline Lender regarding such Swingline Lender’s Swingline Lender Sublimit without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and such Swingline Lender, respectively. The Administrative Agent may also amend the Commitment Schedule to reflect assignments entered into pursuant to Section 9.04.

 

(c)            If, in connection with any proposed amendment, waiver or consent requiring the consent of “each Lender” or “each Lender directly affected thereby,” the consent of the Required Lenders is obtained, but the consent of other necessary Lenders is not obtained (any such Lender whose consent is necessary but has not been obtained being referred to herein as a “Non-Consenting Lender”), then the Company may elect to replace a Non-Consenting Lender as a Lender party to this Agreement, provided that, concurrently with such replacement, (i) another bank or other entity (other than any Ineligible Institution) which is reasonably satisfactory to the Company, the Administrative Agent, each Swingline Lender and each Issuing Bank shall agree, as of such date, to purchase for cash the Loans and other Obligations due to the Non-Consenting Lender pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption and to become a Lender for all purposes under this Agreement and to assume all obligations of the Non-Consenting Lender to be terminated as of such date and to comply with the requirements of clause (b) of Section 9.04, and (ii) the Company shall pay to such Non-Consenting Lender in same day funds on the day of such replacement (1) all interest, fees and other amounts then accrued but unpaid to such Non-Consenting Lender by the Borrowers hereunder to and including the date of termination, including without limitation payments due to such Non-Consenting Lender under Sections 2.15 and 2.17, and (2) an amount, if any, equal to the payment which would have been due to such Lender on the day of such replacement under Section 2.16 had the Loans of such Non-Consenting Lender been prepaid on such date rather than sold to the replacement Lender. Each party hereto agrees that (A) an assignment required pursuant to this paragraph may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Company, the Administrative Agent and the assignee (or, to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and such parties are participants), and (B) the Lender required to make such assignment need not be a party thereto in order for such assignment to be effective and shall be deemed to have consented to an be bound by the terms thereof; provided that, following the effectiveness of any such assignment, the other parties to such assignment agree to execute and deliver such documents necessary to evidence such assignment as reasonably requested by the applicable Lender; provided that any such documents shall be without recourse to or warranty by the parties thereto.

 

(d)            Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein the Administrative Agent may, with the consent of the Company only, amend, modify or supplement this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents to cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency; provided that any such amendment, modification or supplement shall not be materially adverse to the Lenders.

 

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(e)            Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to the contrary, the Administrative Agent, the Company and each Lender participating in any Incremental Term Loans or additional Revolving Commitments, may, without the input or consent of the Required Lenders or any other Lender, execute any Incremental Term Loan Amendment or otherwise effect amendments to this Agreement or any other Loan Document as may be necessary or appropriate, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, to effect any such Incremental Term Loans or additional Revolving Commitments in connection with the provisions of Sections 2.09(e) through (h).

 

(f)            Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to the contrary, the Administrative Agent and the Company, may, without the input or consent of the Required Lenders or any other Lender, effect amendments to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, as may be necessary or appropriate, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, in connection with the addition or replacement of an Issuing Bank or the addition or replacement of a Swingline Lender.

 

(g)            The Secured Parties hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent (or its designee) to, and the Administrative Agent shall, release any Liens granted to the Administrative Agent by the Loan Parties on any Collateral (i) upon the Payment in Full of all Obligations, (ii) constituting property being sold or disposed of if the Loan Party disposing of such property certifies to the Administrative Agent that the sale or disposition is made in compliance with the terms of this Agreement (and the Administrative Agent may rely conclusively on any such certificate, without further inquiry), and to the extent that the property being sold or disposed of constitutes 100% of the Equity Interests of a Subsidiary, the Administrative Agent is authorized to release the Loan Guaranty provided by such Subsidiary and all Liens on any Collateral provided by such Subsidiary, (iii) as required to effect any sale or other disposition of such Collateral in connection with any exercise of remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Article VII, and (iv) as otherwise provided in Section 9.16. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, the Administrative Agent will not release any Liens on Collateral without the prior written authorization of the Required Lenders or, to the extent required by Section 9.02, all of the Lenders. Any such release shall not in any manner discharge, affect, or impair the Obligations or any Liens (other than those expressly being released) upon (or obligations of the Loan Parties in respect of) all interests retained by the Loan Parties, including the proceeds of any sale, all of which shall continue to constitute part of the Collateral. Any execution and delivery by the Administrative Agent of documents in connection with any such release shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have a duty to ascertain or inquire into any representation or warranty regarding the existence, value or collectability of the Collateral, the existence, priority or perfection of the Administrative Agent’s Lien thereon or any certificate prepared by any Loan Party in connection therewith, nor shall the Administrative Agent be responsible or liable to the Lenders or any other Secured Party for any failure to monitor or maintain any portion of the Collateral.

 

SECTION 9.03. Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.

 

(a)            The Loan Parties, jointly and severally, shall pay all (i) reasonable and documented out of pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers and its Affiliates (including the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, charges and disbursements of one primary counsel and one local counsel in each specialty or relevant jurisdiction for the Administrative Agent) in connection with the syndication and distribution (including, without limitation, via the internet or through an Approved Electronic Platform) of the credit facility provided for herein, the preparation and administration of the Loan Documents and any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions of the Loan Documents (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by any Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance, amendment or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder and (iii) reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender (including the fees, charges and disbursements of one primary counsel and one local counsel in each specialty or relevant jurisdiction for the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders, taken as a whole, and in the case of an actual or perceived conflict of interest, one or more additional counsel of the applicable type for each group of Lenders similarly situated, taken as a whole) in connection with the enforcement, collection or protection of its rights in connection with the Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, or in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including all such reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit.

 

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(b)            The Loan Parties, jointly and severally, shall indemnify the Administrative Agent, each Arranger, each Co-Syndication Agent, each Co-Documentation Agent, each Issuing Bank and each Lender, and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all Liabilities and related expenses, including the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, charges and disbursements of one primary counsel and one local counsel in each specialty or relevant jurisdiction for the Indemnitees, taken as a whole, and in the case of an actual or perceived conflict of interest, one or more additional counsel of the applicable type for each group of Indemnitees similarly situated, taken as a whole, incurred by or asserted against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of (i) the execution or delivery of the Loan Documents or any agreement or instrument contemplated thereby, the performance by the parties hereto of their respective obligations thereunder or the consummation of the Transactions or any other transactions contemplated hereby, (ii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by any Issuing Bank to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), (iii) any actual or alleged presence or Contamination of Regulated Substances on or from any property owned or operated by a Loan Party or a Subsidiary, or any Environmental Liability related in any way to a Loan Party or a Subsidiary, (iv) the failure of a Loan Party to deliver to the Administrative Agent the required receipts or other required documentary evidence with respect to a payment made by such Loan Party for Taxes pursuant to Section 2.17, or (v) any Proceeding, whether or not such claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding is brought by any Loan Party or their respective equity holders, Affiliates, creditors or any other third Person and whether based on contract, tort or any other theory and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto; provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such Liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from (x) the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee, (y) material breach in bad faith by such Indemnitee or any of its Affiliates of its express obligations under this Agreement pursuant to a claim initiated by any Borrower or (z) any dispute solely among Indemnitees (other than (A) any claims directly resulting from an act or omission by any Borrower or any of its Affiliates or (B) any claims against any Indemnitee acting in its capacity or in fulfilling its role as an arranger, Administrative Agent, a Swingline Lender, an Issuing Bank or any similar role in respect of the credit facility evidenced by this Agreement).

 

(c)            To the extent that any Loan Party fails to pay any amount required to be paid by it to the Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent thereof), any Swingline Lender or any Issuing Bank (or any Related Party of any of the foregoing) under paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, such Swingline Lender or such Issuing Bank (or any Related Party of any of the foregoing), as the case may be, such Lender’s Applicable Percentage (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount (it being understood that any such payment by the Lenders shall not relieve a Borrower of any default in the payment thereof); provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, penalty, liability or related expense, as the case may be, was incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent, such Swingline Lender or such Issuing Bank in its capacity as such.

 

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(d)            To the extent permitted by applicable law (i) any Borrower and any Loan Party shall not assert, and each Borrower and each Loan Party hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee for any Liabilities arising from the use by others of information or other materials (including, without limitation, any personal data) obtained through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems (including the Internet), except for damages that are determined by final and nonappealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to have arisen or resulted from the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee, and (ii) no party hereto shall assert, and each such party hereby waives, any Liabilities against any other party hereto, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the Transactions, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof; provided that, nothing in this Section 9.03(d) shall relieve any Loan Party of any obligation it may have to indemnify an Indemnitee, as provided in Section 9.03(b), against any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages asserted against such Indemnitee by a third party.

 

(e)            All amounts due under this Section shall be payable promptly but not later than ten (10) Business Days after written demand therefor.

 

SECTION 9.04. Successors and Assigns.

 

(a)            The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of any Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), except that (i) no Loan Party may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender (and any attempted assignment or transfer by any Loan Party without such consent shall be null and void) and (ii) no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer its rights or obligations hereunder except in accordance with this Section. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of any Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), Participants (to the extent provided in paragraph (c) of this Section) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Related Parties of each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.

 

(b)            (i)  Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(ii) below, any Lender may assign to one or more Persons (other than an Ineligible Institution) all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Revolving Commitments, participations in Letters of Credit and the Loans at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) of:

 

(A)            the Company, provided that the Company shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within ten (10) Business Days after having received notice thereof, and provided further that no consent of the Company shall be required for an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender, an Approved Fund or, if an Event of Default under clause (a), (c) (but solely in respect of Section 6.14 or 6.15), (h), (k) or (l) of Article VII has occurred and is continuing, any other assignee;

 

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(B)            the Administrative Agent; provided that no consent of the Administrative Agent shall be required for an assignment of a Revolving Commitment or Revolving Loan to an assignee that is a Lender (other than a Defaulting Lender) with a Revolving Commitment immediately prior to giving effect to such assignment;

 

(C)            each Issuing Bank; provided that no consent of any Issuing Bank shall be required for an assignment of all or any portion of an Incremental Term Loan; and

 

(D)            each Swingline Lender; provided that no consent of any Swingline Lender shall be required for an assignment of all or any portion of an Incremental Term Loan.

 

(ii)            Assignments shall be subject to the following additional conditions:

 

(A)            except in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Revolving Commitment or Loans, the amount of the Revolving Commitment or Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than $5,000,000 unless each of the Company and the Administrative Agent otherwise consent, provided that no such consent of the Company shall be required if an Event of Default under clause (a), (c) (but solely in respect of Section 6.14 or 6.15), (h), (k) or (l) of Article VII has occurred and is continuing;

 

(B)            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;

 

(C)            the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent (x) an Assignment and Assumption or (y) to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and the parties to the Assignment and Assumption are participants, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500, such fee to be paid by either the assigning Lender or the assignee Lender or shared between such Lenders; and

 

(D)            the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire in which the assignee designates one or more credit contacts to whom all syndicate-level information (which may contain material non-public information about the Company, the other Loan Parties and their Related Parties or their respective securities) will be made available and who may receive such information in accordance with the assignee’s compliance procedures and applicable laws, including federal and state securities laws.

 

For the purposes of this Section 9.04(b), the terms “Approved Fund” and “Ineligible Institution” have the following meanings:

 

Approved Fund” means any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or investing in bank loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business and that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.

 

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Ineligible Institution” means a (a) natural person, (b) a Defaulting Lender or its Parent, (c) company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of, a natural person or relative(s) thereof; provided that, with respect to clause (c), such company, investment vehicle or trust shall not constitute an Ineligible Institution if it (x) has not been established for the primary purpose of acquiring any Loans or Revolving Commitments, (y) is managed by a professional advisor, who is not such natural person or a relative thereof, having significant experience in the business of making or purchasing commercial loans, and (z) has assets greater than $25,000,000 and a significant part of its activities consist of making or purchasing commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its business or (d) a Loan Party or a Subsidiary or other Affiliate of a Loan Party.

 

(iii)          Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to paragraph (b)(iv) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03). Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section 9.04 shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with paragraph (c) of this Section.

 

(iv)           The Administrative Agent, acting for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of each Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Revolving Commitments of, and principal amount (and stated interest) of the Loans and LC Disbursements owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, and each Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Company, any Issuing Bank and any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

 

(v)            Upon its receipt of (x) a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee or (y) to the extent applicable, an agreement incorporating an Assignment and Assumption by reference pursuant to an Approved Electronic Platform as to which the Administrative Agent and the parties to the Assignment and Assumption are participants, the assignee’s completed Administrative Questionnaire (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section and any written consent to such assignment required by paragraph (b) of this Section, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information contained therein in the Register; provided that if either the assigning Lender or the assignee shall have failed to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.05, 2.06(d) or (e), 2.07(b), 2.18(d) or 9.03(c), the Administrative Agent shall have no obligation to accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information therein in the Register unless and until such payment shall have been made in full, together with all accrued interest thereon. No assignment shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph.

 

(c)            Any Lender may, without the consent of, or notice to, the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, any Swingline Lender or any Issuing Bank, sell participations to one or more banks or other entities (a “Participant”) other than an Ineligible Institution in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Revolving Commitments and the Loans owing to it); provided that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged; (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations; and (iii) the Borrowers, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the first proviso to Section 9.02(b) that affects such Participant. Each Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.15, 2.16 and 2.17 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Sections 2.17(f) and (g) (it being understood that the documentation required under Section 2.17(f) shall be delivered to the participating Lender)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section; provided that such Participant (A) agrees to be subject to the provisions of Sections 2.18 and 2.19 as if it were an assignee under paragraph (b) of this Section; and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 2.15 or 2.17 with respect to any participation than its participating Lender would have been entitled to receive, except to the extent such entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a Change in Law that occurs after the Participant acquired the applicable participation.

 

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Each Lender that sells a participation agrees, at any Borrower’s request and expense, to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with such Borrower to effectuate the provisions of Section 2.19(b) with respect to any Participant. To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 9.08 as though it were a Lender, provided such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.18(d) as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the 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 Loans or other obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan 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 Revolving Commitments, Loans, Letters of Credit or its other obligations under any Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such Revolving Commitment, Loan, Letter of Credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary. For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.

 

(d)            Any Lender may at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including without limitation any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank, and this Section shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

 

SECTION 9.05. Survival. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in the Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents and the making of any Loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under this Agreement or any other Loan Document is outstanding and unpaid or any Letter of Credit is outstanding and so long as the Revolving Commitments have not expired or terminated. The provisions of Sections 2.15, 2.16, 2.17 and 9.03 and Article VIII shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment of the Loans, the expiration or termination of the Letters of Credit and the Revolving Commitments or the termination of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any provision hereof or thereof.

 

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SECTION 9.06. Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness; Electronic Execution.

 

(a)            This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Agreement, the other Loan Documents and any separate letter agreements with respect to (i) fees payable to the Administrative Agent, (ii) increases or reductions of the Swingline Lender Sublimit of any Swingline Lender and (iii) increases or reductions of the Issuing Bank Sublimit of any Issuing Bank constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof. Except as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof which, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

 

(b)            Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of (x) this Agreement, (y) any other Loan Document and/or (z) any document, amendment, approval, consent, information, notice (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any notice delivered pursuant to Section 9.01), certificate, request, statement, disclosure or authorization related to this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or the transactions contemplated hereby and/or thereby (each an “Ancillary Document”) that is an Electronic Signature transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement, such other Loan Document or such Ancillary Document, as applicable. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” “delivery,” and words of like import in or relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document shall be deemed to include Electronic Signatures, deliveries or the keeping of records in any electronic form (including deliveries by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page), each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature, physical delivery thereof or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be; provided that nothing herein shall require the Administrative Agent to accept Electronic Signatures in any form or format without its prior written consent and pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided, further, without limiting the foregoing, (i) to the extent the Administrative Agent has agreed to accept any Electronic Signature, the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders shall be entitled to rely on such Electronic Signature purportedly given by or on behalf of the Company or any other Loan Party without further verification thereof and without any obligation to review the appearance or form of any such Electronic signature and (ii) upon the request of the Administrative Agent or any Lender, any Electronic Signature shall be promptly followed by a manually executed counterpart. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company and each Loan Party hereby (A) agrees that, for all purposes, including without limitation, in connection with any workout, restructuring, enforcement of remedies, bankruptcy proceedings or litigation among the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Company and the Loan Parties, Electronic Signatures transmitted by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page and/or any electronic images of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as any paper original, (B) the Administrative Agent and each of the Lenders may, at its option, create one or more copies of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document in the form of an imaged electronic record in any format, which shall be deemed created in the ordinary course of such Person’s business, and destroy the original paper document (and all such electronic records shall be considered an original for all purposes and shall have the same legal effect, validity and enforceability as a paper record), (C) waives any argument, defense or right to contest the legal effect, validity or enforceability of this Agreement, any other Loan Document and/or any Ancillary Document based solely on the lack of paper original copies of this Agreement, such other Loan Document and/or such Ancillary Document, respectively, including with respect to any signature pages thereto and (D) waives any claim against any Indemnitee for any Liabilities arising solely from the Administrative Agent’s and/or any Lender’s reliance on or use of Electronic Signatures and/or transmissions by telecopy, emailed pdf. or any other electronic means that reproduces an image of an actual executed signature page, including any Liabilities arising as a result of the failure of the Company and/or any Loan Party to use any available security measures in connection with the execution, delivery or transmission of any Electronic Signature.

 

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SECTION 9.07. Severability. Any provision of any Loan Document held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions thereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

SECTION 9.08. Right of Setoff. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender, each Issuing Bank and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final and in whatever currency denominated) at any time held and other obligations at any time owing by such Lender, such Issuing Bank or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of any Loan Party against any of and all Obligations held by such Lender or such Issuing Bank or their respective Affiliates, irrespective of whether or not such Lender, Issuing Bank or Affiliate shall have made any demand under the Loan Documents and although such obligations may be unmatured; provided that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so setoff shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of ‎Section 2.20 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks, and the Lenders, and (y) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. The applicable Lender, Issuing Bank or Affiliate shall notify the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent of such set-off or application, provided that any failure to give or any delay in giving such notice shall not affect the validity of any such set-off or application under this Section. The rights of each Lender, each Issuing Bank and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) which such Lender, such Issuing Bank or their respective Affiliates may have.

 

SECTION 9.09. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.

 

(a)            This Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.

 

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(b)            Each of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that, notwithstanding the governing law provisions of any applicable Loan Document, any claims brought against the Administrative Agent by any Lender relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document, the Collateral or the consummation or administration of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.

 

(c)             Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan (or if such court lacks subject matter jurisdiction, the Supreme Court of the State of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan), and any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions relating hereto or thereto, or for recognition or enforcement of any judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may (and any such claims, cross-claims or third party claims brought against the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties may only) be heard and determined in such Federal (to the extent permitted by law) or New York State court. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document shall affect any right that the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any Borrower, any Loan Party or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

 

(d)            Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document in any court referred to in paragraph (c) of this Section. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

 

(e)             Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9.01. Each Foreign Subsidiary Borrower irrevocably designates and appoints the Company, as its authorized agent, to accept and acknowledge on its behalf, service of any and all process which may be served in any suit, action or proceeding of the nature referred to in Section 9.09(c) in any federal or New York State court sitting in New York City. The Company hereby represents, warrants and confirms that the Company has agreed to accept such appointment (and any similar appointment by a Subsidiary Guarantor which is a Foreign Subsidiary). Said designation and appointment shall be irrevocable by each such Foreign Subsidiary Borrower until all Loans, all reimbursement obligations, interest thereon and all other amounts payable by such Foreign Subsidiary Borrower hereunder and under the other Loan Documents shall have been paid in full in accordance with the provisions hereof and thereof and such Foreign Subsidiary Borrower shall have been terminated as a Borrower hereunder pursuant to Section 2.24. Each Foreign Subsidiary Borrower hereby consents to process being served in any suit, action or proceeding of the nature referred to in Section 9.09(c) in any federal or New York State court sitting in New York City by service of process upon the Company as provided in this Section 9.09(e); provided that, to the extent lawful and possible, notice of said service upon such agent shall be mailed by registered or certified air mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to the Company and (if applicable to) such Foreign Subsidiary Borrower at its address set forth in the Borrowing Subsidiary Agreement to which it is a party or to any other address of which such Foreign Subsidiary Borrower shall have given written notice to the Administrative Agent (with a copy thereof to the Company). Each Foreign Subsidiary Borrower irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, all claim of error by reason of any such service in such manner and agrees that such service shall be deemed in every respect effective service of process upon such Foreign Subsidiary Borrower in any such suit, action or proceeding and shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be taken and held to be valid and personal service upon and personal delivery to such Foreign Subsidiary Borrower. To the extent any Foreign Subsidiary Borrower has or hereafter may acquire any immunity from jurisdiction of any court or from any legal process (whether from service or notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of a judgment, execution or otherwise), each Foreign Subsidiary Borrower hereby irrevocably waives such immunity in respect of its obligations under the Loan Documents. Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

 

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SECTION 9.10. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY 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, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE OR OTHER AGENT (INCLUDING ANY ATTORNEY) OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY 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 BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

 

SECTION 9.11. Headings. Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

 

SECTION 9.12. Confidentiality. Each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its and its Affiliates’ directors, officers, employees and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential), (b) to the extent requested by any Governmental Authority (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners), (c) to the extent required by any Requirement of Law or by any subpoena or similar legal process, (d) to any other party to this Agreement, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder or under any other Loan Document or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to (x) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement or (y) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its advisors) to any swap or derivative transaction relating to the Loan Parties and their obligations, (g) on a confidential basis to (1) any rating agency in connection with rating the Company or its Subsidiaries or the credit facility provided for herein or (2) the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar agency in connection with the issuance and monitoring of CUSIP numbers with respect to the credit facility provided for herein, (h) with the consent of the Company, (i) to any Person providing a Guarantee of all or any portion of the Obligations, or (j) to the extent such Information (x) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (y) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender on a non-confidential basis from a source other than a Borrower that is not, to the knowledge of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or any Lender, subject to contractual or fiduciary confidentiality obligations owing to such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries. For the purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from the Company relating to the Company or its business, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender on a non-confidential basis prior to disclosure by the Company from a source other than the Company that is not, to the knowledge of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks or any Lender, subject to contractual or fiduciary confidentiality obligations owing to any Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and other than information pertaining to this Agreement routinely provided by arrangers to data service providers, including league table providers, that serve the lending industry.

 

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EACH LENDER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT INFORMATION AS DEFINED IN THE IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING PARAGRAPH FURNISHED TO IT PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY INCLUDE MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION CONCERNING THE COMPANY AND ITS RELATED PARTIES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SECURITIES, AND CONFIRMS THAT IT HAS DEVELOPED COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES REGARDING THE USE OF MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION AND THAT IT WILL HANDLE SUCH MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THOSE PROCEDURES AND APPLICABLE LAW, INCLUDING FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS.

 

ALL INFORMATION, INCLUDING REQUESTS FOR WAIVERS AND AMENDMENTS, FURNISHED BY THE COMPANY OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT PURSUANT TO, OR IN THE COURSE OF ADMINISTERING, THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE SYNDICATE-LEVEL INFORMATION, WHICH MAY CONTAIN MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY, THE OTHER LOAN PARTIES AND THEIR RELATED PARTIES OR THEIR RESPECTIVE SECURITIES. ACCORDINGLY, EACH LENDER REPRESENTS TO THE COMPANY AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT THAT IT HAS IDENTIFIED IN ITS ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE A CREDIT CONTACT WHO MAY RECEIVE INFORMATION THAT MAY CONTAIN MATERIAL NON-PUBLIC INFORMATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES AND APPLICABLE LAW, INCLUDING FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS.

 

SECTION 9.13. Several Obligations; Nonreliance; Violation of Law. The respective obligations of the Lenders hereunder are several and not joint and the failure of any Lender to make any Loan or perform any of its obligations hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender from any of its obligations hereunder. Each Lender hereby represents that it is not relying on or looking to any margin stock (as defined in Regulation U) for the repayment of the Borrowings provided for herein. Anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, no Issuing Bank nor any Lender shall be obligated to extend credit to the Borrowers in violation of any Requirement of Law.

 

SECTION 9.14. USA PATRIOT Act, Etc.. Each Lender that is subject to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation hereby notifies each Loan Party that pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act and the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, as applicable, it is or may be required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies such Loan Party, which information includes the name and address of such Loan Party and other information that will allow such Lender to identify such Loan Party in accordance with the USA PATRIOT Act and includes such ownership information as required under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation, as the case may be.

 

SECTION 9.15. Disclosure. Each Loan Party, each Lender and each Issuing Bank hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Administrative Agent and/or its Affiliates from time to time may hold investments in, make other loans to or have other relationships with, any of the Loan Parties and their respective Affiliates.

 

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SECTION 9.16. Releases of Loan Guarantors and Collateral.

 

(a)             A Subsidiary Guarantor shall automatically be released from its obligations under the Loan Guaranty and the Collateral Documents (and any Collateral pledged or granted by such Subsidiary Guarantor to the Administrative Agent shall automatically be released) upon the consummation of any transaction permitted by this Agreement as a result of which such Subsidiary Guarantor ceases to be a Subsidiary; provided that, if so required by this Agreement, the Required Lenders shall have consented to such transaction and the terms of such consent shall not have provided otherwise.

 

(b)            Further, the Administrative Agent shall (and is hereby irrevocably authorized by each Lender to), upon the request of the Company, release any Liens granted to the Administrative Agent by the Loan Parties on any Collateral (i) upon the Payment in Full of all Obligations, (ii) constituting property being sold or disposed of if the Loan Party disposing of such property certifies to the Administrative Agent that the sale or disposition is made in compliance with the terms of this Agreement (and the Administrative Agent may rely conclusively on any such certificate, without further inquiry), and to the extent that the property being sold or disposed of constitutes 100% of the Equity Interests of a Subsidiary, the Administrative Agent is authorized to release the Loan Guaranty provided by such Subsidiary and all Liens on any Collateral provided by such Subsidiary, (iii) as required to effect any sale or other disposition of such Collateral in connection with any exercise of remedies of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders pursuant to Article VII, (iv) to the extent such Collateral constitutes Excluded Equity Interests, and (v) as otherwise provided in this Section 9.16.

 

(c)             Upon Payment in Full of all Obligations, the Loan Guaranty, all Collateral Documents and all obligations (other than those expressly stated to survive such termination) of each Loan Guarantor thereunder shall automatically terminate, all without delivery of any instrument or performance of any act by any Person.

 

(d)            In connection with any termination or release pursuant to this Section 9.16, the Administrative Agent shall (and is hereby irrevocably authorized by each Lender to) execute and deliver to any Loan Party, at such Loan Party’s expense, all documents that such Loan Party shall reasonably request to evidence such termination or release, including the delivery to the Borrowers of all certificated Equity Interests and other possessory Collateral. Any execution and delivery of documents pursuant to this Section shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent.

 

SECTION 9.17. Interest Rate Limitation. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the interest rate applicable to any Loan, together with all fees, charges and other amounts which are treated as interest on such Loan under applicable law (collectively the “Charges”), shall exceed the maximum lawful rate (the “Maximum Rate”) which may be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by the Lender holding such Loan in accordance with applicable law, the rate of interest payable in respect of such Loan hereunder, together with all Charges payable in respect thereof, shall be limited to the Maximum Rate and, to the extent lawful, the interest and Charges that would have been payable in respect of such Loan but were not payable as a result of the operation of this Section shall be cumulated and the interest and Charges payable to such Lender in respect of other Loans or periods shall be increased (but not above the Maximum Rate therefor) until such cumulated amount, together with interest thereon at the greater of the Overnight Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation to the date of repayment, shall have been received by such Lender.

 

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SECTION 9.18. No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility. In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated hereby (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document), each Borrower acknowledges and agrees that: (i) (A) the arranging and other services regarding this Agreement provided by the Lenders are arm’s-length commercial transactions between such Borrower and its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Lenders and their Affiliates, on the other hand, (B) such Borrower has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it has deemed appropriate, and (C) such Borrower is capable of evaluating, and understands and accepts, the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents; (ii) (A) each of the Lenders and their Affiliates is and has been acting solely as a principal and, except as expressly agreed in writing by the relevant parties, has not been, is not, and will not be acting as an advisor, agent or fiduciary for any Borrower or any of its Affiliates, or any other Person and (B) no Lender or any of its Affiliates has any obligation to any Borrower or any of its Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby except, in the case of a Lender, those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents; and (iii) each of the Lenders and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of a Borrower and its Affiliates, and no Lender or any of its Affiliates has any obligation to disclose any of such interests to any Borrower or its Affiliates. To the fullest extent permitted by law, each Borrower hereby waives and releases any claims that it may have against each of the Lenders and their Affiliates with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty in connection with any aspect of any transaction contemplated hereby.

 

Each Loan Party further acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that each Credit Party, together with its Affiliates is a full service securities or banking firm engaged in securities trading and brokerage activities as well as providing investment banking and other financial services. In the ordinary course of business, any Credit Party may provide investment banking and other financial services to, and/or acquire, hold or sell, for its own accounts and the accounts of customers, equity, debt and other securities and financial instruments (including bank loans and other obligations) of, any Loan Party or its Affiliates and other companies with which any Loan Party may have commercial or other relationships. With respect to any securities and/or financial instruments so held by any Credit Party or any of its customers, all rights in respect of such securities and financial instruments, including any voting rights, will be exercised by the holder of the rights, in its sole discretion.

 

In addition, each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Subsidiaries’ understanding, that each Credit Party and its affiliates may be providing debt financing, equity capital or other services (including financial advisory services) to other companies in respect of which a Loan Party or its Subsidiaries may have conflicting interests regarding the transactions described herein and otherwise. No Credit Party will use confidential information obtained from the Borrowers by virtue of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents or its other relationships with the Borrowers or their Subsidiaries in connection with the performance by such Credit Party of services for other companies, and no Credit Party will furnish any such information to other companies. Each Loan Party also acknowledges that no Credit Party has any obligation to use in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, or to furnish to any Loan Party, confidential information obtained from other companies.

 

SECTION 9.19. Marketing Consent. Each Borrower hereby authorizes Chase and its affiliates, at their respective sole expense, but without any prior approval by such Borrower, to publish such tombstones and give such other publicity to this Agreement as each may from time to time determine in its sole discretion. The foregoing authorization shall remain in effect unless such Borrower notifies Chase in writing that such authorization is revoked.

 

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SECTION 9.20. Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of Affected Financial Institutions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among any such parties, each party hereto acknowledges that any liability of any Affected Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document may be subject to the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of the applicable Resolution Authority and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by:

 

(a)            the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by an applicable Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an Affected Financial Institution; and

 

(b)            the effects of any Bail-In Action on any such liability, including, if applicable:

 

(i)            a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability;

 

(ii)           a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such Affected Financial Institution, its parent entity, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or

 

(iii)          the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of the applicable Resolution Authority.

 

SECTION 9.21. Judgment Currency. If for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court it is necessary to convert a sum due from any Loan Party hereunder in the currency expressed to be payable herein (the “specified currency”) into another currency, the parties hereto agree, to the fullest extent that they may effectively do so, that the rate of exchange used shall be that at which in accordance with normal banking procedures the Administrative Agent could purchase the specified currency with such other currency at the Administrative Agent’s main New York City office on the Business Day preceding that on which final, non appealable judgment is given. The obligations of any Borrower and any other Loan Party in respect of any sum due to any Lender or the Administrative Agent hereunder shall, notwithstanding any judgment in a currency other than the specified currency, be discharged only to the extent that on the Business Day following receipt by such Lender or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) of any sum adjudged to be so due in such other currency such Lender or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) may in accordance with normal, reasonable banking procedures purchase the specified currency with such other currency. If the amount of the specified currency so purchased is less than the sum originally due to such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, in the specified currency, each Loan Party agrees, to the fullest extent that it may effectively do so, as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such judgment, to indemnify such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, against such loss, and if the amount of the specified currency so purchased exceeds (a) the sum originally due to any Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, in the specified currency and (b) any amounts shared with other Lenders as a result of allocations of such excess as a disproportionate payment to such Lender under Section 2.18, such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, agrees to remit such excess to the applicable Loan Party.

 

SECTION 9.22. Appointment for Perfection. Each Lender hereby appoints each other Lender as its agent for the purpose of perfecting Liens, for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties, in assets which, in accordance with Article 9 of the UCC or any other applicable law can be perfected only by possession or control. Should any Lender (other than the Administrative Agent) obtain possession or control of any such Collateral, such Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent thereof, and, promptly upon the Administrative Agent’s request therefor shall deliver such Collateral to the Administrative Agent or otherwise deal with such Collateral in accordance with the Administrative Agent’s instructions.

 

153

 

 

SECTION 9.23. Acknowledgement Regarding Any Supported QFCs. To the extent that the Loan Documents provide support, through a guarantee or otherwise, for Swap Agreements or any other agreement or instrument that is a QFC (such support “QFC Credit Support” and each such QFC a “Supported QFC”), the parties acknowledge and agree as follows with respect to the resolution power of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (together with the regulations promulgated thereunder, the “U.S. Special Resolution Regimes”) in respect of such Supported QFC and QFC Credit Support (with the provisions below applicable notwithstanding that the Loan Documents and any Supported QFC may in fact be stated to be governed by the laws of the State of New York and/or of the United States or any other state of the United States):

 

In the event a Covered Entity that is party to a Supported QFC (each, a “Covered Party”) becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer of such Supported QFC and the benefit of such QFC Credit Support (and any interest and obligation in or under such Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support, and any rights in property securing such Supported QFC or such QFC Credit Support) from such Covered Party will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and such QFC Credit Support (and any such interest, obligation and rights in property) were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. In the event a Covered Party or a BHC Act Affiliate of a Covered Party becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under the Loan Documents that might otherwise apply to such Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support that may be exercised against such Covered Party are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if the Supported QFC and the Loan Documents were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States. Without limitation of the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that rights and remedies of the parties with respect to a Defaulting Lender shall in no event affect the rights of any Covered Party with respect to a Supported QFC or any QFC Credit Support.

 

ARTICLE X

 

Loan Guaranty

 

SECTION 10.01. Guaranty. Each Loan Guarantor hereby agrees that it is jointly and severally liable for, and, as a primary obligor and not merely as surety, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to the Lenders, the prompt payment when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, and at all times thereafter, of the Guaranteed Obligations of such Loan Guarantor. Each Loan Guarantor further agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations may be extended or renewed in whole or in part without notice to or further assent from it, and that it remains bound upon its guarantee notwithstanding any such extension or renewal. All terms of this Loan Guaranty apply to and may be enforced by or on behalf of any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of any Lender that extended any portion of the Guaranteed Obligations.

 

SECTION 10.02. Guaranty of Payment. This Loan Guaranty is a guaranty of payment and not of collection. Each Loan Guarantor waives any right to require the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender to sue any Borrower, any Loan Guarantor, any other guarantor of, or any other Person obligated for all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations (each, an “Obligated Party”), or otherwise to enforce its payment against any collateral securing all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations.

 

154

 

 

SECTION 10.03. No Discharge or Diminishment of Loan Guaranty.

 

(a)            Except as otherwise provided for herein, the obligations of each Loan Guarantor hereunder are unconditional and absolute and not subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason (other than the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Guaranteed Obligations), including: (i) any claim of waiver, release, extension, renewal, settlement, surrender, alteration, or compromise of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, by operation of law or otherwise; (ii) any change in the existence, structure or ownership of the Borrowers or any other Obligated Party liable for any of the Guaranteed Obligations; (iii) any insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization or other similar proceeding affecting any Obligated Party, or their assets or any resulting release or discharge of any obligation of any Obligated Party; or (iv) the existence of any claim, setoff or other rights which any Loan Guarantor may have at any time against any Obligated Party, the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank, any Lender, or any other Person, whether in connection herewith or in any unrelated transactions.

 

(b)            The obligations of each Loan Guarantor hereunder are not subject to any defense or setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, or termination whatsoever by reason of the invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or otherwise, or any provision of applicable law or regulation purporting to prohibit payment by any Obligated Party, of the Guaranteed Obligations or any part thereof.

 

(c)            Further, the obligations of any Loan Guarantor hereunder are not discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by: (i) the failure of the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any remedy with respect to all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations; (ii) any waiver or modification of or supplement to any provision of any agreement relating to the Guaranteed Obligations; (iii) any release, non-perfection, or invalidity of any indirect or direct security for the obligations of the Borrowers for all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations or any obligations of any other Obligated Party liable for any of the Guaranteed Obligations; (iv) any action or failure to act by the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender with respect to any collateral securing any part of the Guaranteed Obligations; or (v) any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the payment or performance of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, or any other circumstance, act, omission or delay that might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of such Loan Guarantor or that would otherwise operate as a discharge of any Loan Guarantor as a matter of law or equity (other than the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Guaranteed Obligations).

 

SECTION 10.04. Defenses Waived. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Loan Guarantor hereby waives any defense based on or arising out of any defense of any Borrower or any Loan Guarantor or the unenforceability of all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations from any cause, or the cessation from any cause of the liability of any Borrower, any Loan Guarantor or any other Obligated Party, other than the indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Guaranteed Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Loan Guarantor irrevocably waives acceptance hereof, presentment, demand, protest and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any notice not provided for herein, as well as any requirement that at any time any action be taken by any Person against any Obligated Party, or any other Person. Each Loan Guarantor confirms that it is not a surety under any state law and shall not raise any such law as a defense to its obligations hereunder. The Administrative Agent may, at its election, foreclose on any collateral held by it by one or more judicial or nonjudicial sales, accept an assignment of any such collateral in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise act or fail to act with respect to any collateral securing all or a part of the Guaranteed Obligations, compromise or adjust any part of the Guaranteed Obligations, make any other accommodation with any Obligated Party or exercise any other right or remedy available to it against any Obligated Party, without affecting or impairing in any way the liability of such Loan Guarantor under this Loan Guaranty, except to the extent the Guaranteed Obligations have been fully and indefeasibly paid in cash. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, each Loan Guarantor waives any defense arising out of any such election even though that election may operate, pursuant to applicable law, to impair or extinguish any right of reimbursement or subrogation or other right or remedy of any Loan Guarantor against any Obligated Party or any security.

 

155

 

 

SECTION 10.05. Rights of Subrogation. No Loan Guarantor will assert any right, claim or cause of action, including, without limitation, a claim of subrogation, contribution or indemnification that it has against any Obligated Party, or any collateral, until the Loan Parties and the Loan Guarantors have fully performed all their obligations to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders.

 

SECTION 10.06. Reinstatement; Stay of Acceleration. If at any time any payment of any portion of the Guaranteed Obligations (including a payment effected through exercise of a right of setoff) is rescinded, or must otherwise be restored or returned upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of any Borrower or otherwise (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by any Lender or its Affiliate in its discretion), each Loan Guarantor’s obligations under this Loan Guaranty with respect to that payment shall be reinstated at such time as though the payment had not been made and whether or not the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders are in possession of this Loan Guaranty. If acceleration of the time for payment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations is stayed upon the insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization of any Borrower, all such amounts otherwise subject to acceleration under the terms of any agreement relating to the Guaranteed Obligations shall nonetheless be payable by the Loan Guarantors forthwith on demand by the Administrative Agent.

 

SECTION 10.07. Information. Each Loan Guarantor assumes all responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of each Borrower’s financial condition and assets, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Guaranteed Obligations and the nature, scope and extent of the risks that each Loan Guarantor assumes and incurs under this Loan Guaranty, and agrees that none of the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender shall have any duty to advise any Loan Guarantor of information known to it regarding those circumstances or risks.

 

SECTION 10.08. Termination. Each of the Loan Guarantors’ obligations under this Loan Guaranty shall remain in full force and effect until termination of any such Loan Guarantor’s obligations pursuant to Section 9.16.

 

SECTION 10.09. Payments Generally. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that each of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be due and payable in the same currency as such Guaranteed Obligation is denominated, but if currency control or exchange regulations are imposed in the country which issues such currency with the result that such currency no longer exists or the relevant Loan Guarantor is not able to make payment in such currency, then all payments to be made by such Loan Guarantor hereunder in such currency shall instead be made when due in dollars in an amount equal to the Dollar Equivalent (as of the date of payment) of such payment due, it being the intention of the parties hereto that each Loan Guarantor takes all risks of the imposition of any such currency control or exchange regulations.

 

SECTION 10.10. Maximum Liability. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Loan Guaranty, the amount guaranteed by each Loan Guarantor hereunder shall be limited to the extent, if any, required so that its obligations hereunder shall not be subject to avoidance under Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Code or under any applicable state Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act or similar statute or common law. In determining the limitations, if any, on the amount of any Loan Guarantor’s obligations hereunder pursuant to the preceding sentence, it is the intention of the parties hereto that any rights of subrogation, indemnification or contribution which such Loan Guarantor may have under this Loan Guaranty, any other agreement or applicable law shall be taken into account.

 

156

 

 

SECTION 10.11. Contribution.

 

(a)            To the extent that any Loan Guarantor shall make a payment under this Loan Guaranty (a “Guarantor Payment”) which, taking into account all other Guarantor Payments then previously or concurrently made by any other Loan Guarantor, exceeds the amount which otherwise would have been paid by or attributable to such Loan Guarantor if each Loan Guarantor had paid the aggregate Guaranteed Obligations satisfied by such Guarantor Payment in the same proportion as such Loan Guarantor’s “Allocable Amount” (as defined below) (as determined immediately prior to such Guarantor Payment) bore to the aggregate Allocable Amounts of each of the Loan Guarantors as determined immediately prior to the making of such Guarantor Payment, then, following indefeasible payment in full in cash of the Guarantor Payment and the Guaranteed Obligations (other than Unliquidated Obligations that have not yet arisen), and all Revolving Commitments and Letters of Credit have terminated or expired or, in the case of all Letters of Credit, are fully collateralized on terms reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuing Bank, and this Agreement, the Swap Agreement Obligations and the Banking Services Obligations have terminated, such Loan Guarantor shall be entitled to receive contribution and indemnification payments from, and be reimbursed by, each other Loan Guarantor for the amount of such excess, pro rata based upon their respective Allocable Amounts in effect immediately prior to such Guarantor Payment.

 

(b)            As of any date of determination, the “Allocable Amount” of any Loan Guarantor shall be equal to the excess of the fair saleable value of the property of such Loan Guarantor over the total liabilities of such Loan Guarantor (including the maximum amount reasonably expected to become due in respect of contingent liabilities, calculated, without duplication, assuming each other Loan Guarantor that is also liable for such contingent liability pays its ratable share thereof), giving effect to all payments made by other Loan Guarantors as of such date in a manner to maximize the amount of such contributions.

 

(c)            This Section 10.11 is intended only to define the relative rights of the Loan Guarantors, and nothing set forth in this Section 10.11 is intended to or shall impair the obligations of the Loan Guarantors, jointly and severally, to pay any amounts as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Loan Guaranty.

 

(d)            The parties hereto acknowledge that the rights of contribution and indemnification hereunder shall constitute assets of the Loan Guarantor or Loan Guarantors to which such contribution and indemnification is owing.

 

(e)            The rights of the indemnifying Loan Guarantors against other Loan Guarantors under this Section 10.11 shall be exercisable upon the full and indefeasible payment of the Guaranteed Obligations in cash (other than Unliquidated Obligations that have not yet arisen) and the termination or expiry (or, in the case of all Letters of Credit, full cash collateralization), on terms reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuing Bank (in the case of Letters of Credit), of the Revolving Commitments and all Letters of Credit issued hereunder and the termination of this Agreement, the Swap Agreement Obligations and the Banking Services Obligations.

 

SECTION 10.12. Liability Cumulative. The liability of each Loan Party as a Loan Guarantor under this Article X is in addition to and shall be cumulative with all liabilities of each Loan Party to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Loan Party is a party or in respect of any obligations or liabilities of the other Loan Parties, without any limitation as to amount, unless the instrument or agreement evidencing or creating such other liability specifically provides to the contrary.

 

157

 

 

SECTION 10.13. Keepwell. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor hereby jointly and severally absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide such funds or other support as may be needed from time to time by each other Loan Party to honor all of its obligations under this Guarantee in respect of a Swap Obligation (provided, however, that each Qualified ECP Guarantor shall only be liable under this Section 10.13 for the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering its obligations under this Section 10.13 or otherwise under this Loan Guaranty voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, and not for any greater amount). Except as otherwise provided herein, the obligations of each Qualified ECP Guarantor under this Section 10.13 shall remain in full force and effect until the termination of all Swap Obligations. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor intends that this Section 10.13 constitute, and this Section 10.13 shall be deemed to constitute, a “keepwell, support, or other agreement” for the benefit of each other Loan Party for all purposes of Section 1a(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

158

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

  PAPA JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL, INC.,
  as the Borrower
   
  By: /s/ Ann B. Gugino
  Name:   Ann B. Gugino
  Title:   Chief Financial Officer
   
  Papa John’s USA, Inc.,
  as a Subsidiary Guarantor
   
  By: /s/ Ann B. Gugino
  Name:   Ann B. Gugino
  Title:   Chief Financial Officer
   
  Preferred Marketing Solutions, Inc.,
  as a Subsidiary Guarantor
   
  By: /s/ Ann B. Gugino
  Name:   Ann B. Gugino
  Title:   Vice President
   
  Capital Delivery, Ltd.,
  as a Subsidiary Guarantor
   
  By: /s/ Ann B. Gugino
  Name:   Ann B. Gugino
  Title: President
   
  PJ Food Service, Inc.,
  as a Subsidiary Guarantor
   
  By: /s/ Ann B. Gugino
  Name:   Ann B. Gugino
  Title:   Vice President
   
  Trans Papa Logistics, Inc.,
  as a Subsidiary Guarantor
   
  By: /s/ Ann B. Gugino
  Name:   Ann B. Gugino
  Title:   Vice President

 

Signature Page to Credit Agreement
Papa John’s International, Inc.

 

 

 

  PAPA JOHN’S FRANCHISING, LLC,
  as a Subsidiary Guarantor
   
  By: /s/ Ann B. Gugino
  Name:   Ann B. Gugino
  Title:   Vice President
   
  PAPA JOHN’S USA-GEORGIA, INC.,
  as a Subsidiary Guarantor
   
  By: /s/ Ann B. Gugino
  Name:   Ann B. Gugino
  Title:   Vice President

 

Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Papa John’s International, Inc.

 

 

 

  JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., individually as a Lender, and as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and an Issuing Bank
   
  By: /s/ Blakely Engel
  Name:   Blakely Engel
  Title:   Vice President

 

Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Papa John’s International, Inc.

 

 

 

  BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as a Lender
   
  By: /s/ Anthony Luppino
  Name:   Anthony Luppino
  Title: Senior Vice President

 

Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Papa John’s International, Inc.

 

 

 

  PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender
   
  By: /s/ Shelly Stephenson
  Name:   Shelly Stephenson
  Title: Senior Vice President

 

Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Papa John’s International, Inc.

 

 

 

  U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender
   
  By: /s/ David A. Wombwell
  Name:   David A. Wombwell
  Title:   Senior Vice President

 

Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Papa John’s International, Inc.

 

 

 

  TRUIST BANK, as a Lender

 

  By: /s/ Alysa Trakas

  Name: Alysa Trakas
  Title:   Director

 

Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Papa John’s International, Inc.

 

 

 

  WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender

 

  By: /s/ Darcy McLaren

  Name: Darcy McLaren
  Title:   Managing Director

 

Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Papa John’s International, Inc.

 

 

 

  BARCLAYS BANK PLC, as a Lender

 

  By: /s/ Ritam Bhalla

  Name: Ritam Bhalla
  Title:   Director

 

Signature Page to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
Papa John’s International, Inc.

 

 

 

  COÖPERATIEVE RABOBANK U.A., NEW YORK BRANCH, as a Lender

 

  By: /s/ Van Brandenburg

  Name: Van Brandenburg
  Title:   Managing Director

 

  By: /s/ Mira Gohil

  Name: Mira Gohil
  Title:   Vice President

 

 

 

COMMITMENT SCHEDULE

 

Lender   Revolving Commitment  
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.   $ 120,000,000  
Bank of America, N.A.   $ 90,000,000  
PNC Bank, National Association   $ 90,000,000  
U.S. Bank National Association   $ 90,000,000  
Truist Bank   $ 65,000,000  
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association   $ 65,000,000  
Barclays Bank PLC   $ 40,000,000  
Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A., New York Branch   $ 40,000,000  
Total   $ 600,000,000  

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

This Assignment and Assumption (this “Assignment and Assumption”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between [Insert name of Assignor] (the “Assignor”) and [Insert name of Assignee] (the “Assignee”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee. The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.

 

For an agreed consideration, the Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from the Assignor, subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below (i) all of the Assignor’s rights and obligations in its capacity as a Lender under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of the Assignor under the respective facility identified below (including any letters of credit and guarantees and swingline loans included in such facility) and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and other rights of the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender) against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as the “Assigned Interest”). Such sale and assignment is without recourse to the Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by the Assignor.

 

1. Assignor:    

 

2. Assignee:    
    [and is an Affiliate/Approved Fund of [identify Lender]1]

 

3. Borrower: Papa John’s International, Inc. [and certain Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers]

 

4. Administrative Agent: JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as the administrative agent under the Credit Agreement

 

5. Credit Agreement: The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 14, 2021 among Papa John’s International, Inc., the Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers from time to time party thereto, the other Loan Parties party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent

 

 

1 Select as applicable.

 

A-1

 

 

6. Assigned Interest:

 

Aggregate Amount of
Revolving
Commitment/Loans for
all Lenders
Amount of Revolving
Commitment/Loans
Assigned
Percentage Assigned of
Revolving
Commitment/Loans
$ $ %
$ $ %
$ $ %

 

Effective Date: _____________ ___, 20___ [TO BE INSERTED BY ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR.]

 

The Assignee agrees to deliver to the Administrative Agent a completed Administrative Questionnaire in which the Assignee designates one or more credit contacts to whom all syndicate-level information (which may contain material non-public information about the Borrowers, the Loan Parties and their Related Parties or their respective securities) will be made available and who may receive such information in accordance with the Assignee’s compliance procedures and applicable laws, including federal and state securities laws.

 

The terms set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:

 

  ASSIGNOR
   
  [NAME OF ASSIGNOR]

 

  By:  

  Name:  

  Title:  

 

  ASSIGNEE
  [NAME OF ASSIGNEE]

 

  By:  

  Name:  

  Title:  

 

A-2

 

 

[Consented to and]2 Accepted:

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as
  Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender

 

By:    

Name:    

Title:    

 

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as

  Issuing Bank and Swingline Lender

 

By:    

Name:    

Title:    

 

[Consented to:]3

 

PAPA JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

By:    

Name:    

Title:    

 

 

2 To be added only if the consent of the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank and/or any Swingline Lender, as applicable, is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

3 To be added only if the consent of the Company is required by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

 

A-3

 

 

ANNEX 1 to
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

1.             Representations and Warranties.

 

1.1            Assignor. The Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of the Assigned Interest, (ii) the Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim and (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of any Borrower, any Subsidiary or Affiliate or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document, (iv) any requirements under applicable law for the Assignee to become a lender under the Credit Agreement or to charge interest at the rate set forth therein from time to time or (v) the performance or observance by any Borrower, any Subsidiary or Affiliate, or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.

 

1.2            Assignee. The Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it satisfies the requirements, if any, specified in the Credit Agreement and under applicable law that are required to be satisfied by it in order to acquire the Assigned Interest and become a Lender, (iii) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of the Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by the Assigned Interest and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire the Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (v) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Sections 5.11(a) and 5.11(b) thereof, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase the Assigned Interest on the basis of which it has made such analysis and decision independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, the Assignor or any other Lender or any of their respective Related Parties, and (vi) attached to the Assignment and Assumption is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed by the Assignee; and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, the Assignor or any other Lender or any of their respective Related Parties, 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 Loan Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

 

2.             Payments. From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of the Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to the Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to the Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.

 

Annex 1-1

 

 

3.              General Provisions. This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment and Assumption may be executed in any number of counterparts, which together shall constitute one instrument. Acceptance and adoption of the terms of this Assignment and Assumption by the Assignee and the Assignor by Electronic Signature (as defined in the Credit Agreement) or delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by any Approved Electronic Platform shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption. This Assignment and Assumption shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

 

Annex 1-2

 

 

EXHIBIT B

 

[FORM OF] MATURITY DATE EXTENSION REQUEST

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent
for the Lenders referred to below
10 South Dearborn
Chicago, Illinois 60603
Attention:
Facsimile:

 

Re: PAPA JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

[Date]4

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is hereby made to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 14, 2021 (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Papa John’s International, Inc. (the “Company”), the Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers from time to time party thereto, the other Loan Parties from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

 

In accordance with Section 2.23 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby requests [(a)] an extension of the Revolving Credit Maturity Date from [____] to [____][, (b) the Applicable Rate to be applied in determining the interest payable on Revolving Loans of, and fees payable under the Credit Agreement to, Consenting Lenders in respect of that portion of their Revolving Loans extended to the new Revolving Credit Maturity Date to be [__]%, which changes shall be effective as of [●______ and (c) the amendments to the terms of the Credit Agreement set forth below, which amendments will become effective on [____]:]

 

[Insert amendments to Credit Agreement, if any]

 

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

 

4 To be delivered no less than 30 days from the then existing Revolving Credit Maturity Date for the applicable Class.

 

B-1

 

 

  Very truly yours,
   
  PAPA JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL, INC.,
as the Company

 

  By:  

  Name:
  Title:

 

B-2

 

 

EXHIBIT C-1

 

FORM OF BORROWING REQUEST

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent
for the Lenders referred to below
10 South Dearborn
Chicago, Illinois 60603
Attention:
Facsimile:

 

Re: PAPA JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

[Date]

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is hereby made to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 14, 2021 (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Papa John’s International, Inc. (the “Company”), the Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers from time to time party thereto, the other Loan Parties from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement. The Company hereby gives you notice pursuant to Section 2.03 of the Credit Agreement that it [on behalf of a Foreign Subsidiary Borrower] requests a Borrowing under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection the Company specifies the following information with respect to such Borrowing requested hereby:

 

1. Borrower: _______

 

2. Aggregate principal amount and Agreed Currency of Borrowing:5 __________

 

3. Date of Borrowing (which shall be a Business Day): __________

 

4. Type of Borrowing (ABR, Term Benchmark or RFR): __________

 

5. Interest Period and the last day thereof (if a Term Benchmark Borrowing or RFR Borrowing):6 __________

 

6. Location and number of the Borrower’s account or any other account agreed upon by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower to which proceeds of Borrowing are to be disbursed: __________

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

 

 

5 Not less than applicable amounts specified in Section 2.02(c).

6 Which must comply with the definition of “Interest Period” and end not later than the Revolving Credit Maturity Date.

 

C-1-1

 

 

The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the conditions to lending specified in Section[s] [4.01 and]7 4.02 of the Credit Agreement are satisfied as of the date hereof.

 

  Very truly yours,
   
  PAPA JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL, INC.,
as the Company
   
  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  
   
  [[FOREIGN SUBSIDIARY BORROWER,
as a Borrower
   
  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:]  

 

 

 

7 To be included only for Borrowings on the Effective Date.

 

C-1-2

 

 

EXHIBIT C-2

 

INTEREST ELECTION REQUEST

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent
for the Lenders referred to below
10 South Dearborn
Chicago, Illinois 60603
Attention:
Facsimile:

 

Re: PAPA JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

[Date]

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is hereby made to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 14, 2021 (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Papa John’s International, Inc. (the “Company”), the Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers from time to time party thereto, the other Loan Parties from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement. The Company hereby gives you notice pursuant to Section 2.08 of the Credit Agreement that it [on behalf of a Foreign Subsidiary Borrower] requests to [convert][continue] an existing Borrowing under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection the Company specifies the following information with respect to such [conversion][continuation] requested hereby:

 

1. Borrower: _______

 

2. List date, Type, Class, principal amount, Agreed Currency and Interest Period (if applicable) of existing Borrowing: __________

 

3. Aggregate principal amount of resulting Borrowing: __________

 

4. Effective date of interest election (which shall be a Business Day): __________

 

5. Type of Borrowing (ABR or Term Benchmark): __________

 

6. Interest Period and the last day thereof (if a Term Benchmark Borrowing):8 __________

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

 

 

8 Which must comply with the definition of “Interest Period” and end not later than the Revolving Credit Maturity Date.

 

C-2-1

 

 

  Very truly yours,
   
  PAPA JOHN’S INTERNATIONAL, INC.,
as the Company
     
  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  
     
     
  [[FOREIGN SUBSIDIARY BORROWER,
as a Borrower
     
  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:]  

 

C-2-2

 

 

EXHIBIT D-1

 

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(For Foreign Lenders That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

 

Reference is hereby made to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 14, 2021 (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Papa John’s International, Inc. (the “Company”), the Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers from time to time party thereto, the other Loan Parties from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”).

 

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.17 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and Beneficial Owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iii) it is not a ten percent shareholder of any Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (iv) it is not a controlled foreign corporation related to any Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

 

The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

 

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF LENDER]

 

By:_________________________

Name:_______________________

Title:________________________

 

Date: ________ __, 20[ ]

 

D-1-1

 

 

EXHIBIT D-2

 

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(For Foreign Participants That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

 

Reference is hereby made to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 14, 2021 (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Papa John’s International, Inc. (the “Company”), the Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers from time to time party thereto, the other Loan Parties from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”).

 

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.17 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and Beneficial Owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iii) it is not a ten percent shareholder of any Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code, and (iv) it is not a controlled foreign corporation related to any Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

 

The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender in writing, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

 

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF PARTICIPANT]

 

By:_________________________

Name:_______________________

Title:________________________

 

Date: ________ __, 20[ ]

 

D-2-1

 

 

EXHIBIT D-3

 

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(For Foreign Participants That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

 

Reference is hereby made to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 14, 2021 (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Papa John’s International, Inc. (the “Company”), the Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers from time to time party thereto, the other Loan Parties from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”).

 

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.17 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole Beneficial Owners of such participation, (iii) with respect to such participation, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members is a bank extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iv) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a ten percent shareholder of any Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (v) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a controlled foreign corporation related to any Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

 

The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption: (i) an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, from each of such partner’s/member’s Beneficial Owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

 

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF PARTICIPANT]

 

By:_________________________

Name:_______________________

Title:________________________

 

Date: ________ __, 20[ ]

 

D-3-1

 

 

EXHIBIT D-4

 

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(For Foreign Lenders That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

 

Reference is hereby made to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 14, 2021 (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Papa John’s International, Inc. (the “Company”), the Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers from time to time party thereto, the other Loan Parties from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”).

 

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.17 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole Beneficial Owners of such Loan(s) (as well as any note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)), (iii) with respect to the extension of credit pursuant to this Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members is a bank extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iv) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a ten percent shareholder of any Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (v) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a controlled foreign corporation related to any Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

 

The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrowers with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption: (i) an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, from each of such partner’s/member’s Beneficial Owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrowers and the Administrative Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

 

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF LENDER]

 

By:_________________________
Name:_______________________
Title:________________________

 

Date: ________ __, 20[ ]

 

D-4-1

 

 

EXHIBIT E

 

COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE9

 

[For the Fiscal Year Ended __________, 20___]

 

Or

 

[For the Fiscal Quarter Ended __________, 20___]

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent
10 South Dearborn
Chicago, Illinois 60603

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is hereby made to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 14, 2021 (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Papa John’s International, Inc. (the “Company”), the Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers from time to time party thereto, the other Loan Parties from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”). Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the same meanings.

 

I, the ____________________, [Chief Executive Officer/President/Chief Financial Officer/Vice President of Treasury and Tax] of the Company, do hereby certify in such capacity, and not individually, on behalf of the Company as of the [quarter/year ended __________, _____] 20[_] (the “Report Date”), as follows:

 

1. CHECK ONE:

 

_____ The audited annual financial statements of the Company being delivered to the Agent with this Compliance Certificate (a) present fairly in all material respects the financial position of the Company and its Subsidiaries and their results of operations and cash flows for the fiscal year set forth above determined and consolidated for the Company and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, except as noted therein and (b) comply with the reporting requirements for such financial statements as set forth in Section 5.11(b) of the Credit Agreement.

 

OR

 

_____ The quarterly financial statements of the Company being delivered to the Agent with this Compliance Certificate (a) present fairly in all material respects the financial position of the Company and its Subsidiaries and their results of operations and cash flows for the fiscal quarter set forth above determined and consolidated for the Company and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, except as noted therein, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments (except that such statements do not contain all of the footnotes required by GAAP) and (b) comply with the reporting requirements for such financial statements as set forth in Section 5.11(a) of the Credit Agreement.

 

 

 

9 To be updated pending term sheet negotiation.

 

E-1

 

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
Page 2

 

2. No Event of Default or Default exists on the Report Date.

 

[NOTE: If any Event of Default or Default has occurred or is continuing, set forth on an attached sheet the nature thereof and the action which the Loan Parties have taken, are taking or propose to take with respect thereto.]

 

3.              Maximum Leverage Ratio (Section 6.14). The ratio of (a) the sum of (i) Consolidated Total Indebtedness (excluding (i) Indebtedness under the Jeffersontown IRB so long as such Indebtedness is owed to a Subsidiary of the Company, (ii) Indebtedness outstanding under the Cherokee County Transactions on such date, (iii) Indebtedness constituting contingent reimbursement under any Swap Agreement in an aggregate amount not to exceed $10,000,000 as of any date of determination and (iv) obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business in respect of surety bonds in respect of insurance programs or other financing of insurance premiums), to (b) Consolidated EBITDA is _____ to 1.00 for the four (4) fiscal quarters of the Company ending as of the Report Date, which is not greater than 5.25 to 1.00.

 

(A) Consolidated Total Indebtedness (excluding (i) Indebtedness under the Jeffersontown IRB so long as such Indebtedness is owed to a Subsidiary of the Company, (ii) Indebtedness outstanding under the Cherokee County Transactions on such date, (iii) Indebtedness constituting contingent reimbursement under any Swap Agreement in an aggregate amount not to exceed $10,000,000 as of any date of determination, (iv) the Excluded VIE’s and the Excluded Marketing Subsidiaries and (v) obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business in respect of surety bonds in respect of insurance programs or other financing of insurance premiums) for the four (4) fiscal quarters ending as of the Report Date equals $__________, the numerator of the Leverage Ratio.

 

(B) Consolidated EBITDA (excluding the Excluded VIE’s and the Excluded Marketing Subsidiaries) for the four (4) fiscal quarters ending as of the Report Date equals $__________, and is computed as follows:

 

(i)     Consolidated Net Income $________
(ii)    depreciation $________
(iii)   amortization $________
(iv)   Consolidated Interest Expense $________
(v)    income tax expense $________
(vi)   non-cash charges, write-downs, expenses, losses or items reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period, including any non-cash compensation expense, impairment charges, the impact of purchase accounting, unrealized foreign currency translation losses, and non-cash restructuring charges and reserves (excluding any such non-cash charge, write-down or item to the extent it represents an accrual or reserve for a cash expenditure for a future period); provided that, if any such non-cash charges, write-downs or items represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, (A) the Company may determine not to add back such non-cash charges, write-downs or items in the current period and (B) to the extent the Company does decide to add back such non-cash charges, write-downs or items, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from Consolidated EBITDA to such extent $________

 

E-2

 

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
Page 3

 

(vii)    non-recurring or unusual or extraordinary losses, expenses or charges (including restructuring and severance costs and litigation and settlement costs) in an aggregate amount during any period, when taken together with all amounts added back to Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clause (viii) below for such period, not to exceed 20% of Consolidated EBITDA for such period (as determined prior to the application of this clause (vii) and such clause (viii) below)) $________
(viii)   (A) the amount of any charges or reserves attributable to the undertaking and/or implementation of any cost-saving or restructuring initiatives or operating expense reductions, transition, business optimization and other restructuring and integration charges or reserves (including in connection with any Permitted Acquisition or similar Investment), and (B) the amount of cost savings and synergies (and costs attributable to such cost savings and synergies), consolidation and other restructuring charges, costs and reserves, and project startup costs (in each case for this clause (B), projected by the Company in good faith to be realized in connection with any Permitted Acquisition or similar Investment or the implementation of an operational initiative, operational change, restructuring, cost savings initiative or initiative similar to any of the foregoing after the Effective Date), in each case for the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), calculated on a pro forma basis as though such charges, reserves, cost savings, operating expense reductions, other operating improvements and synergies and items had been realized on the first day of such period and as if such charges, reserves, cost savings, operating expense reductions, other operating improvements and synergies and items were realized during the entirety of such period, and calculated net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided that (x) in the case of clause (B), such cost savings, operating expense reductions, other operating improvements and synergies are (i) reasonably supportable and quantifiable in the good faith judgment of the Company, and (ii) reasonably anticipated to be realized within 24 months after the consummation of the applicable Permitted Acquisition or similar Investment, operating improvement, restructuring, cost saving initiative or certain other similar initiatives, as the case may be, which is expected to result in such cost savings, expense reductions, other operating improvements or synergies, (x) no charges, reserves, cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies and other items shall be added pursuant to this clause (viii) to the extent duplicative of any expenses, charges or other items otherwise added to Consolidated EBITDA, whether through a pro forma adjustment or otherwise, for such period, (y) to the extent that any charges, reserves, cost savings, operating expense reductions, other operating improvements and synergies and items are not associated with a Permitted Acquisition or similar Investment following the Effective Date, all steps shall have been taken for realizing such savings and (z) projected amounts (and not yet realized) may no longer be added in calculating Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to this clause (viii) to the extent occurring more than 24 months after the applicable Permitted Acquisition or similar Investment; provided further that the aggregate of all amounts added-back to Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to this clause (viii) during any period, when taken together with all amounts added back to Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clause (vii) above for such period, shall not exceed an amount equal to 20% of Consolidated EBITDA for such period (as determined prior to the application of this clause (viii) and such clauses (vii) above) $________

 

E-3

 

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
Page 4

 

(ix)      any fees, charges and other expenses made or incurred during such period in connection with Permitted Acquisitions and other Investments, dispositions, and issuances of Indebtedness and Equity Interests, in each case, that were consummated, occurred, incurred or assumed during such period; provided that the aggregate amount added back to Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to this clause (ix) during any period for any such transactions that are not consummated shall not exceed an amount equal to 5% of Consolidated EBITDA for such period (as determined prior to the application of this clause (ix)) $________
(x)       any charge or expense to the extent (i) reimbursed by third party insurance or by third parties that are not Affiliates of the Company pursuant to indemnification or reimbursement provisions or similar agreements, (ii) actually received during such period by the Company or applicable Subsidiary in cash and without duplication and (iii) not otherwise included as revenue in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income for such period $________

 

E-4

 

 

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
Page 5

 

  (xi)          unrealized or realized net foreign currency translation or transaction losses (including currency remeasurements of Indebtedness and the net loss resulting from Swap Agreements permitted hereunder for currency exchange risk) $________
     
  (xii)         severance payment and relocation costs in an aggregate amount not to exceed $10,000,000 during any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Company $________
     
  (xiii)        sum of items 3(B)(i) through 3(B)(xii) $________
     
  (xiv)        non-cash items of income or gains (excluding any such non-cash item of income to the extent it represents a receipt of cash in any future period, and including, for the avoidance of doubt, the impact of purchase accounting or unrealized foreign currency translation gains) $________
     
  (xv)         non-recurring, unusual or extraordinary gains or income (other than any such gains or income directly resulting from the refranchising of stores) $________
     
  (xvi)        all cash payments made during such period on account of noncash charges that were accruals or reserves added to Consolidated Net Income pursuant to clause (vi) above in a prior period $________
     
  (xvii)       unrealized or realized net foreign currency translation or transaction gains (including currency remeasurements of Indebtedness and the net gain resulting from Swap Agreements permitted hereunder for currency exchange risk) $________
     
  (xviii)      sum of items 3(B)(xiv) through 3(B)(xvii) $________
     
  (xix)           item 3(B)(xiii) less item 3(B)(xviii) equals Consolidated EBITDA, the denominator of the Leverage Ratio $________

 

(C) The ratio of item 3(A) to item 3(B)(xix) equals the Leverage Ratio.                 to 1.00

 

4. Minimum Interest Coverage Ratio (Section 6.15). The ratio of (a) the sum of (i) Consolidated EBITDA and (ii) Consolidated Rental Expense to (b) the sum of (i) Consolidated Interest Expense and (ii) Consolidated Rental Expense is ______ to 1.00 for the four (4) fiscal quarters of the Company ending as of the Report Date, which is not less than 2.00 to 1.00:

 

(A) Consolidated EBITDA (excluding the Excluded VIE’s and the Excluded Marketing Subsidiaries) (from item 3(B)(xix) above) for the four (4) most recently completed fiscal quarters equals $_______.

 

E-5

 

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
Page 6

 

(B) Consolidated Rental Expense (excluding the Excluded VIE’s and the Excluded Marketing Subsidiaries) for the four (4) most recently completed fiscal quarters equals $________.

 

(C) The sum of item 4(A) plus item 4(B) equals $________, the numerator of the Interest Coverage Ratio.

 

(D) Consolidated Interest Expense (excluding the Excluded VIE’s and the Excluded Marketing Subsidiaries) for the four (4) most recently completed fiscal quarters equals $________.

 

(E) The sum of item 4(B) plus item 4(D) equals $________, the denominator of the Interest Coverage Ratio.

 

(F) The ratio of item 4(C) to item 4(E) equals the Interest Coverage Ratio. ________to 1.00.

 

[INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

E-6

 

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
Page 1

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate this ______ day of ____________, 20___.

 

  Papa John’s International, Inc.
   
  By: (Seal)
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

 

EXHIBIT F

 

JOINDER AGREEMENT

 

THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of [____], is entered into between [_______], a [______] (the “New Subsidiary”) and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”) under that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 14, 2021 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Papa John’s International, Inc. (the “Company”), the Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers party thereto, the other Loan Parties party thereto, the lenders party thereto and the Administrative Agent. All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

 

The New Subsidiary and the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, hereby agree as follows:

 

1.             The New Subsidiary hereby acknowledges, agrees and confirms that, by its execution of this Agreement, the New Subsidiary will be deemed to be a Loan Party under the Credit Agreement and a “Loan Guarantor” for all purposes of the Credit Agreement and shall have all of the obligations of a Loan Party and a Loan Guarantor thereunder as if it had executed the Credit Agreement. The New Subsidiary hereby ratifies, as of the date hereof, and agrees to be bound by, all of the terms, provisions and conditions contained in the Credit Agreement, including without limitation (a) all of the representations and warranties of the Loan Parties set forth in Article III of the Credit Agreement, (b) all of the covenants set forth in Articles V and VI of the Credit Agreement and (c) all of the guaranty obligations set forth in Article X of the Credit Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing terms of this paragraph 1, the New Subsidiary, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 10.10 and 10.13 of the Credit Agreement, hereby guarantees, jointly and severally with the other Loan Guarantors, to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, as provided in Article X of the Credit Agreement, the prompt payment and performance of the Guaranteed Obligations in full when due (whether at stated maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise) strictly in accordance with the terms thereof and agrees that if any of the Guaranteed Obligations are not paid or performed in full when due (whether at stated maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise), the New Subsidiary will, jointly and severally together with the other Loan Guarantors, promptly pay and perform the same, without any demand or notice whatsoever, and that in the case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, the same will be promptly paid in full when due (whether at extended maturity, as a mandatory prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise) in accordance with the terms of such extension or renewal.

 

2.             The address of the New Subsidiary for purposes of Section 9.01 of the Credit Agreement is as follows:

 

______________________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________

 

3.             The New Subsidiary hereby waives acceptance by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders of the guaranty by the New Subsidiary upon the execution of this Agreement by the New Subsidiary.

 

F-1

 

 

4.             This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

5.             THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Subsidiary has caused this Agreement to be duly executed by its authorized officer, and the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, has caused the same to be accepted by its authorized officer, as of the day and year first above written.

 

  [NEW SUBSIDIARY]
     
  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  
     
  Acknowledged and accepted:
     
  JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent
     
  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

F-2

 

 

EXHIBIT G

 

EXCLUDED VIE APPROVAL FORM

 

Papa John’s International, Inc.
2002 Papa John’s Boulevard
Louisville, Kentucky 40299

 

____________, ____ 20___

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent
for the Lenders referred to below
10 South Dearborn
Chicago, Illinois 60603
Attention:
Facsimile:

 

each of the Lenders identified
on the signature page hereto

 

Re:      Request for Approval of Additional Excluded VIE

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

This letter constitutes a formal request for approval by the Required Lenders as defined in and pursuant to the that certain Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 14, 2021 (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Papa John’s International, Inc., as the Company, the Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers party thereto, the other Loan Parties party thereto, the Lenders party thereto and the Administrative Agent, for the entities identified below to be deemed to be Excluded VIEs effective as of the ____day of ____________, 20___. The entity or entities for which approval as Excluded VIE is being requested are as follows:

 

Legal Name of Entity Jurisdiction of Formation
   
   

 

G-1

 

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

____________, ____ 20___

Page 2

 

If you are in agreement with our request, kindly so indicate by having a duly authorized representative of your institution sign this letter where provided below and send a copy of the same to the Administrative Agent. By your signature below you agree that the signatures to this letter shall be effective notwithstanding that this letter is executed in counterpart and that facsimile signature of any signatory to this letter shall be effective to the same extent as the manual signature of such signatory.

 

  Sincerely,  
     
  Papa John’s International, Inc.
     
  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

G-2

 

 

Acknowledged and accepted
on the ____ day of ____________, 20___.

 

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,  
as a Lender and as Administrative Agent  
     
By:    
Name:    
Title:    
     
[OTHER LENDERS],  
as a Lender  
     
By:    
Name:    
Title:    

 

G-3

 

 

EXHIBIT H-1

 

[FORM OF]

 

BORROWING SUBSIDIARY AGREEMENT

 

BORROWING SUBSIDIARY AGREEMENT dated as of [_____], among Papa John’s International, Inc, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), [Name of Foreign Subsidiary Borrower], a [__________] (the “New Borrowing Subsidiary”), and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as Administrative Agent (the “Administrative Agent”).

 

Reference is hereby made to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 14, 2021 (as the same may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Papa John’s International, Inc. (the “Company”), the Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers from time to time party thereto, the other Loan Parties from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”). Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement. Under the Credit Agreement, the Lenders have agreed, upon the terms and subject to the conditions therein set forth, to make Loans to certain Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers (collectively with the Company, the “Borrowers”), and the Company and the New Borrowing Subsidiary desire that the New Borrowing Subsidiary become a Foreign Subsidiary Borrower. In addition, the New Borrowing Subsidiary hereby authorizes the Company to act on its behalf as and to the extent provided for in Article II of the Credit Agreement. [Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the New Borrowing Subsidiary hereby designates the following officers as being authorized to request Borrowings under the Credit Agreement on behalf of the New Subsidiary Borrower and sign this Borrowing Subsidiary Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which the New Borrowing Subsidiary is, or may from time to time become, a party: [______________].]

 

Each of the Company and the New Borrowing Subsidiary represents and warrants that the representations and warranties of the Company in the Credit Agreement relating to the New Borrowing Subsidiary and this Agreement are true and correct in all material respects on and as of the date hereof, other than representations given as of a particular date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects as of that date. The Company agrees that the Guarantee of the Company contained in the Credit Agreement will apply to the Obligations of the New Borrowing Subsidiary. Upon execution of this Agreement by each of the Company, the New Borrowing Subsidiary and the Administrative Agent, the New Borrowing Subsidiary shall be a party to the Credit Agreement and shall constitute a “Foreign Subsidiary Borrower” for all purposes thereof, and the New Borrowing Subsidiary hereby agrees to be bound by all provisions of the Credit Agreement.

 

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their authorized officers as of the date first appearing above.

 

  Papa John’s International, Inc.
     
  By:  
    Name:
    Title:
     
  [NAME OF NEW BORROWING SUBSIDIARY]
     
  By:  
    Name:
    Title:
     
  JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent
     
  By:  
    Name:
    Title:

 

2

 

 

EXHIBIT H-2

 

[FORM OF]

 

BORROWING SUBSIDIARY TERMINATION

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
as Administrative Agent
for the Lenders referred to below
10 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60603
Attention: [__________]

 

[Date]

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

The undersigned, Papa John’s International, Inc. (the “Company”), refers to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 14, 2021 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among the Company, the Foreign Subsidiary Borrowers from time to time party thereto, the other Loan Parties from time to time party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.

 

The Company hereby terminates the status of [______________] (the “Terminated Borrowing Subsidiary”) as a Foreign Subsidiary Borrower under the Credit Agreement. [The Company represents and warrants that no Loans made to the Terminated Borrowing Subsidiary are outstanding as of the date hereof and that all amounts payable by the Terminated Borrowing Subsidiary in respect of interest and/or fees (and, to the extent notified by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, any other amounts payable under the Credit Agreement) pursuant to the Credit Agreement have been paid in full on or prior to the date hereof.] [The Company acknowledges that the Terminated Borrowing Subsidiary shall continue to be a Borrower until such time as all Loans made to the Terminated Borrowing Subsidiary shall have been prepaid and all amounts payable by the Terminated Borrowing Subsidiary in respect of interest and/or fees (and, to the extent notified by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, any other amounts payable under the Credit Agreement) pursuant to the Credit Agreement shall have been paid in full, provided that the Terminated Borrowing Subsidiary shall not have the right to make further Borrowings under the Credit Agreement.]

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

 

 

This instrument shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New York.

 

  Very truly yours,
     
  Papa John’s International, Inc
     
  By:  
    Name:
    Title:
     
  Acknowledged and Agreed by:
     
  [NAME OF NEW BORROWING SUBSIDIARY]
     
  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  
     
  JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent
     
  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

 

 

 Exhibit 99.1

 

 

 

Papa John’s International, Inc. Successfully Completes Senior Notes Offering and
Refinancing of Revolving Credit Facility, Further Strengthening and Aligning Capital
Structure with Strong Growth Outlook and Cash-Generating Potential

 

Offering of $400 Million Aggregate Principal Amount of Senior Notes Due 2029, Issued at Par With 3.875% Coupon

 

Revolving Credit Facility Amended and Increased to $600 Million, Extended for Additional Five-Year Term

 

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – September 14, 2021 – Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) announced today that it has successfully completed its previously announced senior notes offering and the refinancing of its revolving credit facility, providing the Company with enhanced financial flexibility and additional liquidity. The transaction marks another significant step toward strengthening and aligning Papa John’s balance sheet and capital allocation priorities with its improving growth outlook and cash-generation potential.

 

The Company closed its previously announced offering of $400 million aggregate principal amount of 3.875% senior notes due 2029 (the “Notes”) in a private transaction exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Notes are guaranteed by each of Papa John’s domestic restricted subsidiaries that are guarantors or borrowers under its Amended Credit Agreement (as defined below).

 

Concurrently with the closing of the offering of the Notes, Papa John’s amended and restated its existing credit agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, Inc., as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto. Pursuant to the Amended Credit Agreement, Papa John’s revolving credit facility has been increased to an aggregate principal amount of $600 million and the maturity has been extended for an additional five-year term.

 

The net proceeds from the offering of the Notes, together with borrowings under the amended revolving credit facility, were used to repay outstanding borrowings under the Company’s existing revolving credit facility and term loan facility and to pay all related fees and expenses.

 

“As Papa John’s has transformed itself into an innovation-driven, growth brand, we have also made progress aligning our balance sheet and capital allocation priorities to support and accelerate our positive outlook,” said Ann Gugino, Papa John’s Chief Financial Officer. “We are committed to a balanced approach, having significantly increased growth investments and capital returns to shareholders over the past year, as well as simplifying our balance sheet. This refinancing locks in attractive interest rates for the long term, while maintaining an efficient cost of capital.”

 

 

 

Over the past 12 months Papa John’s other significant steps to optimize its financial policies and capital allocation priorities, in addition to the refinancing, include:

 

· Significantly increasing investments in high-return organic growth opportunities, including new Company-owned stores and technology;

 

· Converting and repurchasing the Company’s Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, thus simplifying the balance sheet, reducing the Company’s cost of capital and gaining flexibility for the future; and

 

· Raising the annual dividend rate 56% to $1.40 per share, approximately in line with the median yield for the S&P 500, and authorizing a $75 million share repurchase program.

 

This press release is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of the Notes in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

 

About Papa John’s

 

Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) opened its doors in 1984 with one goal in mind: BETTER INGREDIENTS. BETTER PIZZA.® Papa John’s believes that using high quality ingredients leads to superior quality pizzas. Its original dough is made of only six ingredients and is fresh, never frozen. Papa John’s tops its pizzas with real cheese made from mozzarella, pizza sauce made with vine-ripened tomatoes that go from vine to can in the same day and meat free of fillers. It was the first national pizza delivery chain to announce the removal of artificial flavors and synthetic colors from its entire food menu. Papa John’s is headquartered in Louisville, Ky. and is the world’s third largest pizza delivery company with more than 5,500 restaurants in 49 countries and territories as of June 28, 2021. For more information about the Company or to order pizza online, visit www.PapaJohns.com or download the Papa John’s mobile app for iOS or Android.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Papa John’s cautions that this press release contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s business performance, capital allocation and financing strategies. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among other things, material adverse changes in economic or industry conditions generally. If one or more of these risks or other risks materialize, actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a more complete discussion of other risk factors affecting Papa John’s, see Papa John’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Papa John’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 27, 2021 and its annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2020. Papa John’s cautions not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release, and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, except to the extent required by applicable law.

 

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