UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of March 2022
Commission file number 001-41313
BROOKFIELD BUSINESS CORPORATION
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
250 Vesey Street, 15th Floor
New York, New York 10281
(Address of principal executive office)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F x Form 40-F ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): ¨
The following documents, which is attached as exhibits hereto, are incorporated by reference herein:
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
BROOKFIELD BUSINESS CORPORATION | |||
Date: | March 18, 2022 | By: | /s/ Jaspreet Dehl |
Name: Jaspreet Dehl | |||
Title: Chief Financial Officer |
Exhibit 99.1
|
Mailing Address: | Location: |
PO Box 9431 Stn Prov Govt | 2nd Floor - 940 Blanshard Street | |
Victoria BC V8W 9V3 | Victoria BC | |
www.corporateonline.gov.bc.ca | 1 877 526-1526 |
CERTIFIED COPY | |
Of a Document filed with the Province of British Columbia Registrar of Companies |
Notice of Articles | ![]() |
BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT | CAROL PREST |
This Notice of Articles was issued by the Registrar on: March 10, 2022 12:53 PM Pacific Time | |
Incorporation Number: BC1311476 | |
Recognition Date and Time: Incorporated on June 21, 2021 01:55 PM Pacific Time | |
NOTICE OF ARTICLES
Name of Company:
BROOKFIELD BUSINESS CORPORATION
REGISTERED OFFICE INFORMATION
Mailing Address: | Delivery Address: |
1055 WEST GEORGIA STREET | 1055 WEST GEORGIA STREET |
1500 ROYAL CENTRE, P.O. BOX 11117 | 1500 ROYAL CENTRE, P.O. BOX 11117 |
VANCOUVER BC V6E 4N7 | VANCOUVER BC V6E 4N7 |
CANADA | CANADA |
RECORDS OFFICE INFORMATION
Mailing Address: | Delivery Address: |
1055 WEST GEORGIA STREET | 1055 WEST GEORGIA STREET |
1500 ROYAL CENTRE, P.O. BOX 11117 | 1500 ROYAL CENTRE, P.O. BOX 11117 |
VANCOUVER BC V6E 4N7 | VANCOUVER BC V6E 4N7 |
CANADA | CANADA |
Page: 1 of 3
DIRECTOR INFORMATION
Last Name, First Name, Middle Name:
Silber, AJ
Mailing Address: | Delivery Address: |
SUITE 300, 181 BAY STREET | SUITE 300, 181 BAY STREET |
TORONTO ON M5J 2T3 CANADA |
TORONTO ON M5J 2T3 CANADA |
Last Name, First Name, Middle Name:
Dehl, Jaspreet
Mailing Address: | Delivery Address: |
SUITE 300, 181 BAY STREET TORONTO ON M5J 2T3 CANADA |
SUITE 300, 181 BAY STREET TORONTO ON M5J 2T3 CANADA |
Last Name, First Name, Middle Name:
Grosman, David
Mailing Address: | Delivery Address: |
SUITE 300, 181 BAY STREET TORONTO ON M5J 2T3 CANADA |
SUITE 300, 181 BAY STREET TORONTO ON M5J 2T3 CANADA |
Last Name, First Name, Middle Name:
Blidner, Jeffrey M.
Mailing Address: | Delivery Address: |
SUITE 300, 181 BAY STREET TORONTO ON M5J 2T3 CANADA |
SUITE 300, 181 BAY STREET TORONTO ON M5J 2T3 CANADA |
Last Name, First Name, Middle Name:
Lacey, John
Mailing Address: | Delivery Address: |
SUITE 300, 181 BAY STREET TORONTO ON M5J 2T3 CANADA |
SUITE 300, 181 BAY STREET TORONTO ON M5J 2T3 CANADA |
Page: 2 of 3
RESOLUTION DATES:
Date(s) of Resolution(s) or Court Order(s) attaching or altering Special Rights and Restrictions attached to a class or a series of shares:
March 10, 2022
AUTHORIZED SHARE STRUCTURE
1. | No Maximum | Class A Exchangeable Subordinate Voting Shares | Without Par Value
With Special Rights or Restrictions attached |
2. | No Maximum | Class B Multiple Voting Shares | Without Par Value
With Special Right or Restrictions attached |
3. | No Maximum | ClassC Non-Voting Shares | Without Par Value
With Special Rights or Restrictions attached |
4. | No Maximum | Class A Senior Preferred Shares |
Without Par Value
With Special Rights or Restrictions attached |
5. | No Maximum | Class B Junior Preferred Shares | Without Par Value
With Special Rights or Restrictions attached |
Page: 3 of 3
Existing Articles of the Company was deleted in its entirety and new Articles were adopted by Special Resolution of the Shareholders on March 10, 2022 and deposited at the Records Office on March 10, 2022 at 12:13PM PST. The Notice of Alteration was filed with BC Registry on March 10, 2022 at 12:53PM PST.
Number: BC1311476
BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT
ARTICLES
of
BROOKFIELD BUSINESS CORPORATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 1 INTERPRETATION | 1 |
PART 2 SHARES AND SHARE CERTIFICATES | 16 |
PART 3 ISSUE OF SHARES | 18 |
PART 4 SHARE REGISTERS | 19 |
PART 5 SHARE TRANSFERS | 19 |
PART 6 TRANSMISSION OF SHARES | 21 |
PART 7 PURCHASE, REDEEM OR OTHERWISE ACQUIRE SHARES | 21 |
PART 8 BORROWING POWERS | 22 |
PART 9 ALTERATIONS | 22 |
PART 10 MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS | 24 |
PART 11 PROCEEDINGS AT MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS | 26 |
PART 12 VOTES OF SHAREHOLDERS | 31 |
PART 13 DIRECTORS | 35 |
PART 14 ELECTION AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS | 37 |
PART 15 POWERS AND DUTIES OF DIRECTORS | 43 |
PART 16 INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS | 43 |
PART 17 PROCEEDINGS OF DIRECTORS | 45 |
PART 18 EXECUTIVE AND OTHER COMMITTEES | 48 |
PART 19 OFFICERS | 50 |
PART 20 INDEMNIFICATION | 50 |
PART 21 DIVIDENDS | 52 |
PART 22 ACCOUNTING RECORDS AND AUDITOR | 54 |
PART 23 NOTICES | 55 |
PART 24 PROHIBITIONS | 57 |
PART 25 FORUM SELECTION | 58 |
PART 26 SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS CLASS A EXCHANGEABLE SUBORDINATE VOTING SHARES | 58 |
PART 27 SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS CLASS B MULTIPLE VOTING SHARES | 67 |
PART 28 SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS CLASS C NON-VOTING SHARES | 70 |
PART 29 SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS CLASS A SENIOR PREFERRED SHARES | 73 |
PART 30 SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS CLASS B JUNIOR PREFERRED SHARES | 75 |
Number: BC1311476
BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT
ARTICLES
of
BROOKFIELD BUSINESS CORPORATION
(the “Company”)
PART 1
INTERPRETATION
Definitions
1.1 In these Articles, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) | “Act” means the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) from time to time in force and all amendments thereto and includes all regulations and amendments thereto made pursuant to that Act; |
(b) | “affiliate” means with respect to a Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by such Person, or is under common Control of a third Person; |
(c) | “BAM” means Brookfield Asset Management Inc., a corporation existing under the Laws of the Province of Ontario, and is deemed to refer to all successors, including, without limitation, by operation of Law; |
(d) | “BBU” means Brookfield Business Partners L.P., a Bermuda exempted limited partnership, and is deemed to refer to all successors, including, without limitation, by operation of Law; |
(e) | “BBU-Affiliated Class A Shareholder” means BBU or a Person Controlled by BBU to the extent BBU or such other Person holds Class A Shares; |
(f) | “BBU Distribution Declaration Date” means the date on which the BBU GP declares any distribution on the BBU Units; |
(g) | “BBU Distributed Right” has the meaning as provided in clause (ii)of the definition of “Conversion Factor” below; |
(h) | “BBU GP” means the general partner of BBU from time to time; |
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(i) | “BBU Liquidation Event” has the meaning as provided in §26.25; |
(j) | “BBU Unit” means a limited partnership interest in BBU representing a fractional part of all the limited partnership interests in BBU, and which limited partnership interest is designated by BBU as a “Unit” (as defined in the Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of BBU dated as of May 31, 2016), and includes any limited partnership interest or other equity interest of BBU into which such BBU Unit is converted or for which such BBU Unit is exchanged; |
(k) | “BBU Unit Value” means, with respect to a BBU Unit on a particular date, the market price of a BBU Unit on such date or, if such date is not a Trading Day, the most recent Trading Day. The market price for each such Trading Day shall be: (i) if the BBU Units are listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange, the closing price per BBU Unit (or, if no closing price is reported, the average of the last quoted bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such day for such U.S. National Securities Exchange; (ii) if the BBU Units are not listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange but are listed on the TSX, the U.S. dollar equivalent (calculated using the rate published by the Bank of Canada as of 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time, on such date) of the closing price per BBU Unit (or, if no closing price is reported, the average of the last quoted bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such day for the TSX; (iii) if the BBU Units are not listed or admitted to trading on any U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX, the last quoted bid price on such day in the over-the-counter market on such day as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. or a similar organization; (iv) if the BBU Units are not listed or admitted to trading on any U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX and the BBU Units are not quoted in the over-the-counter market, the average of the mid-point of the last quoted bid and ask prices on such day from each of at least three nationally recognized independent investment banking firms selected by the Company for such purpose or (v) if none of the conditions set forth in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) is met, then the amount that a holder of one BBU Unit would receive if each of the assets of BBU were sold for its fair market value on such date, BBU were to pay all of its outstanding liabilities and the remaining proceeds were to be distributed to its partners in accordance with the terms of its partnership agreement; |
(l) | “BBU Units Amount” means, with respect to each Tendered Share, such number of BBU Units equal to the Conversion Factor in effect on the Valuation Date with respect to such Tendered Shares; |
(m) | “board of directors”, “directors” and “board” mean the directors or sole director of the Company for the time being; |
(n) | “Business Day” means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York, United States of America or Toronto, Ontario, Canada are authorized or required by Law to close; |
(o) | “Cash Amount” means (a) with respect to each Tendered Class A Share, an amount in cash equal to the product of (i) the applicable BBU Units Amount for such Tendered Class A Share multiplied by (ii) the BBU Unit Value as of the applicable Valuation Date, and (b) with respect to each Tendered Class B Share and Tendered Class C Share, an amount in cash equal to the BBU Unit Value for such Tendered Class B Share or Tendered Class C Share, as applicable; |
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(p) | “Class A Distributed Right” has the meaning as provided in clause (vi) of the definition of “Conversion Factor” below; |
(q) | “Class A Dividend” has the meaning as provided in §26.2; |
(r) | “Class A Senior Preferred Share” means a class A senior preferred share of the Company; |
(s) | “Class A Share” means a class A exchangeable subordinate voting share of the Company; |
(t) | “Class A Share Value” means, with respect to a Class A Share on a particular date, the market price of a Class A Share on such date or, if such date is not a Trading Day, the most recent Trading Day. The market price for each such Trading Day shall be: (i) if the Class A Shares are listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange, the closing price per Class A Share (or, if no closing price is reported, the average of the last quoted bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such day for such U.S. National Securities Exchange; (ii) if the Class A Shares are not listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange but are listed on the TSX, the U.S. dollar equivalent (calculated using the rate published by the Bank of Canada as of 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time, on such date) of the closing price per Class A Share (or, if no closing price is reported, the average of the last quoted bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such day for the TSX; (iii) if the Class A Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX, the last quoted bid price on such day in the over-the-counter market on such day as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. or a similar organization; (iv) if the Class A Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX and the Class A Shares are not quoted in the over-the-counter market, the average of the mid-point of the last quoted bid and ask prices on such day from each of at least three nationally recognized independent investment banking firms selected by the Company for such purpose or (v) if none of the conditions set forth in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) is met then the amount that a holder of one Class A Share would receive if each of the assets of the Company were sold for its fair market value on such date, the Company were to pay all of its outstanding liabilities and the remaining proceeds were to be distributed to its shareholders in accordance with the terms of these Articles; |
(u) | “Class A Shareholder” means a holder of Class A Shares; |
(v) | “Class B Junior Preferred Share” means a class B junior preferred share of the Company; |
(w) | “Class B Retraction Amount” has the meaning as provided in §27.11; |
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(x) | “Class B Retraction Right” has the meaning as provided in §27.11; |
(y) | “Class B Share” means a class B multiple voting share of the Company; |
(z) | “Class B Shareholder” means a holder of Class B Shares; |
(aa) | “Class C Retraction Amount” has the meaning as provided in §28.8; |
(bb) | “Class C Retraction Right” has the meaning as provided in §28.8; |
(cc) | “Class C Share” means a class C non-voting share of the Company; |
(dd) | “Class C Shareholder” means a holder of Class C Shares; |
(ee) | “Close of Business” means 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time; |
(ff) | “Company” means Brookfield Business Corporation; |
(gg) | “Control” means the control by one Person of another Person in accordance with the following: a Person (“A”) controls another Person (“B”) where A has the power to determine the management and policies of B by contract or status (for example, the status of A being the general partner of B) or by virtue of the beneficial ownership of or control over a majority of the voting interests in B; and, for certainty and without limitation, if A owns or has control over shares or other securities to which are attached more than 50% of the votes permitted to be cast in the election of directors of to the Governing Body of B or A is the general partner of B, a limited partnership, then in each case A controls B for this purpose; |
(hh) | “Conversion Factor” means 1.0; provided that in the event that: |
(i) BBU (a) declares or pays a distribution on its outstanding BBU Units wholly or partly in BBU Units; (b) splits or subdivides its outstanding BBU Units or (c) effects a reverse unit split or otherwise combines or reclassifies its outstanding BBU Units into a smaller number of BBU Units, the Conversion Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Conversion Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Record Date for such event by a fraction, (x) the numerator of which shall be the number of BBU Units issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date for such distribution or the Effective Date for such split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification, as applicable (assuming for such purpose that such distribution, split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification has occurred as of such time), and (y) the denominator of which shall be the actual number of BBU Units (determined without the above assumption) issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date for such distribution or the Effective Date for such split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification, as applicable.
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Any adjustment under this clause (i) shall become effective immediately after the Open of Business on the Record Date for such distribution, or immediately after the Open of Business on the Effective Date for such split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification, as applicable. If such distribution of the type described in this clause (i) is declared but not so paid or made and will not be so paid or made, the Conversion Factor shall be immediately readjusted, effective as of the date the BBU GP determines not to pay such distribution, to the Conversion Factor that would be in effect if such distribution had not been declared.
(ii) BBU distributes any rights, options or warrants to all or substantially all holders of BBU Units to convert into, exchange for or subscribe for or to purchase or to otherwise acquire BBU Units (or other securities convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for BBU Units) (each a “BBU Distributed Right”), then, as of the Record Date for the distribution of such BBU Distributed Rights or, if later, the time such BBU Distributed Rights become exercisable, the Conversion Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Conversion Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Record Date by a fraction (A) the numerator of which shall be the number of BBU Units issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date (or, if later, the date such BBU Distributed Rights become exercisable) plus the maximum number of BBU Units deliverable or purchasable under such BBU Distributed Rights and (B) the denominator of which shall be (x) the number of BBU Units issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date plus (y) such number of BBU Units determined by dividing the minimum aggregate cash purchase price under such BBU Distributed Rights of the maximum number of BBU Units purchasable under such BBU Distributed Rights by the average of the BBU Unit Value for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of announcement of such issuance (or, if later, the date such BBU Distributed Rights become exercisable); provided, however, that, if any such BBU Distributed Rights expire or become no longer exercisable, then the Conversion Factor shall be adjusted, effective retroactive to the Record Date of the BBU Distributed Rights, to reflect a reduced maximum number of BBU Units or any change in the minimum aggregate purchase price for the purposes of the above fraction.
Any adjustment under this clause (ii) will be made successively whenever such rights, options or warrants are issued and shall become effective immediately after the Open of Business on the Record Date for such issuance (or, if later, the date such rights, options or warrants become exercisable). To the extent that the BBU Units are not delivered and will not be delivered after the exercise of such rights, options or warrants, the Conversion Factor shall be decreased to the Conversion Factor that would then be in effect had the increase with respect to the issuance of such rights, options or warrants been made on the basis of delivery of only the number of BBU Units actually delivered. If such rights, options or warrants are not so issued, the Conversion Factor shall be decreased, effective as of the date the BBU GP determines not to issue such rights, options or warrants, to the Conversion Factor that would then be in effect if such Record Date for such issuance had not occurred.
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In determining the minimum aggregate purchase price under such BBU Distributed Rights, there shall be taken into account any consideration received by BBU for such rights, options or warrants and any amount payable on exercise or conversion thereof, the value of such consideration, if other than cash, to be determined by the BBU GP.
(iii) (A) BBU distributes to all or substantially all holders of BBU Units evidences of its indebtedness or assets (including securities, but excluding distributions paid exclusively in cash, distributions referred to in clauses (i) or (ii) above or any Spin-off referred to in clause (iii)(B) below) or rights, options or warrants to convert into, exchange for or subscribe for or to purchase or to otherwise acquire such securities (but excluding distributions referred to in clause (ii) above), the Conversion Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Conversion Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Record Date for such distribution by a fraction (a) the numerator of which shall be the average of the BBU Unit Value over the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately prior to the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution and (b) the denominator of which shall be the average of the BBU Unit Value over the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately prior to the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution less the fair market value on the Record Date for such distribution (as determined by the BBU GP) of the portion of the evidences of indebtedness or assets, rights, options or warrants so distributed applicable to one BBU Unit.
Any adjustment under this clause (iii)(A) will become effective immediately after the Open of Business on the Record Date for such distribution. If such distribution is not paid or made, the Conversion Factor shall be decreased, effective as of the date the BBU GP determines not to pay or make such distribution, to be the Conversion Factor that would then be in effect if such distribution had not been declared.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the fair market value (as determined by the BBU GP) of the portion of the evidences of indebtedness or assets, rights, options or warrants distributable to one BBU Unit is equal to or greater than the average BBU Unit Value referenced above in this clause (iii)(A), in lieu of the foregoing adjustment, each Class A Shareholder shall receive from the Company, in respect of each Class A Share, a distribution of cash payable out of the funds legally available therefor (at the same time as holders of the BBU Units), that in the determination of the Company, is comparable as a whole in all material respects with the amount of BBU indebtedness or assets or rights, options or warrants to convert into, exchange for or subscribe for or to purchase or to otherwise acquire such securities that such holder would have received if such holder owned a number of BBU Units equal to the Conversion Factor in effect immediately prior to the Record Date.
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(B) Where there has been a Spin-off, the Conversion Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Conversion Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Record Date for such Spin-off by a fraction (a) the numerator of which shall be the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices of the share capital or similar equity interest applicable to one BBU Unit distributed to BBU Unit holders over the Valuation Period plus the average of the BBU Unit Value over the Valuation Period and (b) the denominator of which shall be the average of the BBU Unit Value over the Valuation Period; provided that, the Company may elect to pay cash in lieu of making an adjustment to the Conversion Factor provided by this clause (iii)(B), in which case the Company shall be required to pay to the Class A Shareholders and the Class A Shareholders shall be entitled to receive, cash on the third (3rd) Business Day immediately following the last Trading Day of the Valuation Period in an amount in respect of each Class A Share held, calculated by multiplying the BBU Unit Value on the Record Date of such Spin-off by the amount the Conversion Factor would have increased as a result of such Spin-off if no such cash payment was made.
Any adjustment under this clause (iii)(B) will be made immediately after the Close of Business on the last Trading Day of the Valuation Period, but will be given effect as of the Open of Business on the Record Date for such Spin-off.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in respect of any exchange by a Class A Shareholder during the Valuation Period, references contained in the definition of Valuation Period to “ten (10) consecutive Trading Days” shall be deemed for the purposes of the foregoing for such holder to be replaced with such lesser number of Trading Days as have elapsed between the Record Date of such Spin-off and the Trading Day immediately preceding the Exchange Date in determining the Conversion Factor. If any such Spin-off does not occur, the Conversion Factor shall be decreased, effective as of the date the BBU GP determines not to proceed with the Spin-off, to be the Conversion Factor that would then be in effect if such Spin-off had not been pursued.
(iv) BBU or one of its subsidiaries makes a payment in respect of a tender or exchange offer for the BBU Units (but excluding for all purposes any tender or exchange offer involving an offer to exchange BBU Units for Class A Shares or any other security that is economically equivalent to BBU Units), to the extent that the cash and value of any other consideration included in the payment per BBU Unit exceeds the average of the BBU Unit Value over the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period commencing on, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the last date on which tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant to such tender or exchange offer (the “Expiration Date”), then the Conversion Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Conversion Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Trading Day next succeeding the Expiration Date by a fraction (a) the numerator of which shall be (x) the sum of the aggregate value of all cash and any other consideration (as determined by the BBU GP) paid or payable in respect of BBU Units in such tender or exchange offer plus (y) the average of the BBU Unit Value over the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period commencing on, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the Expiration Date multiplied by the number of BBU Units issued and outstanding immediately after the Expiration Date (after giving effect to the purchase of all BBU Units accepted for purchase or exchange in such tender or exchange offer, without duplication), and (b) the denominator of which shall be the number of BBU Units issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Expiration Date (before giving effect to the purchase of all BBU Units accepted for purchase or exchange in such tender or exchange offer) multiplied by the average of the BBU Unit Value over the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period commencing on, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the Expiration Date.
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For greater certainty, no adjustment under this clause (iv) will be made for any normal course issuer bid or similar stock buyback. Any adjustment under this clause (iv) will be made immediately after the Close of Business on the tenth (10th) Trading Day immediately following, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the Expiration Date and shall be given effect as of the Open of Business on the day next succeeding the Expiration Date.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in respect of any exchange by a Class A Shareholder during the Valuation Period, references above to “ten (10) consecutive Trading Days” shall be deemed for such holder to be replaced with such lesser number of Trading Days as have elapsed between the Expiration Date and the Trading Day immediately preceding the Exchange Date in determining the Conversion Factor.
(v) the Company (a) declares or pays a dividend on its outstanding Class A Shares wholly or partly in Class A Shares; (b) splits or subdivides its outstanding Class A Shares or (c) effects a reverse share split or otherwise combines or reclassifies its outstanding Class A Shares into a smaller number of Class A Shares, the Conversion Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Conversion Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Record Date for such event by a fraction, (x) the numerator of which shall be the number of Class A Shares issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date for such dividend or the Effective Date for such split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification, as applicable (determined without the assumption for such purpose that such dividend, split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification has occurred as of such time), and (y) the denominator of which shall be the actual number of Class A Shares (assuming the above assumption has occurred) issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date for such dividend or the Effective Date for such split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification, as applicable.
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Any adjustment under this clause (v) shall become effective immediately after the Open of Business on the Record Date for such dividend, or immediately after the Open of Business on the Effective Date for such split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification, as applicable. If such dividend of the type described in this clause (v) is declared but not so paid or made and will not be so paid or made, the Conversion Factor shall be immediately readjusted, effective as of the date the board of directors determines not to pay such dividend, to the Conversion Factor that would be in effect if such dividend had not been declared.
(vi) the Company distributes any rights, options or warrants to all or substantially all holders of Class A Shares to convert into, exchange for or subscribe for or to purchase or to otherwise acquire Class A Shares (or other securities convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for Class A Shares) at a price per share that is less than the average of the Class A Share Value for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of announcement of such issuance (each a “Class A Distributed Right”), then, as of the Record Date for the distribution of such Class A Distributed Rights or, if later, the time such Class A Distributed Rights become exercisable, the Conversion Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Conversion Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Record Date by a fraction (A) the numerator of which shall be (x) the number of Class A Shares issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date (or, if later, the date such Class A Distributed Rights become exercisable) plus (y) such number of Class A Shares determined by dividing the minimum aggregate cash purchase price under such Class A Distributed Rights of the maximum number of Class A Shares purchasable under such Class A Distributed Rights by the average of the Class A Share Value for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of announcement of such issuance (or, if later, the date such Class A Distributed Rights become exercisable) and (B) the denominator of which shall be the number of Class A Shares issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date (or, if later, the date such Class A Distributed Rights become exercisable) plus the maximum number of Class A Shares purchasable under such Class A Distributed Rights; provided, however, that, if any such Class A Distributed Rights expire or become no longer exercisable, then the Conversion Factor shall be adjusted, effective retroactive to the Record Date of the Class A Distributed Rights, to reflect a reduced maximum number of Class A Shares or any change in the minimum aggregate purchase price for the purposes of the above fraction.
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Any adjustment under this clause (vi) will be made successively whenever such rights, options or warrants are issued and shall become effective immediately after the Open of Business on the Record Date (or, if later, the date such Class A Distributed Rights become exercisable) for such issuance. To the extent that the Class A Shares are not delivered and will not be delivered after the exercise of such rights, options or warrants, the Conversion Factor shall be increased to the Conversion Factor that would then be in effect had the increase with respect to the issuance of such rights, options or warrants been made on the basis of delivery of only the number of Class A Shares actually delivered. If such rights, options or warrants are not so issued, the Conversion Factor shall be increased, effective as of the date the board of directors determines not to issue such rights, options or warrants, to the Conversion Factor that would then be in effect if such Record Date for such issuance had not occurred.
In determining the minimum aggregate purchase price under such Class A Distributed Rights, there shall be taken into account any consideration received by the Company for such rights, options or warrants and any amount payable on exercise or conversion thereof, the value of such consideration, if other than cash, to be determined by the board of directors.
Any adjustment to the Conversion Factor shall be calculated up to four (4) decimal places. Within ten (10) Business Days of the effectiveness of any adjustment or readjustment of the Conversion Factor, the Company shall make a public announcement of such adjustment or readjustment.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Conversion Factor shall not be adjusted in connection with (a) an event described in clauses (i) through (iv) above (other than clause (iii)(B) above) if, in connection with such event, the Company makes a distribution of cash, Class A Shares, BBU Units and/or rights, options or warrants to acquire Class A Shares and/or BBU Units with respect to all applicable Class A Shares, splits or subdivides the Class A Shares, distributes to all or substantially all holders of Class A Shares evidences of its indebtedness or assets or effects a reverse split of, or otherwise combines or makes an offer for, the Class A Shares, as applicable, that, in the determination of the Company, is comparable as a whole in all material respects with such event, (b) a Spin-off as described in clause (iii)(B) above if the Company makes a distribution of the share capital or similar equity interests distributed to BBU Unit holders in the Spin-off in an amount and on terms that are comparable in all material respects to such Spin-off, or (c) an event described in clauses (v) through (vi) above if, in connection with such event, BBU makes a distribution of cash, Class A Shares, BBU Units and/or rights, options or warrants to acquire Class A Shares and/or BBU Units with respect to all BBU Units, splits or subdivides the BBU Units or effects a reverse split of, or otherwise combines or makes an offer for, the BBU Units, as applicable, that, in the determination of the Company, is comparable as a whole in all material respects with such event;
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(ii) | “Conversion Notice” has the meaning as provided in §26.31; |
(jj) “Effective Date” means, with respect to an event described in clauses (i) and (v) of the definition of “Conversion Factor” above, the first date on which the BBU Units or Class A Shares, as applicable, trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, in a regular way, reflecting the relevant unit or share split, subdivision, reserve split, combination or reclassification, as applicable;
(kk) | “Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; |
(ll) | “Exchange Consideration” has the meaning as provided in §26.13; |
(mm) “Exchange Date” means the date upon which a Tendering Class A Shareholder’s Exchange Right has been satisfied by the delivery of the Exchange Consideration to such Tendering Class A Shareholder with respect to its Tendered Class A Shares;
(nn) | “Exchange-Redemption Call Right” has the meaning as provided in §26.23; |
(oo) | “Exchange Right” has the meaning as provided in §26.11; |
(pp) “Ex-Dividend Date” means, in respect of a dividend or distribution on the applicable securities, (a) the date on which such securities are traded without an entitlement to such dividend or distribution or (b) where such securities trade on a due bill basis, the date on which such dividend or distribution is paid;
(qq) “Expiration Date” has the meaning as provided in clause (iv) of the definition of “Conversion Factor” above;
(rr) “Governing Body” means (i) with respect to a corporation or limited company, the board of directors of such corporation or limited company, (ii) with respect to a limited liability company, the manager(s), director(s) or managing partner(s) of such limited liability company, (iii) with respect to a partnership, the board, committee or other body of each general partner or managing partner of such partnership, respectively, that serves a similar function (or if any such general partner is itself a partnership, the board, committee or other body of such general or managing partner’s general or managing partner that serves a similar function), and (iv) with respect to any other Person, the body of such Person that serves a similar function, and in the case of each of (i) through (iv) includes any committee or other subdivision of such body and any Person to whom such body has delegated any power or authority, including any officer or managing director;
(ss) “Interpretation Act” means the Interpretation Act (British Columbia) from time to time in force and all amendments thereto and includes all regulations and amendments thereto made pursuant to that Act;
(tt) “Last Reported Sale Price” means with respect to a security on a particular date, the market price of such security on such date or, if such date is not a Trading Day, the most recent Trading Day. The market price for each such Trading Day shall be: (i) if such security is listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange, the closing price per security (or, if no closing price is reported, the average of the last quoted bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such day for such U.S. National Securities Exchange (or, if listed on more than one U.S. National Securities Exchange, the U.S. National Securities Exchange with the greatest volume of trading by dollar value over the 12-month period preceding the date of the calculation); (ii) if such security is not listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange but is listed on the TSX, the U.S. dollar equivalent (calculated using the rate published by the Bank of Canada as of 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time, on such date) of the closing price per security (or, if no closing price is reported, the average of the last quoted bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such day for the TSX; (iii) if such security is not listed or admitted to trading on any U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX, the last quoted bid price on such day in the over-the-counter market on such day as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. or a similar organization; or (iv) if such security is not listed or admitted to trading on any U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX and such security is not quoted in the over-the-counter market, the average of the mid-point of the last quoted bid and ask prices on such day from each of at least three nationally recognized independent investment banking firms selected by the Company for such purpose;
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(uu) “Laws” means all federal, provincial, state, municipal, regional and local laws (including common law), by-laws, statutes, rules, regulations, principles of law and equity, orders, rulings, certificates, ordinances, judgments, injunctions, determinations, awards, decrees, legally binding codes, policies or other requirements, whether domestic or foreign, and the terms and conditions of any grant of approval, permission, authority or license of any governmental entity, and the term “applicable” with respect to such Laws and in a context that refers to one or more Persons, means such Laws as are binding upon or applicable to such Person or its assets;
(vv) “legal personal representative” means the personal or other legal representative of the shareholder;
(ww) | “Liquidation Amount” has the meaning as provided in §26.25; |
(xx) | “Liquidation Call Consideration” has the meaning as provided in §26.28; |
(yy) | “Liquidation Call Right” has the meaning as provided in §26.28; |
(zz) | “Liquidation Date” has the meaning as provided in §26.25; |
(aaa) | “Liquidation Event” has the meaning as provided in §26.25; |
(bbb) | “Liquidation Reference Date” has the meaning as provided in §26.25; |
(ccc) “Non-Affiliated Holders” means the holders of Class A Shares other than BBU-Affiliated Class A Shareholders;
(ddd) “Notice of Class A Redemption” means a Notice of Redemption substantially in the form set forth on Exhibit B hereto;
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(eee) “Notice of Class B Retraction” means a Notice of Retraction substantially in the form set forth on Exhibit C hereto;
(fff) “Notice of Class C Retraction” means a Notice of Retraction substantially in the form set forth on Exhibit D hereto;
(ggg) “Notice of Exchange” means a Notice of Exchange substantially in the form set forth on Exhibit A hereto (or notice of the exercise of Exchange Rights in such other form as may be acceptable to the Company);
(hhh) | “Open of Business” means 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time; |
(iii) “Person” means any natural person, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, joint venture, syndicate, sole proprietorship, company or corporation (with or without share capital), limited liability corporation, unlimited liability company, joint stock company, unincorporated association, trust, trustee, executor, administrator or other legal personal representative, governmental entity or other entity however designated or constituted and pronouns have a similarly extended meaning;
(jjj) “Preferred Shares” means the Class A Senior Preferred Shares and the Class B Junior Preferred Shares;
(kkk) “Record Date” means with respect to any dividend, distribution or other transaction or event in which the holders of BBU Units and/or Class A Shares have the right to receive any cash, securities, assets or other property or in which BBU Units and/or Class A Shares are exchanged for or converted into any combination of securities, cash, assets or other property, the date fixed for determination of holders of BBU Units and/or Class A Shares entitled to receive such cash, securities, assets or other property (whether such date is fixed by the board of directors or the BBU GP, as applicable, or a duly authorized committee thereof, or as determined pursuant to any statute, constating document, contract or otherwise);
(lll) | “Redemption Consideration” has the meaning as provided in §26.21; |
(mmm) "registered address” of a shareholder means the shareholder’s address as recorded in the central securities register;
(nnn) “Rights Agent” means Wilmington Trust, National Association or any successor thereto as rights agent for the Secondary Exchange Amount;
(ooo) “Rights Agreement” means that certain Rights Agreement dated on or about March 15, 2022 by and between BAM and the Rights Agent as it may be amended or modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof;
(ppp) “Secondary Exchange Amount” means, with respect to a Tendered Share, the BBU Units Amount for such Tendered Share or, at the election of BAM, the Cash Amount for such Tendered Share, in each case, on the terms and subject to the conditions of the Rights Agreement;
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(qqq) “Secondary Exchange Date” means, with respect to any Class A Share, the date that is two (2) Business Days following the Specified Exchange Date or Specified Class A Redemption Date, as applicable, with respect to such Class A Share;
(rrr) | “Secondary Exchange Right” has the meaning set forth in §26.16; |
(sss) | “share” means a share in the share structure of the Company; |
(ttt) “special majority” means the number of votes described in §11.2 which is required to pass a special resolution;
(uuu) “Specified Class A Redemption Date” means, with respect to the Notice of Class A Redemption, the sixtieth (60th) day following delivery of such Notice of Class A Redemption to the Class A Shareholder or such later day specified in such Notice of Class A Redemption;
(vvv) “Specified Class B Retraction Date” means, with respect to each Notice of Class B Retraction, the thirtieth (30th) day following receipt of such Notice of Class B Retraction by the Company;
(www) “Specified Class C Retraction Date” means, with respect to each Notice of Class C Retraction, the thirtieth (30th) day following receipt of such Notice of Class C Retraction by the Company;
(xxx) “Specified Exchange Date” means, with respect to each Notice of Exchange for which an Exchange Date has not occurred prior thereto, the tenth (10th) Business Day following the receipt of such Notice of Exchange by the Transfer Agent;
(yyy) “Spin-off” means a payment by BBU of a distribution of shares of any class or series, or similar equity interest, of or relating to a subsidiary or business unit of BBU, that are, or, when issued, will be, listed or admitted for trading on a U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX;
(zzz) | “Tendered Class A Shares” has the meaning as provided in §26.11; |
(aaaa) | “Tendered Class B Shares” has the meaning as provided in §27.11; |
(bbbb) | “Tendered Class C Shares” has the meaning as provided in §28.8; |
(cccc) “Tendered Shares” means the Tendered Class A Shares, Tendered Class B Shares or Tendered Class C Shares, as applicable;
(dddd) | “Tendering Class A Shareholder” has the meaning as provided in §26.11; |
(eeee) | “Tendering Class B Shareholder” has the meaning as provided in §27.11; |
(ffff) | “Tendering Class C Shareholder” has the meaning as provided in §28.8; |
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(gggg) “Trading Day” means a day on which (a) trading in the applicable securities generally occurs on a U.S. National Securities Exchange or, if the applicable securities are not then listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange, on the TSX or such other market on which the applicable securities are then traded and (b) a Last Reported Sale Price for the applicable securities is available on such securities exchange or market. If the applicable securities are not so listed, or in the case of unlisted securities, so traded, “Trading Day” means a “Business Day”;
(hhhh) “Transfer” means any sale, assignment, surrender, gift or transfer of ownership of, the granting or foreclosure of a pledge, mortgage, charge, security interest, hypothecation or other encumbrance, whether voluntary, involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise, or the entry into of any contract, option or other arrangement or understanding with respect to the foregoing;
(iiii) “Transfer Agent” means Computershare Investor Services Inc., and includes any person who becomes a successor or replacement transfer agent is deemed to refer to all successors, including, without limitation, by operation of law of such transfer agent;
(jjjj) | “TSX” means Toronto Stock Exchange; |
(kkkk) | “Unpaid Dividends” has the meaning as provided in §26.3; |
(llll) “U.S. National Securities Exchange” means an exchange registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 6(a) of the Exchange Act on which the applicable securities are listed, or if the applicable securities are not listed on an exchange so registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, any other U.S. exchange, whether or not so registered, on which the applicable securities are listed;
(mmmm) “Valuation Date” means (i) the date of receipt by the Transfer Agent of a Notice of Exchange, or by the Company of a Notice of Class B Retraction or Notice of Class C Retraction, as applicable, or, if such date is not a Trading Day, the first (1st) Trading Day thereafter; or (ii) the day immediately preceding the date the Company issues a Notice of Class A Redemption, or, if such day is not a Business Day, the Trading Day immediately preceding such day; and
(nnnn) “Valuation Period” means, with respect to any Spin-off, the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period commencing on, and including, the Ex-Dividend Date of the Spin-off.
Act and Interpretation Act Definitions Applicable
1.2 The definitions in the Act and the definitions and rules of construction in the Interpretation Act, with the necessary changes, so far as applicable, and except as the context requires otherwise, apply to these Articles as if they were an enactment. If there is a conflict between a definition in the Act and a definition or rule in the Interpretation Act relating to a term used in these Articles, the definition in the Act will prevail. If there is a conflict or inconsistency between these Articles and the Act, the Act will prevail.
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Actions on Non-Business Days
1.3 Whenever any payment to be made or action to be taken hereunder is required to be made or taken on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made or action taken on the next following Business Day.
Currency
1.4 Except where otherwise expressly provided herein, all amounts are stated in U.S. currency.
PART 2
SHARES AND SHARE CERTIFICATES
Authorized Share Structure
2.1 The authorized share structure of the Company consists of shares of the class or classes and series, if any, described in the Notice of Articles of the Company.
Form of Share Certificate
2.2 Each share certificate issued by the Company must comply with, and be signed as required by, the Act.
Shareholder Entitled to Certificate, Acknowledgment or Written Notice
2.3 Unless the shares of which the shareholder is the registered owner are uncertificated shares, each shareholder is entitled, without charge, to (a) one share certificate representing the shares of each class or series of shares registered in the shareholder’s name or (b) a non-transferable written acknowledgment of the shareholder’s right to obtain such a share certificate, provided that in respect of a share held jointly by several persons, the Company is not bound to issue more than one share certificate and delivery of a share certificate for a share to one of several joint shareholders or to one of the shareholders’ duly authorized agents will be sufficient delivery to all. If a shareholder is the registered owner of uncertificated shares, the Company must send to a holder of an uncertificated share a written notice containing the information required by the Act within a reasonable time after the issue or transfer of such share.
Delivery by Mail
2.4 Any share certificate or non-transferable written acknowledgment of a shareholder’s right to obtain a share certificate may be sent to the shareholder by mail at the shareholder’s registered address and neither the Company nor any director, officer or agent of the Company is liable for any loss to the shareholder because the share certificate or acknowledgement is lost in the mail or stolen.
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Replacement of Worn Out or Defaced Certificate or Acknowledgement
2.5 If a share certificate or a non-transferable written acknowledgment of the shareholder’s right to obtain a share certificate is worn out or defaced, the Company must, on production of the share certificate or acknowledgment, as the case may be, and on such other terms, if any, as are deemed fit:
(a) | cancel the share certificate or acknowledgment; and |
(b) | issue a replacement share certificate or acknowledgment. |
Replacement of Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificate or Acknowledgment
2.6 If a share certificate or a non-transferable written acknowledgment of a shareholder’s right to obtain a share certificate is lost, stolen or destroyed, the Company must issue a replacement share certificate or acknowledgment, as the case may be, to the person entitled to that share certificate or acknowledgment, if it receives:
(a) | proof satisfactory to it of the loss, theft or destruction; and |
(b) | any indemnity the directors consider adequate. |
Splitting Share Certificates
2.7 If a shareholder surrenders a share certificate to the Company with a written request that the Company issue in the shareholder’s name two or more share certificates, each representing a specified number of shares and in the aggregate representing the same number of shares as the share certificate so surrendered, the Company must cancel the surrendered share certificate and issue replacement share certificates in accordance with that request.
Certificate Fee
2.8 There must be paid to the Company, in relation to the issue of any share certificate under §2.5, §2.6 or §2.7, the amount, if any, not exceeding the amount prescribed under the Act, determined by the directors.
Recognition of Trusts
2.9 Except as required by law or statute or these Articles, no person will be recognized by the Company as holding any share upon any trust, and the Company is not bound by or compelled in any way to recognize (even when having notice thereof) any equitable, contingent, future or partial interest in any share or fraction of a share or (except as required by law or statute or these Articles or as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction) any other rights in respect of any share except an absolute right to the entirety thereof in the shareholder.
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PART 3
ISSUE OF SHARES
Directors Authorized
3.1 Subject to the Act and the rights, if any, of the holders of issued shares of the Company, the Company may allot, issue, sell or otherwise dispose of the unissued shares, and issued shares held by the Company, at the times, to the persons, including directors, in the manner, on the terms and conditions and for the consideration (including any premium at which shares with par value may be issued) that the directors may determine. The issue price for a share with par value must be equal to or greater than the par value of the share.
Commissions and Discounts
3.2 The Company may at any time pay a reasonable commission or allow a reasonable discount to any person in consideration of that person’s purchase or agreement to purchase shares of the Company from the Company or any other person’s procurement or agreement to procure purchasers for shares of the Company.
Brokerage
3.3 The Company may pay such brokerage fee or other consideration as may be lawful for or in connection with the sale or placement of its securities.
Conditions of Issue
3.4 Except as provided for by the Act, no share may be issued until it is fully paid. A share is fully paid when:
(a) consideration is provided to the Company for the issue of the share by one or more of the following:
(i) | past services performed for the Company; |
(ii) | property; |
(iii) | money; and |
(b) the value of the consideration received by the Company equals or exceeds the issue price set for the share under §3.1.
Share Purchase Warrants and Rights
3.5 Subject to the Act and the rights if any, of the holders of issued shares of the Company, the Company may issue share purchase warrants, options and rights upon such terms and conditions as the directors determine, which share purchase warrants, options and rights may be issued alone or in conjunction with debentures, debenture stock, bonds, shares or any other securities issued or created by the Company from time to time.
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PART 4
SHARE REGISTERS
Central Securities Register
4.1 As required by and subject to the Act, the Company must maintain a central securities register and may appoint an agent to maintain such register. The directors may appoint one or more agents, including the agent appointed to keep the central securities register, as transfer agent for shares or any class or series of shares and the same or another agent as registrar for shares or such class or series of shares, as the case may be. The directors may terminate such appointment of any agent at any time and may appoint another agent in its place. If the directors designate a location outside British Columbia as the location at which the company maintains its central securities register, the central securities register must be available for inspection and copying in accordance with the Act at a location inside British Columbia by means of a computer terminal or other electronic technology.
PART 5
SHARE TRANSFERS
Registering Transfers
5.1 A transfer of a share must not be registered unless the Company or the transfer agent or registrar for the class or series of shares to be transferred has received:
(a) except as exempted by the Act, a duly signed proper instrument of transfer in respect of the share;
(b) if a share certificate has been issued by the Company in respect of the share to be transferred, that share certificate;
(c) if a non-transferable written acknowledgment of the shareholder’s right to obtain a share certificate has been issued by the Company in respect of the share to be transferred, that acknowledgment; and
(d) such other evidence, if any, as the Company or the transfer agent or registrar for the class or series of share to be transferred may require to prove the title of the transferor or the transferor’s right to transfer the share, the due signing of the instrument of transfer and the right of the transferee to have the transfer registered.
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Form of Instrument of Transfer
5.2 The instrument of transfer in respect of any share of the Company must be either in the form, if any, on the back of the Company’s share certificates of that class or series or in some other form that may be approved by the directors.
Transferor Remains Shareholder
5.3 Except to the extent that the Act otherwise provides, the transferor of a share is deemed to remain the holder of it until the name of the transferee is entered in a securities register of the Company in respect of the transfer.
Signing of Instrument of Transfer
5.4 If a shareholder, or the shareholder’s duly authorized attorney, signs an instrument of transfer in respect of shares registered in the name of the shareholder, the signed instrument of transfer constitutes a complete and sufficient authority to the Company and its directors, officers and agents to register the number of shares specified in the instrument of transfer or specified in any other manner, or, if no number is specified, all the shares represented by the share certificates or set out in the written acknowledgments deposited with the instrument of transfer:
(a) | in the name of the person named as transferee in that instrument of transfer; or |
(b) if no person is named as transferee in that instrument of transfer, in the name of the person on whose behalf the instrument is deposited for the purpose of having the transfer registered.
Enquiry as to Title Not Required
5.5 Neither the Company nor any director, officer or agent of the Company is bound to inquire into the title of the person named in the instrument of transfer as transferee or, if no person is named as transferee in the instrument of transfer, of the person on whose behalf the instrument is deposited for the purpose of having the transfer registered or is liable for any claim related to registering the transfer by the shareholder or by any intermediate owner or holder of the shares transferred, of any interest in such shares, of any share certificate representing such shares or of any written acknowledgment of a right to obtain a share certificate for such shares.
Transfer Fee
5.6 There must be paid to the Company, in relation to the registration of a transfer, the amount, if any, determined by the directors.
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PART 6
TRANSMISSION OF SHARES
Legal Personal Representative Recognized on Death
6.1 In case of the death of a shareholder, the legal personal representative of the shareholder, or in the case of shares registered in the shareholder’s name and the name of another person in joint tenancy, the surviving joint holder, will be the only person recognized by the Company as having any title to the shareholder’s interest in the shares. Before recognizing a person as a legal personal representative of a shareholder, the Company shall receive the documentation required by the Act.
Rights of Legal Personal Representative
6.2 The legal personal representative of a shareholder has the same rights, privileges and obligations that attach to the shares held by the shareholder, including the right to transfer the shares in accordance with these Articles, provided the documents required by the Act and the directors have been deposited with the Company. This §6.2 does not apply in the case of the death of a shareholder with respect to shares registered in the name of the shareholder and the name of another person in joint tenancy.
PART 7
PURCHASE, REDEEM OR OTHERWISE ACQUIRE SHARES
Company Authorized to Purchase, Redeem or Otherwise Acquire Shares
7.1 Subject to the special rights or restrictions attached to the shares of any class or series and the Act, the Company may, if authorized by the directors, purchase or otherwise acquire any of its shares at the price and upon the terms determined by the directors.
Sale and Voting of Purchased, Redeemed or Otherwise Acquired Shares
7.2 If the Company retains a share redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired by it, the Company may sell, gift, cancel or otherwise dispose of the share, but, while such share is held by the Company, it:
(a) | is not entitled to vote the share at a meeting of its shareholders; |
(b) | must not pay a dividend in respect of the share; and |
(c) | must not make any other distribution in respect of the share. |
Company Entitled to Purchase, Redeem or Otherwise Acquire Share Fractions
7.3 The Company may, without prior notice to the holders, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire for fair value any and all outstanding share fractions of any class or kind of shares in its authorized share structure as may exist at any time and from time to time. Upon the Company delivering the purchase funds and confirmation of purchase or redemption of the share fractions to the holders’ registered or last known address, or if the Company has a transfer agent then to such agent for the benefit of and forwarding to such holders, the Company shall thereupon amend its central securities register to reflect the purchase or redemption of such share fractions and if the Company has a transfer agent, shall direct the transfer agent to amend the central securities register accordingly.
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PART 8
BORROWING POWERS
8.1 The Company, if authorized by the directors, may:
(a) borrow money in the manner and amount, on the security, from the sources and on the terms and conditions that they consider appropriate;
(b) issue bonds, debentures and other debt obligations either outright or as security for any liability or obligation of the Company or any other person and at such discounts or premiums and on such other terms as the directors consider appropriate;
(c) guarantee the repayment of money by any other person or the performance of any obligation of any other person; and
(d) mortgage, charge, whether by way of specific or floating charge, grant a security interest in, or give other security on, the whole or any part of the present and future assets and undertaking of the Company.
PART 9
ALTERATIONS
Alteration of Authorized Share Structure
9.1 Subject to §9.2 and the Act, the Company may by ordinary resolution (or a resolution of the directors in the case of §9.1(c) or §9.1(f)):
(a) create one or more classes of shares or, if none of the shares of a class of shares are allotted or issued, eliminate that class of shares;
(b) increase, reduce or eliminate the maximum number of shares that the Company is authorized to issue out of any class of shares or establish a maximum number of shares that the Company is authorized to issue out of any class of shares for which no maximum is established;
(c) | subdivide or consolidate all or any of its unissued, or fully paid issued, shares; |
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(d) | if the Company is authorized to issue shares of a class of shares with par value: |
(i) | decrease the par value of those shares; or |
(ii) if none of the shares of that class of shares are allotted or issued, increase the par value of those shares;
(e) change all or any of its unissued, or fully paid issued, shares with par value into shares without par value or any of its unissued shares without par value into shares with par value;
(f) | alter the identifying name of any of its shares; or |
(g) otherwise alter its shares or authorized share structure when required or permitted to do so by the Act where it does not specify by a special resolution;
and, if applicable, alter its Notice of Articles and Articles accordingly.
Special Rights or Restrictions
9.2 Subject to the Act and in particular those provisions of the Act relating to the rights of holders of outstanding shares to vote if their rights are prejudiced or interfered with, the Company may by ordinary resolution:
(a) create special rights or restrictions for, and attach those special rights or restrictions to, the shares of any class of shares, whether or not any or all of those shares have been issued; or
(b) vary or delete any special rights or restrictions attached to the shares of any class of shares, whether or not any or all of those shares have been issued,
and alter its Notice of Articles and Articles accordingly.
Change of Name
9.3 The Company may by directors resolution authorize an alteration of its Notice of Articles in order to change its name or adopt or change any translation of that name.
Other Alterations
9.4 If the Act does not specify the type of resolution and these Articles do not specify another type of resolution, the Company may by ordinary resolution alter these Articles.
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PART 10
MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Annual General Meetings
10.1 Unless an annual general meeting is deferred or waived in accordance with the Act, the Company must hold its first annual general meeting within 18 months after the date on which it was incorporated or otherwise recognized, and after that must hold an annual general meeting at least once in each calendar year and not more than 15 months after the last annual reference date at such time and place as may be determined by the directors.
Resolution Instead of Annual General Meeting
10.2 If all the shareholders who are entitled to vote at an annual general meeting consent in writing by a unanimous resolution to all of the business that is required to be transacted at that annual general meeting, the annual general meeting is deemed to have been held on the date of the unanimous resolution. The shareholders must, in any unanimous resolution passed under this §10.2, select as the Company’s annual reference date a date that would be appropriate for the holding of the applicable annual general meeting. A unanimous resolution passed in writing under this §10.2 may be by signed document, fax, email or any other method of transmitting legibly recorded messages. Any electronic signature on a unanimous resolution, whether digital or encrypted, shall be deemed to have the same force and effect as a manual signature. A unanimous resolution in writing may be in two or more counterparts which together are deemed to constitute one unanimous resolution in writing.
Calling of Meetings of Shareholders
10.3 The directors may, at any time, call a meeting of shareholders.
Notice for Meetings of Shareholders
10.4 The Company must send notice of the date, time and location of any meeting of shareholders (including, without limitation, any notice specifying the intention to propose a resolution as a special resolution and any notice to consider approving a continuation into a foreign jurisdiction, an arrangement or the adoption of an amalgamation agreement, and any notice of a general meeting, class meeting or series meeting), in the manner provided in these Articles, or in such other manner, if any, as may be prescribed by ordinary resolution (whether previous notice of the resolution has been given or not), to each shareholder entitled to attend the meeting, to each director and to the auditor of the Company, unless these Articles otherwise provide, at least the following number of days before the meeting:
(a) | if the Company is a public company, 21 days; |
(b) | otherwise, 10 days. |
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Record Date for Notice
10.5 The directors may set a date as the record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of any meeting of shareholders. The record date must not precede the date on which the meeting is to be held by more than two months or, in the case of a general meeting requisitioned by shareholders under the Act, by more than four months. The record date must not precede the date on which the meeting is held by fewer than:
(a) | if the Company is a public company, 21 days; |
(b) | otherwise, 10 days. |
If no record date is set, the record date is 5 p.m. on the day immediately preceding the first date on which the notice is sent or, if no notice is sent, the beginning of the meeting.
Record Date for Voting
10.6 The directors may set a date as the record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to vote at any meeting of shareholders. The record date must not precede the date on which the meeting is to be held by more than two months or, in the case of a general meeting requisitioned by shareholders under the Act, by more than four months. If no record date is set, the record date is 5 p.m. on the day immediately preceding the first date on which the notice is sent or, if no notice is sent, the beginning of the meeting.
Failure to Give Notice and Waiver of Notice
10.7 The accidental omission to send notice of any meeting of shareholders to, or the non-receipt of any notice by, any of the persons entitled to notice does not invalidate any proceedings at that meeting. Any person entitled to notice of a meeting of shareholders may, in writing or otherwise, waive that entitlement or may agree to reduce the period of that notice. Attendance of a person at a meeting of shareholders is a waiver of entitlement to notice of the meeting unless that person attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the grounds that the meeting is not lawfully called.
Notice of Special Business at Meetings of Shareholders
10.8 If a meeting of shareholders is to consider special business within the meaning of §11.1, the notice of meeting must:
(a) | state the general nature of the special business; and |
(b) if the special business includes considering, approving, ratifying, adopting or authorizing any document or the signing of or giving of effect to any document, have attached to it a copy of the document or state that a copy of the document will be available for inspection by shareholders:
(i) at the Company’s records office, or at such other reasonably accessible location in British Columbia as is specified in the notice; and
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(ii) during statutory business hours on any one or more specified days before the day set for the holding of the meeting.
Place of Meetings
10.9 In addition to any location in British Columbia, any general meeting may be held in any location outside British Columbia approved by a resolution of the directors, or if so approved by a resolution of the directors, any general meeting may be held entirely by means of an electronic or other communication facility that permits all persons participating in the meeting to communicate adequately with each other to the extent permitted by the Act.
PART 11
PROCEEDINGS AT MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Special Business
11.1 At a meeting of shareholders, the following business is special business:
(a) at a meeting of shareholders that is not an annual general meeting, all business is special business except business relating to the conduct of or voting at the meeting;
(b) at an annual general meeting, all business is special business except for the following:
(i) | business relating to the conduct of or voting at the meeting; |
(ii) | consideration of any financial statements of the Company presented to the meeting; |
(iii) | consideration of any reports of the directors or auditor; |
(iv) | the setting or changing of the number of directors; |
(v) | the election or appointment of directors; |
(vi) | the appointment of an auditor; |
(vii) | the setting of the remuneration of an auditor; |
(viii) | business arising out of a report of the directors not requiring the passing of a special resolution; |
(ix) any other business which, under these Articles or the Act, may be transacted at a meeting of shareholders without prior notice of the business being given to the shareholders.
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Special Resolutions
11.2 The number of votes required for the Company to pass a special resolution at a general meeting of shareholders is two-thirds of the votes cast on the resolution.
Ordinary Resolutions
11.3 The number of votes required for the Company to pass an ordinary resolution at a general meeting of shareholders is a majority of the votes cast on the resolution.
Quorum
11.4 Subject to the special rights or restrictions attached to the shares of any class or series of shares, and to §11.6, the quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of shareholders is at least two shareholders who, whether present in person or represented by proxy, in the aggregate, hold at least 25% of the votes attached to the shares entitled to be voted at the meeting.
11.5 Where a separate vote by a class or series or classes or series is required, the quorum for that matter is at least two shareholders who, whether present in person or represented by proxy, in the aggregate, hold at least 25% of the votes attached to the shares of such class or series or classes or series entitled to vote on that matter.
One Shareholder May Constitute Quorum
11.6 If there is only one shareholder entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders:
(a) | the quorum is one person who is, or who represents by proxy, that shareholder, and |
(b) | that shareholder, present in person or by proxy, may constitute the meeting. |
Persons Entitled to Attend Meeting
11.7 In addition to those persons who are entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders, the only other persons entitled to be present at the meeting are the directors, the president (if any), the secretary (if any), the assistant secretary (if any), any lawyer for the Company, the auditor of the Company, any persons invited to be present at the meeting by the directors or by the chair of the meeting and any persons entitled or required under the Act or these Articles to be present at the meeting; but if any of those persons does attend the meeting, that person is not to be counted in the quorum and is not entitled to vote at the meeting unless that person is a shareholder or proxy holder entitled to vote at the meeting.
Requirement of Quorum
11.8 No business, other than the election of a chair of the meeting and the adjournment of the meeting, may be transacted at any meeting of shareholders unless a quorum of shareholders entitled to vote is present at the commencement of the meeting, but such quorum need not be present throughout the meeting.
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Lack of Quorum
11.9 If, within one-half hour from the time set for the holding of a meeting of shareholders, a quorum is not present:
(a) in the case of a general meeting requisitioned by shareholders, the meeting is dissolved, and
(b) in the case of any other meeting of shareholders, the meeting stands adjourned to the same day in the next week at the same time and place specified in the notice calling the meeting unless otherwise determined by an ordinary resolutions of those shareholders present and for which notification is provided to all shareholders entitled to attend such meeting.
Lack of Quorum at Succeeding Meeting
11.10 If, at the meeting to which the meeting referred to in §11.9(b) was adjourned, a quorum is not present within one-half hour from the time set for the holding of the meeting, the person or persons present and being, or representing by proxy one or more shareholders, entitled to attend and vote at the meeting shall be deemed to constitute a quorum.
Chair
11.11 | The following individual is entitled to preside as chair at a meeting of shareholders: |
(a) | the chair of the board, if any; or |
(b) if the chair of the board is absent or unwilling to act as chair of the meeting, the president, if any.
Selection of Alternate Chair
11.12 If, at any meeting of shareholders, there is no chair of the board or president present within 15 minutes after the time set for holding the meeting, or if the chair of the board and the president are unwilling to act as chair of the meeting, or if the chair of the board and the president have advised the secretary, if any, or any director present at the meeting, that they will not be present at the meeting, the directors present may choose either one of their number or the lawyer of the Company to be chair of the meeting. If all of the directors present decline to take the chair or fail to so choose or if no director is present or the lawyer of the Company declines to take the chair, the shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting who are present in person or by proxy may choose any person present at the meeting to chair the meeting.
Adjournments
11.13 The chair of a meeting of shareholders may, and if so directed by the meeting must, adjourn the meeting from time to time and from place to place, but no business may be transacted at any adjourned meeting other than the business left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took place.
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Notice of Adjourned Meeting
11.14 It is not necessary to give any notice of an adjourned meeting of shareholders or of the business to be transacted at an adjourned meeting of shareholders except that, when a meeting is adjourned for 30 days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting must be given as in the case of the original meeting.
Decisions by Show of Hands or Poll
11.15 Subject to the Act, every motion put to a vote at a meeting of shareholders will be decided on a show of hands unless a poll, before or on the declaration of the result of the vote by show of hands, is directed by the chair or demanded by any shareholder entitled to vote who is present in person or by proxy.
Declaration of Result
11.16 The chair of a meeting of shareholders must declare to the meeting the decision on every question in accordance with the result of the show of hands or the poll, as the case may be, and that decision must be entered in the minutes of the meeting. A declaration of the chair that a resolution is carried by the necessary majority or is defeated is, unless a poll is directed by the chair or demanded under §11.15, conclusive evidence without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded in favour of or against the resolution.
Motion Need Not be Seconded
11.17 No motion proposed at a meeting of shareholders need be seconded unless the chair of the meeting rules otherwise, and the chair of any meeting of shareholders is entitled to propose or second a motion.
Casting Vote
11.18 In case of an equality of votes, the chair of a meeting of shareholders does not, either on a show of hands or on a poll, have a second or casting vote in addition to the vote or votes to which the chair may be entitled as a shareholder.
Manner of Taking Poll
11.19 | Subject to §11.20, if a poll is duly demanded at a meeting of shareholders: |
(a) | the poll must be taken: |
(i) | at the meeting, or within seven days after the date of the meeting, as the chair of the meeting directs; and |
(ii) | in the manner, at the time and at the place that the chair of the meeting directs; |
(b) | the result of the poll is deemed to be the decision of the meeting at which the poll is demanded; and |
(c) | the demand for the poll may be withdrawn by the person who demanded it. |
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Demand for Poll on Adjournment
11.20 A poll demanded at a meeting of shareholders on a question of adjournment must be taken immediately at the meeting.
Chair Must Resolve Dispute
11.21 In the case of any dispute as to the admission or rejection of a vote given on a poll, the chair of the meeting must determine the dispute, and the determination of the chair made in good faith is final and conclusive.
Casting of Votes
11.22 On a poll, a shareholder entitled to more than one vote need not cast all the votes in the same way.
No Demand for Poll on Election of Chair
11.23 No poll may be demanded in respect of the vote by which a chair of a meeting of shareholders is elected.
Demand for Poll Not to Prevent Continuance of Meeting
11.24 The demand for a poll at a meeting of shareholders does not, unless the chair of the meeting so rules, prevent the continuation of a meeting for the transaction of any business other than the question on which a poll has been demanded.
Retention of Ballots and Proxies
11.25 The Company must, for at least three months after a meeting of shareholders, keep each ballot cast on a poll and each proxy voted at the meeting, and, during that period, make them available for inspection during normal business hours by any shareholder or proxy holder entitled to vote at the meeting. At the end of such three month period, the Company may destroy such ballots and proxies.
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PART 12
VOTES OF SHAREHOLDERS
Number of Votes by Shareholder or by Shares
12.1 Subject to any special rights or restrictions attached to any shares and to the restrictions imposed on joint shareholders under §12.3:
(a) on a vote by show of hands, every person present who is a shareholder or proxy holder and entitled to vote on the matter has one vote; and
(b) on a poll, every shareholder entitled to vote on the matter has one vote in respect of each share entitled to be voted on the matter and held by that shareholder and may exercise that vote either in person or by proxy.
Votes of Persons in Representative Capacity
12.2 A person who is not a shareholder may vote at a meeting of shareholders, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, and may appoint a proxy holder to act at the meeting, if, before doing so, the person satisfies the chair of the meeting, or the directors, that the person is a legal personal representative or a trustee in bankruptcy for a shareholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting.
Votes by Joint Holders
12.3 If there are joint shareholders registered in respect of any share:
(a) any one of the joint shareholders may vote at any meeting of shareholders, personally or by proxy, in respect of the share as if that joint shareholder were solely entitled to it; or
(b) if more than one of the joint shareholders is present at any meeting of shareholders, personally or by proxy, and more than one of them votes in respect of that share, then only the vote of the joint shareholder present whose name stands first on the central securities register in respect of the share will be counted.
Legal Personal Representatives as Joint Shareholders
12.4 Two or more legal personal representatives of a shareholder in whose sole name any share is registered are, for the purposes of §12.3, deemed to be joint shareholders registered in respect of that share.
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Representative of a Corporate Shareholder
12.5 If a corporation, that is not a subsidiary of the Company, is a shareholder, that corporation may appoint a person to act as its representative at any meeting of shareholders of the Company, and:
(a) | for that purpose, the instrument appointing a representative must be received: |
(i) at the registered office of the Company or at any other place specified, in the notice calling the meeting, for the receipt of proxies, at least the number of Business Days specified in the notice for the receipt of proxies, or if no number of days is specified, two Business Days before the day set for the holding of the meeting or any adjourned meeting; or
(ii) at the meeting or any adjourned meeting, by the chair of the meeting or adjourned meeting or by a person designated by the chair of the meeting or adjourned meeting;
(b) | if a representative is appointed under this §12.5: |
(i) the representative is entitled to exercise in respect of and at that meeting the same rights on behalf of the corporation that the representative represents as that corporation could exercise if it were a shareholder who is an individual, including, without limitation, the right to appoint a proxy holder; and
(ii) the representative, if present at the meeting, is to be counted for the purpose of forming a quorum and is deemed to be a shareholder present in person at the meeting.
Evidence of the appointment of any such representative may be sent to the Company by written instrument, fax or any other method of transmitting legibly recorded messages.
Proxy Provisions Do Not Apply to All Companies
12.6 If and for so long as the Company is a public company or a pre-existing reporting company which has the Statutory Reporting Company Provisions as part of its Articles or to which the Statutory Reporting Company Provisions apply, then §12.7 to §12.15 are not mandatory, however the directors of the Company are authorized to apply all or part of such sections or to adopt alternative procedures for proxy form, deposit and revocation procedures to the extent that the directors deem necessary in order to comply with securities laws applicable to the Company.
Appointment of Proxy Holders
12.7 Every shareholder of the Company, including a corporation that is a shareholder but not a subsidiary of the Company, entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders may, by proxy, appoint one or more (but not more than five) proxy holders to attend and act at the meeting in the manner, to the extent and with the powers conferred by the proxy.
Alternate Proxy Holders
12.8 A shareholder may appoint one or more alternate proxy holders to act in the place of an absent proxy holder.
Proxy Holder Need Not Be Shareholder
12.9 A proxy holder need not be a shareholder of the Company.
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Deposit of Proxy
12.10 A proxy for a meeting of shareholders must:
(a) be received at the registered office of the Company or at any other place specified, in the notice calling the meeting, for the receipt of proxies, at least the number of Business Days specified in the notice, or if no number of days is specified, two Business Days before the day set for the holding of the meeting or any adjourned meeting; or
(b) unless the notice provides otherwise, be received, at the meeting or any adjourned meeting, by the chair of the meeting or adjourned meeting or by a person designated by the chair of the meeting or adjourned meeting.
A proxy may be sent to the Company by written instrument, fax or any other method of transmitting legibly recorded messages, including through Internet or telephone voting or by email, if permitted by the notice calling the meeting or the information circular for the meeting.
Validity of Proxy Vote
12.11 A vote given in accordance with the terms of a proxy is valid notwithstanding the death or incapacity of the shareholder giving the proxy and despite the revocation of the proxy or the revocation of the authority under which the proxy is given, unless notice in writing of that death, incapacity or revocation is received:
(a) at the registered office of the Company, at any time up to and including the last Business Day before the day set for the holding of the meeting or any adjourned meeting at which the proxy is to be used; or
(b) at the meeting or any adjourned meeting by the chair of the meeting or adjourned meeting, before any vote in respect of which the proxy has been given has been taken.
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Form of Proxy
12.12 A proxy, whether for a specified meeting or otherwise, must be either in the following form or in any other form approved by the directors or the chair of the meeting:
[name of company]
(the “Company”)
The undersigned, being a shareholder of the Company, hereby appoints [name] or, failing that person, [name], as proxy holder for the undersigned to attend, act and vote for and on behalf of the undersigned at the meeting of shareholders of the Company to be held on [month, day, year] and at any adjournment of that meeting.
Number of shares in respect of which this proxy is given (if no number is specified, then this proxy is given in respect of all shares registered in the name of the undersigned): _____________________
Signed [month, day, year] | |
[Signature of shareholder] | |
[Name of shareholder—printed] | |
Revocation of Proxy
12.13 Subject to §12.14, every proxy may be revoked by an instrument in writing that is received:
(a) at the registered office of the Company at any time up to and including the last Business Day before the day set for the holding of the meeting or any adjourned meeting at which the proxy is to be used; or
(b) at the meeting or any adjourned meeting, by the chair of the meeting or adjourned meeting, before any vote in respect of which the proxy has been given has been taken.
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Revocation of Proxy Must Be Signed
12.14 | An instrument referred to in §12.13 must be signed as follows: |
(a) if the shareholder for whom the proxy holder is appointed is an individual, the instrument must be signed by the shareholder or the shareholder’s legal personal representative or trustee in bankruptcy;
(b) if the shareholder for whom the proxy holder is appointed is a corporation, the instrument must be signed by the corporation or by a representative appointed for the corporation under §12.5.
Production of Evidence of Authority to Vote
12.15 The chair of any meeting of shareholders may, but need not, inquire into the authority of any person to vote at the meeting and may, but need not, demand from that person production of evidence as to the existence of the authority to vote.
PART 13
DIRECTORS
First Directors; Number of Directors
13.1 The first directors are the persons designated as directors of the Company in the Notice of Articles that applies to the Company when it is recognized under the Act. The number of directors, excluding additional directors appointed under §14.8, is set at:
(a) | subject to §(b) and §(c), the number of directors that is equal to the number of the Company’s first directors; |
(b) | if the Company is a public company, the greater of three and the most recently set of: |
(i) the number of directors set by a resolution of the directors (whether or not previous notice of the resolution was given); and
(ii) | the number of directors in office pursuant to §14.4; |
(c) | if the Company is not a public company, the most recently set of: |
(i) the number of directors set by a resolution of the directors (whether or not previous notice of the resolution was given); and
(ii) | the number of directors in office pursuant to §14.4. |
Change in Number of Directors
13.2 If the number of directors is set under §13.1(b)(i) or §13.1(c)(i), subject to any restrictions in the Act and to §14.8, the board of directors may appoint the directors needed to fill any vacancies in the board of directors up to that number.
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Directors’ Acts Valid Despite Vacancy
13.3 An act or proceeding of the directors is not invalid merely because fewer than the number of directors set or otherwise required under these Articles is in office.
Qualifications of Directors
13.4 A director is not required to hold a share in the share structure of the Company as qualification for his or her office but must be qualified as required by the Act to become, act or continue to act as a director.
Remuneration of Directors
13.5 The directors are entitled to the remuneration for acting as directors, if any, as the directors may from time to time determine. If the directors so decide, the remuneration of the directors, if any, will be determined by the shareholders.
Reimbursement of Expenses of Directors
13.6 The Company must reimburse each director for the reasonable expenses that he or she may incur in and about the business of the Company.
Special Remuneration for Directors
13.7 If any director performs any professional or other services for the Company that in the opinion of the directors are outside the ordinary duties of a director, he or she may be paid remuneration fixed by the directors, or at the option of the directors, fixed by ordinary resolution, and such remuneration will be in addition to any other remuneration that he or she may be entitled to receive.
Gratuity, Pension or Allowance on Retirement of Director
13.8 Unless otherwise determined by ordinary resolution, the directors on behalf of the Company may pay a gratuity or pension or allowance on retirement to any director who has held any salaried office or place of profit with the Company or to his or her spouse or dependants and may make contributions to any fund and pay premiums for the purchase or provision of any such gratuity, pension or allowance.
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PART 14
ELECTION AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
Election at Annual General Meeting
14.1 At every annual general meeting and in every unanimous resolution contemplated by §10.2:
(a) the shareholders entitled to vote at the annual general meeting for the election of directors must elect, or in the unanimous resolution appoint, a board of directors consisting of the number of directors for the time being set under these Articles; and
(b) all the directors cease to hold office immediately before the election or appointment of directors under §(a), but are eligible for re-election or re-appointment.
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Consent to be a Director
14.2 No election, appointment or designation of an individual as a director is valid unless:
(a) | that individual consents to be a director in the manner provided for in the Act; |
(b) that individual is elected or appointed at a meeting at which the individual is present and the individual does not refuse, at the meeting, to be a director; or
(c) | with respect to first directors, the designation is otherwise valid under the Act. |
Failure to Elect or Appoint Directors
14.3 If:
(a) the Company fails to hold an annual general meeting, and all the shareholders who are entitled to vote at an annual general meeting fail to pass the unanimous resolution contemplated by §10.2, on or before the date by which the annual general meeting is required to be held under the Act; or
(b) the shareholders fail, at the annual general meeting or in the unanimous resolution contemplated by §10.2, to elect or appoint any directors;
then each director then in office continues to hold office until the earlier of:
(c) | when his or her successor is elected or appointed; and |
(d) | when he or she otherwise ceases to hold office under the Act or these Articles. |
Places of Retiring Directors Not Filled
14.4 If, at any meeting of shareholders at which there should be an election of directors, the places of any of the retiring directors are not filled by that election, those retiring directors who are not re-elected and who are asked by the newly elected directors to continue in office will, if willing to do so, continue in office to complete the number of directors for the time being set pursuant to these Articles but their term of office shall expire no later than the date on which new directors are elected at a meeting of shareholders convened for that purpose. If any such election or continuance of directors does not result in the election or continuance of the number of directors for the time being set pursuant to these Articles, the number of directors of the Company is deemed to be set at the number of directors actually elected or continued in office.
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Directors May Fill Casual Vacancies
14.5 Any casual vacancy occurring in the board of directors may be filled by the directors.
Remaining Directors Power to Act
14.6 The directors may act notwithstanding any vacancy in the board of directors, but if the Company has fewer directors in office than the number set pursuant to these Articles as the quorum of directors, the directors may only act for the purpose of appointing directors up to that number or of calling a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of filling any vacancies on the board of directors or, subject to the Act, for any other purpose.
Shareholders May Fill Vacancies
14.7 If the Company has no directors or fewer directors in office than the number set pursuant to these Articles as the quorum of directors, the shareholders may elect or appoint directors to fill any vacancies on the board of directors.
Additional Directors
14.8 Notwithstanding §13.1, §13.2, and §14.1, between annual general meetings or by unanimous resolutions contemplated by §10.2, the directors may appoint one or more additional directors but the number of additional directors appointed under this §14.8 must not at any time exceed one-third of the number of the current directors who were elected or appointed as directors other than under this §14.8. Any director so appointed ceases to hold office immediately before the next election or appointment of directors under §14.1(a), but is eligible for re-election or re-appointment.
Ceasing to be a Director
14.9 A director ceases to be a director when:
(a) | the term of office of the director expires; |
(b) | the director dies; |
(c) the director resigns as a director by notice in writing provided to the Company or a lawyer for the Company; or
(d) | the director is removed from office pursuant to §14.10 or §14.11. |
Removal of Director by Shareholders
14.10 The Company may remove any director before the expiration of his or her term of office by special resolution. In that event, the shareholders may elect, or appoint by ordinary resolution, a director to fill the resulting vacancy. If the shareholders do not elect or appoint a director to fill the resulting vacancy contemporaneously with the removal, then the directors may appoint or the shareholders may elect, or appoint by ordinary resolution, a director to fill that vacancy.
Removal of Director by Directors
14.11 The directors may remove any director before the expiration of his or her term of office if the director is convicted of an indictable offence, or if the director ceases to be qualified to act as a director of a company and does not promptly resign, and the directors may appoint a director to fill the resulting vacancy.
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Nomination of Directors
14.12
(a) Subject only to the Act, only persons who are nominated in accordance with the following procedures shall be eligible for election as directors of the Company. Nominations of persons for election to the board may be made at any annual meeting of shareholders, or at any special meeting of shareholders (but only if the election of directors is a matter specified in the notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the person calling such special meeting):
(i) | by or at the direction of the board or an authorized officer of the Company, including pursuant to a notice of meeting; |
(ii) | by or at the direction or request of one or more shareholders pursuant to a proposal made in accordance with the provisions of the Act or a requisition of the shareholders made in accordance with the provisions of the Act; or |
(iii) | by any person (a “Nominating Shareholder”) (A) who, at the close of business on the date of the giving of the notice provided for below in this §14.12 and on the record date for notice of such meeting, is entered in the securities register as a holder of one or more shares carrying the right to vote at such meeting or who beneficially owns shares that are entitled to be voted at such meeting and (B) who complies with the notice procedures set forth below in this §14.12. |
(b) In addition to any other applicable requirements, for a nomination to be made by a Nominating Shareholder, such person must be given
(i) | timely notice thereof in proper written form to an officer of the Company of the Company at the principal executive offices of the Company in accordance with this §14.12 and |
(ii) | the representation and agreement with respect to each candidate for nomination as required by, and within the time period specified in §14.12(c). |
(c) To be timely under §14.12(b)(i), a Nominating Shareholder’s notice to an officer of the Company, being either the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, or the Corporate Secretary (singularly, “an officer of the Company”), must be made:
(i) | in the case of an annual meeting of shareholders, not less than 40 days prior to the date of the annual meeting of shareholders; provided, however, that in the event that the annual meeting of shareholders is called for a date that is less than 50 days after the date (the “Notice Date”) on which the first public announcement of the date of the annual meeting was made, notice by the Nominating Shareholder may be made not later than the tenth (10th) day following the Notice Date; and |
(ii) | in the case of a special meeting (which is not also an annual meeting) of shareholders called for the purpose of electing directors (whether or not called for other purposes), not later than the fifteenth (15th) day following the day on which the first public announcement of the date of the special meeting of shareholders was made. |
(iii) | Notwithstanding the foregoing, the board may, in its sole discretion, waive any requirement in this §14.12(c). |
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(d) To be in proper written form, a Nominating Shareholder’s notice to an officer of the Company, under §14.12(b) must set forth:
(i) | as to each person whom the Nominating Shareholder proposes to nominate for election as a director (A) the name, age, business address and residence address of the person, (B) the principal occupation or employment of the person, (C) the class or series and number of shares in the capital of the Company which are controlled or which are owned beneficially or of record by the person as of the record date for the Meeting of Shareholders (if such date shall then have been made publicly available and shall have occurred) and as of the date of such notice, (D) a statement as to whether such person would be “independent” of the Company (within the meaning of sections 1.4 and 1.5 of National Instrument 52-110 – Audit Committees of the Canadian Securities Administrators, as such provisions may be amended from time to time and, if applicable, the listing standards of the securities exchange(s) on which the Class A Shares may then be listed) if elected as a director at such meeting and the reasons and basis for such determination and (E) any other information relating to the person that would be required to be disclosed in a dissident’s proxy circular in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to the Act and Applicable Securities Laws; and |
(ii) | as to the Nominating Shareholder giving the notice, (A) any information relating to such Nominating Shareholder that would be required to be made in a dissident’s proxy circular in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to the Act and Applicable Securities Laws, and (B) the class or series and number of shares in the capital of the Company which are controlled or which are owned beneficially or of record by the Nominating Shareholder as of the record date for the Meeting of Shareholders (if such date shall then have been made publicly available and shall have occurred) and as of the date of such notice. |
(e) No person shall be eligible for election as a director of the Company unless nominated in accordance with the provisions of this §14.12; provided, however, that nothing in this §14.12 shall be deemed to preclude discussion by a shareholder (as distinct from nominating directors) at a meeting of shareholders of any matter in respect of which it would have been entitled to submit a proposal pursuant to the provisions of the Act. The chair of the meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination was made in accordance with the procedures set forth in the foregoing provisions and, if any proposed nomination is not in compliance with such foregoing provisions, to declare that such defective nomination shall be disregarded.
(f) | For purposes of this §14.12: |
(i) | “Applicable Securities Laws” means the Securities Act (British Columbia) and the equivalent legislation in the other provinces and in the territories of Canada, as amended from time to time, the rules, regulations and forms made or promulgated under any such statute and the published national instruments, multilateral instruments, policies, bulletins and notices of the securities commissions and similar regulatory authorities of each of the applicable provinces and territories of Canada; |
(ii) | “Associate”, when used to indicate a relationship with a specified person, shall mean (A) any corporation or trust of which such person owns beneficially, directly or indirectly, voting securities carrying more than 10% of the voting rights attached to all voting securities of such corporation or trust for the time being outstanding, (B) any partner of that person, (C) any trust or estate in which such person has a substantial beneficial interest or as to which such person serves as trustee or in a similar capacity, (D) a spouse of such specified person, (E) any person of either sex with whom such specified person is living in conjugal relationship outside marriage or (F) any relative of such specified person or of a person mentioned in clauses (D) or (E) of this definition if that relative has the same residence as the specified person; |
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(iii) | “Derivatives Contract” shall mean a contract between two parties (the “Receiving Party” and the “Counterparty”) that is designed to expose the Receiving Party to economic benefits and risks that correspond substantially to the ownership by the Receiving Party of a number of shares in the capital of the Company or securities convertible into such shares specified or referenced in such contract (the number corresponding to such economic benefits and risks, the “Notional Securities”), regardless of whether obligations under such contract are required or permitted to be settled through the delivery of cash, shares in the capital of the Company or securities convertible into such shares or other property, without regard to any short position under the same or any other Derivatives Contract. For the avoidance of doubt, interests in broad-based index options, broad-based index futures and broad-based publicly traded market baskets of stocks approved for trading by the appropriate governmental authority shall not be deemed to be Derivatives Contracts; |
(iv) | “Meeting of Shareholders” shall mean such annual shareholders meeting or special shareholders meeting, whether general or not, at which one or more persons are nominated for election to the board by a Nominating Shareholder; |
(v) | “owned beneficially” or “owns beneficially” means, in connection with the ownership of shares in the capital of the Company by a person, (A) any such shares as to which such person or any of such person’s affiliates or Associates owns at law or in equity, or has the right to acquire or become the owner at law or in equity, where such right is exercisable immediately or after the passage of time and whether or not on condition or the happening of any contingency or the making of any payment, upon the exercise of any conversion right, exchange right or purchase right attaching to any securities, or pursuant to any agreement, arrangement, pledge or understanding whether or not in writing; (B) any such shares as to which such person or any of such person’s affiliates or Associates has the right to vote, or the right to direct the voting, where such right is exercisable immediately or after the passage of time and whether or not on condition or the happening of any contingency or the making of any payment, pursuant to any agreement, arrangement, pledge or understanding whether or not in writing; (C) any such shares which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by a Counterparty (or any of such Counterparty’s affiliates or Associates) under any Derivatives Contract (without regard to any short or similar position under the same or any other Derivatives Contract) to which such person or any of such person’s affiliates or Associates is a Receiving Party; provided, however that the number of shares that a person owns beneficially pursuant to this clause (C) in connection with a particular Derivatives Contract shall not exceed the number of Notional Securities with respect to such Derivatives Contract; provided, further, that the number of securities owned beneficially by each Counterparty (including their respective affiliates and Associates) under a Derivatives Contract shall for purposes of this clause be deemed to include all securities that are owned beneficially, directly or indirectly, by any other Counterparty (or any of such other Counterparty’s affiliates or Associates) under any Derivatives Contract to which such first Counterparty (or any of such first Counterparty’s affiliates or Associates) is a Receiving Party and this proviso shall be applied to successive Counterparties as appropriate; and (D) any such shares which are owned beneficially within the meaning of this definition by any other person with whom such person is acting jointly or in concert with respect to the Company or any of its securities; and |
(vi) | “public announcement” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by a national news service in Canada, or in a document publicly filed by the Company or its agents under its profile on the System of Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval at www.sedar.com. |
(g) Notwithstanding any other provision to this §14.12, notice or any delivery given to an officer of the Company pursuant to this §14.12 may only be given by personal delivery, facsimile transmission, email or other electronic transmission method made available by the Company, and shall be deemed to have been given and made only at the time it is served by personal delivery, email, electronic transmission or sent by facsimile transmission (provided that receipt of confirmation of such transmission has been received) to an officer of the Company at the address of the principal executive offices of the Company; provided that if such delivery or electronic communication is made on a day which is a not a Business Day or later than 5:00 p.m. (Vancouver time) on a day which is a Business Day, then such delivery or electronic communication shall be deemed to have been made on the subsequent day that is a Business Day.
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14.13 In no event shall any adjournment or postponement of a Meeting of Shareholders or the announcement thereof commence a new time period for the giving of a Nominating Shareholder’s notice as described in §14.12(c).
PART 15
POWERS AND DUTIES OF DIRECTORS
Powers of Management
15.1 The directors must, subject to the Act and these Articles, manage or supervise the management of the business and affairs of the Company and have the authority to exercise all such powers of the Company as are not, by the Act or by these Articles, required to be exercised by the shareholders of the Company.
Appointment of Attorney of Company
15.2 The directors may from time to time, by power of attorney or other instrument, appoint any person to be the attorney of the Company for such purposes, and with such powers, authorities and discretions (not exceeding those vested in or exercisable by the directors under these Articles and excepting the power to fill vacancies in the board of directors, to remove a director, to change the membership of, or fill vacancies in, any committee of the directors, to appoint or remove officers appointed by the directors and to declare dividends) and for such period, and with such remuneration and subject to such conditions as the directors may think fit. Any such power of attorney may contain such provisions for the protection or convenience of persons dealing with such attorney as the directors think fit. Any such attorney may be authorized by the directors to sub-delegate all or any of the powers, authorities and discretions for the time being vested in him or her.
PART 16
INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Obligation to Account for Profits
16.1 A director or senior officer who holds a disclosable interest (as that term is used in the Act) in a contract or transaction into which the Company has entered or proposes to enter is liable to account to the Company for any profit that accrues to the director or senior officer under or as a result of the contract or transaction only if and to the extent provided in the Act.
Restrictions on Voting by Reason of Interest
16.2 A director who holds a disclosable interest in a contract or transaction into which the Company has entered or proposes to enter is not entitled to vote on any directors’ resolution to approve that contract or transaction, unless all the directors have a disclosable interest in that contract or transaction, in which case any or all of those directors may vote on such resolution.
Interested Director Counted in Quorum
16.3 A director who holds a disclosable interest in a contract or transaction into which the Company has entered or proposes to enter and who is present at the meeting of directors at which the contract or transaction is considered for approval may be counted in the quorum at the meeting whether or not the director votes on any or all of the resolutions considered at the meeting.
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Disclosure of Conflict of Interest or Property
16.4 A director or senior officer who holds any office or possesses any property, right or interest that could result, directly or indirectly, in the creation of a duty or interest that materially conflicts with that individual’s duty or interest as a director or senior officer, must disclose the nature and extent of the conflict as required by the Act.
Director Holding Other Office in the Company
16.5 A director may hold any office or place of profit with the Company, other than the office of auditor of the Company, in addition to his or her office of director for the period and on the terms (as to remuneration or otherwise) that the directors may determine.
No Disqualification
16.6 No director or intended director is disqualified by his or her office from contracting with the Company either with regard to the holding of any office or place of profit the director holds with the Company or as vendor, purchaser or otherwise, and no contract or transaction entered into by or on behalf of the Company in which a director is in any way interested is liable to be voided for that reason.
Professional Services by Director or Officer
16.7 Subject to the Act, a director or officer, or any person in which a director or officer has an interest, may act in a professional capacity for the Company, except as auditor of the Company, and the director or officer or such person is entitled to remuneration for professional services as if that director or officer were not a director or officer.
Director or Officer in Other Corporations
16.8 A director or officer may be or become a director, officer or employee of, or otherwise interested in, any person in which the Company may be interested as a shareholder or otherwise, and, subject to the Act, the director or officer is not accountable to the Company for any remuneration or other benefits received by him or her as director, officer or employee of, or from his or her interest in, such other person.
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PART 17
PROCEEDINGS OF DIRECTORS
Meetings of Directors
17.1 The directors may meet together for the conduct of business, adjourn and otherwise regulate their meetings as they think fit, and meetings of the directors held at regular intervals may be held at the place, at the time and on the notice, if any, as the directors may from time to time determine.
Voting at Meetings
17.2 Questions arising at any meeting of directors are to be decided by a majority of votes and, in the case of an equality of votes, the chair of the meeting does not have a second or casting vote.
Chair of Meetings
17.3 The following individual is entitled to preside as chair at a meeting of directors:
(a) | the chair of the board, if any; |
(b) in the absence of the chair of the board, the president, if any, if the president is a director; or
(c) | any other director chosen by the directors if: |
(i) neither the chair of the board nor the president, if a director, is present at the meeting within 15 minutes after the time set for holding the meeting;
(ii) neither the chair of the board nor the president, if a director, is willing to chair the meeting; or
(iii) the chair of the board and the president, if a director, have advised the secretary, if any, or any other director, that they will not be present at the meeting.
Place of Meetings
17.4 Meetings of directors may be held at any place within or outside of Canada, or if so approved by all of the directors, such meeting may be held entirely by means of an electronic or other communication facility that permits all persons participating in the meeting to communicate adequately with each other to the extent permitted by the Act.
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Meetings by Telephone or Other Communications Medium
17.5 A director may participate in a meeting of the directors or of any committee of the directors:
(a) | in person; or |
(b) by telephone or by other communications medium if all directors participating in the meeting, whether in person or by telephone or other communications medium, are able to communicate with each other.
A director who participates in a meeting in a manner contemplated by this §17.5 is deemed for all purposes of the Act and these Articles to be present at the meeting and to have agreed to participate in that manner.
Calling of Meetings
17.6 A director may, and the secretary or an assistant secretary of the Company, if any, on the request of a director must, call a meeting of the directors at any time.
Notice of Meetings
17.7 Other than for meetings held at regular intervals as determined by the directors pursuant to §17.1, reasonable notice of each meeting of the directors, specifying the place, day and time of that meeting must be given to each of the directors by any method set out in §23.1 or orally or by telephone.
When Notice Not Required
17.8 It is not necessary to give notice of a meeting of the directors to a director if:
(a) the meeting is to be held immediately following a meeting of shareholders at which that director was elected or appointed, or is the meeting of the directors at which that director is appointed; or
(b) | the director has waived notice of the meeting. |
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Meeting Valid Despite Failure to Give Notice
17.9 The accidental omission to give notice of any meeting of directors to, or the non- receipt of any notice by, any director, does not invalidate any proceedings at that meeting.
Waiver of Notice of Meetings
17.10 Any director may send to the Company a document signed by him or her waiving notice of any past, present or future meeting or meetings of the directors and may at any time withdraw that waiver with respect to meetings held after that withdrawal. After sending a waiver with respect to all future meetings and until that waiver is withdrawn, no notice of any meeting of the directors need be given to that director and all meetings of the directors so held are deemed not to be improperly called or constituted by reason of notice not having been given to such director. Attendance of a director at a meeting of the directors is a waiver of notice of the meeting unless that director attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the grounds that the meeting is not lawfully called.
Quorum
17.11 The quorum necessary for the transaction of the business of the directors may be set by the directors and, if not so set, is deemed to be a majority of the directors or, if the number of directors is set at one, is deemed to be set at one director, and that director may constitute a meeting.
Validity of Acts Where Appointment Defective
17.12 Subject to the Act, an act of a director or officer is not invalid merely because of an irregularity in the election or appointment or a defect in the qualification of that director or officer.
Consent Resolutions in Writing
17.13 A resolution of the directors or of any committee of the directors may be passed without a meeting:
(a) in all cases, if each of the directors entitled to vote on the resolution consents to it in writing; or
(b) in the case of a resolution to approve a contract or transaction in respect of which a director has disclosed that he or she has or may have a disclosable interest, if each of the other directors who have not made such a disclosure consents in writing to the resolution.
A consent in writing under this §17.13 may be by signed document, fax, email or any other method of transmitting legibly recorded messages. Any electronic signature on a consent, whether digital or encrypted, shall be deemed to have the same force and effect as a manual signature. A consent in writing may be in two or more counterparts which together are deemed to constitute one consent in writing. A resolution of the directors or of any committee of the directors passed in accordance with this §17.13 is effective on the date stated in the consent in writing or on the latest date stated on any counterpart and is deemed to be a proceeding at a meeting of directors or of the committee of the directors and to be as valid and effective as if it had been passed at a meeting of the directors or of the committee of the directors that satisfies all the requirements of the Act and all the requirements of these Articles relating to meetings of the directors or of a committee of the directors.
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PART 18
EXECUTIVE AND OTHER COMMITTEES
Appointment and Powers of Executive Committee
18.1 The directors may, by resolution, appoint an executive committee consisting of the director or directors that they consider appropriate, and this committee has, during the intervals between meetings of the board of directors, all of the directors’ powers, except:
(a) | the power to fill vacancies in the board of directors; |
(b) | the power to remove a director; |
(c) the power to change the membership of, or fill vacancies in, any committee of the directors; and
(d) such other powers, if any, as may be set out in the resolution or any subsequent directors’ resolution.
Appointment and Powers of Other Committees
18.2 The directors may, by resolution:
(a) appoint one or more committees (other than the executive committee) consisting of the director or directors that they consider appropriate;
(b) | delegate to a committee appointed under §(a) any of the directors’ powers, except: |
(i) | the power to fill vacancies in the board of directors; |
(ii) | the power to remove a director; |
(iii) the power to change the membership of, or fill vacancies in, any committee of the directors; and
(iv) | the power to appoint or remove officers appointed by the directors; and |
(c) make any delegation referred to in §(b) subject to the conditions set out in the resolution or any subsequent directors’ resolution.
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Obligations of Committees
18.3 Any committee appointed under §18.1 or §18.2, in the exercise of the powers delegated to it, must:
(a) | conform to any rules that may from time to time be imposed on it by the directors; and |
(b) report every act or thing done in exercise of those powers at such times as the directors may require.
Powers of Board
18.4 | The directors may, at any time, with respect to a committee appointed under §18.1 or §18.2 |
(a) revoke or alter the authority given to the committee, or override a decision made by the committee, except as to acts done before such revocation, alteration or overriding;
(b) | terminate the appointment of, or change the membership of, the committee; and |
(c) | fill vacancies in the committee. |
Committee Meetings
18.5 Subject to §18.3(a) and unless the directors otherwise provide in the resolution appointing the committee or in any subsequent resolution, with respect to a committee appointed under §18.1 or §18.2:
(a) | the committee may meet and adjourn as it thinks proper; |
(b) the committee may elect a chair of its meetings but, if no chair of a meeting is elected, or if at a meeting the chair of the meeting is not present within 15 minutes after the time set for holding the meeting, the directors present who are members of the committee may choose one of their number to chair the meeting;
(c) | a majority of the members of the committee constitutes a quorum of the committee; and |
(d) questions arising at any meeting of the committee are determined by a majority of votes of the members present, and in case of an equality of votes, the chair of the meeting does not have a second or casting vote.
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PART 19
OFFICERS
Directors May Appoint Officers
19.1 The directors may, from time to time, appoint such officers, if any, as the directors
determine and the directors may, at any time, terminate any such appointment.
Functions, Duties and Powers of Officers
19.2 The directors may, for each officer:
(a) | determine the functions and duties of the officer; |
(b) entrust to and confer on the officer any of the powers exercisable by the directors on such terms and conditions and with such restrictions as the directors think fit; and
(c) | revoke, withdraw, alter or vary all or any of the functions, duties and powers of the officer. |
Qualifications
19.3 No person may be appointed as an officer unless that person is qualified in accordance with the Act. One person may hold more than one position as an officer of the Company. Any person appointed as the chair of the board, chair of a committee of the board or lead independent director, if any, must be a director. Any other officer need not be a director.
Remuneration and Terms of Appointment
19.4 All appointments of officers are to be made on the terms and conditions and at the remuneration (whether by way of salary, fee, commission, participation in profits or otherwise) that the directors thinks fit and are subject to termination at the pleasure of the directors, and an officer may in addition to such remuneration be entitled to receive, after he or she ceases to hold such office or leaves the employment of the Company, a pension or gratuity.
PART 20
INDEMNIFICATION
Definitions
20.1 In this Part 20:
(a) | “eligible party”, in relation to a company, means an individual who: |
(i) | is or was a director or officer of the Company; |
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(ii) | is or was a director or officer of another corporation |
(A) | at a time when the corporation is or was an affiliate of the Company,or |
(B) | at the request of the Company; or |
(iii) at the request of the Company, is or was, or holds or held a position equivalent to that of, a director or officer of a partnership, trust, joint venture or other unincorporated entity,
and includes, except in the definition of “eligible proceeding” and Sections 163(1)(c) and
(d) and 165 of the Act, the heirs and personal or other legal representatives of that individual;
(b) “eligible penalty” means a judgment, penalty or fine awarded or imposed in, or an amount paid in settlement of, an eligible proceeding;
(c) “eligible proceeding” means a proceeding in which an eligible party or any of the heirs and personal or other legal representatives of the eligible party, by reason of the eligible party being or having been a director or officer of, or holding or having held a position equivalent to that of a director or officer of, the Company or an associated corporation
(i) | is or may be joined as a party; or |
(ii) is or may be liable for or in respect of a judgment, penalty or fine in, or expenses related to, the proceeding;
(d) “expenses” has the meaning set out in the Act and includes costs, charges and expenses, including legal and other fees, but does not include judgments, penalties, fines or amounts paid in settlement of a proceeding; and
(e) “proceeding” includes any legal proceeding or investigative action, whether current, threatened, pending or completed.
Mandatory Indemnification of Eligible Parties
20.2 Subject to the Act, the Company must indemnify each eligible party and his or her heirs and legal personal representatives against all eligible penalties to which such person is or may be liable, and the Company must, after the final disposition of an eligible proceeding, pay the expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such person in respect of that proceeding. Each eligible party is deemed to have contracted with the Company on the terms of the indemnity contained in this §20.2.
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Indemnification of Other Persons
20.3 Subject to any restrictions in the Act, the Company may agree to indemnify and may indemnify any person (including an eligible party) against eligible penalties and pay expenses incurred in connection with the performance of services by that person for the Company.
Authority to Advance Expenses
20.4 The Company may advance expenses to an eligible party to the extent permitted by and in accordance with the Act.
Non-Compliance with Act
20.5 Subject to the Act, the failure of an eligible party of the Company to comply with the Act or these Articles or, if applicable, any former Companies Act or former Articles does not, of itself, invalidate any indemnity to which he or she is entitled under this Part 20.
Company May Purchase Insurance
20.6 The Company may purchase and maintain insurance for the benefit of any eligible party (or the heirs or legal personal representatives of any eligible party) against any liability incurred by any eligible party.
PART 21
DIVIDENDS
Payment of Dividends Subject to Special Rights
21.1 The provisions of this Part 21 are subject to the rights, if any, of shareholders holding shares with special rights as to dividends.
Declaration of Dividends
21.2 Subject to the Act, the directors may from time to time declare and authorize payment of such dividends as they may deem advisable.
No Notice Required
21.3 | The directors need not give notice to any shareholder of any declaration under §21.2. |
Record Date |
21.4 The directors must set a date as the record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to receive payment of a dividend. The record date must not precede the date on which the dividend is to be paid by more than two months.
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Manner of Paying Dividend
21.5 A resolution declaring a dividend may direct payment of the dividend wholly or partly in money or by the distribution of specific assets or of fully paid shares or of bonds, debentures or other securities of the Company or any other entity, or in any one or more of those ways.
Settlement of Difficulties
21.6 If any difficulty arises in regard to a distribution under §21.5, the directors may settle the difficulty as they deem advisable, and, in particular, may:
(a) | set the value for distribution of specific assets; |
(b) determine that money in substitution for all or any part of the specific assets to which any shareholders are entitled may be paid to any shareholders on the basis of the value so fixed in order to adjust the rights of all parties; and
(c) | vest any such specific assets in trustees for the persons entitled to the dividend. |
When Dividend Payable
21.7 Any dividend may be made payable on such date as is fixed by the directors.
Dividends to be Paid in Accordance with Number of Shares
21.8 All dividends on shares of any class or series of shares must be declared and paid according to the number of such shares held.
Receipt by Joint Shareholders
21.9 If several persons are joint shareholders of any share, any one of them may give an effective receipt for any dividend, bonus or other money payable in respect of the share.
Dividend Bears No Interest
21.10 | No dividend bears interest against the Company. |
Fractional Dividends
21.11 If a dividend to which a shareholder is entitled includes a fraction of the smallest monetary unit of the currency of the dividend, that fraction may be disregarded in making payment of the dividend and that payment represents full payment of the dividend.
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Payment of Dividends
21.12 Any dividend or other distribution payable in money in respect of shares may be paid (i) by cheque, made payable to the order of the person to whom it is sent, and mailed to the registered address of the shareholder, or in the case of joint shareholders, to the registered address of the joint shareholder who is first named on the central securities register, or to the person and to the address the shareholder or joint shareholders may direct in writing or (ii) with the consent of the Company and the shareholder, by wire transfer or other electronic means. In the case of payment of a dividend by cheque, mailing of such cheque will, to the extent of the sum represented by the cheque (plus the amount of the tax required by law to be deducted), discharge all liability for the dividend unless such cheque is not paid on presentation or the amount of tax so deducted is not paid to the appropriate taxing authority. In the case of payment of a dividend by wire transfer or other electronic means, the initiation of such payment by the Company will, to the extent of the sum represented by the transfer (plus the amount of the tax required by law to be deducted), discharge all liability for the dividend unless the amount of tax so deducted is not paid to the appropriate taxing authority.
Capitalization of Retained Earnings or Surplus
21.13 Notwithstanding anything contained in these Articles, the directors may from time to time capitalize any retained earnings or surplus of the Company and may from time to time issue, as fully paid, shares or any bonds, debentures or other securities of the Company as a dividend representing the retained earnings or surplus so capitalized or any part thereof.
PART 22
ACCOUNTING RECORDS AND AUDITOR
Recording of Financial Affairs
22.1 The directors must cause adequate accounting records to be kept to record properly the financial affairs and condition of the Company and to comply with the Act.
Inspection of Accounting Records
22.2 Unless the directors determine otherwise, or unless otherwise determined by ordinary resolution, no shareholder of the Company is entitled to inspect or obtain a copy of any accounting records of the Company.
Remuneration of Auditor
22.3 The directors may set the remuneration of the auditor of the Company.
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PART 23
NOTICES
Method of Giving Notice
23.1 Unless the Act or these Articles provide otherwise, a notice, statement, report or other record required or permitted by the Act or these Articles (a “Notice”) to be sent by or to a person may be sent by:
(a) | mail addressed to the person at the applicable address for that person as follows: |
(i) | for a Notice mailed to a shareholder, the shareholder’s registered address; |
(ii) for a Notice mailed to a director or officer, the prescribed address for mailing shown for the director or officer in the records kept by the Company or the mailing address provided by the recipient for the sending of Notices of that class;
(iii) | in any other case, the mailing address of the intended recipient; |
(b) | delivery at the applicable address for that person as follows, addressed to the person: |
(i) | for a Notice delivered to a shareholder, the shareholder’s registered address; |
(ii) for a Notice delivered to a director or officer, the prescribed address for delivery shown for the director or officer in the records kept by the Company or the delivery address provided by the recipient for the sending of Notices of that class;
(iii) | in any other case, the delivery address of the intended recipient; |
(c) sending the Notice by fax to the fax number provided by the intended recipient for the sending of Notices that class;
(d) sending the Notice by email to the email address provided by the intended recipient for the sending of Notices of that class;
(e) sending the Notice by other means of electronic transmission accessible by the intended recipient for the sending of Notices of that class in accordance with applicable law; and
(f) | physical delivery to the intended recipient. |
Press Release
23.2 Unless the Act or these Articles provide otherwise, a Notice to be sent to a shareholder shall be deemed conclusively to have been given or made, and the obligation to give any Notice shall, unless otherwise required by applicable laws and regulations, be deemed conclusively to have been fully satisfied upon issuing a press release complying with applicable laws and regulations if deemed by the board of directors to be a reasonable or appropriate means of providing such Notice.
Deemed Receipt of Mailing
23.3 A notice, statement, report or other record that is:
(a) mailed to a person by ordinary mail to the applicable address for that person referred to in §23.1 is deemed to be received by the person to whom it was mailed on the day (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays excepted) following the date of mailing;
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(b) faxed to a person to the fax number provided by that person under §23.1 is deemed to be received by the person to whom it was faxed on the day it was faxed;
(c) emailed to a person to the e-mail address provided by that person under §23.1 is deemed to be received by the person to whom it was e-mailed on the day that it was emailed; and
(d) sent to a person by other means of electronic transmission under §23.1 is deemed to be received by the person to whom it was transmitted on the day that such transmission occurred.
Certificate of Sending
23.4 A certificate signed by the secretary, if any, or other officer of the Company or of any other corporation acting in that capacity on behalf of the Company stating that a notice, statement, report or other record was sent in accordance with §23.1 is conclusive evidence of that fact.
Notice to Joint Shareholders
23.5 A notice, statement, report or other record may be provided by the Company to the joint shareholders of a share by providing such record to the joint shareholder first named in the central securities register in respect of the share.
Notice to Legal Personal Representatives and Trustees
23.6 A notice, statement, report or other record may be provided by the Company to the persons entitled to a share in consequence of the death, bankruptcy or incapacity of a shareholder by:
(a) | mailing the record, addressed to them: |
(i) by name, by the title of the legal personal representative of the deceased or incapacitated shareholder, by the title of trustee of the bankrupt shareholder or by any similar description; and
(ii) at the address, if any, supplied to the Company for that purpose by the persons claiming to be so entitled; or
(b) if an address referred to in §(a)(ii) has not been supplied to the Company, by giving the notice in a manner in which it might have been given if the death, bankruptcy or incapacity had not occurred.
Undelivered Notices
23.7 If on two consecutive occasions, a notice, statement, report or other record is sent to a shareholder pursuant to §23.1 and on each of those occasions any such record is returned because the shareholder cannot be located, the Company shall not be required to send any further records to the shareholder until the shareholder informs the Company in writing of his or her new address.
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PART 24
PROHIBITIONS
Definitions
24.1 | In this Part 24: |
(a) | “designated security” means: |
(i) | a voting security of the Company; |
(ii) a security of the Company that is not a debt security and that carries a residual right to participate in the earnings of the Company or, on the liquidation or winding up of the Company, in its assets; or
(iii) | a security of the Company convertible, directly or indirectly, into a security described in §(a) or §(b); |
(b) | “security” has the meaning assigned in the Securities Act (British Columbia); and |
(c) | “voting security” means a security of the Company that: |
(i) | is not a debt security; and |
(ii) | carries a voting right either under all circumstances or under some circumstances that have occurred and are continuing. |
Application
24.2 §24.3 does not apply to the Company if and for so long as it is a public company, a private company which is no longer eligible to use the private issuer exemption under the Securities Act (British Columbia) or a pre-existing reporting company which has the Statutory Reporting Company Provisions as part of its Articles or a company to which the Statutory Reporting Company Provisions apply.
Consent Required for Transfer of Shares or Designated Securities
24.3 No share or designated security may be sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of without the consent of the directors and the directors are not required to give any reason for refusing to consent to any such sale, transfer or other disposition.
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PART 25
FORUM SELECTION
25.1 Unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Nothing in this §25.1 shall be deemed to apply to any suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Exchange Act. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any security of the Company shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this §25.1.
PART 26
SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS
CLASS A EXCHANGEABLE SUBORDINATE VOTING SHARES
Special Rights and Restrictions
26.1 The Class A Shares as a class shall have attached thereto the special rights and restrictions specified in this Part 26.
DIVIDENDS
Dividend Rights
26.2 Each Class A Shareholder shall be entitled to receive, and the Company shall pay thereon, as and when declared by the board of directors, a dividend on each Class A Share in an amount in cash for each Class A Share equal to the cash distribution declared on each BBU Unit on each BBU Distribution Declaration Date multiplied by the Conversion Factor in effect on the Record Date of such dividend (the “Class A Dividend”), it being understood that Class A Shareholders will not be entitled to any dividends other than the Class A Dividend.
Unpaid Dividends
26.3 If the full amount of a Class A Dividend is not declared on a BBU Distribution Declaration Date, or is declared but is not paid on the payment date, then such Class A Dividend shall accrue and accumulate, whether or not the Company has earnings, whether or not there are funds legally available for the payment thereof and whether or not such distributions are earned, declared or authorized (such amounts, the “Unpaid Dividends”). Any dividend payment made on the Class A Shares shall first be credited against the earliest Unpaid Dividends due with respect to such Class A Shares which remains payable.
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Payment of Dividends
26.4 Cheques of the Company may be issued in respect of all Class A Dividends contemplated by §26.2 and the sending of such cheque to each Class A Shareholder will satisfy the cash dividend represented thereby unless the cheque is not paid on presentation. Subject to the requirements of applicable Law with respect to unclaimed property, no Class A Shareholder will be entitled to recover by action or other legal process against the Company any dividend that is represented by a cheque that has not been duly presented to the Company’s bankers for payment or that otherwise remains unclaimed for a period of two years from the date on which such dividend was first payable.
Record and Payment Dates
26.5 The Record Date with respect to any Class A Dividend declared by the board of directors and the payment date of such Class A Dividend will be the same dates as the Record Date and the payment date, respectively, for the corresponding distribution declared on the BBU Units, each as approved by the board of directors.
RANKING
Ranking of the Class A Shares
26.6 The Class A Shares shall, as to the payment of dividends and return of capital in a Liquidation Event, rank junior to the Preferred Shares and senior to the Class B Shares, the Class C Shares and any other shares ranking junior to the Class A Shares with respect to priority in payment of dividends and return of capital in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company.
VOTING
Voting Rights
26.7 Except as expressly provided herein, each Class A Shareholder will be entitled to receive notice of, and to attend and vote at, all meetings of shareholders of the Company, except for meetings at which only holders of another specified class or series of shares are entitled to vote separately as a class or series. Each Class A Shareholder shall be entitled to cast one vote for each Class A Share held at the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to vote on any matter.
26.8 Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or as required by Law, the Class A Shareholders and Class B Shareholders will vote together and not as separate classes.
26.9 Subject to any rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Shares to elect directors under specified circumstances, the holders of the outstanding Class A Shares and Class B Shares, voting together, shall be entitled to vote in respect of the election of all directors of the Company.
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Amendment with Approval of Class A Shareholders
26.10 In addition to any other approvals required by Law, any approval given by the Class A Shareholders to add to, change or remove any right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Class A Shares or any other matter requiring the approval or consent of the Class A Shareholders as a separate class will be deemed to have been sufficiently given if it will have been given in accordance with applicable Law, subject to a minimum requirement that such amendment be approved by not less than 66 2/3% of the votes cast on such amendment at a meeting of Class A Shareholders duly called and held at which the Class A Shareholders holding at least 10% of the outstanding Class A Shares at that time are present or represented by proxy; provided that such approval must be given also by the affirmative vote of holders of not less than 66 2/3% of the Non-Affiliated Holders represented in person or by proxy at the meeting. If at any such meeting the Class A Shareholders holding at least 10% of the outstanding Class A Shares at as of the Record Date of such meeting are not present or represented by proxy within one-half hour after the time appointed for such meeting, then the meeting will be adjourned to such date not less than five days thereafter and to such time and place as may be designated by the chairman of such meeting. At such reconvened meeting, the Class A Shareholders present or represented by proxy thereat may transact the business for which the meeting was originally called and a resolution passed thereat by the affirmative vote of not less than 66 2/3% of the votes cast on such amendment at such reconvened meeting excluding the BBU-Affiliated Class A Shareholders shall be effective.
EXCHANGE RIGHTS
Exchange at the Option of the Class A Shareholder
26.11 Subject to applicable Law and the due exercise by BBU of the Exchange-Redemption Call Right, at any time from and after the date of the issuance of the Class A Shares, each Class A Shareholder shall have the right (the “Exchange Right”) to require the Company to redeem all or such portion of the Class A Shares registered in the name of such Class A Shareholder specified in a Notice of Exchange delivered to the Transfer Agent by or on behalf of such Class A Shareholder (such Class A Shares being hereafter referred to as “Tendered Class A Shares” and such Class A Shareholder, the “Tendering Class A Shareholder”) for the BBU Units Amount per Tendered Class A Share or, if the Company elects in its sole and absolute discretion, the Cash Amount (in lieu of the BBU Units Amount per Tendered Class A Share), plus, in either case, a cash amount equal to any Unpaid Dividends per Tendered Class A Share.
Notice of Exchange
26.12 A Class A Shareholder must deliver a Notice of Exchange either electronically (by electronic mail or by any other electronic procedure that may be established by the Transfer Agent and communicated to the Class A Shareholders by the Company or the Transfer Agent) or physically (by mail, courier, hand delivery or otherwise) to any office of the Transfer Agent prior to the issuance by the Company of a Notice of Class A Redemption or the announcement of a Liquidation Event in order to exercise his, her or its Exchange Right. The Transfer Agent shall promptly notify the Company, BBU and, until such time as the Rights Agreement has been terminated, BAM, of the receipt of a Notice of Exchange.
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Satisfaction of Exchange Rights
26.13 Upon receipt by the Transfer Agent of a Notice of Exchange and such additional documents and instruments as the Company or the Transfer Agent may reasonably require, and provided that BBU has not exercised the Exchange-Redemption Call Right, the Company will redeem the applicable Tendered Class A Shares on or prior to the Specified Exchange Date. The Company will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Tendering Class A Shareholder, at the address of the holder recorded in the register of the Company for the Class A Shares or at the address specified in the holder’s Notice of Exchange, either (i) the BBU Units Amount, or (ii) the Cash Amount, as the Company may determine in its sole and absolute discretion, together with a cash amount for each Tendered Class A Share equal to any Unpaid Dividends per Tendered Class A Share ((i) or (ii), plus such Unpaid Dividends collectively being the “Exchange Consideration”) and such delivery of such Exchange Consideration by or on behalf of the Company by the Transfer Agent will be deemed to be payment of and will satisfy and discharge all liability for the Exchange Rights so exercised. Should the Company elect to satisfy Exchange Rights by delivering the Cash Amount, then the payment of such amount shall be made in the manner set forth in §26.4.
26.14 Any Tendering Class A Shareholder shall have no further right, with respect to any Tendered Class A Shares redeemed, repurchased or exchanged, to receive any dividends on Class A Shares with a Record Date on or after the date on which the Transfer Agent receives such Notice of Exchange. Each Tendering Class A Shareholder shall continue to own each Class A Share subject to any Notice of Exchange, and be treated as a Class A Shareholder with respect to each such Class A Share for all other purposes of these Articles, until such Class A Share has been redeemed in accordance with §26.13 or repurchased or exchanged in accordance with the Rights Agreement, as applicable, for the Secondary Exchange Amount in accordance with §26.16. A Tendering Class A Shareholder shall have no rights as a unitholder of BBU with respect to any BBU Units to be received by such Tendering Class A Shareholder in exchange for Tendered Class A Shares pursuant to §26.11 until the Transfer Agent has issued such BBU Units to such Tendering Class A Shareholder.
26.15 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Company will not be obligated to redeem Tendered Class A Shares to the extent that such redemption would be contrary to solvency requirements or other provisions of applicable Law. If the Company believes that it would not be permitted by any such requirements or other provisions to redeem the Tendered Class A Shares, and BBU has not exercised its Exchange-Redemption Call Right with respect to the Tendered Class A Shares, the Company will only be obligated to redeem the maximum number of Tendered Class A Shares (rounded down to a whole number of Class A Shares) that would not be contrary to such requirements or other provisions. The Company will notify any such Tendering Class A Shareholder at least one Business Day prior to the Specified Exchange Date as to the number of Tendered Class A Shares that will be redeemed by the Company. Where there is more than one Tendering Class A Shareholder, the Company will redeem the maximum number of Tendered Class A Shares that would not be contrary to such requirements or other provisions among such Tendering Class A Shareholders on a pro rata basis.
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Secondary Exchange Rights
26.16 For so long as the Rights Agreement has not been terminated, if a Tendering Class A Shareholder has not received the Exchange Consideration with respect to any Tendered Class A Shares by the Close of Business on the applicable Specified Exchange Date for any reason, then, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Rights Agreement, which the Class A Shareholders shall have a right to enforce, such Tendering Class A Shareholder shall be entitled to receive from BAM the Secondary Exchange Amount with respect to each such Tendered Class A Share no later than the applicable Secondary Exchange Date (the “Secondary Exchange Right”). The Company shall send to BAM and to the Rights Agent on the applicable Specified Exchange Date a notice to the effect that the Tendering Class A Shareholder has not received the Exchange Consideration and such notice will set forth the identity of the Tendering Class A Shareholder, the number of Tendered Class A Shares, the amounts of such Exchange Consideration then not paid and will be otherwise consistent with the definition of “Company Notice” in the Rights Agreement.
No Fractional BBU Units
26.17 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, no fractional BBU Units shall be issued in connection with the satisfaction of Exchange Rights, in connection with a redemption of a Class A Share or in connection with a Liquidation Event. In lieu of any fractional BBU Units to which the Tendering Class A Shareholder would otherwise be entitled, the Company shall pay a cash amount equal to the BBU Unit Value on the Trading Day immediately preceding the Exchange Date multiplied by such fraction of a BBU Unit. In lieu of any fractional BBU Units to which the Tendering Class A Shareholder would otherwise be entitled pursuant to the Rights Agreement, the Rights Agent shall pay a cash amount as determined in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Rights Agreement.
Withholding Taxes
26.18 Each Tendering Class A Shareholder shall be required to pay to the Company the amount of any tax withholding due upon the redemption of Tendered Class A Shares pursuant to §26.11 to §26.13 and will be deemed to have authorized the Company to retain such portion of the Exchange Consideration as the Company reasonably determines is necessary to satisfy its tax withholding obligations. Before making any withholding pursuant to this §26.18, the Company shall give each Tendering Class A Shareholder within three (3) Business Days after the Company’s receipt of a Notice of Exchange from such Tendering Class A Shareholder, notice of the Company’s good faith estimate of the amount of any anticipated tax withholding (together with the legal basis therefor) due upon the redemption of the Tendered Class A Shares subject to such Notice of Exchange, provide the Tendering Class A Shareholder with sufficient opportunity to provide any forms or other documentation or take such other steps in order to avoid or reduce such tax withholding, and reasonably cooperate with the Tendering Class A Shareholder in good faith to attempt to reduce any amounts that would otherwise be withheld pursuant to this §26.18; provided that any determination with respect to the tax withholding shall be made by the Company, BBU or an affiliate of BBU, as applicable, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith.
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COMPANY REDEMPTION RIGHTS
Company Redemption
26.19 If the Company delivers or causes to be delivered a Notice of Class A Redemption to the Class A Shareholders, it shall redeem all of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares on the Specified Class A Redemption Date. The Company may deliver a Notice of Class A Redemption at any time, in its sole discretion and subject to applicable Law, including in any of the following circumstances:
(a) the total number of Class A Shares outstanding decreases by 50% or more over any 12-month period;
(b) a Person acquires 90% of the BBU Units in a take-over bid (as defined by Applicable Securities Laws);
(c) the holders of BBU Units approve an acquisition of BBU by way of arrangement or amalgamation;
(d) | the holders of BBU Units approve a restructuring or other reorganization of BBU; |
(e) | there is a sale of all or substantially all the assets of BBU; |
(f) there is a change of Law (whether by legislative, governmental or judicial action), administrative practice or interpretation, or a change in circumstances of the Company and the shareholders of the Company, that may result in adverse tax consequences for the Company or the shareholders of the Company; or
(g) the board, in its good faith, concludes that the holders of BBU Units or the Class A Shareholders are adversely impacted by a fact, change, or other circumstance relating to the Company.
Right of Class B Shareholders to Cause Redemption of Class A Shares
26.20 The Class B Shareholders may, at any time and in their sole discretion, deliver a notice to the Company specifying a date upon which the Company shall redeem all of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares (provided that such specified date is no less than 60 days from the date on which the Class B Shareholders deliver such notice), and as soon as reasonably practicable after the receipt of such notice, the Company shall, subject to applicable Law, deliver a Notice of Class A Redemption to the Class A Shareholders and, without the consent of the Class A Shareholders, shall redeem all of the Class A Shares on the Specified Class A Redemption Date.
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Redemption Procedure
26.21 In the event of a redemption of the Class A Shares, each Class A Shareholder shall be considered a Tendering Class A Shareholder and each Class A Share shall be considered a Tendered Class A Share for the purposes of §26.19 to §26.22, and the Company shall, at or prior to Close of Business on the Specified Class A Redemption Date, pay to each Tendering Class A Shareholder either (i) the BBU Units Amount, or (ii) the Cash Amount, as the Company may determine in its sole and absolute discretion, together with a cash amount for each Tendered Class A Share equal to any Unpaid Dividends per Tendered Class A Share ((i) or (ii), plus such Unpaid Dividends collectively being the “Redemption Consideration”) and such delivery of such Redemption Consideration by or on behalf of the Company by the Transfer Agent will be deemed to be payment of and will satisfy and discharge all liability for the redemption of the Class A Shares. Should the Company elect to satisfy its obligation to redeem the Class A Shares by delivering the Cash Amount, then the payment of such amount shall be made in the manner set forth in §26.4.
26.22 §26.14 to §26.15 and §26.17 to §26.18 shall apply in their entirety, mutatis mutandis, to a redemption of the Class A Shares.
Exchange-Redemption Call Right
26.23 | Notwithstanding the provisions in §26.11 to §26.22 above, |
(a) in the event the Company receives a Notice of Exchange from a Tendering Class A Shareholder, BBU shall have an overriding right to acquire, or cause its affiliate to acquire all, but not less than all, of the Tendered Class A Shares from the Tendering Class A Shareholder by delivering the Exchange Consideration (the form of Exchange Consideration to be determined by BBU in its sole and absolute discretion) in accordance with §26.11 to §26.18, mutatis mutandis, in satisfaction of the obligations of the Company, and
(b) in the event the Company provides a Notice of Class A Redemption to each Class A Shareholder, BBU shall have an overriding right to acquire, or cause its affiliate to acquire all, but not less than all, of the Class A Shares from each Class A Shareholder by delivering the Redemption Consideration (the form of Redemption Consideration to be determined by BBU in its sole and absolute discretion) in accordance with §26.19 to §26.22, mutatis mutandis, in satisfaction of the obligations of the Company as set out therein (the right in either (a) or (b) being the “Exchange-Redemption Call Right”),
and in the event of the exercise by BBU of the Exchange-Redemption Call Right, each Tendering Class A Shareholder will be obligated to sell all Tendered Class A Shares held by such Tendering Class A Shareholder to BBU (or its affiliate, as applicable) on delivery by BBU (or its affiliate, as applicable) to such Tendering Class A Shareholder of the Exchange Consideration or the Redemption Consideration, as applicable, and the Company will have no obligation to pay any Exchange Consideration or Redemption Consideration to the holders of such Class A Shares so purchased by BBU (or its affiliate, as applicable).
26.24 In order to exercise its Exchange-Redemption Call Right, BBU must notify the Transfer Agent in writing, as agent for the holders of Class A Shares, and the Company, of its intention to exercise such right at least 3 days before the Specified Exchange Date or at least 10 days before the Specified Class A Redemption Date, as applicable. Delivery by BBU to the Transfer Agent of a standing direction as to any exercise of the Exchange-Redemption Call Right in respect of the exercise of Exchange Rights shall satisfy the notification requirements set forth in this §26.24.
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LIQUIDATION
Liquidation Rights
26.25 Upon any liquidation, dissolution, winding up of the Company or any other distribution of its assets among its shareholders, whether voluntary or involuntary (a “Liquidation Event”), including where substantially concurrent with the liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of BBU, whether voluntary or involuntary (a “BBU Liquidation Event”), each Class A Shareholder shall, subject to the exercise of the Liquidation Call Right, be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Company legally available for distribution on the effective date of the Liquidation Event (the “Liquidation Date”) an amount in cash per Class A Share then held by them equal to the BBU Unit Value on the Trading Day immediately preceding the public announcement of the Liquidation Event (the “Liquidation Reference Date”) multiplied by the Conversion Factor (and together with a cash amount for each Class A Share equal to any Unpaid Dividends per Class A Share, the “Liquidation Amount”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in connection with a Liquidation Event, including where substantially concurrent with a BBU Liquidation Event, if the Company, in its sole and absolute discretion elects, it may, subject to applicable Law, redeem all of the outstanding Class A Shares in exchange for such number of BBU Units per Class A Share equal to the Conversion Factor in effect on the Liquidation Reference Date, together with a cash amount per Class A Share equal to any Unpaid Dividends per Class A Share in accordance with §26.21 and §26.22, in lieu of paying the Liquidation Amount.
26.26 The rights of the Class A Shareholders to receive the amount set forth in §26.25 is subject to:
(a) the prior rights of holders of all classes and series of Preferred Shares and any other class of shares ranking in priority with the Class A Shares;
(b) prior payment in full to each Tendering Class A Shareholder and Tendering Class C Shareholder that submitted a Notice of Exchange or a Notice of Class C Retraction, as applicable, at least 10 days prior to the date of the Liquidation Event of the Exchange Consideration (in the case of the Tendering Class A Shareholders) and the Class C Retraction Amount (in the case of the Tendering Class C Shareholders); and
(c) prior payment in full to each Tendering Class B Shareholder that submitted a Notice of Class B Retraction at least 30 days prior to the date of the Liquidation Event of the Cash Amount.
26.27 If, upon any such Liquidation Event, the assets of the Company are insufficient to make payment in full to all Class A Shareholders of the foregoing amounts set forth in §26.25 with respect to the Liquidation Event, then such assets (or consideration) shall be distributed among the Class A Shareholders at the time outstanding, rateably in proportion to the full amounts to which they would otherwise be respectively entitled to receive under §26.25.
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BBU Liquidation Call Right
26.28 Notwithstanding §26.25, BBU will have the overriding right (the “Liquidation Call Right”), in the event of and notwithstanding the occurrence of any Liquidation Event, to purchase from, or cause its affiliate to purchase from, all but not less than all of the Class A Shareholders on the Liquidation Date all but not less than all of the Class A Shares held by each such holder in exchange for the issuance by BBU of such number of BBU Units per Class A Share equal to the Conversion Factor in effect on the Liquidation Reference Date (and together with a cash amount for each Class A Share equal to any Unpaid Dividends per Class A Share, the “Liquidation Call Consideration”). In the event of the exercise of a Liquidation Call Right, each such Class A Shareholder will be obligated on the Liquidation Date to sell all the Class A Shares held by such holder to BBU on the Liquidation Date upon issuance by BBU to the holder of the Liquidation Call Consideration for each such Class A Share and the Company will have no obligation to pay any Liquidation Amount to the holders of such Class A Shares so purchased by BBU.
26.29 In order to exercise the Liquidation Call Right, BBU must notify the Transfer Agent in writing, as agent for the Class A Shareholders and the Company, of its intention to exercise such right at least 30 days before the Liquidation Date in the case of a voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company and at least five Business Days before the Liquidation Date in the case of an involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company. If BBU exercises the Liquidation Call Right in accordance with this §26.29, all obligations of the Company under §26.25 to §26.27 will terminate and on the Liquidation Date BBU will purchase and Class A Shareholders will sell all of their Class A Shares then outstanding for a price per unit equal to the Liquidation Call Consideration.
Automatic Redemption Rights
26.30 Subject to the exercise of the Liquidation Call Right, in connection with a BBU Liquidation Event, including where substantially concurrent with a Liquidation Event, the Company shall, subject to applicable Law, redeem all outstanding Class A Shares on the day prior to the effective date of the BBU Liquidation Event for, in its sole and absolute discretion, (i) an amount in cash per share equal to the BBU Unit Value on the Trading Day immediately preceding the public announcement of the BBU Liquidation Event multiplied by the Conversion Factor (together with a cash amount for each Class A Share equal to any Unpaid Dividends per Class A Share), or (ii) such number of BBU Units equal to the Conversion Factor in effect on the Trading Day immediately preceding the public announcement of the BBU Liquidation Event (together with a cash amount for each Class A Share equal to any Unpaid Dividends per Class A Share).
OTHER RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS
Conversion of Class A Shares
26.31 Any BBU-Affiliated Class A Shareholder shall be entitled at any time to have any or all of such BBU-Affiliated Class A Shareholder’s Class A Shares converted into Class C Shares at a conversion rate equal to one Class C Share for each Class A Share in respect of which the conversion right is exercised. The right of conversion herein provided for may be exercised by notice in writing given to the Transfer Agent (a “Conversion Notice”), which notice shall specify the number of Class A Shares that the BBU-Affiliated Class A Shareholder desires to have converted. Upon receipt of a Conversion Notice, the Company shall, subject to applicable Law, promptly issue to the converting BBU-Affiliated Class A Shareholder the requisite number of Class C Shares and the Transfer Agent shall cancel the converted Class A Shares subject to the Conversion Notice effective concurrently therewith.
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Call Rights
26.32 Each Class A Shareholder, whether a registered holder or a beneficial holder, by virtue of becoming and being such a holder will be deemed to acknowledge each of the Exchange-Redemption Call Right and the Liquidation Call Right, in each case, in favour of BBU, and the overriding nature thereof in connection with the exercise of Exchange Rights, the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company or any other distribution of the assets of the Company among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, or the retraction or redemption of Class A Shares, as the case may be, and to be bound thereby in favour of BBU as herein provided.
PART 27
SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS
CLASS B MULTIPLE VOTING SHARES
Special Rights and Restrictions
27.1 The Class B Shares as a class shall have attached thereto the special rights and restrictions specified in this Part 27.
Dividend Rights
27.2 Except as set out in §27.3, the Class B Shareholders shall not be entitled to receive any dividends on the Class B Shares.
Stock Dividends
27.3 In the event a dividend is declared and paid on the Class A Shares consisting of Class A Shares, the board shall, subject to applicable Law, contemporaneously declare and pay an equivalent dividend on the Class B Shares consisting of Class B Shares.
Ranking of the Class B Shares
27.4 The Class B Shares shall, as to the return of capital in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company, rank junior to the Preferred Shares and to the Class A Shares and senior to the Class C Shares and any other shares ranking junior to the Class B Shares with respect to priority in the return of capital in a Liquidation Event.
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Voting Rights
27.5 Except as expressly provided herein, each Class B Shareholder will be entitled to receive notice of, and attend and vote at, all meetings of shareholders of the Company, except for meetings at which only holders of another specified class or series of shares are entitled to vote separately as a class or series. Each Class B Shareholder will be entitled to cast a number of votes per Class B Share equal to: (i) the number that is three times the number of Class A Shares then issued and outstanding, divided by (ii) the number of Class B Shares then issued and outstanding.
27.6 Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or as required by Law, the Class A Shareholders and the Class B Shareholders will vote together and not as separate classes.
27.7 At any time that no Class A Shares are outstanding or for any vote held only in respect of the Class B Shares, each Class B Shareholder will be entitled to cast one vote per Class B Share.
27.8 Subject to any rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Shares to elect directors under specified circumstances, the holders of the outstanding Class A Shares and Class B Shares, voting together, shall be entitled to vote for the election of all directors of the Company.
Amendment with Approval of Class B Shareholders
27.9 In addition to any other approvals required by Law, the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the Class B Shares as a class may be added to, changed or removed but only with the approval of the Class B Shareholders given as hereinafter specified.
27.10 The approval of the Class B Shareholders to add to, change or remove any right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Class B Shares as a class or in respect of any other matter requiring the consent of the holders of the Class B Shareholders may be given in such manner as may then be required by Law, subject to a minimum requirement that such approval be given by resolution signed by all the Class B Shareholders or passed by the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the votes cast at a meeting of the Class B Shareholders duly called for that purpose. On every poll taken at every meeting of the Class B Shareholders as a class, each Class B Shareholder entitled to vote thereat shall have one vote in respect of each Class B Share held.
Retraction at the Option of the Class B Shareholder
27.11 Subject to applicable Law, at any time from and after the date of the issuance of the Class B Shares, each Class B Shareholder shall have the right (the “Class B Retraction Right”) to require the Company to redeem all or such portion of the Class B Shares registered in the name of such Class B Shareholder specified in a Notice of Class B Retraction delivered to the Company by or on behalf of such Class B Shareholder (such Class B Shares being hereafter referred to as “Tendered Class B Shares” and such Class B Shareholder, the “Tendering Class B Shareholder”) for the Cash Amount (the “Class B Retraction Amount”).
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Notice of Class B Retraction
27.12 A Class B Shareholder must deliver a Notice of Class B Retraction to the registered office of the Company in order to exercise his, her or its Class B Retraction Right.
Satisfaction of Retraction Right
27.13 Upon receipt by Company of a Notice of Class B Retraction and such additional documents and instruments as the Company may reasonably require, the Company shall redeem the Tendered Class B Shares on or prior to the Specified Class B Retraction Date. The Company will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Tendering Class B Shareholder, at the address of the holder recorded in the register of the Company for the Class B Shares or at the address specified in the holder’s Notice of Class B Retraction, the Class B Retraction Amount, and such delivery of such Class B Retraction Amount by or on behalf of the Company, will be deemed to be payment of and will satisfy and discharge all liability for the Class B Retraction Right so exercised.
27.14 Each Tendering Class B Shareholder shall continue to own each Class B Share subject to any Notice of Class B Retraction, and be treated as a Class B Shareholder with respect to each such Class B Share for all other purposes of these Articles, until such Class B Share has been redeemed by the Company in accordance with §27.11 to §27.16.
27.15 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Company will not be obligated to redeem Tendered Class B Shares to the extent that such redemption would be contrary to solvency requirements or other provisions of applicable Law.
Withholding Taxes
27.16 Each Tendering Class B Shareholder shall be required to pay to the Company the amount of any tax withholding due upon the redemption of Tendered Class B Shares pursuant to §27.11 to §27.13 and will be deemed to have authorized the Company to retain such portion of the Class B Retraction Amount as the Company reasonably determines is necessary to satisfy its tax withholding obligations. Before making any withholding pursuant to this §27.16, the Company shall give each Tendering Class B Shareholder within three (3) Business Days after the Company’s receipt of a Notice of Class B Retraction from such Tendering Class B Shareholder, notice of the Company’s good faith estimate of the amount of any anticipated tax withholding (together with the legal basis therefor) due upon the redemption of the Tendered Class B Shares subject to such Notice of Class B Retraction, provide the Tendering Class B Shareholder with sufficient opportunity to provide any forms or other documentation or take such other steps in order to avoid or reduce such tax withholding, and reasonably cooperate with the Tendering Class B Shareholder in good faith to attempt to reduce any amounts that would otherwise be withheld pursuant to this §27.16; provided that any determination with respect to the tax withholding shall be made by the Company in its sole discretion exercised in good faith.
Liquidation Rights
27.17 Upon any Liquidation Event, including where substantially concurrent with a BBU Liquidation Event, subject to the following sentence, the Class B Shareholders shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Company legally available for distribution on the Liquidation Date an amount in cash per Class B Share then held by them equal to the BBU Unit Value for each such Class B Share. At any time no Class C Shares are outstanding, the Class B Shareholders shall be entitled to receive on the Liquidation Date the assets and property of the Company remaining, if any, after the prior payments of the amounts set forth in §27.18.
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27.18 The rights of the Class B Shareholders to receive the amount set forth in §27.17 is subject to the prior payment of the amounts set forth in §26.26(b) and §26.26(c) and to the prior rights of holders of all classes and series of Preferred Shares, Class A Shares and any other class of shares ranking in priority or rateably with the Class B Shares.
27.19 If, upon any such Liquidation Event, the assets of the Company, after payment of any amounts owed to holders of all classes of shares ranking in priority to the Class B Shares, shall be insufficient to make payment in full to all Class B Shareholders of the foregoing amounts set forth in §27.17 with respect to the Liquidation Event, then such assets (or consideration) shall be distributed among the Class B Shareholders at the time outstanding, rateably in proportion to the full amounts to which they would otherwise be respectively entitled to receive under §27.17.
Transfer Restrictions
27.20 The Class B Shares may not be Transferred to any Person other than to BBU or a Person Controlled by BBU. If any Class B Shares are Transferred in contravention of the preceding sentence, (i) such Transfer shall be null and void, and the Company shall not register or otherwise recognize the Transfer of the Class B Shares to the transferee, (ii) any rights to vote attaching to the Class B Shares so Transferred may not be exercised by any Person, (iii) any payment by the Company on the Class B Shares so Transferred shall be prohibited and any such payment shall be forfeited, and (iv) any rights that an ineligible transferee may have as a result of being a holder of Class B Shares shall be null and void, in each case, until such time as such Transfer is cancelled.
PART 28
SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS
CLASS C NON-VOTING SHARES
Special Rights and Restrictions
28.1 The Class C Shares as a class shall have attached thereto the special rights and restrictions specified in this Part 28.
Dividend Rights
28.2 Class C Shareholders shall be entitled to receive, as and when declared by the board of directors, out of any assets of the Company legally available therefor, such dividends as may be declared from time to time by the board of directors. The Class C Shareholders shall not be entitled to receive dividends (i) unless and until the Company has paid any Unpaid Dividends, and (ii) unless and until the Company has paid all of the Exchange Consideration owing to any Tendering Class A Shareholders who have submitted Notices of Exchange before the date the board of directors declares a dividend on the Class C Shares. The record and payment dates for dividends on Class C Shares shall be such date that the board of directors shall designate for the payment of such dividends.
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Stock Dividends
28.3 In the event a dividend is declared and paid on the Class A Shares consisting of Class A Shares, the board shall, subject to applicable Law, contemporaneously declare and pay on the Class C Shares an equivalent dividend on a per share basis consisting of Class C Shares.
Ranking of the Class C Shares
28.4 The Class C Shares shall, as to the payment of dividends and return of capital in a Liquidation Event, rank junior to the Preferred Shares, the Class A Shares and the Class B Shares and senior over any other shares ranking junior to the Class C Shares with respect to priority in payment of dividends and return of capital in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company.
Voting Rights
28.5 Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or as required by Law, each Class C Shareholder shall be entitled to notice of, and to attend, any meetings of shareholders of the Company, but shall not otherwise be entitled to vote at any such meeting.
Amendment with Approval of Class C Shareholders
28.6 In addition to any other approval required by Law, the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the Class C Shares as a class may be added to, changed or removed but only with the approval of the holders of the Class C Shares given as hereinafter specified.
28.7 The approval of the Class C Shareholders to add to, change or remove any right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Class C Shares as a class or in respect of any other matter requiring the consent of the Class C Shareholders may be given in such manner as may then be required by Law, subject to a minimum requirement that such approval be given by resolution signed by all the Class C Shareholders or passed by the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the votes cast at a meeting of the Class C Shareholders duly called for that purpose. On every poll taken at every meeting of the Class C Shareholders as a class, each Class C Shareholder entitled to vote thereat shall have one vote in respect of each Class C Share held.
Retraction at the Option of the Class C Shareholder
28.8 Subject to applicable Law, at any time from and after the date of the issuance of the Class C Shares, each Class C Shareholder shall have the right (the “Class C Retraction Right”) to require the Company to redeem all or such portion of the Class C Shares registered in the name of such Class C Shareholder specified in an Notice of Class C Retraction delivered to the Company by or on behalf of such Class C Shareholder (such Class C Shares being hereafter referred to as “Tendered Class C Shares” and such Class C Shareholder, the “Tendering Class C Shareholder”) for the Cash Amount (the “Class C Retraction Amount”).
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Notice of Class C Retraction
28.9 A Class C Shareholder must deliver a Notice of Class C Retraction to the registered office of the Company in order to exercise his, her or its Class C Retraction Right.
Satisfaction of Retraction Right
28.10 Upon receipt by Company of a Notice of Class C Retraction and such additional documents and instruments as the Company may reasonably require, the Company shall redeem the Tendered Class C Shares on or prior to the Specified Class C Retraction Date. The Company will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Tendering Class C Shareholder, at the address of the holder recorded in the register of the Company for the Class C Shares or at the address specified in the holder’s Notice of Class C Retraction, the Class C Retraction Amount, and such delivery of such Class C Retraction Amount by or on behalf of the Company, will be deemed to be payment of and will satisfy and discharge all liability for the Class C Retraction Right so exercised.
28.11 Each Tendering Class C Shareholder shall continue to own each Class C Share subject to any Notice of Class C Retraction, and be treated as a Class C Shareholder with respect to each such Class C Share for all other purposes of these Articles, until such Class C Share has been redeemed by the Company in accordance with §28.8 to §28.13.
28.12 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Company will not be obligated to redeem Tendered Class C Shares to the extent that such redemption would be contrary to solvency requirements or other provisions of applicable Law.
Withholding Taxes
28.13 Each Tendering Class C Shareholder shall be required to pay to the Company the amount of any tax withholding due upon the redemption of Tendered Class C Shares pursuant to §28.8 to §28.10 and will be deemed to have authorized the Company to retain such portion of the Class C Retraction Amount as the Company reasonably determines is necessary to satisfy its tax withholding obligations. Before making any tax withholding pursuant to this §28.13, the Company shall give each Tendering Class C Shareholder within three (3) Business Days after the Company’s receipt of a Notice of Class C Retraction from such Tendering Class C Shareholder, notice of the Company’s good faith estimate of the amount of any anticipated tax withholding (together with the legal basis therefor) due upon the redemption of the Tendered Class C Shares subject to such Notice of Class C Retraction, provide the Tendering Class C Shareholder with sufficient opportunity to provide any forms or other documentation or take such other steps in order to avoid or reduce such tax withholding, and reasonably cooperate with the Tendering Class C Shareholder in good faith to attempt to reduce any amounts that would otherwise be withheld pursuant to this §28.13; provided that any determination with respect to the tax withholding shall be made by the Company in its sole discretion exercised in good faith.
Liquidation Rights
28.14 Upon any Liquidation Event, including where substantially concurrent with a BBU Liquidation Event, the Class C Shareholders shall be entitled to receive on the Liquidation Date the assets and property of the Company remaining, if any, after the prior payments of the amounts set forth in §28.15.
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28.15 The rights of the Class C Shareholders to receive the amounts set forth in §28.14 is subject to the prior payment of the amounts set forth in §26.26(b) and §26.26(c) and the prior rights of holders of all classes and series of Preferred Shares, Class A Shares, Class B Shares and any other class of shares ranking in priority or rateably with the Class C Shares.
Transfer Restrictions
28.16 The Class C Shares may not be Transferred to any Person other than to BBU or a Person Controlled by BBU. If any Class C Shares are Transferred in contravention of the preceding sentence, (i) such Transfer shall be null and void, and the Company shall not register or otherwise recognize the Transfer of the Class C Shares to the transferee, (ii) any payment by the Company on the Class C Shares so Transferred shall be prohibited and any such payment shall be forfeited, and (iii) any rights that an ineligible transferee may have as a result of being a holder of Class C Shares shall be null and void, in each case, until such time as such Transfer is cancelled.
PART 29
SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS
CLASS A SENIOR PREFERRED SHARES
Special Rights and Restrictions
29.1 Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of issued shares of the Company, the Class A Senior Preferred Shares as a class shall have attached thereto the special rights and restrictions specified in this Part 29.
Directors’ Right to Issue in One or More Series
29.2 The Class A Senior Preferred Shares may be issued at any time or from time to time in one or more series. Before any Class A Senior Preferred Shares of a series are issued, the board of directors shall, subject to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), by resolution:
(a) determine the maximum number of shares of any of those series of shares that the Company is authorized to issue, determine that there is no maximum number or, if none of the shares of that series is issued, alter any determination so made, and authorize the alteration of the notice of articles accordingly;
(b) alter the articles, and authorize the alteration of the notice of articles, to create an identifying name by which the shares of any of those series of shares may be identified or, if none of the shares of that series is issued, to alter any such identifying name so created; and
(c) alter the articles, and authorize the alteration of the notice of articles accordingly, to attach special rights or restrictions to the shares of any of those series of shares, including, but without in any way limiting or restricting the generality of the foregoing, the rate or amount of dividends, whether cumulative, non-cumulative or partially cumulative, the dates, places and currencies of payment thereof, the consideration for, and the terms and conditions of, any purchase, retraction or redemption thereof, including redemption after a fixed term or at a premium, conversion or exchange rights, the terms and conditions of any share purchase plan or sinking fund, the restrictions respecting payment of dividends on, or the repayment of capital in respect of, any other shares of the Company and voting rights and restrictions but no special right or restriction so created, defined or attached shall contravene the provisions of §29.3 and §29.4, or, if none of the shares of that series is issued, to alter any such special rights or restrictions.
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Ranking of the Class A Senior Preferred Shares
29.3 The Class A Senior Preferred Shares of each series shall, as to the payment of dividends and return of capital in a Liquidation Event, rank on a parity with the Class A Senior Preferred Shares of every other series and senior to the Class B Junior Preferred Shares, the Class A Shares, the Class B Shares and the Class C Shares and over any other shares ranking junior to the Preferred Shares with respect to priority in payment of dividends and return of capital in a Liquidation Event.
Voting
29.4 Except as hereinafter referred to or as required by Law or unless provision is made in the articles of the Company relating to any series of Class A Senior Preferred Shares that such series is entitled to vote, the holders of the Class A Senior Preferred Shares as a class shall not be entitled as such to receive notice of, to attend or to vote at any meeting of the shareholders of the Company.
Amendment with Approval of Holder of Class A Senior Preferred Shares
29.5 In addition to any other approval required by Law, the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the Class A Senior Preferred Shares as a class may be added to, changed or removed but only with the approval of the holders of the Class A Senior Preferred Shares given as hereinafter specified.
29.6 The approval of the holders of the Class A Senior Preferred Shares to add to, change or remove any right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Class A Senior Preferred Shares as a class or in respect of any other matter requiring the consent of the holders of the Class A Senior Preferred Shares may be given in such manner as may then be required by Law, subject to a minimum requirement that such approval be given by resolution signed by all the holders of the Class A Senior Preferred Shares or passed by the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the votes cast at a meeting of the holders of the Class A Senior Preferred Shares duly called for that purpose. On every poll taken at every meeting of the holders of the Class A Senior Preferred Shares as a class, or at any joint meeting of the holders of two or more series of Class A Senior Preferred Shares, each holder of Class A Senior Preferred Shares entitled to vote thereat shall have one vote in respect of each Class A Senior Preferred Share held.
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PART 30
SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS
CLASS B JUNIOR PREFERRED SHARES
Special Rights and Restrictions
30.1 Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of issued shares of the Company, the Class B Junior Preferred Shares as a class shall have attached thereto the special rights and restrictions specified in this Part 30.
Directors’ Right to Issue in One or More Series
30.2 The Class B Junior Preferred Shares may be issued at any time or from time to time in one or more series. Before any Class B Junior Preferred Shares of a series are issued, the board of directors shall, subject to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), by resolution:
(a) determine the maximum number of shares of any of those series of shares that the Company is authorized to issue, determine that there is no maximum number or, if none of the shares of that series is issued, alter any determination so made, and authorize the alteration of the notice of articles accordingly;
(b) alter the articles, and authorize the alteration of the notice of articles, to create an identifying name by which the shares of any of those series of shares may be identified or, if none of the shares of that series is issued, to alter any such identifying name so created; and
(c) alter the articles, and authorize the alteration of the notice of articles accordingly, to attach special rights or restrictions to the shares of any of those series of shares, including, but without in any way limiting or restricting the generality of the foregoing, the rate or amount of dividends, whether cumulative, non-cumulative or partially cumulative, the dates, places and currencies of payment thereof, the consideration for, and the terms and conditions of, any purchase, retraction or redemption thereof, including redemption after a fixed term or at a premium, conversion or exchange rights, the terms and conditions of any share purchase plan or sinking fund, the restrictions respecting payment of dividends on, or the repayment of capital in respect of, any other shares of the Company and voting rights and restrictions but no special right or restriction so created, defined or attached shall contravene the provisions of §30.3 and §30.4, or, if none of the shares of that series is issued, to alter any such special rights or restrictions.
Ranking of the Class B Junior Preferred Shares
30.3 The Class B Junior Preferred Shares of each series shall, as to the payment of dividends and return of capital in a Liquidation Event, rank on a parity with the Class B Junior Preferred Shares of every other series, junior to the Class A Senior Preferred Shares and senior to the Class A Shares, the Class B Shares and the Class C Shares and over any other shares ranking junior to the Preferred Shares with respect to priority in payment of dividends and in return of capital in a Liquidation Event.
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Voting
30.4 Except as hereinafter referred to or as required by Law or unless provision is made in the articles of the Company relating to any series of Class B Junior Preferred Shares that such series is entitled to vote, the holders of the Class B Junior Preferred Shares as a class shall not be entitled as such to receive notice of, to attend or to vote at any meeting of the shareholders of the Company.
Amendment with Approval of Holder of Class B Junior Preferred Shares
30.5 In addition to any other approval required by Law, the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the Class B Junior Preferred Shares as a class may be added to, changed or removed but only with the approval of the holders of the Class B Junior Preferred Shares given as hereinafter specified.
30.6 The approval of the holders of the Class B Junior Preferred Shares to add to, change or remove any right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Class B Junior Preferred Shares as a class or in respect of any other matter requiring the consent of the holders of the Class B Junior Preferred Shares may be given in such manner as may then be required by Law, subject to a minimum requirement that such approval be given by resolution signed by all the holders of the Class B Junior Preferred Shares or passed by the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the votes cast at a meeting of the holders of the Class B Junior Preferred Shares duly called for that purpose. On every poll taken at every meeting of the holders of the Class B Junior Preferred Shares as a class, or at any joint meeting of the holders of two or more series of Class B Junior Preferred Shares, each holder of Class B Junior Preferred Shares entitled to vote thereat shall have one vote in respect of each Class B Junior Preferred Share held.
EXHIBIT “A”
Notice of Exchange
NOTICE OF EXCHANGE
To: TSX TRUST COMPANY (the “Transfer Agent”)
PLEASE DELIVER YOUR EXCHANGE REQUEST AS FOLLOWS:
🖂
Via Mail: TSX Trust Company 1 Toronto Street, Suite 1200 Toronto, ON M5C 2V6 Attention: Corporate Actions |
This notice is given pursuant to Section 26.12 of the articles (the “Articles”) of Brookfield Business Corporation (the “Company”). All capitalized words and expressions used in this notice that are defined in the Articles have the meanings ascribed to such words and expressions in the Articles.
The undersigned hereby notifies the Company that the undersigned desires to have the Company redeem in accordance with the Articles:
¨ | all Class A Share(s) registered in the name of the undersigned; or |
¨ | _____ Class A Share(s) registered in the name of the undersigned. |
Such amount of Class A Share(s) elected above, being hereafter referred to herein as the “Tendered Class A Shares”.
The undersigned acknowledges the Exchange-Redemption Call Right of Brookfield Business Partners L.P. (“BBU”) or an affiliate of BBU to acquire all, but not less than all, of the Tendered Class A Shares from the undersigned and that this notice is and will be deemed to be an offer by the undersigned to sell the Tendered Class A Shares to BBU in accordance with the Exchange-Redemption Call Right on or prior to the Specified Exchange Date for the Exchange Consideration and on the other terms and conditions set out in the Articles.
The undersigned acknowledges that the exchange or acquisition of the Tendered Class A Shares may be satisfied by the delivery of an equivalent number of BBU Units (subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events) or the Cash Amount. The form of payment is to be determined by the Company or BBU. It is the intention of the Company and BBU to satisfy any exchange or acquisition of Tendered Class A Shares through the delivery of BBU Units rather than the Cash Amount.
The undersigned acknowledges that the Company will not be obligated to redeem Tendered Class A Shares to the extent that such redemption would be contrary to solvency requirements or other provisions of applicable Laws. If the Company believes that it would not be permitted by any such requirements or other provisions to redeem the Tendered Class A Shares, provided that BBU has not exercised its Exchange-Redemption Call Right with respect to the Tendered Class A Shares, the Company will only be obligated to redeem the maximum number of Tendered Class A Shares (rounded down to a whole number of Class A Shares) that would not be contrary to such provisions.
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants to the Company and BBU that the undersigned has good title to, and owns, the Class A Share(s) to be acquired by the Company, BBU or an affiliate of BBU as the case may be, free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances whatsoever.
Date: |
Name of Person and Account Number (Please print) | |
Street Address or P.O. Box | |
City, Province and Postal Code | |
Signature of Tendering Class A Shareholder | |
( Guarantee of Signature) |
CURRENCY ELECTION
(only if exchange or acquisition of the Tendered Class A Shares is satisfied by the Cash Amount)
Shareholders domiciled in Canada will receive the Cash Amount in Canadian dollars (CAD) and shareholders domiciled in the United States and all other countries will receive the Cash Amount in U.S. dollars (USD), unless otherwise elected below:
¨ | Issue my cash entitlement payment(s) in U.S. dollars (USD). |
¨ | Issue my cash entitlement payment(s) in Canadian dollars (CAD). |
By electing to receive payment in another currency, the undersigned acknowledges that (a) the exchange rate used will be the rate established by the Transfer Agent, in its capacity as foreign exchange service provider to the Company, on the date the funds are converted and (b) the risk of any fluctuation in such rate will be borne by the undersigned.
Payment Delivery Instruction
¨ | Please check this box if the Cash Amount, if applicable, resulting from the exchange or acquisition of the Tendered Class A Shares is to be paid by cheque and mailed to the last address of the Tendering Class A Shareholder as it appears on the register of the Company or as instructed below in Exhibit A. ALL CHEQUE PAYMENTS WILL BE ISSUED TO THE REGISTERED NAME AS IT CURRENTLY APPEARS. |
¨ | Please check this box if the Cash Amount, if applicable, resulting from the exchange or acquisition of the Tendered Class A Shares is to be paid by cheque and held for pick-up by the Tendering Class A Shareholder at the principal transfer office of the Transfer Agent in Toronto, Ontario. |
NOTE: This panel must be completed and such additional documents as the Transfer Agent may require must be deposited with the Transfer Agent at its principal transfer office in Toronto, Ontario. The BBU Units Amount and any payment resulting from the exchange or acquisition of the Tendered Class A Shares will be issued and registered in, and made payable to respectively, the name of the Tendering Class A Shareholder as it appears on the register of the Company and the BBU Units Amount and payment resulting from such exchange or acquisition will be delivered to such Tendering Class A Shareholder as indicated above, unless the form appearing in Exhibit A (including the signature guarantee section) is duly completed.
STATUS AS U.S. SHAREHOLDER
(Please check the appropriate box)
Indicate whether or not you are a U.S. Shareholder or are acting on behalf of a U.S. Shareholder by placing an “X” in the applicable box below. A “U.S. Shareholder” is any holder of Class A Shares that is either (a) requesting that the Cash Amount, if applicable, is to be paid by cheque and mailed to a U.S. address (regardless whether such U.S. address is the last address of the Tendering Class A Shareholder as it appears on the register of the Company or such U.S. address is provided in Exhibit A) or (b) a U.S. person for United States federal income tax purposes as defined in “Important U.S. Tax Information for U.S. Shareholders” in Exhibit B.
¨ | The person signing this Notice of Exchange is not a U.S. Shareholder and is not acting on behalf of a U.S. Shareholder. |
¨ | The person signing this Notice of Exchange is a U.S. Shareholder or is acting on behalf of a U.S. Shareholder. |
If you are a U.S. Shareholder or acting on behalf of a U.S. Shareholder, then in order to avoid U.S. backup withholding, you generally must complete the IRS Form W-9 provided in Exhibit C. If you are a U.S. Shareholder but you are not a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes, then you must complete the appropriate IRS Form W-8 to avoid backup withholding. If you require an IRS Form W-8, please contact the Transfer Agent or download the appropriate IRS Form W-8 at www.irs.gov.
EXHIBIT A:
Cheque Delivery Information
Date: | ||
Name of Person in Whose Name Payment is to be Delivered (please print) | ||
Street Address or P.O. Box | ||
City, Province and Postal Code | ||
Signature of Tendering Class A Shareholder |
Guarantee of Signatures
If this Notice is signed by a person other than the registered owner(s) of the Tendered Class A Share(s), or if BBU Units are to be delivered to a person other than such registered owner(s) or sent to an address other than the address of the registered owner(s) as shown on the register of the Company or if the payment is to be issued in the name of a person other than the registered owner of the Tendered Class A Share(s) such signature must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution1, or in some other manner satisfactory to the Transfer Agent (except that no guarantee is required if the signature is that of an Eligible Institution).
Dated: | |||
Signature guaranteed by (if required) | |||
Authorized Signature | Name of Authorized Representative | ||
(please print or type) (if applicable) | |||
Name of Guarantor (please print or type) | |||
Address (please print or type) |
1 An “Eligible Institution” means a Canadian Schedule I chartered bank, a member of the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (STAMP), a member of the Stock Exchange Medallion Program (SEMP) or a member of the New York Stock Exchange Inc. Medallion Signature Program (MSP), acceptable to the Depositary. Members of these programs are usually members of a recognized stock exchange in Canada and/or the United States, members of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada, members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. or banks or trust companies in Canada or the United States
EXHIBIT B:
IMPORTANT U.S. TAX INFORMATION FOR U.S. SHAREHOLDERS
The following does not constitute a summary of the tax consequences of having the Company redeem the Tendered Class A Shares. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of having the Company redeem the Tendered Class A Shares.
For purposes of this Notice of Exchange, a U.S. person is a beneficial owner of Class A Shares that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is (a) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, (b) a corporation, partnership, or other entity classified as a corporation or partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state or the District of Columbia, (c) an estate if the income of such estate is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of the source of such income, or (d) a trust if (i) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of such trust, or (ii) such trust has validly elected to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
To avoid backup withholding of U.S. federal income tax on the redemption of Tendered Class A Shares, a U.S. Shareholder that is a U.S. person must, unless an exemption applies, provide the Transfer Agent with such holder’s correct taxpayer identification number (TIN) (which, in the case of an individual, generally is the individual’s social security number) or employer identification number (EIN), certify under penalties of perjury that such TIN or EIN is correct, and provide certain other certifications by completing the IRS Form W-9 included in this Notice of Exchange. If a U.S. Shareholder does not provide his, her, or its correct TIN or EIN or fails to provide the required certifications, the IRS may impose certain penalties on such holder, and payments to such holder upon the redemption of Tendered Class A Shares may be subject to backup withholding at a rate currently equal to 24%. All U.S. Shareholders that are U.S. persons submitting this Notice of Exchange should complete and sign the IRS Form W-9 to provide the information and certifications necessary to avoid backup withholding (unless an applicable exemption exists and is proved in a manner satisfactory to the Transfer Agent). To the extent that a U.S. Shareholder designates another U.S. person to receive payment, such other person may be required to provide a properly completed IRS Form W-9.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the amount of backup withholding may be credited against the U.S. federal income tax liability of the person subject to backup withholding. If backup withholding results in an overpayment of tax, a refund can be obtained by the U.S. Shareholder by timely providing the required information to the IRS.
If the Transfer Agent has not been provided with a properly certified TIN or EIN by the time of payment, backup withholding will apply. If the Tendered Class A Shares are held in more than one name or are not in the name of the actual owner, consult the instructions on the enclosed IRS Form W-9 for guidance on which name and TIN or EIN to report.
Certain U.S. Shareholders (such as corporations and individual retirement accounts) are not subject to backup withholding but may be required to provide evidence of their exemption from backup withholding. Exempt U.S. Shareholders should enter the appropriate exempt payee code on IRS Form W-9. See the enclosed IRS Form W-9 for instructions.
A U.S. Shareholder that is not a U.S. person and is not acting on behalf of a U.S. person should not complete IRS Form W-9. Instead, to establish an exemption from backup withholding, such U.S. Shareholder should properly complete and submit an IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E, W-8IMY, W-8ECI, or W-8EXP, as applicable, attesting to such exempt status. An appropriate IRS Form W-8 may be obtained from the Transfer Agent or on the IRS website (www.irs.gov).
ALL U.S. SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS TO DETERMINE HOW THE FOREGOING BACKUP WITHHOLDING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS APPLY TO THEM WITH REGARD TO THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
Exhibit C:
See attached
Form W-9 (Rev. October 2018) Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue ServiceRequest for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification Go to www.irs.gov/FormW9 for instructions and the latest information.Give Form to the requester. Do not send to the IRS.1 Name (as shown on your income tax return). Name is required on this line; do not leave this line blank.2 Business name/disregarded entity name, if different from above3 Check appropriate box for federal tax classification of the person whose name is entered on line 1. Check only one of the following seven boxes.4 Exemptions (codes apply only to certain entities, not individuals; see instructions on page 3):Individual/sole proprietor or single-member LLCC CorporationS CorporationPartnershipTrust/estateExempt payee code (if any)Limited liability company. Enter the tax classification (C=C corporation, S=S corporation, P=Partnership) Note: Check the appropriate box in the line above for the tax classification of the single-member owner. Do not check LLC if the LLC is classified as a single-member LLC that is disregarded from the owner unless the owner of the LLC is another LLC that is not disregarded from the owner for U.S. federal tax purposes. Otherwise, a single-member LLC that is disregarded from the owner should check the appropriate box for the tax classification of its owner. Other (see instructions)Exemption from FATCA reporting code (if any)(Applies to accounts maintained outside the U.S.)5 Address (number, street, and apt. or suite no.) See instructions. Requester’s name and address (optional)6 City, state, and ZIP code7 List account number(s) here (optional)Part I Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. The TIN provided must match the name given on line 1 to avoid backup withholding. For individuals, this is generally your social security number (SSN). However, for a resident alien, sole proprietor, or disregarded entity, see the instructions for Part I, later. For other entities, it is your employer identification number (EIN). If you do not have a number, see How to get a TIN, later. Note: If the account is in more than one name, see the instructions for line 1. Also see What Name and Number To Give the Requester for guidelines on whose number to enter.Social security number– –or Employer identification number–Part II CertificationUnder penalties of perjury, I certify that: 1. The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me); and 2. I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding; and 3. I am a U.S. citizen or other U.S. person (defined below); and 4. The FATCA code(s) entered on this form (if any) indicating that I am exempt from FATCA reporting is correct. Certification instructions. You must cross out item 2 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding because you have failed to report all interest and dividends on your tax return. For real estate transactions, item 2 does not apply. For mortgage interest paid, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, contributions to an individual retirement arrangement (IRA), and generally, payments other than interest and dividends, you are not required to sign the certification, but you must provide your correct TIN. See the instructions for Part II, later.Sign HereSignature of U.S. personDateGeneral Instructions Section references are to the Internal Revenue Code unless otherwise noted. Future developments. For the latest information about developments related to Form W-9 and its instructions, such as legislation enacted after they were published, go to www.irs.gov/FormW9. Purpose of Form An individual or entity (Form W-9 requester) who is required to file an information return with the IRS must obtain your correct taxpayer identification number (TIN) which may be your social security number (SSN), individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), adoption taxpayer identification number (ATIN), or employer identification number (EIN), to report on an information return the amount paid to you, or other amount reportable on an information return. Examples of information returns include, but are not limited to, the following. • Form 1099-INT (interest earned or paid)• Form 1099-DIV (dividends, including those from stocks or mutual funds) • Form 1099-MISC (various types of income, prizes, awards, or gross proceeds) • Form 1099-B (stock or mutual fund sales and certain other transactions by brokers) • Form 1099-S (proceeds from real estate transactions) • Form 1099-K (merchant card and third party network transactions) • Form 1098 (home mortgage interest), 1098-E (student loan interest), 1098-T (tuition) • Form 1099-C (canceled debt) • Form 1099-A (acquisition or abandonment of secured property) Use Form W-9 only if you are a U.S. person (including a resident alien), to provide your correct TIN. If you do not return Form W-9 to the requester with a TIN, you might be subject to backup withholding. See What is backup withholding, later.Cat. No. 10231X Form W-9 (Rev. 10-2018)
Form W-9 (Rev. 10-2018)Page 2By signing the filled-out form, you: 1. Certify that the TIN you are giving is correct (or you are waiting for a number to be issued), 2. Certify that you are not subject to backup withholding, or 3. Claim exemption from backup withholding if you are a U.S. exempt payee. If applicable, you are also certifying that as a U.S. person, your allocable share of any partnership income from a U.S. trade or business is not subject to the withholding tax on foreign partners' share of effectively connected income, and 4. Certify that FATCA code(s) entered on this form (if any) indicating that you are exempt from the FATCA reporting, is correct. See What is FATCA reporting, later, for further information. Note: If you are a U.S. person and a requester gives you a form other than Form W-9 to request your TIN, you must use the requester’s form if it is substantially similar to this Form W-9. Definition of a U.S. person. For federal tax purposes, you are considered a U.S. person if you are: • An individual who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien; • A partnership, corporation, company, or association created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States; • An estate (other than a foreign estate); or • A domestic trust (as defined in Regulations section 301.7701-7). Special rules for partnerships. Partnerships that conduct a trade or business in the United States are generally required to pay a withholding tax under section 1446 on any foreign partners’ share of effectively connected taxable income from such business. Further, in certain cases where a Form W-9 has not been received, the rules under section 1446 require a partnership to presume that a partner is a foreign person, and pay the section 1446 withholding tax. Therefore, if you are a U.S. person that is a partner in a partnership conducting a trade or business in the United States, provide Form W-9 to the partnership to establish your U.S. status and avoid section 1446 withholding on your share of partnership income. In the cases below, the following person must give Form W-9 to the partnership for purposes of establishing its U.S. status and avoiding withholding on its allocable share of net income from the partnership conducting a trade or business in the United States. • In the case of a disregarded entity with a U.S. owner, the U.S. owner of the disregarded entity and not the entity; • In the case of a grantor trust with a U.S. grantor or other U.S. owner, generally, the U.S. grantor or other U.S. owner of the grantor trust and not the trust; and • In the case of a U.S. trust (other than a grantor trust), the U.S. trust (other than a grantor trust) and not the beneficiaries of the trust. Foreign person. If you are a foreign person or the U.S. branch of a foreign bank that has elected to be treated as a U.S. person, do not use Form W-9. Instead, use the appropriate Form W-8 or Form 8233 (see Pub. 515, Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities). Nonresident alien who becomes a resident alien. Generally, only a nonresident alien individual may use the terms of a tax treaty to reduce or eliminate U.S. tax on certain types of income. However, most tax treaties contain a provision known as a “saving clause.” Exceptions specified in the saving clause may permit an exemption from tax to continue for certain types of income even after the payee has otherwise become a U.S. resident alien for tax purposes. If you are a U.S. resident alien who is relying on an exception contained in the saving clause of a tax treaty to claim an exemption from U.S. tax on certain types of income, you must attach a statement to Form W-9 that specifies the following five items. 1. The treaty country. Generally, this must be the same treaty under which you claimed exemption from tax as a nonresident alien. 2. The treaty article addressing the income. 3. The article number (or location) in the tax treaty that contains the saving clause and its exceptions. 4. The type and amount of income that qualifies for the exemption from tax. 5. Sufficient facts to justify the exemption from tax under the terms of the treaty article.Example. Article 20 of the U.S.-China income tax treaty allows an exemption from tax for scholarship income received by a Chinese student temporarily present in the United States. Under U.S. law, this student will become a resident alien for tax purposes if his or her stay in the United States exceeds 5 calendar years. However, paragraph 2 of the first Protocol to the U.S.-China treaty (dated April 30, 1984) allows the provisions of Article 20 to continue to apply even after the Chinese student becomes a resident alien of the United States. A Chinese student who qualifies for this exception (under paragraph 2 of the first protocol) and is relying on this exception to claim an exemption from tax on his or her scholarship or fellowship income would attach to Form W-9 a statement that includes the information described above to support that exemption. If you are a nonresident alien or a foreign entity, give the requester the appropriate completed Form W-8 or Form 8233. Backup Withholding What is backup withholding? Persons making certain payments to you must under certain conditions withhold and pay to the IRS 24% of such payments. This is called “backup withholding.” Payments that may be subject to backup withholding include interest, tax-exempt interest, dividends, broker and barter exchange transactions, rents, royalties, nonemployee pay, payments made in settlement of payment card and third party network transactions, and certain payments from fishing boat operators. Real estate transactions are not subject to backup withholding. You will not be subject to backup withholding on payments you receive if you give the requester your correct TIN, make the proper certifications, and report all your taxable interest and dividends on your tax return. Payments you receive will be subject to backup withholding if: 1. You do not furnish your TIN to the requester, 2. You do not certify your TIN when required (see the instructions for Part II for details), 3. The IRS tells the requester that you furnished an incorrect TIN, 4. The IRS tells you that you are subject to backup withholding because you did not report all your interest and dividends on your tax return (for reportable interest and dividends only), or 5. You do not certify to the requester that you are not subject to backup withholding under 4 above (for reportable interest and dividend accounts opened after 1983 only). Certain payees and payments are exempt from backup withholding. See Exempt payee code, later, and the separate Instructions for the Requester of Form W-9 for more information. Also see Special rules for partnerships, earlier. What is FATCA Reporting? The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) requires a participating foreign financial institution to report all United States account holders that are specified United States persons. Certain payees are exempt from FATCA reporting. See Exemption from FATCA reporting code, later, and the Instructions for the Requester of Form W-9 for more information. Updating Your Information You must provide updated information to any person to whom you claimed to be an exempt payee if you are no longer an exempt payee and anticipate receiving reportable payments in the future from this person. For example, you may need to provide updated information if you are a C corporation that elects to be an S corporation, or if you no longer are tax exempt. In addition, you must furnish a new Form W-9 if the name or TIN changes for the account; for example, if the grantor of a grantor trust dies. Penalties Failure to furnish TIN. If you fail to furnish your correct TIN to a requester, you are subject to a penalty of $50 for each such failure unless your failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect. Civil penalty for false information with respect to withholding. If you make a false statement with no reasonable basis that results in no backup withholding, you are subject to a $500 penalty.
Form W-9 (Rev. 10-2018)Page 3Criminal penalty for falsifying information. Willfully falsifying certifications or affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties including fines and/or imprisonment. Misuse of TINs. If the requester discloses or uses TINs in violation of federal law, the requester may be subject to civil and criminal penalties. Specific Instructions Line 1 You must enter one of the following on this line; do not leave this line blank. The name should match the name on your tax return. If this Form W-9 is for a joint account (other than an account maintained by a foreign financial institution (FFI)), list first, and then circle, the name of the person or entity whose number you entered in Part I of Form W-9. If you are providing Form W-9 to an FFI to document a joint account, each holder of the account that is a U.S. person must provide a Form W-9. a. Individual. Generally, enter the name shown on your tax return. If you have changed your last name without informing the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the name change, enter your first name, the last name as shown on your social security card, and your new last name. Note: ITIN applicant: Enter your individual name as it was entered on your Form W-7 application, line 1a. This should also be the same as the name you entered on the Form 1040/1040A/1040EZ you filed with your application.IF the entity/person on line 1 is a(n) . . . • Corporation • Individual • Sole proprietorship, or • Single-member limited liability company (LLC) owned by an individual and disregarded for U.S. federal tax purposes. • LLC treated as a partnership for U.S. federal tax purposes, • LLC that has filed Form 8832 or 2553 to be taxed as a corporation, or • LLC that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner but the owner is another LLC that is not disregarded for U.S. federal tax purposes. • Partnership • Trust/estate Line 4, ExemptionsTHEN check the box for . . .Corporation Individual/sole proprietor or single- member LLCLimited liability company and enter the appropriate tax classification. (P= Partnership; C= C corporation; or S= S corporation)Partnership Trust/estateb. Sole proprietor or single-member LLC. Enter your individual name as shown on your 1040/1040A/1040EZ on line 1. You may enter your business, trade, or “doing business as” (DBA) name on line 2. c. Partnership, LLC that is not a single-member LLC, C corporation, or S corporation. Enter the entity's name as shown on the entity's tax return on line 1 and any business, trade, or DBA name on line 2. d. Other entities. Enter your name as shown on required U.S. federal tax documents on line 1. This name should match the name shown on the charter or other legal document creating the entity. You may enter any business, trade, or DBA name on line 2. e. Disregarded entity. For U.S. federal tax purposes, an entity that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner is treated as a “disregarded entity.” See Regulations section 301.7701-2(c)(2)(iii). Enter the owner's name on line 1. The name of the entity entered on line 1 should never be a disregarded entity. The name on line 1 should be the name shown on the income tax return on which the income should be reported. For example, if a foreign LLC that is treated as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal tax purposes has a single owner that is a U.S. person, the U.S. owner's name is required to be provided on line 1. If the direct owner of the entity is also a disregarded entity, enter the first owner that is not disregarded for federal tax purposes. Enter the disregarded entity's name on line 2, “Business name/disregarded entity name.” If the owner of the disregarded entity is a foreign person, the owner must complete an appropriate Form W-8 instead of a Form W-9. This is the case even if the foreign person has a U.S. TIN. Line 2 If you have a business name, trade name, DBA name, or disregarded entity name, you may enter it on line 2. Line 3 Check the appropriate box on line 3 for the U.S. federal tax classification of the person whose name is entered on line 1. Check only one box on line 3.If you are exempt from backup withholding and/or FATCA reporting, enter in the appropriate space on line 4 any code(s) that may apply to you. Exempt payee code. • Generally, individuals (including sole proprietors) are not exempt from backup withholding. • Except as provided below, corporations are exempt from backup withholding for certain payments, including interest and dividends. • Corporations are not exempt from backup withholding for payments made in settlement of payment card or third party network transactions. • Corporations are not exempt from backup withholding with respect to attorneys’ fees or gross proceeds paid to attorneys, and corporations that provide medical or health care services are not exempt with respect to payments reportable on Form 1099-MISC. The following codes identify payees that are exempt from backup withholding. Enter the appropriate code in the space in line 4. 1—An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a), any IRA, or a custodial account under section 403(b)(7) if the account satisfies the requirements of section 401(f)(2) 2—The United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities 3—A state, the District of Columbia, a U.S. commonwealth or possession, or any of their political subdivisions or instrumentalities 4—A foreign government or any of its political subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities 5—A corporation 6—A dealer in securities or commodities required to register in the United States, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. commonwealth or possession 7—A futures commission merchant registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission 8—A real estate investment trust 9—An entity registered at all times during the tax year under the Investment Company Act of 1940 10—A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584(a) 11—A financial institution 12—A middleman known in the investment community as a nominee or custodian 13—A trust exempt from tax under section 664 or described in section 4947
Form W-9 (Rev. 10-2018)Page 4The following chart shows types of payments that may be exempt from backup withholding. The chart applies to the exempt payees listed above, 1 through 13. IF the payment is for . . . THEN the payment is exempt for . . . Interest and dividend payments All exempt payees except for 7 Broker transactions Exempt payees 1 through 4 and 6 through 11 and all C corporations. S corporations must not enter an exempt payee code because they are exempt only for sales of noncovered securities acquired prior to 2012.M—A tax exempt trust under a section 403(b) plan or section 457(g) plan Note: You may wish to consult with the financial institution requesting this form to determine whether the FATCA code and/or exempt payee code should be completed. Line 5 Enter your address (number, street, and apartment or suite number). This is where the requester of this Form W-9 will mail your information returns. If this address differs from the one the requester already has on file, write NEW at the top. If a new address is provided, there is still a chance the old address will be used until the payor changes your address in their records. Line 6 Enter your city, state, and ZIP code.Barter exchange transactions and patronage dividends Payments over $600 required to be reported and direct sales over $5,000¹ Payments made in settlement of payment card or third party network transactionsExempt payees 1 through 4Generally, exempt payees 1 through 5²Exempt payees 1 through 4Part I. Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. If you are a resident alien and you do not have and are not eligible to get an SSN, your TIN is your IRS individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). Enter it in the social security number box. If you do not have an ITIN, see How to get a TIN below. If you are a sole proprietor and you have an EIN, you may enter either your SSN or EIN.¹ See Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, and its instructions. ² However, the following payments made to a corporation and reportable on Form 1099-MISC are not exempt from backup withholding: medical and health care payments, attorneys’ fees, gross proceeds paid to an attorney reportable under section 6045(f), and payments for services paid by a federal executive agency. Exemption from FATCA reporting code. The following codes identify payees that are exempt from reporting under FATCA. These codes apply to persons submitting this form for accounts maintained outside of the United States by certain foreign financial institutions. Therefore, if you are only submitting this form for an account you hold in the United States, you may leave this field blank. Consult with the person requesting this form if you are uncertain if the financial institution is subject to these requirements. A requester may indicate that a code is not required by providing you with a Form W-9 with “Not Applicable” (or any similar indication) written or printed on the line for a FATCA exemption code. A—An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a) or any individual retirement plan as defined in section 7701(a)(37) B—The United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities C—A state, the District of Columbia, a U.S. commonwealth or possession, or any of their political subdivisions or instrumentalities D—A corporation the stock of which is regularly traded on one or more established securities markets, as described in Regulations section 1.1472-1(c)(1)(i) E—A corporation that is a member of the same expanded affiliated group as a corporation described in Regulations section 1.1472-1(c)(1)(i) F—A dealer in securities, commodities, or derivative financial instruments (including notional principal contracts, futures, forwards, and options) that is registered as such under the laws of the United States or any state G—A real estate investment trust H—A regulated investment company as defined in section 851 or an entity registered at all times during the tax year under the Investment Company Act of 1940 I—A common trust fund as defined in section 584(a) J—A bank as defined in section 581 K—A broker L—A trust exempt from tax under section 664 or described in section 4947(a)(1)If you are a single-member LLC that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner, enter the owner’s SSN (or EIN, if the owner has one). Do not enter the disregarded entity’s EIN. If the LLC is classified as a corporation or partnership, enter the entity’s EIN. Note: See What Name and Number To Give the Requester, later, for further clarification of name and TIN combinations. How to get a TIN. If you do not have a TIN, apply for one immediately. To apply for an SSN, get Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, from your local SSA office or get this form online at www.SSA.gov. You may also get this form by calling 1-800-772-1213. Use Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, to apply for an ITIN, or Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, to apply for an EIN. You can apply for an EIN online by accessing the IRS website at www.irs.gov/Businesses and clicking on Employer Identification Number (EIN) under Starting a Business. Go to www.irs.gov/Forms to view, download, or print Form W-7 and/or Form SS-4. Or, you can go to www.irs.gov/OrderForms to place an order and have Form W-7 and/or SS-4 mailed to you within 10 business days. If you are asked to complete Form W-9 but do not have a TIN, apply for a TIN and write “Applied For” in the space for the TIN, sign and date the form, and give it to the requester. For interest and dividend payments, and certain payments made with respect to readily tradable instruments, generally you will have 60 days to get a TIN and give it to the requester before you are subject to backup withholding on payments. The 60-day rule does not apply to other types of payments. You will be subject to backup withholding on all such payments until you provide your TIN to the requester. Note: Entering “Applied For” means that you have already applied for a TIN or that you intend to apply for one soon. Caution: A disregarded U.S. entity that has a foreign owner must use the appropriate Form W-8. Part II. Certification To establish to the withholding agent that you are a U.S. person, or resident alien, sign Form W-9. You may be requested to sign by the withholding agent even if item 1, 4, or 5 below indicates otherwise. For a joint account, only the person whose TIN is shown in Part I should sign (when required). In the case of a disregarded entity, the person identified on line 1 must sign. Exempt payees, see Exempt payee code, earlier. Signature requirements. Complete the certification as indicated in items 1 through 5 below.
Form W-9 (Rev. 10-2018)Page 51. Interest, dividend, and barter exchange accounts opened before 1984 and broker accounts considered active during 1983. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification. 2. Interest, dividend, broker, and barter exchange accounts opened after 1983 and broker accounts considered inactive during 1983. You must sign the certification or backup withholding will apply. If you are subject to backup withholding and you are merely providing your correct TIN to the requester, you must cross out item 2 in the certification before signing the form. 3. Real estate transactions. You must sign the certification. You may cross out item 2 of the certification.For this type of account: 14. Account with the Department of Agriculture in the name of a public entity (such as a state or local government, school district, or prison) that receives agricultural program payments 15. Grantor trust filing under the Form 1041 Filing Method or the Optional Form 1099 Filing Method 2 (see Regulations section 1.671-4(b)(2)(i)(B))Give name and EIN of: The public entityThe trust4. Other payments. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification unless you have been notified that you have previously given an incorrect TIN. “Other payments” include payments made in the course of the requester’s trade or business for rents, royalties, goods (other than bills for merchandise), medical and health care services (including payments to corporations), payments to a nonemployee for services, payments made in settlement of payment card and third party network transactions, payments to certain fishing boat crew members and fishermen, and gross proceeds paid to attorneys (including payments to corporations). 5. Mortgage interest paid by you, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, qualified tuition program payments (under section 529), ABLE accounts (under section 529A), IRA, Coverdell ESA, Archer MSA or HSA contributions or distributions, and pension distributions. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification. What Name and Number To Give the Requester For this type of account: Give name and SSN of: 1. Individual The individual¹ List first and circle the name of the person whose number you furnish. If only one person on a joint account has an SSN, that person’s number must be furnished. ² Circle the minor’s name and furnish the minor’s SSN. ³ You must show your individual name and you may also enter your business or DBA name on the “Business name/disregarded entity” name line. You may use either your SSN or EIN (if you have one), but the IRS encourages you to use your SSN. ⁴ List first and circle the name of the trust, estate, or pension trust. (Do not furnish the TIN of the personal representative or trustee unless the legal entity itself is not designated in the account title.) Also see Special rules for partnerships, earlier. *Note: The grantor also must provide a Form W-9 to trustee of trust. Note: If no name is circled when more than one name is listed, the number will be considered to be that of the first name listed. Secure Your Tax Records From Identity Theft Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, SSN, or other identifying information, without your2. Two or more individuals (joint account) other than an account maintained by an FFI 3. Two or more U.S. persons (joint account maintained by an FFI)4. Custodial account of a minor (Uniform Gift to Minors Act) 5. a. The usual revocable savings trust (grantor is also trustee) b. So-called trust account that is not a legal or valid trust under state law 6. Sole proprietorship or disregarded entity owned by an individual 7. Grantor trust filing under Optional Form 1099 Filing Method 1 (see Regulations section 1.671-4(b)(2)(i) (A)) For this type of account: 8. Disregarded entity not owned by an individual 9. A valid trust, estate, or pension trust10. Corporation or LLC electing corporate status on Form 8832 or Form 2553 11. Association, club, religious, charitable, educational, or other tax- exempt organizationThe actual owner of the account or, if combined funds, the first individual on ¹the accoun t Each holder of the account2 The minor1 The grantor-trustee1 The actual owner³The owne rThe grantor*Give name and EIN of: The owner⁴Legal entit y The corporationThe organizationpermission, to commit fraud or other crimes. An identity thief may use your SSN to get a job or may file a tax return using your SSN to receive a refund. To reduce your risk: • Protect your SSN, • Ensure your employer is protecting your SSN, and • Be careful when choosing a tax preparer. If your tax records are affected by identity theft and you receive a notice from the IRS, respond right away to the name and phone number printed on the IRS notice or letter. If your tax records are not currently affected by identity theft but you think you are at risk due to a lost or stolen purse or wallet, questionable credit card activity or credit report, contact the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490 or submit Form 14039. For more information, see Pub. 5027, Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers. Victims of identity theft who are experiencing economic harm or a systemic problem, or are seeking help in resolving tax problems that have not been resolved through normal channels, may be eligible for Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) assistance. You can reach TAS by calling the TAS toll-free case intake line at 1-877-777-4778 or TTY/TDD 1-800-829-4059. Protect yourself from suspicious emails or phishing schemes. Phishing is the creation and use of email and websites designed to mimic legitimate business emails and websites. The most common act is sending an email to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft.12. Partnership or multi-member LLC 13. A broker or registered nomineeThe partnership The broker or nominee
Form W-9 (Rev. 10-2018)Page 6The IRS does not initiate contacts with taxpayers via emails. Also, the IRS does not request personal detailed information through email or ask taxpayers for the PIN numbers, passwords, or similar secret access information for their credit card, bank, or other financial accounts. If you receive an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, forward this message to phishing@irs.gov. You may also report misuse of the IRS name, logo, or other IRS property to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 1-800-366-4484. You can forward suspicious emails to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov or report them at www.ftc.gov/complaint. You can contact the FTC at www.ftc.gov/idtheft or 877-IDTHEFT (877-438-4338). If you have been the victim of identity theft, see www.IdentityTheft.gov and Pub. 5027. Visit www.irs.gov/IdentityTheft to learn more about identity theft and how to reduce your risk.Privacy Act Notice Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code requires you to provide your correct TIN to persons (including federal agencies) who are required to file information returns with the IRS to report interest, dividends, or certain other income paid to you; mortgage interest you paid; the acquisition or abandonment of secured property; the cancellation of debt; or contributions you made to an IRA, Archer MSA, or HSA. The person collecting this form uses the information on the form to file information returns with the IRS, reporting the above information. Routine uses of this information include giving it to the Department of Justice for civil and criminal litigation and to cities, states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. commonwealths and possessions for use in administering their laws. The information also may be disclosed to other countries under a treaty, to federal and state agencies to enforce civil and criminal laws, or to federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies to combat terrorism. You must provide your TIN whether or not you are required to file a tax return. Under section 3406, payers must generally withhold a percentage of taxable interest, dividend, and certain other payments to a payee who does not give a TIN to the payer. Certain penalties may also apply for providing false or fraudulent information.
EXHIBIT “B”
Notice of Class A Redemption
NOTICE OF CLASS A REDEMPTION
To: Class A Shareholders of Brookfield Business Corporation (the “Company”)
This notice is given pursuant to Section 26.19 of the articles of the Company (the “Articles”). All capitalized words and expressions used in this notice that are defined in the Articles have the meanings ascribed to such words and expressions in such Articles.
The Company hereby notifies the Class A Shareholders that the Company desires to redeem all of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares in accordance with the Articles.
The Company acknowledges that this notice is and will be deemed to be an irrevocable offer by the Company to redeem all of the Class A Shares on the Specified Class A Redemption Date for the Redemption Consideration and on the other terms and conditions set out in the Articles.
The Specified Class A Redemption Date will be _________________________.
Brookfield Business Corporation | |
(Date) |
EXHIBIT “C”
Notice of Class B Retraction
NOTICE OF CLASS B RETRACTION
To: Brookfield Business Corporation (the “Company”)
This notice is given pursuant to Section 27.12 of the articles of the Company (the “Articles”). All capitalized words and expressions used in this notice that are defined in the Articles have the meanings ascribed to such words and expressions in such Articles.
The undersigned hereby notifies the Company that the undersigned desires to have the Company redeem in accordance with the Articles:
__ all Class B Share(s) registered in the name of the undersigned; or
__ _____ Class B Share(s) registered in the name of the undersigned.
The undersigned acknowledges that this notice is and will be deemed to be an irrevocable offer by the undersigned to sell the Tendered Class B Shares to the Company on or prior to the Specified Class B Retraction Date for the Class B Retraction Amount and on the other terms and conditions set out in the Articles.
The undersigned acknowledges that the Company will not be obligated to redeem Tendered Class B Shares to the extent that such redemption would be contrary to solvency requirements or other provisions of applicable Laws. If the Company believes that it would not be permitted by any such requirements or other provisions to redeem the Tendered Class B Shares, the Company will only be obligated to redeem the maximum number of Tendered Class B Shares (rounded down to a whole number of Class B Shares) that would not be contrary to such provisions.
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants to the Company that the undersigned has good title to, and owns, the Class B Share(s) to be acquired by the Company, free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances whatsoever.
(Date) | |
(Signature of Tendering Class B Shareholder) | |
(Guarantee of Signature) |
¨ Please check this box if the Cash Amount resulting from the acquisition of the Tendered Class B Shares is to be mailed to the last address of the Tendering Class B Shareholder as it appears on the register of the Company.
NOTE: This panel must be completed and this certificate, together with such additional documents as the Company may require, must be delivered to the registered office of the Company in Vancouver, British Columbia. Any payment resulting from the acquisition of the Tendered Class B Shares will be made payable to the name of the Tendering Class B Shareholder as it appears on the register of the Company and payment resulting from such acquisition will be delivered to such Tendering Class B Shareholder as indicated above, unless the form appearing immediately below is duly completed.
Date: | ||
Name of Person in Whose Name Payment is to be Delivered (please print) | ||
Street Address or P.O. Box | ||
City, Province and Postal Code | ||
Signature of Tendering Class B Shareholder |
NOTE: If this Notice of Class B Retraction is for less than all of the Class B Share(s) represented by this certificate, a certificate representing the remaining Class B Shares of the Company will be issued and registered in the name of the Tendering Class B Shareholder as it appears on the register of the Company.
EXHIBIT “D”
Notice of Class C Retraction
NOTICE OF CLASS C RETRACTION
To: Brookfield Business Corporation (the “Company”)
This notice is given pursuant to Section 28.9 of the articles of the Company (the “Articles”). All capitalized words and expressions used in this notice that are defined in the Articles have the meanings ascribed to such words and expressions in such Articles.
The undersigned hereby notifies the Company that the undersigned desires to have the Company redeem in accordance with the Articles:
__ all Class C Share(s) registered in the name of the undersigned; or
__ _____ Class C Share(s) registered in the name of the undersigned.
The undersigned acknowledges that this notice is and will be deemed to be an irrevocable offer by the undersigned to sell the Tendered Class C Shares to the Company on or prior to the Specified Class C Retraction Date for the Class C Retraction Amount and on the other terms and conditions set out in the Articles.
The undersigned acknowledges that the Company will not be obligated to redeem Tendered Class C Shares to the extent that such redemption would be contrary to solvency requirements or other provisions of applicable Laws. If the Company believes that it would not be permitted by any such requirements or other provisions to redeem the Tendered Class C Shares, the Company will only be obligated to redeem the maximum number of Tendered Class C Shares (rounded down to a whole number of Class C Shares) that would not be contrary to such provisions.
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants to the Company that the undersigned has good title to, and owns, the Class C Share(s) to be acquired by the Company, free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances whatsoever.
(Date) | |
(Signature of Tendering Class C Shareholder) | |
(Guarantee of Signature) |
¨ Please check this box if the Cash Amount resulting from the acquisition of the Tendered Class C Shares is to be mailed to the last address of the Tendering Class C Shareholder as it appears on the register of the Company.
NOTE: This panel must be completed and this certificate, together with such additional documents as the Company may require, must be delivered to the registered office of the Company in Vancouver, British Columbia. Any payment resulting from the acquisition of the Tendered Class C Shares will be made payable to the name of the Tendering Class C Shareholder as it appears on the register of the Company and payment resulting from such acquisition will be delivered to such Tendering Class C Shareholder as indicated above, unless the form appearing immediately below is duly completed.
Date: | ||
Name of Person in Whose Name Payment is to be Delivered (please print) | ||
Street Address or P.O. Box | ||
City, Province and Postal Code | ||
Signature of Tendering Class C Shareholder |
NOTE: If this Notice of Class C Retraction is for less than all of the Class C Share(s) represented by this certificate, a certificate representing the remaining Class C Shares of the Company will be issued and registered in the name of the Tendering Class C Shareholder as it appears on the register of the Company.
Exhibit 99.2
EXECUTION VERSION
BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.
and
WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Rights Agent
RIGHTS AGREEMENT
Dated as of March 15, 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Section 1. | Certain Definitions | 2 |
Section 2. | Appointment of Rights Agent | 5 |
Section 3. | Secondary Exchange Rights. | 5 |
Section 4. | Satisfaction of Secondary Exchange Rights | 6 |
Section 5. | Exercise of Rights | 9 |
Section 6. | Confirmation Procedures | 9 |
Section 7. | BBU Units Record Date. | 11 |
Section 8. | Collateral Account | 11 |
Section 9. | Registration of BBU Unit Resales | 14 |
Section 10. | Concerning BAM | 14 |
Section 11. | Rights of Action | 16 |
Section 12. | Concerning the Rights Agent | 16 |
Section 13. | Merger or Consolidation or Change of Name of Rights Agent | 17 |
Section 14. | Duties of Rights Agent. | 17 |
Section 15. | Change of Rights Agent | 20 |
Section 16. | Notices. | 21 |
Section 17. | Supplements and Amendments | 22 |
Section 18. | Successors | 22 |
Section 19. | Benefits of this Agreement. | 22 |
Section 20. | Severability | 23 |
Section 21. | Governing Law; Forum Selection. | 23 |
Section 22. | Counterparts | 23 |
Section 23. | Descriptive Headings | 23 |
Section 24. | Administration; Termination. | 23 |
Section 25. | No Waiver; Cumulative Rights. | 24 |
Section 26. | Fractional Units. | 24 |
Section 27. | Book Entry | 24 |
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RIGHTS AGREEMENT
This Rights Agreement (this “Agreement”) is dated as of March 15, 2022 between Brookfield Asset Management Inc., a corporation existing under the laws of Ontario, Canada (“BAM”), and Wilmington Trust, National Association (the “Rights Agent”).
WHEREAS, Brookfield Business Partners L.P. (“BBU”) has agreed to distribute class A exchangeable subordinate voting shares (the “Class A Shares”) of Brookfield Business Corporation (the “Company,” and together with BBU, “our group”) to the holders of BBU Units pursuant to a special distribution (the “Special Distribution”), and additionally to BAM and its subsidiaries (other than entities within our group), and in connection therewith, certain Affiliates (as hereinafter defined) of BAM will become service providers to the Company and certain of the Company’s Affiliates pursuant to an amendment to the amended and restated master services agreement dated June 1, 2016 among BAM, BBU and others (the “Master Services Agreement”), which amendment will be effective as of the distribution date for the Special Distribution (the “Distribution Date”);
WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Company’s Articles, each Class A Shareholder will have the right (the “Exchange Right”) to require the Company to exchange all or a portion of the Class A Shares held by such Class A Shareholder (such Class A Shares being hereafter referred to as “Subject Class A Shares” and such exchanging Class A Shareholder, the “Exchanging Class A Shareholder”) for the BBU Units Amount or the Cash Amount in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Company’s Articles;
WHEREAS, BBU may, in its sole and absolute discretion (including by means of a standing resolution adopted by the board of directors of the general partner of BBU, which may be amended or withdrawn at any time) elect to satisfy the Company’s Exchange Right obligation and acquire the Subject Class A Shares from such Exchanging Class A Shareholder in exchange for the BBU Units Amount or the Cash Amount, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Company’s Articles;
WHEREAS, BAM is willing to provide for the delivery of the BBU Units Amount or, in its sole election, the Cash Amount to satisfy the Class A Shareholders’ Secondary Exchange Right (as hereinafter defined) in the event that, in connection with any Subject Class A Shares, (i) the Company has not satisfied its Exchange Right obligation under the Company’s Articles by delivering the BBU Units Amount or Cash Amount on the Specified Exchange Date (as hereinafter defined) and (ii) BBU has not, upon its election in its sole and absolute discretion, acquired such Subject Class A Shares from the Exchanging Class A Shareholder in exchange for the delivery of the BBU Units Amount or the Cash Amount pursuant to the Company’s Articles on the Specified Exchange Date;
WHEREAS, the Rights Agent desires to serve as agent for the Class A Shareholders with respect to the administration of the Secondary Exchange Rights; and
WHEREAS, BAM and the Rights Agent desire to set forth their rights and obligations with respect to the Secondary Exchange Rights and the delivery of the BBU Units Amount or, at BAM’s sole election, the Cash Amount in satisfaction of the Secondary Exchange Rights.
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NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements herein set forth, the parties hereby agree as follows:
Section 1. Certain Definitions.
For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings indicated:
“Affiliate” shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in Rule 12b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act, as in effect on the date of this Agreement, including, for the avoidance of doubt, any future Affiliates.
“Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals.
“Applicable Procedures” means, with respect to any transfer of securities that are held through DTC or another Depositary, the rules and procedures of DTC or such other Depositary, as applicable, that apply to such transfer or exchange.
“BAM” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals.
“BBU” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals.
“BBU Unit” shall mean a limited partnership interest in BBU representing a fractional part of all the limited partner interests in BBU as outstanding on the date hereof (or any other class of equity security of BBU into which the limited partnership interests in BBU may be converted after the date hereof), which is designated as a “Unit”, and shall include any limited partnership interest or other equity interest of BBU or any successor to BBU into which such BBU Unit is converted or for which such Unit is exchanged.
“BBU Unit Convertible” shall mean any security, other than the Class A Shares, convertible into or redeemable for BBU Unit(s), provided such conversion or redemption right is freely and immediately exercisable by the holder thereof at any time, including, for the avoidance of doubt and without limitation, redemption-exchange units of Brookfield Business L.P.
“BBU Unit Release Price” shall mean, as of the date of withdrawal of any BBU Unit or BBU Unit Convertible from the Collateral Account, an amount in cash or Cash Equivalents equal to one hundred and fifty percent (150%) of the BBU Unit Value of such BBU Units or the BBU Unit Value of the number of BBU Units into which such BBU Unit Convertible may be converted or redeemed for, as of such date.
“BBU Unit Value” shall have the meaning as provided in the Company’s Articles.
“BBU Units Amount” shall have the meaning as provided in the Company’s Articles.
“Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or a day on which banking institutions in New York, New York are authorized or obligated by law or executive order to close.
“Cash Amount” shall have the meaning as provided in the Company’s Articles.
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“Cash Equivalents” shall mean (i) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof (provided that the full faith and credit of the United States is pledged in support thereof) having maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition, (ii) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state of the United States or any political subdivision of any such state maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof and having one of the two highest ratings obtainable from either S&P or Moody’s, (iii) dollar denominated time deposits, certificates of deposit and bankers acceptances of any commercial bank having, or which is the principal banking subsidiary of a bank holding company having, a combined capital and surplus of at least $1,000,000,000 with maturities of not more than one year from the date of acquisition, (iv) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than seven (7) days for underlying securities of the types described in clause (i) above entered into with any bank meeting the qualifications specified in clause (iii) above, and (v) investments in money market funds substantially all of whose assets are comprised of securities of the types described in clauses (i) through (v) above.
“Class A Shareholder” shall mean any holder of at least one Class A Share.
“Class A Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals.
“Close of Business” on any given date shall mean 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on such date; provided, however, that if such date is not a Business Day it shall mean 5:00 P.M., New York City time, on the next succeeding Business Day.
“Collateral Account” shall have the meaning as provided in Section 8.
“Collateral Account Balance” shall mean the aggregate of the Collateral Account BBU Unit Balance and the Collateral Account Cash Balance.
“Collateral Account BBU Unit Balance” shall mean, as of any date, (i) the number of BBU Units in the Collateral Account plus (ii) the number of BBU Units issuable upon conversion or redemption of BBU Unit Convertibles in the Collateral Account as of such date.
“Collateral Account Cash Balance” shall mean, as of any date, a number of BBU Units (rounded down to the nearest whole unit) equal to the quotient of (i) the aggregate amount of cash and Cash Equivalents in the Collateral Account divided by (ii) the BBU Unit Value as of such date; provided that for purposes of Section 8(d) and Section 8(e), the Collateral Account Cash Balance shall equal the aggregate amount of cash and Cash Equivalents in the Collateral Account as of such date.
“Company” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals.
“Company Notice” shall mean a written notice in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit D-1 delivered by the Company to the Rights Agent, BBU and BAM, with respect to any Subject Class A Share, stating that (i) the Company has not satisfied its obligation under sections 26.11 and 26.13 of the Company’s Articles with respect to such Subject Class A Share by delivering the Cash Amount or BBU Units Amount on the applicable Specified Exchange Date and (ii) BBU has not, upon its election in its sole and absolute discretion, acquired such Subject Class A Share from the Exchanging Class A Shareholder and delivered the BBU Units Amount or
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Cash Amount in exchange therefor pursuant to section 26.23 of the Company’s Articles on the Specified Exchange Date.
“Company’s Articles” shall mean the Articles of Incorporation of the Company substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A, as amended from time to time following the Distribution Date in accordance with its terms.
“Conversion Factor” shall have the meaning as provided in the Company’s Articles.
“Depositary” means a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act.
“Distribution Date” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals, and BAM shall notify the Rights Agent in writing immediately following the determination of such date.
“DTC” means The Depository Trust Company.
“Exchange Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
“Exchange Right” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals.
“Exchanging Class A Shareholder” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals.
“Exchanging Class A Shareholder Notice” shall mean a written notice in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit D-2 delivered by a Class A Shareholder to the Rights Agent and BAM and containing a medallion guarantee, with respect to any Subject Class A Share, that (i) the Company has not satisfied its obligation under sections 26.11 and 26.13 of the Company’s Articles by delivering the BBU Units Amount or Cash Amount on the applicable Specified Exchange Date and (ii) BBU has not, upon its election in its sole and absolute discretion, acquired such Subject Class A Share from the Exchanging Class A Shareholder and delivered the BBU Units Amount or Cash Amount in exchange therefor pursuant to section 26.23 of the Company’s Articles on the applicable Specified Exchange Date.
“Final Expiration Date” shall mean the fifth anniversary of the Distribution Date.
“Participant” means, with respect to a Depositary, a Person who has an account with the Depositary.
“Person” shall mean any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, business trust, limited liability company, unincorporated association or other entity, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such entity.
“Received Class A Share Account” shall have the meaning as provided in Section 4(c).
“Registered BBU Unit” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.
“Required Collateral Account Balance” shall mean, as of a particular date, a number of BBU Units equal to the product of (i) the total number of Class A Shares outstanding on such date, excluding Class A Shares owned by BAM or its Affiliates, multiplied by (ii) the Conversion Factor in effect on such date.
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“Required Collateral Account Cash Balance” shall mean, as of a particular date, the product of (i)(a) the Required Collateral Account Balance minus (b) the Collateral Account BBU Unit Balance, multiplied by (ii) one hundred and twenty-five percent (125%) of the BBU Unit Value as of such date.
“Rights Agent” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals.
“Secondary Exchange Right” shall have the meaning as provided in the Company’s Articles.
“Securities Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
“Specified Exchange Date” shall have the meaning as provided in the Company’s Articles.
“Subject Class A Shares” shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals.
Section 2. Appointment of Rights Agent.
The Rights Agent is hereby appointed to act as agent for the holders of the Secondary Exchange Rights, as a class and not individually, in accordance with the express terms and conditions hereof, and the Rights Agent hereby accepts such appointment. The obligations of the Rights Agent hereunder shall become effective as of the Distribution Date. The Rights Agent shall neither be responsible for, nor chargeable with, knowledge of the terms and conditions of any other agreement, instrument, or document (including, without limitation, the Company’s Articles or the Class A Shares) other than this Agreement, except to the extent that defined terms set forth in the Company’s Articles are expressly incorporated herein, whether or not an original or a copy of such agreement, instrument, or document has been provided to the Rights Agent; and the Rights Agent shall have no duty to know or inquire as to the performance or nonperformance of any provision of any such agreement, instrument, or document. Except to the extent that defined terms set forth in the Company’s Articles are expressly incorporated herein, references in this Agreement to any other agreement, instrument, or document are for the convenience of the parties and the Rights Agent has no duties or obligations with respect thereto.
Section 3. Secondary Exchange Rights.
(a) The Secondary Exchange Rights are a part of the terms of the Class A Shares and shall not be transferred or assigned separate or apart from the Class A Shares. The Secondary Exchange Rights shall not be separately evidenced. Any sale, transfer, assignment or other disposition of a Class A Share shall also constitute the sale, transfer, assignment or other disposition of the Secondary Exchange Rights associated with such Class A Share.
(b) Physical certificates for Class A Shares, if any, which become outstanding prior to the Close of Business on the Final Expiration Date shall have impressed on, printed on, written on or otherwise affixed to them the following legend:
This certificate also evidences and entitles the holder hereof to certain Secondary Exchange Rights as set forth in a Rights Agreement between Brookfield Asset Management Inc. and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Rights Agent, dated as of March 15, 2022, as it may from time to time be amended or supplemented pursuant to its terms (the “Agreement”), the terms of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference and a copy of which is on file at the principal executive offices of the Company. The Company will mail to the holder of this certificate a copy of the Agreement without charge after receipt of a written request therefor. The Secondary Exchange Rights are a part of the terms of the Class A Shares and shall not be transferred or assigned separate or apart from the Class A Shares.
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Notwithstanding this Section 3(b), the omission of a legend shall not affect the enforceability of any part of this Agreement or the rights of any holder of the Secondary Exchange Rights.
Section 4. Satisfaction of Secondary Exchange Rights.
(a) BAM hereby agrees to satisfy, or cause to be satisfied, the obligations with respect to the Secondary Exchange Rights contained in the Company’s Articles in accordance with the terms of this Agreement in the event that, in connection with any Subject Class A Share, (i) the Company has not satisfied its obligation under sections 26.11 and 26.13 of the Company’s Articles by delivering the BBU Units Amount or Cash Amount on the applicable Specified Exchange Date and (ii) BBU has not, upon its election in its sole and absolute discretion, acquired such Subject Class A Share from the Exchanging Class A Shareholder and delivered the BBU Units Amount or Cash Amount in exchange therefor pursuant to section 26.23 of the Company’s Articles on the applicable Specified Exchange Date.
(i) In accordance with the Company’s Articles, the Company is required to deliver a Company Notice, which shall be executed by an authorized signatory identified in Exhibit B-1 attached hereto (which exhibit may be updated by the Company from time to time in the Company’s reasonable discretion, provided that such update does not adversely affect any Class A Shareholder or its rights hereunder in any respect), to the Rights Agent and BAM on the Specified Exchange Date if the conditions to the exercise of the Secondary Exchange Rights set forth in the immediately preceding sentence with respect to such Subject Class A Shares have been satisfied, which Company Notice shall set forth the BBU Units Amount and the Cash Amount for such Subject Class A Shares and any wire transfer or other delivery instructions necessary to permit the Rights Agent to transfer the BBU Units or the Cash Amount to the Exchanging Class A Shareholder and be in a format that is acceptable to the Rights Agent (determined by the Rights Agent acting reasonably and in good faith). If the Rights Agent shall not have received a signed written notice executed by an authorized signatory identified in Exhibit B-2 attached hereto from BAM (which exhibit may be updated by BAM from time to time in BAM’s reasonable discretion, provided that such update does not adversely affect any Class A Shareholder or its rights hereunder in any respect) by the Close of Business on the Business Day immediately following the date the Rights Agent received the Company Notice, providing that BAM has elected, in BAM’s sole discretion, to fund the Cash Amount pursuant to Section 4(b) below, the Rights Agent shall exchange (in accordance with Section 4(e) below) such Subject Class A Shares for a number of BBU Units held in the Collateral Account equal to the BBU Units Amount for such Subject Class A Shares set forth in such Company Notice and promptly, and in any event within two Business Days following the receipt of the Company Notice and the Subject Class A Shares in the Received Class A Share Account pursuant to Section 4(c), deliver such BBU Units from the Collateral Account to the Exchanging Class A Shareholder; provided that if there shall not be enough BBU Units in the Collateral Account to satisfy the BBU Units Amount with respect to one or more of such Subject Class A Shares, the Rights Agent shall exchange each such Subject Class A Share for an amount of cash from the Collateral Account equal to the Cash Amount for such Subject Class A Share and promptly, and in any event within two Business Days of receipt of the Company Notice and the Subject Class A Shares in the Received Class A Share Account pursuant to Section 4(c), deliver the Cash Amount to the Exchanging Class A Shareholder. For the avoidance of doubt, if for any given exercise of the Secondary Exchange Rights under this Section 4 there are not enough BBU Units in the Collateral Account to satisfy the BBU Units Amount with respect to all Subject Class A Shares subject to such Secondary Exchange Right, the Rights Agent shall not cause any BBU Units to be exchanged with respect to any such Subject Class A Shares, and shall instead only deliver to the Exchanging Class A Shareholder the Cash Amount with respect to each such Subject Class A Share from the Collateral Account.
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(ii) In the event that, in connection with any Subject Class A Share, (i) the Company has not satisfied its obligation under sections 26.11 and 26.13 of the Company’s Articles by delivering the BBU Units Amount or Cash Amount on the applicable Specified Exchange Date and (ii) BBU has not, upon its election in its sole and absolute discretion, acquired such Subject Class A Share from the Exchanging Class A Shareholder and delivered the BBU Units Amount or Cash Amount in exchange therefor pursuant to section 26.23 of the Company’s Articles on the applicable Specified Exchange Date, the Exchanging Class A Shareholder shall have the right to deliver, or cause to be delivered, an original Exchanging Class A Shareholder Notice to the Rights Agent and BAM, which Exchanging Class A Shareholder Notice shall set forth the number of such Subject Class A Shares and any wire transfer or other delivery instructions necessary to permit the Rights Agent to transfer the BBU Units Amount or the Cash Amount to the Exchanging Class A Shareholder and be in a format that is acceptable to the Rights Agent (determined by the Rights Agent acting reasonably and in good faith). As promptly as practicable and in any event on or prior to the Business Day immediately following the date of such Exchanging Class A Shareholder Notice, BAM shall provide written notice to the Rights Agent, which notice shall (i) set forth the BBU Units Amount and the Cash Amount for such Subject Class A Shares subject to such Exchanging Class A Shareholder Notice and (ii) either (A) provide that BAM has elected, in BAM’s sole discretion, to fund the Cash Amount pursuant to Section 4(b) below with respect to such Subject Class A Shares, or (B) instruct the Rights Agent to exchange (in accordance with Section 4(c), and 4(e) below) each Subject Class A Share in accordance with this Section 4(a)(ii), it being understood that BAM shall not be obligated to deliver such notice to the Rights Agent if it has determined in good faith that the conditions to the exercise of the Secondary Exchange Right set forth in Section 4(a) have not been satisfied. Upon receipt of an instruction by BAM pursuant to clause (ii)(B) of the immediately preceding sentence and receipt of an original Exchanging Class A Shareholder Notice and the Subject Class A Shares in the Received Class A Share Account pursuant to Section 4(c), the Rights Agent shall exchange such Subject Class A Shares for a number of BBU Units held in the Collateral Account equal to the BBU Units Amount for such Subject Class A Shares set forth in such BAM instructions and, on or prior to the second Business Day following receipt of such instruction from BAM and receipt of an original Exchanging Class A Shareholder Notice, and the Subject Class A Shares in the Received Class A Share Account pursuant to Section 4(c), deliver such BBU Units from the Collateral Account to the Exchanging Class A Shareholder; provided that if there shall not be enough BBU Units in the Collateral Account to satisfy the BBU Units Amount with respect to one of more of such Subject Class A Shares, the Rights Agent shall exchange each such Subject Class A Share for an amount of cash from the Collateral Account equal to the Cash Amount for such Subject Class A Share and, on or prior to the second Business Day following receipt of such instruction from BAM and receipt of an original Exchanging Class A Shareholder Notice, and the Subject Class A Shares in the Received Class A Share Account pursuant to Section 4(c), deliver the Cash Amount to the Exchanging Class A Shareholder. The Rights Agent shall not take any action under this Section 4(a)(ii) or otherwise upon receipt of an Exchanging Class A Shareholder Notice unless BAM has instructed the Rights Agent to exchange any Subject Class A Share for a number of BBU Units or the Cash Amount, as applicable, as set forth in this Section 4(a)(ii).
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(b) With respect to any Company Notice or Exchanging Class A Shareholder Notice, BAM shall have the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to elect that the Rights Agent exchange the Subject Class A Shares for the Cash Amount for each Subject Class A Share by providing written notice of such election to the Rights Agent on or prior to the Close of Business on the Business Day immediately following the date the Rights Agent received the Company Notice or Exchanging Class A Shareholder Notice, as applicable, in accordance with Section 4(a)(i) and Section 4(a)(ii), as applicable. In the event that BAM shall make the election described in the immediately preceding sentence and there shall not be an amount of cash in the Collateral Account sufficient to exchange any such Subject Class A Share for the Cash Amount, BAM shall deposit an amount of cash into the Collateral Account equal to the Cash Amount with respect to each such Subject Class A Share simultaneously with the delivery of the written notice set forth in the immediately preceding sentence. In the event that BAM shall elect that the Rights Agent exchange the Subject Class A Shares for the Cash Amount pursuant to this Section 4(b), the Rights Agent shall deliver the Cash Amount for each Subject Class A Share from the Collateral Account to the Exchanging Class A Shareholder on or before the second Business Day following receipt of the written notice of such election from BAM and receipt of an original Exchanging Class A Shareholder Notice (only if applicable per Section 4(a)(ii)) and the Subject Class A Shares in the Received Class A Share Account pursuant to Section 4(c).
(c) BAM shall establish a non-interest bearing trust account in the name of BAM that will be administered by the Rights Agent for purposes of receiving any Subject Class A Shares exchanged pursuant to this Agreement (the “Received Class A Share Account”). Such Received Class A Share Account information is as set forth in Exhibits D-1 and D-2. Any Class A Shares received by the Rights Agent pursuant to Section 4(a) or Section 4(b) shall be delivered to the Received Class A Share Account. Any Class A Shares in the Received Class A Share Account shall be transferable to BAM or, at BAM’s direction, an Affiliate of BAM which was the beneficial owner of the BBU Units transferred to the Exchanging Class A Shareholder, pursuant to delivery instructions provided by BAM to the Rights Agent (which may be standing written instructions), and shall not be delivered into the Collateral Account, and thereafter BAM or such Affiliate, as applicable, shall be the beneficial owner of such Class A Shares with all rights, powers, privileges and preferences appurtenant thereto, including, without limitation, the Exchange Right. Delivery to BAM or such Affiliate pursuant to this Section 4(c) shall be accomplished by the Rights Agent instructing the transfer agent for the Class A Shares to record the transfer of the Class A Shares from the Received Class A Shares Account to, and the ownership thereof by, BAM or such Affiliate in accordance with the Applicable Procedures. The Rights Agent shall provide BAM with online access to view the Received Class A Share Account, which online interface shall be kept reasonably up-to-date by the Rights Agent.
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(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, BAM shall be entitled to cause any of its Affiliates to take any action required to satisfy BAM’s obligations with respect to the Secondary Exchange Rights or otherwise pursuant to this Agreement; provided that nothing other than full and complete payment and performance of such obligations shall relieve BAM of such obligations.
(e) In connection with an Exchanging Class A Shareholder’s exercise of the Secondary Exchange Right with respect to any Subject Class A Shares held through DTC or another Depositary, such Exchanging Class A Shareholder shall deliver to the Rights Agent such Subject Class A Shares to the Received Class A Share Account pursuant to DTC’s or such other Depositary’s Applicable Procedures. In addition, such Exchanging Class A Shareholder shall deliver to the Rights Agent via email or other appropriate method of communication on the Business Day prior to the delivery of such Subject Class A Shares, a copy of such Exchanging Class A Shareholder’s Exchanging Class A Shareholder Notice; provided that the Rights Agent’s obligations pursuant to Section 4(a)(ii) shall not be affected by such Exchanging Class A Shareholder’s failure to so deliver a copy of such Exchanging Class A Shareholder Notice if such Exchanging Class A Shareholder’s original Exchanging Class A Shareholder Notice is received by the Rights Agent within two Business Days of the date that the Rights Agent receives such Subject Class A Shares pursuant to DTC’s or another Depositary’s Applicable Procedures. In connection with any transfer by an Exchanging Class A Shareholder of any Subject Class A Shares required by this Agreement which are not held through DTC or another Depositary, such Exchanging Class A Shareholder shall take all necessary action to cause such Subject Class A Shares to be delivered to the Received Class A Share Account.
Section 5. Exercise of Rights.
The Rights Agent shall cause the BBU Units Amount delivered to any Exchanging Class A Shareholder pursuant to Section 4(a) to be delivered to or upon the order of the Exchanging Class A Shareholder, registered in such name or names as such Exchanging Class A Shareholder held such Subject Class A Shares (all as set forth in the Company Notice or the Exchanging Class A Shareholder Notice, as applicable).
Section 6. Confirmation Procedures.
(a) If the BBU Units Amount or the Cash Amount to be delivered pursuant to Section 4 above is to be delivered in a name other than that in which the Subject Class A Shares surrendered in exchange therefor are registered in the stock transfer books or ledger of the Company, the BBU Units Amount or the Cash Amount may be delivered to a Person other than the Person in whose name the Subject Class A Shares so surrendered are registered in the stock transfer books or ledger of the Company only if such Subject Class A Shares are properly endorsed and otherwise in proper form for surrender and transfer and the Person requesting such delivery has paid to BAM (or any agent designated by BAM) any transfer taxes reasonably expected to be required by reason of the payment of the BBU Units Amount or the Cash Amount to a Person other than the registered holder of such Subject Class A Shares, or established to the reasonable satisfaction of BAM (or any agent designated by BAM) that such transfer taxes have been paid or are otherwise not payable. Upon satisfaction of the condition in the immediately preceding sentence, BAM shall instruct the Rights Agent in writing to deliver such BBU Units Amount or Cash Amount to such other Person. Unless the Rights Agent has received such written instruction from BAM pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence prior to the delivery by the Rights Agent of the BBU Units Amount or Cash Amount with respect to such Subject Class A Shares, the Rights Agent shall have no duty or obligation under this Section 6(a) and shall deliver or cause to be delivered the BBU Units Amount or Cash Amount to the party designated in the Company Notice without further inquiry.
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(b) All Subject Class A Shares shall be delivered to the Received Class A Share Account free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances whatsoever, and should any such liens, claims and encumbrances exist or arise with respect to such Subject Class A Shares, the Exchanging Class A Shareholder shall not be entitled to exercise its Secondary Exchange Rights with respect to such Subject Class A Shares. Each Exchanging Class A Shareholder will pay to BAM the amount of any tax withholding due upon the exchange of Subject Class A Shares pursuant to this Agreement and, in the event BAM elects to acquire some or all of the Subject Class A Shares from the Exchanging Class A Shareholder in exchange for the Cash Amount in accordance with Section 4(b), will authorize BAM to retain such portion of the Cash Amount as BAM reasonably determines is necessary to satisfy its tax withholding obligations. In the event BAM elects to acquire some or all of the Subject Class A Shares from the Exchanging Class A Shareholder in exchange for the BBU Units Amount, BAM may elect to either satisfy the amount of any tax withholding due upon the exchange of Subject Class A Shares by retaining BBU Units with a fair market value, as reasonably determined by BAM in good faith, equal to the amount of such obligation, or satisfy such tax withholding obligation using amounts paid by BAM, which amounts shall be treated as a loan by BAM to the Exchanging Class A Shareholder, in each case, unless the Exchanging Class A Shareholder, at the Exchanging Class A Shareholder’s election, has paid or has made arrangements satisfactory to BAM, in its sole discretion, to pay, the amount of any such tax withholding. BAM shall notify the Exchanging Class A Shareholder within one Business Day following the date of the Company Notice or the Exchanging Class A Shareholder Notice, as applicable, of BAM’s good faith estimate of the amount of any tax withholding due upon the exchange of the Subject Class A Shares subject to such Company Notice or the Exchanging Class A Shareholder Notice, provide the Exchanging Class A Shareholder with sufficient opportunity to provide any forms or other documentation or take such other steps in order to avoid or reduce such withholding, and reasonably cooperate with the Exchanging Class A Shareholder in good faith to attempt to reduce any amounts that would otherwise be withheld pursuant to this Section 6(b); provided that any determination with respect to the withholding shall be made by BAM, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 6(b), in no event shall an Exchanging Class A Shareholder be subject to withholding both under section 26.18 of the Company’s Articles and under this Section 6(b), and any amounts paid or withheld with respect to a Subject Class A Share pursuant to section 26.18 of the Company’s Articles shall be credited against and deemed to satisfy the Exchanging Class A Shareholder’s withholding obligation pursuant to this Section 6(b).
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Section 7. BBU Units Record Date.
Each former Exchanging Class A Shareholder who receives the BBU Units Amount upon the exercise of the Secondary Exchange Right with respect to any Subject Class A Share pursuant to this Agreement shall for all purposes be deemed to have become the owner of the BBU Units representing the BBU Units Amount for which the Secondary Exchange Right with respect to such Subject Class A Share is exercisable as of the date upon which such Class A Shareholder’s Subject Class A Share is duly surrendered in accordance with this Agreement. Prior to such Class A Shareholder’s surrender of such Subject Class A Share in accordance with this Agreement, the Class A Shareholder shall not be entitled to any rights of a holder of such BBU Units for which the Secondary Exchange Right with respect to such Subject Class A Share shall be exercisable, including, without limitation, the right to vote, to receive dividends or other distributions or to exercise any preemptive rights, and shall not be entitled to receive any notice of any proceedings of BBU with respect to such BBU Units. For the avoidance of doubt, any Class A Shareholder who receives the Cash Amount in satisfaction of the Secondary Exchange Right with respect to any Class A Share pursuant to this Agreement shall not be entitled to any rights of a holder of BBU Units at any time with respect to the BBU Units for which the Secondary Exchange Right with respect to such Subject Class A Share was exercisable prior to the receipt of such Cash Amount.
Section 8. Collateral Account.
(a) BAM or one or more Affiliates of BAM shall establish one or more non-interest bearing trust accounts in the name of BAM or such Affiliates that will be administered by the Rights Agent (together, the “Collateral Account”). The Rights Agent shall requisition the BBU Units Amount or the Cash Amount, as applicable, without any further action or approval from BAM, for payment to any Class A Shareholder in accordance with Section 4(a) or Section 4(b) in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement. BAM shall be responsible for ensuring that the Collateral Account Balance shall at times equal or exceed the Required Collateral Account Balance. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 8 and subject to any additional requirements with respect to the Collateral Account Balance contained in this Section 8, in the event that the Collateral Account Balance shall at any time be less than the Required Collateral Account Balance, including, without limitation, as a result of an adjustment to the Conversion Factor or an increase in the BBU Unit Value, within two Business Days, BAM shall, or shall cause an Affiliate to, deposit into the Collateral Account either (i) a number of BBU Units or BBU Unit Convertibles or (ii) an amount of cash or Cash Equivalents, in an amount necessary to cause the Collateral Account Balance to be at least equal to the Required Collateral Account Balance. The Rights Agent shall have no duty or obligation to calculate the Required Collateral Account Balance, determine the Conversion Factor, determine if the Collateral Account Balance equals or exceeds the Required Collateral Account Balance, or determine the amounts necessary to cause the Collateral Account Balance to equal or exceed the Required Collateral Account Balance. BAM covenants and agrees that it will take all action within its control (including making requests of third parties and enforcing any contractual rights and/or obligations) to convert or redeem any BBU Unit Convertibles if necessary to satisfy any Class A Shareholder’s Secondary Exchange Right in accordance with this Agreement, and any delivery of a BBU Units Amount pursuant to this Agreement shall be made in the form of BBU Units and not, for the avoidance of doubt, in the form of BBU Unit Convertibles. To the extent that conversion or redemption of a BBU Unit Convertible results in the imposition of any fees, payments, premiums or penalties, such fees, payments, premiums or penalties shall be borne by BAM, or its applicable Affiliates, and shall either be satisfied directly by BAM or such Affiliates or shall be deemed to reduce the Collateral Account Balance. BAM shall keep the Rights Agent informed of the Collateral Account Balance and the Required Collateral Account Balance in writing on a regular basis, and shall inform the Rights Agent in writing within two Business Days of any change in the Collateral Account Balance or the Required Collateral Account Balance for any reason, including as a result of an adjustment to the Conversion Factor or an increase in the BBU Unit Value.
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(b) Prior to or substantially concurrently with the issuance of any Class A Shares by the Company, BAM shall, or cause an Affiliate of BAM to, deposit BBU Units or BBU Unit Convertibles into the Collateral Account such that, after taking into account the number of BBU Units issued or issuable upon conversion or redemption of such BBU Unit Convertibles, the number of BBU Units deposited into the Collateral Account shall be equal to the product of (i) the number of such Class A Shares issued (excluding any shares issued to BAM or its Affiliates) multiplied by (ii) the Conversion Factor. The Rights Agent shall have no duty or obligation to calculate the Conversion Factor, to determine the number of Class A Shares issued, or to determine the number of BBU Units or BBU Unit Convertibles necessary to equal the product of (i) the number of such Class A Shares issued (excluding any shares issued to BAM or its Affiliates) multiplied by (ii) the Conversion Factor.
(c) Except as set forth in this Section 8(c), BAM and its Affiliates shall not be entitled to withdraw any BBU Unit or BBU Unit Convertible from the Collateral Account.
(i) In the event that the Collateral Account Balance shall exceed the Required Collateral Account Balance, either as a result of a change in the Conversion Factor or a decrease in the number of Class A Shares (excluding Class A Shares owned by BAM or its Affiliates) outstanding, BAM or an Affiliate of BAM shall be entitled to withdraw (pursuant to a written instruction from BAM to the Rights Agent) from the Collateral Account a number of BBU Units, or BBU Unit Convertibles that are convertible into or redeemable for a number of BBU Units, up to an amount equal to (i) the Collateral Account Balance minus (ii) the Required Collateral Account Balance. The Rights Agent shall be entitled to conclusively and exclusively rely upon such written instruction from BAM in accordance with this Section 8(c)(i) without liability or further inquiry.
(ii) BAM, or any Affiliate of BAM, shall be permitted to withdraw from the Collateral Account a BBU Unit, or the number of BBU Unit Convertibles that are convertible into or redeemable for a BBU Unit, upon the deposit by BAM or any Affiliate of BAM of the BBU Unit Release Price with respect to such BBU Unit, or the number of BBU Unit Convertibles that are convertible into or redeemable for such BBU Unit, in the Collateral Account.
(d) If at any time the Collateral Account Cash Balance shall be less than the Required Collateral Account Cash Balance, BAM shall, or shall cause its Affiliates to, within two Business Days, deposit cash or Cash Equivalents (pursuant to a written instruction from BAM to the Rights Agent and as selected by BAM) in an amount necessary to cause the Collateral Account Cash Balance to be at least equal to the Required Collateral Account Cash Balance.
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(e) Except as set forth in this Section 8(e), BAM and its Affiliates shall not be entitled to withdraw any cash or Cash Equivalents from the Collateral Account.
(i) If at any time the Collateral Account Cash Balance shall be greater than one hundred and twenty percent (120%) of the Required Collateral Account Cash Balance, either as a result of a change in the Conversion Factor or a decrease in the number of Class A Shares (excluding Class A Shares owned by BAM or its Affiliates) outstanding, BAM or its Affiliates shall be permitted to withdraw (pursuant to a written instruction from BAM to the Rights Agent) cash or Cash Equivalents in an amount not to exceed the excess of (i) the Collateral Account Cash Balance minus (ii) one hundred and twenty percent (120%) of the Required Collateral Account Cash Balance. The Rights Agent shall be entitled to conclusively and exclusively rely upon such written instruction from BAM in accordance with this Section 8(e)(i) without liability or further inquiry.
(ii) Upon the deposit in the Collateral Account of a number of BBU Units, or of BBU Unit Convertibles that are convertible into or redeemable for such number of BBU Units, BAM, or an Affiliate of BAM, shall be permitted to withdraw (pursuant to a written instruction from BAM to the Rights Agent) cash or Cash Equivalents from the Collateral Account in an amount equal to the aggregate BBU Unit Value of such number of BBU Units, or of the number of BBU Units issuable upon the conversion or redemption of such BBU Unit Convertibles, as applicable.
(f) For the avoidance of doubt, BAM, or its applicable Affiliates, shall remain the beneficial owner of any BBU Units or BBU Unit Convertibles deposited by BAM or such Affiliates into the Collateral Account for so long as such BBU Units or BBU Unit Convertibles remain in the Collateral Account, and shall hold all of the rights, powers, privileges and preferences appurtenant to such BBU Units or BBU Unit Convertibles, including, without limitation, the right to distributions on such BBU Units or BBU Unit Convertibles. In the event that the Collateral Account consists of more than one account and (i) the Rights Agent has not received written instructions from BAM as to which account to use for any specific transaction described in this Section 8 or (ii) there shall not be an amount within the account designated by BAM to satisfy any applicable BBU Units Amount or Cash Amount to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement, in such cases the Rights Agent shall follow an order of account priority, to be provided in writing by BAM upon the establishment each new account, when determining which account to use for any of the transactions described in this Section 8. BAM also covenants and agrees that it will take all action within its control to ensure that any transfer agent of the BBU Unit certificates and Class A Shares will comply with the Rights Agent’s instructions in carrying out the purposes of this Agreement. BAM shall provide the Rights Agent with all necessary information and contact details for each transfer agent for the BBU Unit certificates and Class A Shares. The Rights Agent shall have no liability for the failure of any transfer agent to facilitate or effect any transfers contemplated hereby, or for any delay in doing so, or for the failure of BAM of its obligations under this Section 8(f). Prior to any transfer contemplated by this Agreement, BAM shall instruct the transfer agents for any BBU Unit certificates and Class A Shares to follow the instructions of the Rights Agent in connection with any exchange of Class A Shares for BBU Units as set forth herein.
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(g) In connection with any transfer by BAM of BBU Units or BBU Unit Convertibles into the Collateral Account required by this Agreement which are held through DTC or another Depositary, BAM shall deliver to the Rights Agent such BBU Units or BBU Unit Convertibles to the Collateral Account pursuant to DTC’s or such other Depositary’s Applicable Procedures. In connection with any transfer by BAM of BBU Units or BBU Unit Convertibles into the Collateral Account required by this Agreement which are not held through DTC or another Depositary, BAM shall take all necessary action to cause such BBU Units or BBU Unit Convertibles to be delivered to the Collateral Account.
Section 9. Registration of BBU Unit Resales.
In the event that a shelf registration statement, prospectus or Prospectus Exemption (as defined below) registering or exempting, as applicable, the transfer of BBU Units (including BBU Units that are issuable upon conversion of or redemption for BBU Unit Convertibles in the Collateral Account) from the Collateral Account to an Exchanging Class A Shareholder (or to such other Person as may be entitled thereto pursuant to the terms of this Agreement) has, at any time, not been effective for five (5) consecutive Business Days, BAM shall, or shall cause an Affiliate of BAM to, deposit in the Collateral Account an amount of cash or Cash Equivalents equal to the BBU Unit Release Price for all BBU Units held in the Collateral Account (including BBU Units that are issuable upon conversion of for redemption for BBU Unit Convertibles in the Collateral Account) that cease to be Registered BBU Units (as defined below) as a result thereof, within five (5) Business Days; provided, however, for the avoidance of doubt, no such deposit is required to the extent all of the BBU Units in the Collateral Account, including BBU Units that are issuable upon conversion of or redemption for BBU Unit Convertibles in the Collateral Account, and the transfer of such BBU Units (including BBU Units that are issuable upon conversion of or redemption for BBU Unit Convertibles in the Collateral Account) from the Collateral Account to an Exchanging Class A Shareholder (or to such other Person as may be entitled thereto pursuant to the terms of this Agreement) are (i) registered under the Securities Act pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission and (ii) qualified for distribution by BAM to Exchanging Class A Shareholders under the securities laws applicable in each of the provinces and territories of Canada through the filing of a prospectus (or exempt from the applicable prospectus requirements in such jurisdictions (a “Prospectus Exemption”)) (each BBU Unit so registered, including BBU Units that are issuable upon conversion of or redemption for BBU Unit Convertibles in the Collateral Account, a “Registered BBU Unit”). The Rights Agent shall have no duty or obligation (and no liability) to determine if any BBU Unit, including BBU Units that are issuable upon conversion of or redemption for BBU Unit Convertibles, or any BBU Unit Convertible held in the Collateral Account or transferred to an Exchanging Class A Shareholder is a Registered BBU Unit freely transferable under the U.S. federal securities laws or the laws applicable in each of the provinces and territories of Canada.
Section 10. Concerning BAM.
(a) BAM agrees that any Class A Shareholder may at any time and from time to time, without notice to or further consent of BAM, extend the time of payment of the Exchange Rights or Secondary Exchange Rights, and may also make any agreement with the Company, BBU, or any other Person, for the extension, renewal, payment, compromise, discharge or release thereof, in whole or in part, or for any modification of the terms thereof or of any agreement between a Class A Shareholder, on the one hand, and the Company, BBU or any such other Person, on the other hand, it being understood that no such action shall impair, affect, alter or increase BAM’s obligations under this Agreement or affect the validity or enforceability of this Agreement.
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(b) BAM agrees that its obligations hereunder shall in no way be terminated, affected or impaired by reason of (a) the assertion by any Class A Shareholder of any rights or remedies which it may have under or with respect to this Agreement or against any Person obligated hereunder, (b) any Class A Shareholder’s failure to exercise, or delay in exercising, any such right or remedy or any right or remedy such Class A Shareholder may have hereunder, (c) any change in the structure or ownership of the Company, (d) any insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization or other similar proceeding affecting the Company, BBU or any other Person, (e) the existence of any claim, set-off or other right that BAM may have at any time against the Company, BBU or any of their respective Affiliates, whether in connection with the Exchange Right, the Secondary Exchange Rights or otherwise; (f) the validity or enforceability of the Exchange Right; or (g) any other circumstance whatsoever which constitutes, or might be construed to constitute, an equitable or legal discharge of the Company with respect to the Exchange Right, in bankruptcy or any other instance, other than as provided herein.
(c) To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, BAM hereby expressly waives any and all rights or defenses arising by reason of any applicable law which would otherwise require any election of remedies by any Class A Shareholder. BAM waives promptness, diligence, notice of the acceptance of this Agreement and of the Exchange Right, all defenses that may be available by virtue of any valuation, stay, moratorium law or other similar applicable law now or hereafter in effect, any right to require the marshalling of assets of the Company or any other Person, and all suretyship defenses generally. BAM acknowledges that it will receive substantial direct and indirect benefits from the Master Services Agreement and that this Agreement, including specifically the waivers set forth in this Agreement, is knowingly made in contemplation of such benefits and after the advice of counsel.
(d) BAM hereby unconditionally waives any rights that it may now have or hereafter acquire against the Company or its subsidiaries that arise from the existence, payment, performance, or enforcement of BAM’s obligations under or in respect of this Agreement, including, without limitation, any right of subrogation, reimbursement, exoneration, contribution or indemnification.
(e) BAM hereby represents and warrants that:
(i) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary action, and do not contravene any provision of BAM’s organizational documents or any applicable law, order, judgment or contractual restriction binding on BAM or its assets;
(ii) all consents, approvals, authorizations, permits of, filings with and notifications to, any governmental entity necessary for the due execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by BAM have been obtained or made and all conditions thereof have been duly complied with, and no other action by, and no notice to or filing with, any governmental entity is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement;
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(iii) this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the BAM enforceable against BAM in accordance with its terms, subject to (i) the effects of bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium or other similar applicable laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, and (ii) general equitable principles (whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law); and
(iv) as of the date hereof, BAM has the financial capacity to pay and perform its obligations under this Agreement.
Section 11. Rights of Action.
All rights of action in respect of this Agreement, excepting the rights of action given to the Rights Agent under Section 12 hereof, are vested in the Class A Shareholders; and any Class A Shareholder may, without the consent of the Rights Agent or of any other Class A Shareholder, on such holder’s own behalf and for such holder’s own benefit, enforce, and may institute and maintain any suit, action or proceeding against BAM to enforce, or otherwise act in respect of, such holder’s right to exercise the Secondary Exchange Rights and the Class A Shareholders’ rights under this Agreement, in each case in the manner provided in the Company’s Articles and in this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing or any remedies available to the Class A Shareholders, it is specifically acknowledged that the Class A Shareholders would not have an adequate remedy at law for any breach of this Agreement and will be entitled to specific performance of the obligations under, and injunctive relief against actual or threatened violations of the obligations of any Person subject to, this Agreement. BAM agrees to pay all expenses, including all reasonable and documented third party costs and out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable fees of counsel), actually paid or incurred by such Class A Shareholder in enforcing any of such Class A Shareholder’s rights hereunder or otherwise relating to any litigation or other proceeding brought by such Class A Shareholder to enforce such Class A Shareholder’s rights hereunder, if such Class A Shareholder prevails in such litigation or proceeding.
Section 12. Concerning the Rights Agent.
(a) BAM agrees to pay to the Rights Agent reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder in accordance with Exhibit C attached hereto and, from time to time, on demand of the Rights Agent, its reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses and counsel fees and other disbursements incurred in the administration and execution of this Agreement and the exercise and performance of its duties hereunder. BAM also agrees to indemnify the Rights Agent for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability, or expense, incurred without gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on the part of the Rights Agent, for anything done or omitted by the Rights Agent in connection with the acceptance and administration of this Agreement, including the costs and expenses of defending against any claim or liability in connection therewith. The indemnification provided for hereunder shall survive the expiration of the Secondary Exchange Rights and the termination of this Agreement. The costs and expenses of enforcing this right of indemnification shall also be paid by BAM. The Rights Agent shall have no right of set-off against any funds in the Collateral Account with respect to any amounts owed to the Rights Agent by BAM hereunder.
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(b) The Rights Agent may conclusively rely upon and shall be protected and shall incur no liability for or in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it in connection with its administration of this Agreement in reliance upon any instrument of assignment or transfer, power of attorney, endorsement, affidavit, letter, notice, direction, consent, certificate, statement, or other paper or document reasonably believed by it, in good faith, to be genuine and to be signed, executed and, where necessary, verified or acknowledged, by the proper Person or Persons, or otherwise upon the advice of legal counsel to the Rights Agent (who may be an employee of the Rights Agent or outside legal counsel for the Rights Agent). Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall the Rights Agent be liable for special, indirect or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including but not limited to lost profits), even if the Rights Agent has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of the action.
Section 13. Merger or Consolidation or Change of Name of Rights Agent.
Any Person into which the Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent may be merged or with which it may be consolidated, or any Person resulting from any merger or consolidation to which the Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent shall be a party, or any Person succeeding to the corporate trust business of the Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent, shall be the successor to the Rights Agent under this Agreement without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto, provided that such Person would be eligible for appointment as a successor Rights Agent under the provisions of Section 15 hereof. The acquisition of substantially all of the Rights Agent’s assets employed in the exercise of corporate trust powers shall be deemed to be a merger or consolidation for purposes of this Section 13.
Section 14. Duties of Rights Agent.
The Rights Agent undertakes the duties and obligations expressly set forth in this Agreement which shall be deemed purely ministerial in nature and no implied duties or obligations shall be read into this Agreement against the Rights Agent. Under no circumstances will the Rights Agent be deemed to be a fiduciary to BAM, the Company, any Class A Shareholder or any other person under this Agreement. The Rights Agent will not be responsible or liable for the failure of BAM, the Company, BBU, any transfer agent, any Class A Shareholder or any other person to perform in accordance with this Agreement. The Rights Agent shall perform those duties and obligations upon the following terms and conditions:
(a) Before the Rights Agent acts or refrains from acting, it may consult with legal counsel (who may be an employee of the Rights Agent or outside legal counsel for the Rights Agent), and the opinion of such counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection to the Rights Agent as to any action taken or omitted by it in good faith and in accordance with such opinion.
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(b) Whenever in the performance of its duties under this Agreement the Rights Agent shall deem it necessary or desirable that any fact or matter be proved or established prior to taking or suffering any action hereunder, such fact or matter (unless other evidence in respect thereof be herein specifically prescribed) may be deemed to be conclusively proved and established by a certificate signed by an authorized signatory of BAM identified in Exhibit B-2 attached hereto (which exhibit may be updated by BAM from time to time in BAM’s reasonable discretion, provided that such update does not adversely affect any Class A Shareholder or its rights hereunder in any respect) and delivered to the Rights Agent; and such certificate shall be full authorization to the Rights Agent for any action taken or suffered in good faith by it under the provisions of this Agreement in reliance upon such certificate.
(c) The Rights Agent shall be liable hereunder only for its own gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct. The Rights Agent shall not be liable, directly or indirectly, for any special, indirect or consequential damages or losses of any kind whatsoever (including without limitation lost profits), even if the Rights Agent has been advised of the possibility of such losses or damages and regardless of the form of action.
(d) The Rights Agent shall not be liable for or by reason of any of the statements of fact or recitals contained in this Agreement or in the Company’s Articles or be required to verify the same.
(e) The Rights Agent shall not be under any responsibility in respect of the validity of this Agreement or the execution and delivery hereof (except the due execution hereof by the Rights Agent); nor shall it be responsible for any breach by BAM of any covenant or condition contained in this Agreement; nor shall it by any act hereunder be deemed to make any representation or warranty as to the authorization or reservation of any BBU Units to be issued pursuant to this Agreement or as to whether any BBU Units will, when so issued, be validly authorized and issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
(f) BAM agrees that it will perform, execute, acknowledge and deliver or cause to be performed, executed, acknowledged and delivered all such further and other acts, instruments and assurances as may reasonably be required by the Rights Agent for the carrying out or performing by the Rights Agent of the provisions of this Agreement.
(g) The Rights Agent is hereby authorized and directed to accept (and shall be entitled to conclusively and exclusively rely upon, without further inquiry) instructions with respect to the performance of its duties hereunder from any Person reasonably believed by the Rights Agent to be one of the authorized signatories of BAM listed on Exhibit B-2 attached hereto (which exhibit may be updated by BAM from time to time in BAM’s reasonable discretion, provided that such update does not adversely affect any Class A Shareholder or its rights hereunder in any respect), and to apply to such Persons for advice or instructions in connection with its duties, and it shall not be liable for any action taken or suffered to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with instructions of any such officer. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, whenever the Rights Agent is unable to decide between alternative courses of action permitted or required by the terms of this Agreement, or in the event that the Rights Agent is unsure as to the application of any provision of this Agreement or believes any such provision is ambiguous as to its application, or is, or appears to be, in conflict with any other applicable provision, or in the event that this Agreement permits any determination or discretion by the Rights Agent or is silent or is incomplete as to the course of action that the Rights Agent is required to take with respect to a particular set of facts, the Rights Agent shall promptly give notice (in such form as shall be appropriate under the circumstances) to BAM requesting instruction as to the course of action to be adopted, and to the extent the Rights Agent acts in good faith in accordance with any written instructions received from BAM the Rights Agent shall not be liable on account of such action to any person. If the Rights Agent shall not have received appropriate instruction within ten (10) days of such notice (or such shorter period as reasonably may be specified in such notice or as may be necessary under the circumstances) it shall be entitled to take no action and shall give prompt written notice of its decision not to take action to BAM, to the Company, and to any Exchanging Class A Shareholder that may be affected by such decision not to take action. Any application by the Rights Agent for written instructions from BAM may, at the option of the Rights Agent, set forth in writing any action proposed to be taken or omitted by the Rights Agent under this Agreement and the date on or after which such action shall be taken or such omission shall be effective. The Rights Agent shall not be liable for any action taken by, or omission of, the Rights Agent in accordance with a proposal included in any such application on or after the date specified in such application unless, prior to taking any such action (or the effective date in the case of an omission), the Rights Agent shall have received, in response to such application, written instructions with respect to the proposed action or omission specifying a different action to be taken or omitted.
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(h) To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Rights Agent and any shareholder, director, officer or employee of the Rights Agent may buy, sell or deal in any of the Class A Shares or other securities of the Company or become pecuniarily interested in any transaction in which BAM or the Company may be interested, or contract with or lend money to BAM or the Company or otherwise act as fully and freely as though it were not Rights Agent under this Agreement. Nothing herein shall preclude the Rights Agent from acting in any other capacity for BAM, the Company or for any other Person.
(i) The Rights Agent may execute and exercise any of the rights or powers hereby vested in it or perform any duty hereunder either itself or by or through its attorneys or agents, and the Rights Agent shall not be answerable or accountable for any act, default, neglect or misconduct of any such attorneys or agents or for any loss to BAM or the Class A Shareholders resulting from any such act, default, neglect or misconduct, provided reasonable care was exercised in the selection and continued employment thereof.
(j) No provision of this Agreement shall require the Rights Agent to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability (other than expenses and overhead incurred in the ordinary course by the Rights Agent’s performance under this Agreement) in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or in the exercise of its rights if there shall be reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnification against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.
(k) Other than with respect to a Company Notice, Exchanging Class A Shareholder Notice, BAM instruction, or deposit of Class A Shares in the Received Class A Share Account in accordance with Section 4, the Rights Agent shall not be required to take notice or be deemed to have notice of any fact, event or determination under this Agreement unless and until the Rights Agent shall be specifically notified in writing by BAM of such fact, event or determination.
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(l) The Rights Agent shall not be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligation under this Agreement arising out of or caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including, without limitation, acts of God; earthquakes; fire; flood; wars; acts of terrorism; civil or military disturbances; sabotage; epidemic; riots; interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, computer (hardware or software) or communications services; accidents; labor disputes; acts of civil or military authority or governmental action; it being understood that the Rights Agent shall use commercially reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as reasonably practicable under the circumstances.
(m) The Rights Agent may rely upon and shall not be liable for acting or refraining from acting upon any written notice, instruction or request furnished to it hereunder in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties. The Rights Agent shall be under no duty to inquire into or investigate the validity, accuracy or content of any such document.
(n) Unless subject to reimbursement by BAM pursuant to Section 12(a) or reasonably necessary in order for the Rights Agent to perform its express obligations hereunder in accordance herewith, notwithstanding anything contained herein or elsewhere to the contrary, the Rights Agent shall not be required to take any action in any jurisdiction other than in the State of Delaware if the taking of such action will (x) require the Rights Agent in its individual capacity to obtain the consent, approval, authorization or order of or the giving of notice to, or the registration with, or taking of any action in respect of, any state or other governmental authority or agency other than the State of Delaware; (y) result in any fee, tax or other governmental charge under the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware becoming payable by the Rights Agent in its individual capacity, or (z) subject the Rights Agent in its individual capacity to personal jurisdiction in any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware for causes of action arising from acts unrelated to the consummation of the transactions by the Rights Agent contemplated hereby.
(o) The right of the Rights Agent to perform any discretionary act (if any) enumerated in this Agreement shall not be construed as a duty.
Section 15. Change of Rights Agent.
The Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent may resign and be discharged from its duties under this Agreement upon 30 days’ notice in writing mailed to BAM and the Company and to each transfer agent of the Class A Shares and the BBU Units by registered or certified mail. BAM may remove the Rights Agent or any successor Rights Agent upon 30 days’ notice in writing, mailed to the Rights Agent or successor Rights Agent, as the case may be, and to each transfer agent of the Class A Shares and the BBU Units by registered or certified mail. If the Rights Agent shall resign or be removed or shall otherwise become incapable of acting, BAM shall appoint a successor to the Rights Agent. If BAM shall fail to make such appointment within a period of 30 days after giving notice of such removal or after it has been notified in writing of such resignation or incapacity by the resigning or incapacitated Rights Agent or by a Class A Shareholder, then any Class A Shareholder may apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a new Rights Agent. Any successor Rights Agent, whether appointed by BAM or by such a court, shall be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States or of any state of the United States, in good standing, which is authorized under such laws to exercise corporate trust powers and is subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authority and which has at the time of its appointment as Rights Agent a combined capital and surplus of at least $100 million. After appointment, the successor Rights Agent shall be vested with the same powers, rights, duties and responsibilities as if it had been originally named as Rights Agent without further act or deed; but the predecessor Rights Agent shall deliver and transfer to the successor Rights Agent any property at the time held by it hereunder, including, without limitation, the Collateral Account, and execute and deliver any further assurance, conveyance, act or deed necessary for the purpose. Not later than the effective date of any such appointment BAM shall file notice thereof in writing with the predecessor Rights Agent, the Company, and each transfer agent of the Class A Shares and the BBU Units. Failure to give any notice provided for in this Section 15, however, or any defect therein, shall not affect the legality or validity of the resignation or removal of the Rights Agent or the appointment of the successor Rights Agent, as the case may be.
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Section 16. Notices.
Notices or demands authorized by this Agreement to be given or made by the Rights Agent or by any Exchanging Class A Shareholder, other Class A Shareholder, or other holder of a Secondary Exchange Right, to or on BAM shall be sufficiently given or made if sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid, addressed (until another address is filed in writing with the Rights Agent) as follows:
Brookfield Asset Management Inc.
Brookfield Place, Suite 300
181 Bay Street, P.O. Box 762
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 2T3
Attention: Chief Legal Officer
Subject to the provisions of Section 15 hereof, any notice or demand authorized by this Agreement to be given or made by BAM or by any Exchanging Class A Shareholder, other Class A Shareholder, or other holder of a Secondary Exchange Right to or on the Rights Agent shall be sufficiently given or made if sent by registered or certified mail and shall be deemed given upon receipt and, addressed (until another address is filed in writing with BAM) as follows:
Wilmington Trust, National Association
Attn: Robert L. Reynolds
246 Goose Lane, Suite 105
Guilford, CT 06437
Phone: (203) 453-1318
Fax: (203) 453-1183
Email: rlreynolds@wilmingtontrust.com
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Notices or demands authorized by this Agreement to be given or made by BAM or the Rights Agent to any Class A Shareholder shall be sufficiently given or made if sent by first-class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to such holder at the address of such holder as shown on the registry books of the Company or the transfer agent for the Class A Shares.
Section 17. Supplements and Amendments.
BAM may from time to time, and the Rights Agent shall, if BAM so directs, supplement or amend this Agreement without the approval of any Class A Shareholder in order to cure any ambiguity, to correct or supplement any provision contained herein which may be defective or inconsistent with any other provisions herein, to make modifications necessary to reflect changes in applicable law, including, without limitation, tax law, or to make any other change, in each case, provided that such change, amendment, modification or supplementation does not adversely affect any Class A Shareholder or its rights hereunder in any respect. Except as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence or as otherwise contemplated by Section 4(a)(i) or Section 14(b) with respect to updates to Exhibits B-1 and B-2, any amendment or modification to this Agreement shall require (a) pursuant to a consent request duly conducted by, and at the expense of, BAM or (b) at a duly called annual or special meeting of the Company’s shareholders, the affirmative consent or vote, as applicable, of holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding Class A Shares not held by BAM, BBU or their controlled Affiliates, voting as a class, and the approval of a majority of the independent directors (within the meaning of the listing standards of the securities exchange on which the Company’s securities may then be listed) of the Company. Any supplement or amendment authorized by this Section 17 shall be evidenced by a writing signed by BAM and the Rights Agent. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no supplement or amendment that changes the rights and duties of the Rights Agent under this Agreement will be effective against the Rights Agent without the execution of such supplement or amendment by the Rights Agent. In executing any amendment or supplement contemplated hereby, the Rights Agent shall be provided with, and shall be entitled to conclusively and exclusively rely upon, an opinion of counsel (which may be counsel to BAM) stating that the execution of such amendment or supplement is authorized or permitted by this Agreement and all conditions precedent to the execution and delivery thereof have been duly satisfied or waived.
Section 18. Successors.
All the covenants and provisions of this Agreement by or for the benefit of BAM or the Rights Agent shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective successors and assigns hereunder.
Section 19. Benefits of this Agreement.
Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to give to any Person other than BAM, the Rights Agent and the Class A Shareholders any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Agreement; but this Agreement shall be for the sole and exclusive benefit of BAM, the Rights Agent and the Class A Shareholders.
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Section 20. Severability.
If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction or other authority to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated. If any provision of this Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, such provision shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.
Section 21. Governing Law; Forum Selection.
This Agreement and the Secondary Exchange Rights issued hereunder shall be deemed to be a contract made under the laws of the State of Delaware and for all purposes shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of such State applicable to contracts to be made and performed entirely within such State. Each party to this Agreement irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to be, and all the rights governed by this Agreement, including the rights of the Class A Shareholders in accordance with Section 11 shall be, subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state courts sitting in the City of Wilmington in the State of Delaware and of the United States of America located in the District of the State of Delaware for any actions, suits or proceedings arising out of, or relating to, this Agreement. No action, suit or proceeding relating thereto shall be commenced in any other court. Service of any process, summons, notice or document if delivered or made pursuant to Section 16 shall be effective service of process for any action, suit or proceeding. Each party to this Agreement hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in the aforementioned courts and hereby further irrevocably and unconditionally waives all claims, and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court, that any action, suit or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
Section 22. Counterparts.
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and each of such counterparts shall for all purposes be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
Section 23. Descriptive Headings.
The table of contents and descriptive headings of the several Sections of this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any of the provisions hereof.
Section 24. Administration; Termination.
This Agreement shall terminate on the earliest to occur of (i) the first Business Day where there shall be no Class A Shares outstanding, other than Class A Shares owned by BAM or its Affiliates, (ii) (a) pursuant to a consent request duly conducted by, and at the expense of, BAM or (b) at a duly called annual or special meeting of the Company’s shareholders, the affirmative consent or vote, as applicable, of holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding Class A Shares not held by BAM, BBU or their controlled Affiliates, voting as a class, and the approval of a majority of the independent directors (within the meaning of the listing standards of the securities exchange on which the Company’s securities may then be listed) of the Company, and (iii) the Final Expiration Date. BAM shall provide the Rights Agent with written notice of the termination of this Agreement pursuant to section (i) or (ii) above.
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Section 25. No Waiver; Cumulative Rights.
No failure on the part of any Class A Shareholder to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right, remedy or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise by any Class A Shareholder of any right, remedy or power hereunder preclude any other or future exercise of any right, remedy or power hereunder by such Class A Shareholder or any other Class A Shareholder. Each and every right, remedy and power hereby granted to the Class A Shareholders shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any other right, remedy or power, and may be exercised by any Class A Shareholder at any time or from time to time.
Section 26. Fractional Units.
Class A Shareholders holding a number of Subject Class A Shares which would entitle such holders to receive less than one whole BBU Unit pursuant to this Agreement shall receive cash in lieu of fractional units. Fractional BBU Units shall not be distributed to Class A Shareholders or credited to book-entry accounts. With respect to any delivery of BBU Units to a Class A Shareholder under this Agreement, BAM shall promptly instruct the transfer agent for the BBU Units to, as soon as practicable, (a) determine the number of whole BBU Units and fractional BBU Units allocable to each holder of record or beneficial owner of Class A Shares entitled to receive BBU Units at such time, (b) aggregate all such fractional units into whole BBU Units and sell the whole BBU Units obtained thereby in open market transactions, in each case, at then-prevailing trading prices on behalf of holders who would otherwise be entitled to fractional BBU Units, and (c) distribute to each such holder, or for the benefit of each such beneficial owner, such holder or owner’s ratable share of the net proceeds of such sale, based upon the average gross selling price per BBU Unit after making appropriate deductions for any amount required to be withheld for tax purposes and any brokerage fees incurred in connection with these sales of fractional BBU Units. Neither BAM nor the Rights Agent will guarantee any minimum sale price for the fractional BBU Units. Neither BAM nor the Rights Agent will pay any interest on the proceeds from the sale of fractional BBU Units. The transfer agent of the BBU Units acting on behalf of the applicable party will have the sole discretion to select the broker-dealers through which to sell the aggregated fractional BBU Units and to determine when, how and at what price to sell such units, provided that neither the transfer agent nor the broker-dealers through which the aggregated fractional BBU Units are sold shall be Affiliates of BAM.
Section 27. Book Entry.
Reference in this Agreement to certificates for Class A Shares or BBU Units shall include, in the case of uncertificated shares or units, the balances indicated in the book-entry account system of the transfer agent for the Class A Shares or BBU Units, as applicable. Any legend required to be placed on any certificates for Class A Shares or BBU Units may instead be included on any book-entry confirmation or notification to the registered holder of such Class A Shares or BBU Units.
[SIGNATURE PAGES FOLLOW]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
Brookfield Asset Management Inc. | |||
By: | /s/ Kathy Sarpash | ||
Name: | Kathy Sarpash | ||
Title: | Senior Vice President | ||
Wilmington Trust, National Association | |||
as Rights Agent | |||
By: | /s/ Robert L. Reynolds | ||
Name: | Robert L. Reynolds | ||
Title: | Vice President |
[Signature Page to Rights Agreement]
EXHIBIT A
Form of the Company’s Articles
Existing Articles of the Company was deleted in its entirety and new Articles were adopted by Special Resolution of the Shareholders on March 10, 2022 and deposited at the Records Office on March 10, 2022 at 12:13PM PST. The Notice of Alteration was filed with BC Registry on March 10, 2022 at 12:53PM PST.
Number: BC1311476
BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT
ARTICLES
of
BROOKFIELD BUSINESS CORPORATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 1 INTERPRETATION | 1 |
PART 2 SHARES AND SHARE CERTIFICATES | 16 |
PART 3 ISSUE OF SHARES | 18 |
PART 4 SHARE REGISTERS | 19 |
PART 5 SHARE TRANSFERS | 19 |
PART 6 TRANSMISSION OF SHARES | 21 |
PART 7 PURCHASE, REDEEM OR OTHERWISE ACQUIRE SHARES | 21 |
PART 8 BORROWING POWERS | 22 |
PART 9 ALTERATIONS | 22 |
PART 10 MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS | 24 |
PART 11 PROCEEDINGS AT MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS | 26 |
PART 12 VOTES OF SHAREHOLDERS | 30 |
PART 13 DIRECTORS | 35 |
PART 14 ELECTION AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS | 36 |
PART 15 POWERS AND DUTIES OF DIRECTORS | 43 |
PART 16 INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS | 44 |
PART 17 PROCEEDINGS OF DIRECTORS | 45 |
PART 18 EXECUTIVE AND OTHER COMMITTEES | 48 |
PART 19 OFFICERS | 50 |
PART 20 INDEMNIFICATION | 50 |
PART 21 DIVIDENDS | 52 |
PART 22 ACCOUNTING RECORDS AND AUDITOR | 54 |
PART 23 NOTICES | 54 |
PART 24 PROHIBITIONS | 57 |
PART 25 FORUM SELECTION | 58 |
PART 26 SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS CLASS A EXCHANGEABLE SUBORDINATE VOTING SHARES | 59 |
PART 27 SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS CLASS B MULTIPLE VOTING SHARES | 68 |
PART 28 SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS CLASS C NON-VOTING SHARES | 71 |
PART 29 SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS CLASS A SENIOR PREFERRED SHARES | 74 |
PART 30 SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS CLASS B JUNIOR PREFERRED SHARES | 76 |
Number: BC1311476
BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT
ARTICLES
of
BROOKFIELD BUSINESS CORPORATION
(the “Company”)
PART 1
INTERPRETATION
Definitions
1.1 In these Articles, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) “Act” means the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) from time to time in force and all amendments thereto and includes all regulations and amendments thereto made pursuant to that Act;
(b) “affiliate” means with respect to a Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by such Person, or is under common Control of a third Person;
(c) “BAM” means Brookfield Asset Management Inc., a corporation existing under the Laws of the Province of Ontario, and is deemed to refer to all successors, including, without limitation, by operation of Law;
(d) “BBU” means Brookfield Business Partners L.P., a Bermuda exempted limited partnership, and is deemed to refer to all successors, including, without limitation, by operation of Law;
(e) “BBU-Affiliated Class A Shareholder” means BBU or a Person Controlled by BBU to the extent BBU or such other Person holds Class A Shares;
(f) “BBU Distribution Declaration Date” means the date on which the BBU GP declares any distribution on the BBU Units;
(g) “BBU Distributed Right” has the meaning as provided in clause (ii) of the definition of “Conversion Factor” below;
(h) “BBU GP” means the general partner of BBU from time to time;
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(i) “BBU Liquidation Event” has the meaning as provided in §26.25;
(j) “BBU Unit” means a limited partnership interest in BBU representing a fractional part of all the limited partnership interests in BBU, and which limited partnership interest is designated by BBU as a “Unit” (as defined in the Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of BBU dated as of May 31, 2016), and includes any limited partnership interest or other equity interest of BBU into which such BBU Unit is converted or for which such BBU Unit is exchanged;
(k) “BBU Unit Value” means, with respect to a BBU Unit on a particular date, the market price of a BBU Unit on such date or, if such date is not a Trading Day, the most recent Trading Day. The market price for each such Trading Day shall be: (i) if the BBU Units are listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange, the closing price per BBU Unit (or, if no closing price is reported, the average of the last quoted bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such day for such U.S. National Securities Exchange; (ii) if the BBU Units are not listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange but are listed on the TSX, the U.S. dollar equivalent (calculated using the rate published by the Bank of Canada as of 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time, on such date) of the closing price per BBU Unit (or, if no closing price is reported, the average of the last quoted bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such day for the TSX; (iii) if the BBU Units are not listed or admitted to trading on any U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX, the last quoted bid price on such day in the over-the-counter market on such day as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. or a similar organization; (iv) if the BBU Units are not listed or admitted to trading on any U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX and the BBU Units are not quoted in the over-the-counter market, the average of the mid-point of the last quoted bid and ask prices on such day from each of at least three nationally recognized independent investment banking firms selected by the Company for such purpose or (v) if none of the conditions set forth in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) is met, then the amount that a holder of one BBU Unit would receive if each of the assets of BBU were sold for its fair market value on such date, BBU were to pay all of its outstanding liabilities and the remaining proceeds were to be distributed to its partners in accordance with the terms of its partnership agreement;
(l) “BBU Units Amount” means, with respect to each Tendered Share, such number of BBU Units equal to the Conversion Factor in effect on the Valuation Date with respect to such Tendered Shares;
(m) “board of directors”, “directors” and “board” mean the directors or sole director of the Company for the time being;
(n) “Business Day” means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York, United States of America or Toronto, Ontario, Canada are authorized or required by Law to close;
(o) “Cash Amount” means (a) with respect to each Tendered Class A Share, an amount in cash equal to the product of (i) the applicable BBU Units Amount for such Tendered Class A Share multiplied by (ii) the BBU Unit Value as of the applicable Valuation Date, and (b) with respect to each Tendered Class B Share and Tendered Class C Share, an amount in cash equal to the BBU Unit Value for such Tendered Class B Share or Tendered Class C Share, as applicable;
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(p) “Class A Distributed Right” has the meaning as provided in clause (vi) of the definition of “Conversion Factor” below;
(q) “Class A Dividend” has the meaning as provided in §26.2;
(r) “Class A Senior Preferred Share” means a class A senior preferred share of the Company;
(s) “Class A Share” means a class A exchangeable subordinate voting share of the Company;
(t) “Class A Share Value” means, with respect to a Class A Share on a particular date, the market price of a Class A Share on such date or, if such date is not a Trading Day, the most recent Trading Day. The market price for each such Trading Day shall be: (i) if the Class A Shares are listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange, the closing price per Class A Share (or, if no closing price is reported, the average of the last quoted bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such day for such U.S. National Securities Exchange; (ii) if the Class A Shares are not listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange but are listed on the TSX, the U.S. dollar equivalent (calculated using the rate published by the Bank of Canada as of 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time, on such date) of the closing price per Class A Share (or, if no closing price is reported, the average of the last quoted bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such day for the TSX; (iii) if the Class A Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX, the last quoted bid price on such day in the over-the-counter market on such day as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. or a similar organization; (iv) if the Class A Shares are not listed or admitted to trading on any U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX and the Class A Shares are not quoted in the over-the-counter market, the average of the mid-point of the last quoted bid and ask prices on such day from each of at least three nationally recognized independent investment banking firms selected by the Company for such purpose or (v) if none of the conditions set forth in clauses (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) is met then the amount that a holder of one Class A Share would receive if each of the assets of the Company were sold for its fair market value on such date, the Company were to pay all of its outstanding liabilities and the remaining proceeds were to be distributed to its shareholders in accordance with the terms of these Articles;
(u) “Class A Shareholder” means a holder of Class A Shares;
(v) “Class B Junior Preferred Share” means a class B junior preferred share of the Company;
(w) “Class B Retraction Amount” has the meaning as provided in §27.11;
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(x) “Class B Retraction Right” has the meaning as provided in §27.11;
(y) “Class B Share” means a class B multiple voting share of the Company;
(z) “Class B Shareholder” means a holder of Class B Shares;
(aa) “Class C Retraction Amount” has the meaning as provided in §28.8;
(bb) “Class C Retraction Right” has the meaning as provided in §28.8;
(cc) “Class C Share” means a class C non-voting share of the Company;
(dd) “Class C Shareholder” means a holder of Class C Shares;
(ee) “Close of Business” means 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time;
(ff) “Company” means Brookfield Business Corporation;
(gg) “Control” means the control by one Person of another Person in accordance with the following: a Person (“A”) controls another Person (“B”) where A has the power to determine the management and policies of B by contract or status (for example, the status of A being the general partner of B) or by virtue of the beneficial ownership of or control over a majority of the voting interests in B; and, for certainty and without limitation, if A owns or has control over shares or other securities to which are attached more than 50% of the votes permitted to be cast in the election of directors of to the Governing Body of B or A is the general partner of B, a limited partnership, then in each case A controls B for this purpose;
(hh) “Conversion Factor” means 1.0; provided that in the event that:
(i) BBU (a) declares or pays a distribution on its outstanding BBU Units wholly or partly in BBU Units; (b) splits or subdivides its outstanding BBU Units or (c) effects a reverse unit split or otherwise combines or reclassifies its outstanding BBU Units into a smaller number of BBU Units, the Conversion Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Conversion Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Record Date for such event by a fraction, (x) the numerator of which shall be the number of BBU Units issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date for such distribution or the Effective Date for such split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification, as applicable (assuming for such purpose that such distribution, split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification has occurred as of such time), and (y) the denominator of which shall be the actual number of BBU Units (determined without the above assumption) issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date for such distribution or the Effective Date for such split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification, as applicable.
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Any adjustment under this clause (i) shall become effective immediately after the Open of Business on the Record Date for such distribution, or immediately after the Open of Business on the Effective Date for such split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification, as applicable. If such distribution of the type described in this clause (i) is declared but not so paid or made and will not be so paid or made, the Conversion Factor shall be immediately readjusted, effective as of the date the BBU GP determines not to pay such distribution, to the Conversion Factor that would be in effect if such distribution had not been declared.
(ii) BBU distributes any rights, options or warrants to all or substantially all holders of BBU Units to convert into, exchange for or subscribe for or to purchase or to otherwise acquire BBU Units (or other securities convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for BBU Units) (each a “BBU Distributed Right”), then, as of the Record Date for the distribution of such BBU Distributed Rights or, if later, the time such BBU Distributed Rights become exercisable, the Conversion Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Conversion Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Record Date by a fraction (A) the numerator of which shall be the number of BBU Units issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date (or, if later, the date such BBU Distributed Rights become exercisable) plus the maximum number of BBU Units deliverable or purchasable under such BBU Distributed Rights and (B) the denominator of which shall be (x) the number of BBU Units issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date plus (y) such number of BBU Units determined by dividing the minimum aggregate cash purchase price under such BBU Distributed Rights of the maximum number of BBU Units purchasable under such BBU Distributed Rights by the average of the BBU Unit Value for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of announcement of such issuance (or, if later, the date such BBU Distributed Rights become exercisable); provided, however, that, if any such BBU Distributed Rights expire or become no longer exercisable, then the Conversion Factor shall be adjusted, effective retroactive to the Record Date of the BBU Distributed Rights, to reflect a reduced maximum number of BBU Units or any change in the minimum aggregate purchase price for the purposes of the above fraction.
Any adjustment under this clause (ii) will be made successively whenever such rights, options or warrants are issued and shall become effective immediately after the Open of Business on the Record Date for such issuance (or, if later, the date such rights, options or warrants become exercisable). To the extent that the BBU Units are not delivered and will not be delivered after the exercise of such rights, options or warrants, the Conversion Factor shall be decreased to the Conversion Factor that would then be in effect had the increase with respect to the issuance of such rights, options or warrants been made on the basis of delivery of only the number of BBU Units actually delivered. If such rights, options or warrants are not so issued, the Conversion Factor shall be decreased, effective as of the date the BBU GP determines not to issue such rights, options or warrants, to the Conversion Factor that would then be in effect if such Record Date for such issuance had not occurred.
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In determining the minimum aggregate purchase price under such BBU Distributed Rights, there shall be taken into account any consideration received by BBU for such rights, options or warrants and any amount payable on exercise or conversion thereof, the value of such consideration, if other than cash, to be determined by the BBU GP.
(iii) (A) BBU distributes to all or substantially all holders of BBU Units evidences of its indebtedness or assets (including securities, but excluding distributions paid exclusively in cash, distributions referred to in clauses (i) or (ii) above or any Spin-off referred to in clause (iii)(B) below) or rights, options or warrants to convert into, exchange for or subscribe for or to purchase or to otherwise acquire such securities (but excluding distributions referred to in clause (ii) above), the Conversion Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Conversion Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Record Date for such distribution by a fraction (a) the numerator of which shall be the average of the BBU Unit Value over the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately prior to the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution and (b) the denominator of which shall be the average of the BBU Unit Value over the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately prior to the Ex-Dividend Date for such distribution less the fair market value on the Record Date for such distribution (as determined by the BBU GP) of the portion of the evidences of indebtedness or assets, rights, options or warrants so distributed applicable to one BBU Unit.
Any adjustment under this clause (iii)(A) will become effective immediately after the Open of Business on the Record Date for such distribution. If such distribution is not paid or made, the Conversion Factor shall be decreased, effective as of the date the BBU GP determines not to pay or make such distribution, to be the Conversion Factor that would then be in effect if such distribution had not been declared.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the fair market value (as determined by the BBU GP) of the portion of the evidences of indebtedness or assets, rights, options or warrants distributable to one BBU Unit is equal to or greater than the average BBU Unit Value referenced above in this clause (iii)(A), in lieu of the foregoing adjustment, each Class A Shareholder shall receive from the Company, in respect of each Class A Share, a distribution of cash payable out of the funds legally available therefor (at the same time as holders of the BBU Units), that in the determination of the Company, is comparable as a whole in all material respects with the amount of BBU indebtedness or assets or rights, options or warrants to convert into, exchange for or subscribe for or to purchase or to otherwise acquire such securities that such holder would have received if such holder owned a number of BBU Units equal to the Conversion Factor in effect immediately prior to the Record Date.
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(B) Where there has been a Spin-off, the Conversion Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Conversion Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Record Date for such Spin-off by a fraction (a) the numerator of which shall be the average of the Last Reported Sale Prices of the share capital or similar equity interest applicable to one BBU Unit distributed to BBU Unit holders over the Valuation Period plus the average of the BBU Unit Value over the Valuation Period and (b) the denominator of which shall be the average of the BBU Unit Value over the Valuation Period; provided that, the Company may elect to pay cash in lieu of making an adjustment to the Conversion Factor provided by this clause (iii)(B), in which case the Company shall be required to pay to the Class A Shareholders and the Class A Shareholders shall be entitled to receive, cash on the third (3rd) Business Day immediately following the last Trading Day of the Valuation Period in an amount in respect of each Class A Share held, calculated by multiplying the BBU Unit Value on the Record Date of such Spin-off by the amount the Conversion Factor would have increased as a result of such Spin-off if no such cash payment was made.
Any adjustment under this clause (iii)(B) will be made immediately after the Close of Business on the last Trading Day of the Valuation Period, but will be given effect as of the Open of Business on the Record Date for such Spin-off.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in respect of any exchange by a Class A Shareholder during the Valuation Period, references contained in the definition of Valuation Period to “ten (10) consecutive Trading Days” shall be deemed for the purposes of the foregoing for such holder to be replaced with such lesser number of Trading Days as have elapsed between the Record Date of such Spin-off and the Trading Day immediately preceding the Exchange Date in determining the Conversion Factor. If any such Spin-off does not occur, the Conversion Factor shall be decreased, effective as of the date the BBU GP determines not to proceed with the Spin-off, to be the Conversion Factor that would then be in effect if such Spin-off had not been pursued.
(iv) BBU or one of its subsidiaries makes a payment in respect of a tender or exchange offer for the BBU Units (but excluding for all purposes any tender or exchange offer involving an offer to exchange BBU Units for Class A Shares or any other security that is economically equivalent to BBU Units), to the extent that the cash and value of any other consideration included in the payment per BBU Unit exceeds the average of the BBU Unit Value over the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period commencing on, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the last date on which tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant to such tender or exchange offer (the “Expiration Date”), then the Conversion Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Conversion Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Trading Day next succeeding the Expiration Date by a fraction (a) the numerator of which shall be (x) the sum of the aggregate value of all cash and any other consideration (as determined by the BBU GP) paid or payable in respect of BBU Units in such tender or exchange offer plus (y) the average of the BBU Unit Value over the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period commencing on, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the Expiration Date multiplied by the number of BBU Units issued and outstanding immediately after the Expiration Date (after giving effect to the purchase of all BBU Units accepted for purchase or exchange in such tender or exchange offer, without duplication), and (b) the denominator of which shall be the number of BBU Units issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Expiration Date (before giving effect to the purchase of all BBU Units accepted for purchase or exchange in such tender or exchange offer) multiplied by the average of the BBU Unit Value over the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period commencing on, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the Expiration Date.
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For greater certainty, no adjustment under this clause (iv) will be made for any normal course issuer bid or similar stock buyback. Any adjustment under this clause (iv) will be made immediately after the Close of Business on the tenth (10th) Trading Day immediately following, and including, the Trading Day next succeeding the Expiration Date and shall be given effect as of the Open of Business on the day next succeeding the Expiration Date.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in respect of any exchange by a Class A Shareholder during the Valuation Period, references above to “ten (10) consecutive Trading Days” shall be deemed for such holder to be replaced with such lesser number of Trading Days as have elapsed between the Expiration Date and the Trading Day immediately preceding the Exchange Date in determining the Conversion Factor.
(v) the Company (a) declares or pays a dividend on its outstanding Class A Shares wholly or partly in Class A Shares; (b) splits or subdivides its outstanding Class A Shares or (c) effects a reverse share split or otherwise combines or reclassifies its outstanding Class A Shares into a smaller number of Class A Shares, the Conversion Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Conversion Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Record Date for such event by a fraction, (x) the numerator of which shall be the number of Class A Shares issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date for such dividend or the Effective Date for such split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification, as applicable (determined without the assumption for such purpose that such dividend, split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification has occurred as of such time), and (y) the denominator of which shall be the actual number of Class A Shares (assuming the above assumption has occurred) issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date for such dividend or the Effective Date for such split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification, as applicable.
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Any adjustment under this clause (v) shall become effective immediately after the Open of Business on the Record Date for such dividend, or immediately after the Open of Business on the Effective Date for such split, subdivision, reverse split, combination or reclassification, as applicable. If such dividend of the type described in this clause (v) is declared but not so paid or made and will not be so paid or made, the Conversion Factor shall be immediately readjusted, effective as of the date the board of directors determines not to pay such dividend, to the Conversion Factor that would be in effect if such dividend had not been declared.
(vi) the Company distributes any rights, options or warrants to all or substantially all holders of Class A Shares to convert into, exchange for or subscribe for or to purchase or to otherwise acquire Class A Shares (or other securities convertible into, exchangeable for or exercisable for Class A Shares) at a price per share that is less than the average of the Class A Share Value for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of announcement of such issuance (each a “Class A Distributed Right”), then, as of the Record Date for the distribution of such Class A Distributed Rights or, if later, the time such Class A Distributed Rights become exercisable, the Conversion Factor shall be adjusted to equal the amount determined by multiplying the Conversion Factor in effect immediately prior to the Open of Business on the Record Date by a fraction (A) the numerator of which shall be (x) the number of Class A Shares issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date (or, if later, the date such Class A Distributed Rights become exercisable) plus (y) such number of Class A Shares determined by dividing the minimum aggregate cash purchase price under such Class A Distributed Rights of the maximum number of Class A Shares purchasable under such Class A Distributed Rights by the average of the Class A Share Value for the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period ending on, and including, the Trading Day immediately preceding the date of announcement of such issuance (or, if later, the date such Class A Distributed Rights become exercisable) and (B) the denominator of which shall be the number of Class A Shares issued and outstanding as of the Close of Business on the Record Date (or, if later, the date such Class A Distributed Rights become exercisable) plus the maximum number of Class A Shares purchasable under such Class A Distributed Rights; provided, however, that, if any such Class A Distributed Rights expire or become no longer exercisable, then the Conversion Factor shall be adjusted, effective retroactive to the Record Date of the Class A Distributed Rights, to reflect a reduced maximum number of Class A Shares or any change in the minimum aggregate purchase price for the purposes of the above fraction.
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Any adjustment under this clause (vi) will be made successively whenever such rights, options or warrants are issued and shall become effective immediately after the Open of Business on the Record Date (or, if later, the date such Class A Distributed Rights become exercisable) for such issuance. To the extent that the Class A Shares are not delivered and will not be delivered after the exercise of such rights, options or warrants, the Conversion Factor shall be increased to the Conversion Factor that would then be in effect had the increase with respect to the issuance of such rights, options or warrants been made on the basis of delivery of only the number of Class A Shares actually delivered. If such rights, options or warrants are not so issued, the Conversion Factor shall be increased, effective as of the date the board of directors determines not to issue such rights, options or warrants, to the Conversion Factor that would then be in effect if such Record Date for such issuance had not occurred.
In determining the minimum aggregate purchase price under such Class A Distributed Rights, there shall be taken into account any consideration received by the Company for such rights, options or warrants and any amount payable on exercise or conversion thereof, the value of such consideration, if other than cash, to be determined by the board of directors.
Any adjustment to the Conversion Factor shall be calculated up to four (4) decimal places. Within ten (10) Business Days of the effectiveness of any adjustment or readjustment of the Conversion Factor, the Company shall make a public announcement of such adjustment or readjustment.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Conversion Factor shall not be adjusted in connection with (a) an event described in clauses (i) through (iv) above (other than clause (iii)(B) above) if, in connection with such event, the Company makes a distribution of cash, Class A Shares, BBU Units and/or rights, options or warrants to acquire Class A Shares and/or BBU Units with respect to all applicable Class A Shares, splits or subdivides the Class A Shares, distributes to all or substantially all holders of Class A Shares evidences of its indebtedness or assets or effects a reverse split of, or otherwise combines or makes an offer for, the Class A Shares, as applicable, that, in the determination of the Company, is comparable as a whole in all material respects with such event, (b) a Spin-off as described in clause (iii)(B) above if the Company makes a distribution of the share capital or similar equity interests distributed to BBU Unit holders in the Spin-off in an amount and on terms that are comparable in all material respects to such Spin-off, or (c) an event described in clauses (v) through (vi) above if, in connection with such event, BBU makes a distribution of cash, Class A Shares, BBU Units and/or rights, options or warrants to acquire Class A Shares and/or BBU Units with respect to all BBU Units, splits or subdivides the BBU Units or effects a reverse split of, or otherwise combines or makes an offer for, the BBU Units, as applicable, that, in the determination of the Company, is comparable as a whole in all material respects with such event;
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(ii) “Conversion Notice” has the meaning as provided in §26.31;
(jj) “Effective Date” means, with respect to an event described in clauses (i) and (v) of the definition of “Conversion Factor” above, the first date on which the BBU Units or Class A Shares, as applicable, trade on the applicable exchange or in the applicable market, in a regular way, reflecting the relevant unit or share split, subdivision, reserve split, combination or reclassification, as applicable;
(kk) “Exchange Act” means the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;
(ll) “Exchange Consideration” has the meaning as provided in §26.13;
(mm) “Exchange Date” means the date upon which a Tendering Class A Shareholder’s Exchange Right has been satisfied by the delivery of the Exchange Consideration to such Tendering Class A Shareholder with respect to its Tendered Class A Shares;
(nn) “Exchange-Redemption Call Right” has the meaning as provided in §26.23;
(oo) “Exchange Right” has the meaning as provided in §26.11;
(pp) “Ex-Dividend Date” means, in respect of a dividend or distribution on the applicable securities, (a) the date on which such securities are traded without an entitlement to such dividend or distribution or (b) where such securities trade on a due bill basis, the date on which such dividend or distribution is paid;
(qq) “Expiration Date” has the meaning as provided in clause (iv) of the definition of “Conversion Factor” above;
(rr) “Governing Body” means (i) with respect to a corporation or limited company, the board of directors of such corporation or limited company, (ii) with respect to a limited liability company, the manager(s), director(s) or managing partner(s) of such limited liability company, (iii) with respect to a partnership, the board, committee or other body of each general partner or managing partner of such partnership, respectively, that serves a similar function (or if any such general partner is itself a partnership, the board, committee or other body of such general or managing partner’s general or managing partner that serves a similar function), and (iv) with respect to any other Person, the body of such Person that serves a similar function, and in the case of each of (i) through (iv) includes any committee or other subdivision of such body and any Person to whom such body has delegated any power or authority, including any officer or managing director;
(ss) “Interpretation Act” means the Interpretation Act (British Columbia) from time to time in force and all amendments thereto and includes all regulations and amendments thereto made pursuant to that Act;
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(tt) “Last Reported Sale Price” means with respect to a security on a particular date, the market price of such security on such date or, if such date is not a Trading Day, the most recent Trading Day. The market price for each such Trading Day shall be: (i) if such security is listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange, the closing price per security (or, if no closing price is reported, the average of the last quoted bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such day for such U.S. National Securities Exchange (or, if listed on more than one U.S. National Securities Exchange, the U.S. National Securities Exchange with the greatest volume of trading by dollar value over the 12-month period preceding the date of the calculation); (ii) if such security is not listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange but is listed on the TSX, the U.S. dollar equivalent (calculated using the rate published by the Bank of Canada as of 4:30 p.m., Eastern Time, on such date) of the closing price per security (or, if no closing price is reported, the average of the last quoted bid and ask prices or, if more than one in either case, the average of the average bid and average ask prices) on such day for the TSX; (iii) if such security is not listed or admitted to trading on any U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX, the last quoted bid price on such day in the over-the-counter market on such day as reported by OTC Markets Group Inc. or a similar organization; or (iv) if such security is not listed or admitted to trading on any U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX and such security is not quoted in the over-the-counter market, the average of the mid-point of the last quoted bid and ask prices on such day from each of at least three nationally recognized independent investment banking firms selected by the Company for such purpose;
(uu) “Laws” means all federal, provincial, state, municipal, regional and local laws (including common law), by-laws, statutes, rules, regulations, principles of law and equity, orders, rulings, certificates, ordinances, judgments, injunctions, determinations, awards, decrees, legally binding codes, policies or other requirements, whether domestic or foreign, and the terms and conditions of any grant of approval, permission, authority or license of any governmental entity, and the term “applicable” with respect to such Laws and in a context that refers to one or more Persons, means such Laws as are binding upon or applicable to such Person or its assets;
(vv) “legal personal representative” means the personal or other legal representative of the shareholder;
(ww) “Liquidation Amount” has the meaning as provided in §26.25;
(xx) “Liquidation Call Consideration” has the meaning as provided in §26.28;
(yy) “Liquidation Call Right” has the meaning as provided in §26.28;
(zz) “Liquidation Date” has the meaning as provided in §26.25;
(aaa) “Liquidation Event” has the meaning as provided in §26.25;
(bbb) “Liquidation Reference Date” has the meaning as provided in §26.25;
(ccc) “Non-Affiliated Holders” means the holders of Class A Shares other than BBU-Affiliated Class A Shareholders;
(ddd) “Notice of Class A Redemption” means a Notice of Redemption substantially in the form set forth on Exhibit B hereto;
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(eee) “Notice of Class B Retraction” means a Notice of Retraction substantially in the form set forth on Exhibit C hereto;
(fff) “Notice of Class C Retraction” means a Notice of Retraction substantially in the form set forth on Exhibit D hereto;
(ggg) “Notice of Exchange” means a Notice of Exchange substantially in the form set forth on Exhibit A hereto (or notice of the exercise of Exchange Rights in such other form as may be acceptable to the Company);
(hhh) “Open of Business” means 9:00 a.m., Eastern Time;
(iii) “Person” means any natural person, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, joint venture, syndicate, sole proprietorship, company or corporation (with or without share capital), limited liability corporation, unlimited liability company, joint stock company, unincorporated association, trust, trustee, executor, administrator or other legal personal representative, governmental entity or other entity however designated or constituted and pronouns have a similarly extended meaning;
(jjj) “Preferred Shares” means the Class A Senior Preferred Shares and the Class B Junior Preferred Shares;
(kkk) “Record Date” means with respect to any dividend, distribution or other transaction or event in which the holders of BBU Units and/or Class A Shares have the right to receive any cash, securities, assets or other property or in which BBU Units and/or Class A Shares are exchanged for or converted into any combination of securities, cash, assets or other property, the date fixed for determination of holders of BBU Units and/or Class A Shares entitled to receive such cash, securities, assets or other property (whether such date is fixed by the board of directors or the BBU GP, as applicable, or a duly authorized committee thereof, or as determined pursuant to any statute, constating document, contract or otherwise);
(lll) “Redemption Consideration” has the meaning as provided in §26.21;
(mmm) “registered address” of a shareholder means the shareholder’s address as recorded in the central securities register;
(nnn) “Rights Agent” means Wilmington Trust, National Association or any successor thereto as rights agent for the Secondary Exchange Amount;
(ooo) “Rights Agreement” means that certain Rights Agreement dated on or about March 15, 2022 by and between BAM and the Rights Agent as it may be amended or modified from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof;
(ppp) “Secondary Exchange Amount” means, with respect to a Tendered Share, the BBU Units Amount for such Tendered Share or, at the election of BAM, the Cash Amount for such Tendered Share, in each case, on the terms and subject to the conditions of the Rights Agreement;
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(qqq) “Secondary Exchange Date” means, with respect to any Class A Share, the date that is two (2) Business Days following the Specified Exchange Date or Specified Class A Redemption Date, as applicable, with respect to such Class A Share;
(rrr) “Secondary Exchange Right” has the meaning set forth in §26.16;
(sss) “share” means a share in the share structure of the Company;
(ttt) “special majority” means the number of votes described in §11.2 which is required to pass a special resolution;
(uuu) “Specified Class A Redemption Date” means, with respect to the Notice of Class A Redemption, the sixtieth (60th) day following delivery of such Notice of Class A Redemption to the Class A Shareholder or such later day specified in such Notice of Class A Redemption;
(vvv) “Specified Class B Retraction Date” means, with respect to each Notice of Class B Retraction, the thirtieth (30th) day following receipt of such Notice of Class B Retraction by the Company;
(www) “Specified Class C Retraction Date” means, with respect to each Notice of Class C Retraction, the thirtieth (30th) day following receipt of such Notice of Class C Retraction by the Company;
(xxx) “Specified Exchange Date” means, with respect to each Notice of Exchange for which an Exchange Date has not occurred prior thereto, the tenth (10th) Business Day following the receipt of such Notice of Exchange by the Transfer Agent;
(yyy) “Spin-off” means a payment by BBU of a distribution of shares of any class or series, or similar equity interest, of or relating to a subsidiary or business unit of BBU, that are, or, when issued, will be, listed or admitted for trading on a U.S. National Securities Exchange or the TSX;
(zzz) “Tendered Class A Shares” has the meaning as provided in §26.11;
(aaaa) “Tendered Class B Shares” has the meaning as provided in §27.11;
(bbbb) “Tendered Class C Shares” has the meaning as provided in §28.8;
(cccc) “Tendered Shares” means the Tendered Class A Shares, Tendered Class B Shares or Tendered Class C Shares, as applicable;
(dddd) “Tendering Class A Shareholder” has the meaning as provided in §26.11;
(eeee) “Tendering Class B Shareholder” has the meaning as provided in §27.11;
(ffff) “Tendering Class C Shareholder” has the meaning as provided in §28.8;
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(gggg) “Trading Day” means a day on which (a) trading in the applicable securities generally occurs on a U.S. National Securities Exchange or, if the applicable securities are not then listed on a U.S. National Securities Exchange, on the TSX or such other market on which the applicable securities are then traded and (b) a Last Reported Sale Price for the applicable securities is available on such securities exchange or market. If the applicable securities are not so listed, or in the case of unlisted securities, so traded, “Trading Day” means a “Business Day”;
(hhhh) “Transfer” means any sale, assignment, surrender, gift or transfer of ownership of, the granting or foreclosure of a pledge, mortgage, charge, security interest, hypothecation or other encumbrance, whether voluntary, involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise, or the entry into of any contract, option or other arrangement or understanding with respect to the foregoing;
(iiii) “Transfer Agent” means Computershare Investor Services Inc., and includes any person who becomes a successor or replacement transfer agent is deemed to refer to all successors, including, without limitation, by operation of law of such transfer agent;
(jjjj) “TSX” means Toronto Stock Exchange;
(kkkk) “Unpaid Dividends” has the meaning as provided in §26.3;
(llll) “U.S. National Securities Exchange” means an exchange registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 6(a) of the Exchange Act on which the applicable securities are listed, or if the applicable securities are not listed on an exchange so registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, any other U.S. exchange, whether or not so registered, on which the applicable securities are listed;
(mmmm) “Valuation Date” means (i) the date of receipt by the Transfer Agent of a Notice of Exchange, or by the Company of a Notice of Class B Retraction or Notice of Class C Retraction, as applicable, or, if such date is not a Trading Day, the first (1st) Trading Day thereafter; or (ii) the day immediately preceding the date the Company issues a Notice of Class A Redemption, or, if such day is not a Business Day, the Trading Day immediately preceding such day; and
(nnnn) “Valuation Period” means, with respect to any Spin-off, the ten (10) consecutive Trading Day period commencing on, and including, the Ex-Dividend Date of the Spin-off.
Act and Interpretation Act Definitions Applicable
1.2 The definitions in the Act and the definitions and rules of construction in the Interpretation Act, with the necessary changes, so far as applicable, and except as the context requires otherwise, apply to these Articles as if they were an enactment. If there is a conflict between a definition in the Act and a definition or rule in the Interpretation Act relating to a term used in these Articles, the definition in the Act will prevail. If there is a conflict or inconsistency between these Articles and the Act, the Act will prevail.
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Actions on Non-Business Days
1.3 Whenever any payment to be made or action to be taken hereunder is required to be made or taken on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made or action taken on the next following Business Day.
Currency
1.4 Except where otherwise expressly provided herein, all amounts are stated in U.S. currency.
PART 2
SHARES AND SHARE CERTIFICATES
Authorized Share Structure
2.1 The authorized share structure of the Company consists of shares of the class or classes and series, if any, described in the Notice of Articles of the Company.
Form of Share Certificate
2.2 Each share certificate issued by the Company must comply with, and be signed as required by, the Act.
Shareholder Entitled to Certificate, Acknowledgment or Written Notice
2.3 Unless the shares of which the shareholder is the registered owner are uncertificated shares, each shareholder is entitled, without charge, to (a) one share certificate representing the shares of each class or series of shares registered in the shareholder’s name or (b) a non-transferable written acknowledgment of the shareholder’s right to obtain such a share certificate, provided that in respect of a share held jointly by several persons, the Company is not bound to issue more than one share certificate and delivery of a share certificate for a share to one of several joint shareholders or to one of the shareholders’ duly authorized agents will be sufficient delivery to all. If a shareholder is the registered owner of uncertificated shares, the Company must send to a holder of an uncertificated share a written notice containing the information required by the Act within a reasonable time after the issue or transfer of such share.
Delivery by Mail
2.4 Any share certificate or non-transferable written acknowledgment of a shareholder’s right to obtain a share certificate may be sent to the shareholder by mail at the shareholder’s registered address and neither the Company nor any director, officer or agent of the Company is liable for any loss to the shareholder because the share certificate or acknowledgement is lost in the mail or stolen.
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Replacement of Worn Out or Defaced Certificate or Acknowledgement
2.5 If a share certificate or a non-transferable written acknowledgment of the shareholder’s right to obtain a share certificate is worn out or defaced, the Company must, on production of the share certificate or acknowledgment, as the case may be, and on such other terms, if any, as are deemed fit:
(a) | cancel the share certificate or acknowledgment; and |
(b) | issue a replacement share certificate or acknowledgment. |
Replacement of Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificate or Acknowledgment
2.6 If a share certificate or a non-transferable written acknowledgment of a shareholder’s right to obtain a share certificate is lost, stolen or destroyed, the Company must issue a replacement share certificate or acknowledgment, as the case may be, to the person entitled to that share certificate or acknowledgment, if it receives:
(a) | proof satisfactory to it of the loss, theft or destruction; and |
(b) | any indemnity the directors consider adequate. |
Splitting Share Certificates
2.7 If a shareholder surrenders a share certificate to the Company with a written request that the Company issue in the shareholder’s name two or more share certificates, each representing a specified number of shares and in the aggregate representing the same number of shares as the share certificate so surrendered, the Company must cancel the surrendered share certificate and issue replacement share certificates in accordance with that request.
Certificate Fee
2.8 There must be paid to the Company, in relation to the issue of any share certificate under §2.5, §2.6 or §2.7, the amount, if any, not exceeding the amount prescribed under the Act, determined by the directors.
Recognition of Trusts
2.9 Except as required by law or statute or these Articles, no person will be recognized by the Company as holding any share upon any trust, and the Company is not bound by or compelled in any way to recognize (even when having notice thereof) any equitable, contingent, future or partial interest in any share or fraction of a share or (except as required by law or statute or these Articles or as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction) any other rights in respect of any share except an absolute right to the entirety thereof in the shareholder.
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PART 3
ISSUE OF SHARES
Directors Authorized
3.1 Subject to the Act and the rights, if any, of the holders of issued shares of the Company, the Company may allot, issue, sell or otherwise dispose of the unissued shares, and issued shares held by the Company, at the times, to the persons, including directors, in the manner, on the terms and conditions and for the consideration (including any premium at which shares with par value may be issued) that the directors may determine. The issue price for a share with par value must be equal to or greater than the par value of the share.
Commissions and Discounts
3.2 The Company may at any time pay a reasonable commission or allow a reasonable discount to any person in consideration of that person’s purchase or agreement to purchase shares of the Company from the Company or any other person’s procurement or agreement to procure purchasers for shares of the Company.
Brokerage
3.3 The Company may pay such brokerage fee or other consideration as may be lawful for or in connection with the sale or placement of its securities.
Conditions of Issue
3.4 Except as provided for by the Act, no share may be issued until it is fully paid. A share is fully paid when:
(a) consideration is provided to the Company for the issue of the share by one or more of the following:
(i) | past services performed for the Company; |
(ii) | property; |
(iii) | money; and |
(b) the value of the consideration received by the Company equals or exceeds the issue price set for the share under §3.1.
Share Purchase Warrants and Rights
3.5 Subject to the Act and the rights if any, of the holders of issued shares of the Company, the Company may issue share purchase warrants, options and rights upon such terms and conditions as the directors determine, which share purchase warrants, options and rights may be issued alone or in conjunction with debentures, debenture stock, bonds, shares or any other securities issued or created by the Company from time to time.
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PART 4
SHARE REGISTERS
Central Securities Register
4.1 As required by and subject to the Act, the Company must maintain a central securities register and may appoint an agent to maintain such register. The directors may appoint one or more agents, including the agent appointed to keep the central securities register, as transfer agent for shares or any class or series of shares and the same or another agent as registrar for shares or such class or series of shares, as the case may be. The directors may terminate such appointment of any agent at any time and may appoint another agent in its place. If the directors designate a location outside British Columbia as the location at which the company maintains its central securities register, the central securities register must be available for inspection and copying in accordance with the Act at a location inside British Columbia by means of a computer terminal or other electronic technology.
PART 5
SHARE TRANSFERS
Registering Transfers
5.1 A transfer of a share must not be registered unless the Company or the transfer agent or registrar for the class or series of shares to be transferred has received:
(a) except as exempted by the Act, a duly signed proper instrument of transfer in respect of the share;
(b) if a share certificate has been issued by the Company in respect of the share to be transferred, that share certificate;
(c) if a non-transferable written acknowledgment of the shareholder’s right to obtain a share certificate has been issued by the Company in respect of the share to be transferred, that acknowledgment; and
(d) such other evidence, if any, as the Company or the transfer agent or registrar for the class or series of share to be transferred may require to prove the title of the transferor or the transferor’s right to transfer the share, the due signing of the instrument of transfer and the right of the transferee to have the transfer registered.
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Form of Instrument of Transfer
5.2 The instrument of transfer in respect of any share of the Company must be either in the form, if any, on the back of the Company’s share certificates of that class or series or in some other form that may be approved by the directors.
Transferor Remains Shareholder
5.3 Except to the extent that the Act otherwise provides, the transferor of a share is deemed to remain the holder of it until the name of the transferee is entered in a securities register of the Company in respect of the transfer.
Signing of Instrument of Transfer
5.4 If a shareholder, or the shareholder’s duly authorized attorney, signs an instrument of transfer in respect of shares registered in the name of the shareholder, the signed instrument of transfer constitutes a complete and sufficient authority to the Company and its directors, officers and agents to register the number of shares specified in the instrument of transfer or specified in any other manner, or, if no number is specified, all the shares represented by the share certificates or set out in the written acknowledgments deposited with the instrument of transfer:
(a) in the name of the person named as transferee in that instrument of transfer; or
(b) if no person is named as transferee in that instrument of transfer, in the name of the person on whose behalf the instrument is deposited for the purpose of having the transfer registered.
Enquiry as to Title Not Required
5.5 Neither the Company nor any director, officer or agent of the Company is bound to inquire into the title of the person named in the instrument of transfer as transferee or, if no person is named as transferee in the instrument of transfer, of the person on whose behalf the instrument is deposited for the purpose of having the transfer registered or is liable for any claim related to registering the transfer by the shareholder or by any intermediate owner or holder of the shares transferred, of any interest in such shares, of any share certificate representing such shares or of any written acknowledgment of a right to obtain a share certificate for such shares.
Transfer Fee
5.6 There must be paid to the Company, in relation to the registration of a transfer, the amount, if any, determined by the directors.
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PART 6
TRANSMISSION OF SHARES
Legal Personal Representative Recognized on Death
6.1 In case of the death of a shareholder, the legal personal representative of the shareholder, or in the case of shares registered in the shareholder’s name and the name of another person in joint tenancy, the surviving joint holder, will be the only person recognized by the Company as having any title to the shareholder’s interest in the shares. Before recognizing a person as a legal personal representative of a shareholder, the Company shall receive the documentation required by the Act.
Rights of Legal Personal Representative
6.2 The legal personal representative of a shareholder has the same rights, privileges and obligations that attach to the shares held by the shareholder, including the right to transfer the shares in accordance with these Articles, provided the documents required by the Act and the directors have been deposited with the Company. This §6.2 does not apply in the case of the death of a shareholder with respect to shares registered in the name of the shareholder and the name of another person in joint tenancy.
PART 7
PURCHASE, REDEEM OR OTHERWISE ACQUIRE SHARES
Company Authorized to Purchase, Redeem or Otherwise Acquire Shares
7.1 Subject to the special rights or restrictions attached to the shares of any class or series and the Act, the Company may, if authorized by the directors, purchase or otherwise acquire any of its shares at the price and upon the terms determined by the directors.
Sale and Voting of Purchased, Redeemed or Otherwise Acquired Shares
7.2 If the Company retains a share redeemed, purchased or otherwise acquired by it, the Company may sell, gift, cancel or otherwise dispose of the share, but, while such share is held by the Company, it:
(a) | is not entitled to vote the share at a meeting of its shareholders; |
(b) | must not pay a dividend in respect of the share; and |
(c) | must not make any other distribution in respect of the share. |
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Company Entitled to Purchase, Redeem or Otherwise Acquire Share Fractions
7.3 The Company may, without prior notice to the holders, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire for fair value any and all outstanding share fractions of any class or kind of shares in its authorized share structure as may exist at any time and from time to time. Upon the Company delivering the purchase funds and confirmation of purchase or redemption of the share fractions to the holders’ registered or last known address, or if the Company has a transfer agent then to such agent for the benefit of and forwarding to such holders, the Company shall thereupon amend its central securities register to reflect the purchase or redemption of such share fractions and if the Company has a transfer agent, shall direct the transfer agent to amend the central securities register accordingly.
PART 8
BORROWING POWERS
8.1 The Company, if authorized by the directors, may:
(a) borrow money in the manner and amount, on the security, from the sources and on the terms and conditions that they consider appropriate;
(b) issue bonds, debentures and other debt obligations either outright or as security for any liability or obligation of the Company or any other person and at such discounts or premiums and on such other terms as the directors consider appropriate;
(c) guarantee the repayment of money by any other person or the performance of any obligation of any other person; and
(d) mortgage, charge, whether by way of specific or floating charge, grant a security interest in, or give other security on, the whole or any part of the present and future assets and undertaking of the Company.
PART 9
ALTERATIONS
Alteration of Authorized Share Structure
9.1 Subject to §9.2 and the Act, the Company may by ordinary resolution (or a resolution of the directors in the case of §9.1(c) or §9.1(f)):
(a) create one or more classes of shares or, if none of the shares of a class of shares are allotted or issued, eliminate that class of shares;
(b) increase, reduce or eliminate the maximum number of shares that the Company is authorized to issue out of any class of shares or establish a maximum number of shares that the Company is authorized to issue out of any class of shares for which no maximum is established;
(c) subdivide or consolidate all or any of its unissued, or fully paid issued, shares;
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(d) if the Company is authorized to issue shares of a class of shares with par value:
(i) decrease the par value of those shares; or
(ii) if none of the shares of that class of shares are allotted or issued, increase the par value of those shares;
(e) change all or any of its unissued, or fully paid issued, shares with par value into shares without par value or any of its unissued shares without par value into shares with par value;
(f) alter the identifying name of any of its shares; or
(g) otherwise alter its shares or authorized share structure when required or permitted to do so by the Act where it does not specify by a special resolution;
and, if applicable, alter its Notice of Articles and Articles accordingly.
Special Rights or Restrictions
9.2 Subject to the Act and in particular those provisions of the Act relating to the rights of holders of outstanding shares to vote if their rights are prejudiced or interfered with, the Company may by ordinary resolution:
(a) create special rights or restrictions for, and attach those special rights or restrictions to, the shares of any class of shares, whether or not any or all of those shares have been issued; or
(b) vary or delete any special rights or restrictions attached to the shares of any class of shares, whether or not any or all of those shares have been issued,
and alter its Notice of Articles and Articles accordingly.
Change of Name
9.3 The Company may by directors resolution authorize an alteration of its Notice of Articles in order to change its name or adopt or change any translation of that name.
Other Alterations
9.4 If the Act does not specify the type of resolution and these Articles do not specify another type of resolution, the Company may by ordinary resolution alter these Articles.
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PART 10
MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Annual General Meetings
10.1 Unless an annual general meeting is deferred or waived in accordance with the Act, the Company must hold its first annual general meeting within 18 months after the date on which it was incorporated or otherwise recognized, and after that must hold an annual general meeting at least once in each calendar year and not more than 15 months after the last annual reference date at such time and place as may be determined by the directors.
Resolution Instead of Annual General Meeting
10.2 If all the shareholders who are entitled to vote at an annual general meeting consent in writing by a unanimous resolution to all of the business that is required to be transacted at that annual general meeting, the annual general meeting is deemed to have been held on the date of the unanimous resolution. The shareholders must, in any unanimous resolution passed under this §10.2, select as the Company’s annual reference date a date that would be appropriate for the holding of the applicable annual general meeting. A unanimous resolution passed in writing under this §10.2 may be by signed document, fax, email or any other method of transmitting legibly recorded messages. Any electronic signature on a unanimous resolution, whether digital or encrypted, shall be deemed to have the same force and effect as a manual signature. A unanimous resolution in writing may be in two or more counterparts which together are deemed to constitute one unanimous resolution in writing.
Calling of Meetings of Shareholders
10.3 The directors may, at any time, call a meeting of shareholders.
Notice for Meetings of Shareholders
10.4 The Company must send notice of the date, time and location of any meeting of shareholders (including, without limitation, any notice specifying the intention to propose a resolution as a special resolution and any notice to consider approving a continuation into a foreign jurisdiction, an arrangement or the adoption of an amalgamation agreement, and any notice of a general meeting, class meeting or series meeting), in the manner provided in these Articles, or in such other manner, if any, as may be prescribed by ordinary resolution (whether previous notice of the resolution has been given or not), to each shareholder entitled to attend the meeting, to each director and to the auditor of the Company, unless these Articles otherwise provide, at least the following number of days before the meeting:
(a) | if the Company is a public company, 21 days; |
(b) | otherwise, 10 days. |
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Record Date for Notice
10.5 The directors may set a date as the record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to notice of any meeting of shareholders. The record date must not precede the date on which the meeting is to be held by more than two months or, in the case of a general meeting requisitioned by shareholders under the Act, by more than four months. The record date must not precede the date on which the meeting is held by fewer than:
(a) | if the Company is a public company, 21 days; |
(b) | otherwise, 10 days. |
If no record date is set, the record date is 5 p.m. on the day immediately preceding the first date on which the notice is sent or, if no notice is sent, the beginning of the meeting.
Record Date for Voting
10.6 The directors may set a date as the record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to vote at any meeting of shareholders. The record date must not precede the date on which the meeting is to be held by more than two months or, in the case of a general meeting requisitioned by shareholders under the Act, by more than four months. If no record date is set, the record date is 5 p.m. on the day immediately preceding the first date on which the notice is sent or, if no notice is sent, the beginning of the meeting.
Failure to Give Notice and Waiver of Notice
10.7 The accidental omission to send notice of any meeting of shareholders to, or the non-receipt of any notice by, any of the persons entitled to notice does not invalidate any proceedings at that meeting. Any person entitled to notice of a meeting of shareholders may, in writing or otherwise, waive that entitlement or may agree to reduce the period of that notice. Attendance of a person at a meeting of shareholders is a waiver of entitlement to notice of the meeting unless that person attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the grounds that the meeting is not lawfully called.
Notice of Special Business at Meetings of Shareholders
10.8 If a meeting of shareholders is to consider special business within the meaning of §11.1, the notice of meeting must:
(a) state the general nature of the special business; and
(b) if the special business includes considering, approving, ratifying, adopting or authorizing any document or the signing of or giving of effect to any document, have attached to it a copy of the document or state that a copy of the document will be available for inspection by shareholders:
(i) at the Company’s records office, or at such other reasonably accessible location in British Columbia as is specified in the notice; and
(ii) during statutory business hours on any one or more specified days before the day set for the holding of the meeting.
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Place of Meetings
10.9 In addition to any location in British Columbia, any general meeting may be held in any location outside British Columbia approved by a resolution of the directors, or if so approved by a resolution of the directors, any general meeting may be held entirely by means of an electronic or other communication facility that permits all persons participating in the meeting to communicate adequately with each other to the extent permitted by the Act.
PART 11
PROCEEDINGS AT MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Special Business
11.1 At a meeting of shareholders, the following business is special business:
(a) at a meeting of shareholders that is not an annual general meeting, all business is special business except business relating to the conduct of or voting at the meeting;
(b) at an annual general meeting, all business is special business except for the following:
(i) | business relating to the conduct of or voting at the meeting; |
(ii) | consideration of any financial statements of the Company presented to the meeting; |
(iii) | consideration of any reports of the directors or auditor; |
(iv) | the setting or changing of the number of directors; |
(v) | the election or appointment of directors; |
(vi) | the appointment of an auditor; |
(vii) | the setting of the remuneration of an auditor; | |
(viii) | business arising out of a report of the directors not requiring the passing of a special resolution; | |
(ix) | any other business which, under these Articles or the Act, may be transacted at a meeting of shareholders without prior notice of the business being given to the shareholders. |
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Special Resolutions
11.2 The number of votes required for the Company to pass a special resolution at a general meeting of shareholders is two-thirds of the votes cast on the resolution.
Ordinary Resolutions
11.3 The number of votes required for the Company to pass an ordinary resolution at a general meeting of shareholders is a majority of the votes cast on the resolution.
Quorum
11.4 Subject to the special rights or restrictions attached to the shares of any class or series of shares, and to §11.6, the quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of shareholders is at least two shareholders who, whether present in person or represented by proxy, in the aggregate, hold at least 25% of the votes attached to the shares entitled to be voted at the meeting.
11.5 Where a separate vote by a class or series or classes or series is required, the quorum for that matter is at least two shareholders who, whether present in person or represented by proxy, in the aggregate, hold at least 25% of the votes attached to the shares of such class or series or classes or series entitled to vote on that matter.
One Shareholder May Constitute Quorum
11.6 If there is only one shareholder entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders:
(a) | the quorum is one person who is, or who represents by proxy, that shareholder, and |
(b) | that shareholder, present in person or by proxy, may constitute the meeting. |
Persons Entitled to Attend Meeting
11.7 In addition to those persons who are entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders, the only other persons entitled to be present at the meeting are the directors, the president (if any), the secretary (if any), the assistant secretary (if any), any lawyer for the Company, the auditor of the Company, any persons invited to be present at the meeting by the directors or by the chair of the meeting and any persons entitled or required under the Act or these Articles to be present at the meeting; but if any of those persons does attend the meeting, that person is not to be counted in the quorum and is not entitled to vote at the meeting unless that person is a shareholder or proxy holder entitled to vote at the meeting.
Requirement of Quorum
11.8 No business, other than the election of a chair of the meeting and the adjournment of the meeting, may be transacted at any meeting of shareholders unless a quorum of shareholders entitled to vote is present at the commencement of the meeting, but such quorum need not be present throughout the meeting.
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Lack of Quorum
11.9 If, within one-half hour from the time set for the holding of a meeting of shareholders, a quorum is not present:
(a) in the case of a general meeting requisitioned by shareholders, the meeting is dissolved, and
(b) in the case of any other meeting of shareholders, the meeting stands adjourned to the same day in the next week at the same time and place specified in the notice calling the meeting unless otherwise determined by an ordinary resolutions of those shareholders present and for which notification is provided to all shareholders entitled to attend such meeting.
Lack of Quorum at Succeeding Meeting
11.10 If, at the meeting to which the meeting referred to in §11.9(b) was adjourned, a quorum is not present within one-half hour from the time set for the holding of the meeting, the person or persons present and being, or representing by proxy one or more shareholders, entitled to attend and vote at the meeting shall be deemed to constitute a quorum.
Chair
11.11 The following individual is entitled to preside as chair at a meeting of shareholders:
(a) the chair of the board, if any; or
(b) if the chair of the board is absent or unwilling to act as chair of the meeting, the president, if any.
Selection of Alternate Chair
11.12 If, at any meeting of shareholders, there is no chair of the board or president present within 15 minutes after the time set for holding the meeting, or if the chair of the board and the president are unwilling to act as chair of the meeting, or if the chair of the board and the president have advised the secretary, if any, or any director present at the meeting, that they will not be present at the meeting, the directors present may choose either one of their number or the lawyer of the Company to be chair of the meeting. If all of the directors present decline to take the chair or fail to so choose or if no director is present or the lawyer of the Company declines to take the chair, the shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting who are present in person or by proxy may choose any person present at the meeting to chair the meeting.
Adjournments
11.13 The chair of a meeting of shareholders may, and if so directed by the meeting must, adjourn the meeting from time to time and from place to place, but no business may be transacted at any adjourned meeting other than the business left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took place.
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Notice of Adjourned Meeting
11.14 It is not necessary to give any notice of an adjourned meeting of shareholders or of the business to be transacted at an adjourned meeting of shareholders except that, when a meeting is adjourned for 30 days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting must be given as in the case of the original meeting.
Decisions by Show of Hands or Poll
11.15 Subject to the Act, every motion put to a vote at a meeting of shareholders will be decided on a show of hands unless a poll, before or on the declaration of the result of the vote by show of hands, is directed by the chair or demanded by any shareholder entitled to vote who is present in person or by proxy.
Declaration of Result
11.16 The chair of a meeting of shareholders must declare to the meeting the decision on every question in accordance with the result of the show of hands or the poll, as the case may be, and that decision must be entered in the minutes of the meeting. A declaration of the chair that a resolution is carried by the necessary majority or is defeated is, unless a poll is directed by the chair or demanded under §11.15, conclusive evidence without proof of the number or proportion of the votes recorded in favour of or against the resolution.
Motion Need Not be Seconded
11.17 No motion proposed at a meeting of shareholders need be seconded unless the chair of the meeting rules otherwise, and the chair of any meeting of shareholders is entitled to propose or second a motion.
Casting Vote
11.18 In case of an equality of votes, the chair of a meeting of shareholders does not, either on a show of hands or on a poll, have a second or casting vote in addition to the vote or votes to which the chair may be entitled as a shareholder.
Manner of Taking Poll
11.19 | Subject to §11.20, if a poll is duly demanded at a meeting of shareholders: |
(a) | the poll must be taken: |
(i) | at the meeting, or within seven days after the date of the meeting, as the chair of the meeting directs; and | |
(ii) | in the manner, at the time and at the place that the chair of the meeting directs; |
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(b) the result of the poll is deemed to be the decision of the meeting at which the poll is demanded; and
(c) | the demand for the poll may be withdrawn by the person who demanded it. |
Demand for Poll on Adjournment
11.20 A poll demanded at a meeting of shareholders on a question of adjournment must be taken immediately at the meeting.
Chair Must Resolve Dispute
11.21 In the case of any dispute as to the admission or rejection of a vote given on a poll, the chair of the meeting must determine the dispute, and the determination of the chair made in good faith is final and conclusive.
Casting of Votes
11.22 On a poll, a shareholder entitled to more than one vote need not cast all the votes in the same way.
No Demand for Poll on Election of Chair
11.23 No poll may be demanded in respect of the vote by which a chair of a meeting of shareholders is elected.
Demand for Poll Not to Prevent Continuance of Meeting
11.24 The demand for a poll at a meeting of shareholders does not, unless the chair of the meeting so rules, prevent the continuation of a meeting for the transaction of any business other than the question on which a poll has been demanded.
Retention of Ballots and Proxies
11.25 The Company must, for at least three months after a meeting of shareholders, keep each ballot cast on a poll and each proxy voted at the meeting, and, during that period, make them available for inspection during normal business hours by any shareholder or proxy holder entitled to vote at the meeting. At the end of such three month period, the Company may destroy such ballots and proxies.
PART 12
VOTES OF SHAREHOLDERS
Number of Votes by Shareholder or by Shares
12.1 Subject to any special rights or restrictions attached to any shares and to the restrictions imposed on joint shareholders under §12.3:
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(a) on a vote by show of hands, every person present who is a shareholder or proxy holder and entitled to vote on the matter has one vote; and
(b) on a poll, every shareholder entitled to vote on the matter has one vote in respect of each share entitled to be voted on the matter and held by that shareholder and may exercise that vote either in person or by proxy.
Votes of Persons in Representative Capacity
12.2 A person who is not a shareholder may vote at a meeting of shareholders, whether on a show of hands or on a poll, and may appoint a proxy holder to act at the meeting, if, before doing so, the person satisfies the chair of the meeting, or the directors, that the person is a legal personal representative or a trustee in bankruptcy for a shareholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting.
Votes by Joint Holders
12.3 If there are joint shareholders registered in respect of any share:
(a) any one of the joint shareholders may vote at any meeting of shareholders, personally or by proxy, in respect of the share as if that joint shareholder were solely entitled to it; or
(b) if more than one of the joint shareholders is present at any meeting of shareholders, personally or by proxy, and more than one of them votes in respect of that share, then only the vote of the joint shareholder present whose name stands first on the central securities register in respect of the share will be counted.
Legal Personal Representatives as Joint Shareholders
12.4 Two or more legal personal representatives of a shareholder in whose sole name any share is registered are, for the purposes of §12.3, deemed to be joint shareholders registered in respect of that share.
Representative of a Corporate Shareholder
12.5 If a corporation, that is not a subsidiary of the Company, is a shareholder, that corporation may appoint a person to act as its representative at any meeting of shareholders of the Company, and:
(a) | for that purpose, the instrument appointing a representative must be received: |
(i) at the registered office of the Company or at any other place specified, in the notice calling the meeting, for the receipt of proxies, at least the number of Business Days specified in the notice for the receipt of proxies, or if no number of days is specified, two Business Days before the day set for the holding of the meeting or any adjourned meeting; or
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(ii) at the meeting or any adjourned meeting, by the chair of the meeting or adjourned meeting or by a person designated by the chair of the meeting or adjourned meeting;
(b) | if a representative is appointed under this §12.5: |
(i) the representative is entitled to exercise in respect of and at that meeting the same rights on behalf of the corporation that the representative represents as that corporation could exercise if it were a shareholder who is an individual, including, without limitation, the right to appoint a proxy holder; and
(ii) the representative, if present at the meeting, is to be counted for the purpose of forming a quorum and is deemed to be a shareholder present in person at the meeting.
Evidence of the appointment of any such representative may be sent to the Company by written instrument, fax or any other method of transmitting legibly recorded messages.
Proxy Provisions Do Not Apply to All Companies
12.6 If and for so long as the Company is a public company or a pre-existing reporting company which has the Statutory Reporting Company Provisions as part of its Articles or to which the Statutory Reporting Company Provisions apply, then §12.7 to §12.15 are not mandatory, however the directors of the Company are authorized to apply all or part of such sections or to adopt alternative procedures for proxy form, deposit and revocation procedures to the extent that the directors deem necessary in order to comply with securities laws applicable to the Company.
Appointment of Proxy Holders
12.7 Every shareholder of the Company, including a corporation that is a shareholder but not a subsidiary of the Company, entitled to vote at a meeting of shareholders may, by proxy, appoint one or more (but not more than five) proxy holders to attend and act at the meeting in the manner, to the extent and with the powers conferred by the proxy.
Alternate Proxy Holders
12.8 A shareholder may appoint one or more alternate proxy holders to act in the place of an absent proxy holder.
Proxy Holder Need Not Be Shareholder
12.9 A proxy holder need not be a shareholder of the Company.
Deposit of Proxy
12.10 A proxy for a meeting of shareholders must:
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(a) be received at the registered office of the Company or at any other place specified, in the notice calling the meeting, for the receipt of proxies, at least the number of Business Days specified in the notice, or if no number of days is specified, two Business Days before the day set for the holding of the meeting or any adjourned meeting; or
(b) unless the notice provides otherwise, be received, at the meeting or any adjourned meeting, by the chair of the meeting or adjourned meeting or by a person designated by the chair of the meeting or adjourned meeting.
A proxy may be sent to the Company by written instrument, fax or any other method of transmitting legibly recorded messages, including through Internet or telephone voting or by email, if permitted by the notice calling the meeting or the information circular for the meeting.
Validity of Proxy Vote
12.11 A vote given in accordance with the terms of a proxy is valid notwithstanding the death or incapacity of the shareholder giving the proxy and despite the revocation of the proxy or the revocation of the authority under which the proxy is given, unless notice in writing of that death, incapacity or revocation is received:
(a) at the registered office of the Company, at any time up to and including the last Business Day before the day set for the holding of the meeting or any adjourned meeting at which the proxy is to be used; or
(b) at the meeting or any adjourned meeting by the chair of the meeting or adjourned meeting, before any vote in respect of which the proxy has been given has been taken.
Form of Proxy
12.12 A proxy, whether for a specified meeting or otherwise, must be either in the following form or in any other form approved by the directors or the chair of the meeting:
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[name of company]
(the “Company”)
The undersigned, being a shareholder of the Company, hereby appoints [name] or, failing that person, [name], as proxy holder for the undersigned to attend, act and vote for and on behalf of the undersigned at the meeting of shareholders of the Company to be held on [month, day, year] and at any adjournment of that meeting.
Number of shares in respect of which this proxy is given (if no number is specified, then this proxy is given in respect of all shares registered in the name of the undersigned): _____________________
Signed [month, day, year] | |
[Signature of shareholder] | |
[Name of shareholder—printed] |
Revocation of Proxy
12.13 Subject to §12.14, every proxy may be revoked by an instrument in writing that is received:
(a) at the registered office of the Company at any time up to and including the last Business Day before the day set for the holding of the meeting or any adjourned meeting at which the proxy is to be used; or
(b) at the meeting or any adjourned meeting, by the chair of the meeting or adjourned meeting, before any vote in respect of which the proxy has been given has been taken.
Revocation of Proxy Must Be Signed
12.14 | An instrument referred to in §12.13 must be signed as follows: |
(a) if the shareholder for whom the proxy holder is appointed is an individual, the instrument must be signed by the shareholder or the shareholder’s legal personal representative or trustee in bankruptcy;
(b) if the shareholder for whom the proxy holder is appointed is a corporation, the instrument must be signed by the corporation or by a representative appointed for the corporation under §12.5.
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Production of Evidence of Authority to Vote
12.15 The chair of any meeting of shareholders may, but need not, inquire into the authority of any person to vote at the meeting and may, but need not, demand from that person production of evidence as to the existence of the authority to vote.
PART 13
DIRECTORS
First Directors; Number of Directors
13.1 The first directors are the persons designated as directors of the Company in the Notice of Articles that applies to the Company when it is recognized under the Act. The number of directors, excluding additional directors appointed under §14.8, is set at:
(a) | subject to §(b) and §(c), the number of directors that is equal to the number of the Company’s first directors; |
(b) | if the Company is a public company, the greater of three and the most recently set of: |
(i) the number of directors set by a resolution of the directors (whether or not previous notice of the resolution was given); and
(ii) | the number of directors in office pursuant to §14.4; |
(c) | if the Company is not a public company, the most recently set of: |
(i) the number of directors set by a resolution of the directors (whether or not previous notice of the resolution was given); and
(ii) | the number of directors in office pursuant to §14.4. |
Change in Number of Directors
13.2 If the number of directors is set under §13.1(b)(i) or §13.1(c)(i), subject to any restrictions in the Act and to §14.8, the board of directors may appoint the directors needed to fill any vacancies in the board of directors up to that number.
Directors’ Acts Valid Despite Vacancy
13.3 An act or proceeding of the directors is not invalid merely because fewer than the number of directors set or otherwise required under these Articles is in office.
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Qualifications of Directors
13.4 A director is not required to hold a share in the share structure of the Company as qualification for his or her office but must be qualified as required by the Act to become, act or continue to act as a director.
Remuneration of Directors
13.5 The directors are entitled to the remuneration for acting as directors, if any, as the directors may from time to time determine. If the directors so decide, the remuneration of the directors, if any, will be determined by the shareholders.
Reimbursement of Expenses of Directors
13.6 The Company must reimburse each director for the reasonable expenses that he or she may incur in and about the business of the Company.
Special Remuneration for Directors
13.7 If any director performs any professional or other services for the Company that in the opinion of the directors are outside the ordinary duties of a director, he or she may be paid remuneration fixed by the directors, or at the option of the directors, fixed by ordinary resolution, and such remuneration will be in addition to any other remuneration that he or she may be entitled to receive.
Gratuity, Pension or Allowance on Retirement of Director
13.8 Unless otherwise determined by ordinary resolution, the directors on behalf of the Company may pay a gratuity or pension or allowance on retirement to any director who has held any salaried office or place of profit with the Company or to his or her spouse or dependants and may make contributions to any fund and pay premiums for the purchase or provision of any such gratuity, pension or allowance.
PART 14
ELECTION AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
Election at Annual General Meeting
14.1 At every annual general meeting and in every unanimous resolution contemplated
by §10.2:
(a) the shareholders entitled to vote at the annual general meeting for the election of directors must elect, or in the unanimous resolution appoint, a board of directors consisting of the number of directors for the time being set under these Articles; and
(b) all the directors cease to hold office immediately before the election or appointment of directors under §(a), but are eligible for re-election or re-appointment.
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Consent to be a Director
14.2 No election, appointment or designation of an individual as a director is valid unless:
(a) | that individual consents to be a director in the manner provided for in the Act; |
(b) that individual is elected or appointed at a meeting at which the individual is present and the individual does not refuse, at the meeting, to be a director; or
(c) | with respect to first directors, the designation is otherwise valid under the Act. |
Failure to Elect or Appoint Directors
14.3 If:
(a) the Company fails to hold an annual general meeting, and all the shareholders who are entitled to vote at an annual general meeting fail to pass the unanimous resolution contemplated by §10.2, on or before the date by which the annual general meeting is required to be held under the Act; or
(b) the shareholders fail, at the annual general meeting or in the unanimous resolution contemplated by §10.2, to elect or appoint any directors;
then each director then in office continues to hold office until the earlier of:
(c) | when his or her successor is elected or appointed; and |
(d) | when he or she otherwise ceases to hold office under the Act or these Articles. |
Places of Retiring Directors Not Filled
14.4 If, at any meeting of shareholders at which there should be an election of directors, the places of any of the retiring directors are not filled by that election, those retiring directors who are not re-elected and who are asked by the newly elected directors to continue in office will, if willing to do so, continue in office to complete the number of directors for the time being set pursuant to these Articles but their term of office shall expire no later than the date on which new directors are elected at a meeting of shareholders convened for that purpose. If any such election or continuance of directors does not result in the election or continuance of the number of directors for the time being set pursuant to these Articles, the number of directors of the Company is deemed to be set at the number of directors actually elected or continued in office.
Directors May Fill Casual Vacancies
14.5 Any casual vacancy occurring in the board of directors may be filled by the directors.
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Remaining Directors Power to Act
14.6 The directors may act notwithstanding any vacancy in the board of directors, but if the Company has fewer directors in office than the number set pursuant to these Articles as the quorum of directors, the directors may only act for the purpose of appointing directors up to that number or of calling a meeting of shareholders for the purpose of filling any vacancies on the board of directors or, subject to the Act, for any other purpose.
Shareholders May Fill Vacancies
14.7 If the Company has no directors or fewer directors in office than the number set pursuant to these Articles as the quorum of directors, the shareholders may elect or appoint directors to fill any vacancies on the board of directors.
Additional Directors
14.8 Notwithstanding §13.1, §13.2, and §14.1, between annual general meetings or by unanimous resolutions contemplated by §10.2, the directors may appoint one or more additional directors but the number of additional directors appointed under this §14.8 must not at any time exceed one-third of the number of the current directors who were elected or appointed as directors other than under this §14.8. Any director so appointed ceases to hold office immediately before the next election or appointment of directors under §14.1(a), but is eligible for re-election or re-appointment.
Ceasing to be a Director
14.9 A director ceases to be a director when:
(a) | the term of office of the director expires; |
(b) | the director dies; |
(c) the director resigns as a director by notice in writing provided to the Company or a lawyer for the Company; or
(d) | the director is removed from office pursuant to §14.10 or §14.11. |
Removal of Director by Shareholders
14.10 The Company may remove any director before the expiration of his or her term of office by special resolution. In that event, the shareholders may elect, or appoint by ordinary resolution, a director to fill the resulting vacancy. If the shareholders do not elect or appoint a director to fill the resulting vacancy contemporaneously with the removal, then the directors may appoint or the shareholders may elect, or appoint by ordinary resolution, a director to fill that vacancy.
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Removal of Director by Directors
14.11 The directors may remove any director before the expiration of his or her term of office if the director is convicted of an indictable offence, or if the director ceases to be qualified to act as a director of a company and does not promptly resign, and the directors may appoint a director to fill the resulting vacancy.
Nomination of Directors
14.12
(a) Subject only to the Act, only persons who are nominated in accordance with the following procedures shall be eligible for election as directors of the Company. Nominations of persons for election to the board may be made at any annual meeting of shareholders, or at any special meeting of shareholders (but only if the election of directors is a matter specified in the notice of meeting given by or at the direction of the person calling such special meeting):
(i) | by or at the direction of the board or an authorized officer of the Company, including pursuant to a notice of meeting; |
(ii) | by or at the direction or request of one or more shareholders pursuant to a proposal made in accordance with the provisions of the Act or a requisition of the shareholders made in accordance with the provisions of the Act; or |
(iii) | by any person (a “Nominating Shareholder”) (A) who, at the close of business on the date of the giving of the notice provided for below in this §14.12 and on the record date for notice of such meeting, is entered in the securities register as a holder of one or more shares carrying the right to vote at such meeting or who beneficially owns shares that are entitled to be voted at such meeting and (B) who complies with the notice procedures set forth below in this §14.12. |
(b) In addition to any other applicable requirements, for a nomination to be made by a Nominating Shareholder, such person must be given
(i) | timely notice thereof in proper written form to an officer of the Company of the Company at the principal executive offices of the Company in accordance with this §14.12 and |
(ii) | the representation and agreement with respect to each candidate for nomination as required by, and within the time period specified in §14.12(c). |
(c) To be timely under §14.12(b)(i), a Nominating Shareholder’s notice to an officer of the Company, being either the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, or the Corporate Secretary (singularly, “an officer of the Company”), must be made:
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(i) | in the case of an annual meeting of shareholders, not less than 40 days prior to the date of the annual meeting of shareholders; provided, however, that in the event that the annual meeting of shareholders is called for a date that is less than 50 days after the date (the “Notice Date”) on which the first public announcement of the date of the annual meeting was made, notice by the Nominating Shareholder may be made not later than the tenth (10th) day following the Notice Date; and |
(ii) | in the case of a special meeting (which is not also an annual meeting) of shareholders called for the purpose of electing directors (whether or not called for other purposes), not later than the fifteenth (15th) day following the day on which the first public announcement of the date of the special meeting of shareholders was made. |
(iii) | Notwithstanding the foregoing, the board may, in its sole discretion, waive any requirement in this §14.12(c). |
(d) To be in proper written form, a Nominating Shareholder’s notice to an officer of the Company, under §14.12(b) must set forth:
(i) | as to each person whom the Nominating Shareholder proposes to nominate for election as a director (A) the name, age, business address and residence address of the person, (B) the principal occupation or employment of the person, (C) the class or series and number of shares in the capital of the Company which are controlled or which are owned beneficially or of record by the person as of the record date for the Meeting of Shareholders (if such date shall then have been made publicly available and shall have occurred) and as of the date of such notice, (D) a statement as to whether such person would be “independent” of the Company (within the meaning of sections and 1.5 of National Instrument 52-110 – Audit Committees of the Canadian Securities Administrators, as such provisions may be amended from time to time and, if applicable, the listing standards of the securities exchange(s) on which the Class A Shares may then be listed) if elected as a director at such meeting and the reasons and basis for such determination and (E) any other information relating to the person that would be required to be disclosed in a dissident’s proxy circular in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to the Act and Applicable Securities Laws; and |
(ii) | as to the Nominating Shareholder giving the notice, (A) any information relating to such Nominating Shareholder that would be required to be made in a dissident’s proxy circular in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to the Act and Applicable Securities Laws, and (B) the class or series and number of shares in the capital of the Company which are controlled or which are owned beneficially or of record by the Nominating Shareholder as of the record date for the Meeting of Shareholders (if such date shall then have been made publicly available and shall have occurred) and as of the date of such notice. |
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(e) No person shall be eligible for election as a director of the Company unless nominated in accordance with the provisions of this §14.12; provided, however, that nothing in this §14.12 shall be deemed to preclude discussion by a shareholder (as distinct from nominating directors) at a meeting of shareholders of any matter in respect of which it would have been entitled to submit a proposal pursuant to the provisions of the Act. The chair of the meeting shall have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination was made in accordance with the procedures set forth in the foregoing provisions and, if any proposed nomination is not in compliance with such foregoing provisions, to declare that such defective nomination shall be disregarded.
(f) | For purposes of this §14.12: |
(i) | “Applicable Securities Laws” means the Securities Act (British Columbia) and the equivalent legislation in the other provinces and in the territories of Canada, as amended from time to time, the rules, regulations and forms made or promulgated under any such statute and the published national instruments, multilateral instruments, policies, bulletins and notices of the securities commissions and similar regulatory authorities of each of the applicable provinces and territories of Canada; |
(ii) | “Associate”, when used to indicate a relationship with a specified person, shall mean (A) any corporation or trust of which such person owns beneficially, directly or indirectly, voting securities carrying more than 10% of the voting rights attached to all voting securities of such corporation or trust for the time being outstanding, (B) any partner of that person, (C) any trust or estate in which such person has a substantial beneficial interest or as to which such person serves as trustee or in a similar capacity, (D) a spouse of such specified person, (E) any person of either sex with whom such specified person is living in conjugal relationship outside marriage or (F) any relative of such specified person or of a person mentioned in clauses (D) or (E) of this definition if that relative has the same residence as the specified person; |
(iii) | “Derivatives Contract” shall mean a contract between two parties (the “Receiving Party” and the “Counterparty”) that is designed to expose the |
Receiving Party to economic benefits and risks that correspond substantially to the ownership by the Receiving Party of a number of shares in the capital of the Company or securities convertible into such shares specified or referenced in such contract (the number corresponding to such economic benefits and risks, the “Notional Securities”), regardless of whether obligations under such contract are required or permitted to be settled through the delivery of cash, shares in the capital of the Company or securities convertible into such shares or other property, without regard to any short position under the same or any other Derivatives Contract. For the avoidance of doubt, interests in broad-based index options, broad-based index futures and broad-based publicly traded market baskets of stocks approved for trading by the appropriate governmental authority shall not be deemed to be Derivatives Contracts;
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(iv) | “Meeting of Shareholders” shall mean such annual shareholders meeting or special shareholders meeting, whether general or not, at which one or more persons are nominated for election to the board by a Nominating Shareholder; |
(v) | “owned beneficially” or “owns beneficially” means, in connection with the ownership of shares in the capital of the Company by a person, (A) any such shares as to which such person or any of such person’s affiliates or Associates owns at law or in equity, or has the right to acquire or become the owner at law or in equity, where such right is exercisable immediately or after the passage of time and whether or not on condition or the happening of any contingency or the making of any payment, upon the exercise of any conversion right, exchange right or purchase right attaching to any securities, or pursuant to any agreement, arrangement, pledge or understanding whether or not in writing; (B) any such shares as to which such person or any of such person’s affiliates or Associates has the right to vote, or the right to direct the voting, where such right is exercisable immediately or after the passage of time and whether or not on condition or the happening of any contingency or the making of any payment, pursuant to any agreement, arrangement, pledge or understanding whether or not in writing; (C) any such shares which are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by a Counterparty (or any of such Counterparty’s affiliates or Associates) under any Derivatives Contract (without regard to any short or similar position under the same or any other Derivatives Contract) to which such person or any of such person’s affiliates or Associates is a Receiving Party; provided, however that the number of shares that a person owns beneficially pursuant to this clause (C) in connection with a particular Derivatives Contract shall not exceed the number of Notional Securities with respect to such Derivatives Contract; provided, further, that the number of securities owned beneficially by each Counterparty (including their respective affiliates and Associates) under a Derivatives Contract shall for purposes of this clause be deemed to include all securities that are owned beneficially, directly or indirectly, by any other Counterparty (or any of such other Counterparty’s affiliates or Associates) under any Derivatives Contract to which such first Counterparty (or any of such first Counterparty’s affiliates or Associates) is a Receiving Party and this proviso shall be applied to successive Counterparties as appropriate; and (D) any such shares which are owned beneficially within the meaning of this definition by any other person with whom such person is acting jointly or in concert with respect to the Company or any of its securities; and |
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(vi) | “public announcement” shall mean disclosure in a press release reported by a national news service in Canada, or in a document publicly filed by the Company or its agents under its profile on the System of Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval at www.sedar.com. |
(g) Notwithstanding any other provision to this §14.12, notice or any delivery given to an officer of the Company pursuant to this §14.12 may only be given by personal delivery, facsimile transmission, email or other electronic transmission method made available by the Company, and shall be deemed to have been given and made only at the time it is served by personal delivery, email, electronic transmission or sent by facsimile transmission (provided that receipt of confirmation of such transmission has been received) to an officer of the Company at the address of the principal executive offices of the Company; provided that if such delivery or electronic communication is made on a day which is a not a Business Day or later than 5:00 p.m. (Vancouver time) on a day which is a Business Day, then such delivery or electronic communication shall be deemed to have been made on the subsequent day that is a Business Day.
14.13 In no event shall any adjournment or postponement of a Meeting of Shareholders or the announcement thereof commence a new time period for the giving of a Nominating Shareholder’s notice as described in §14.12(c).
PART 15
POWERS AND DUTIES OF DIRECTORS
Powers of Management
15.1 The directors must, subject to the Act and these Articles, manage or supervise the management of the business and affairs of the Company and have the authority to exercise all such powers of the Company as are not, by the Act or by these Articles, required to be exercised by the shareholders of the Company.
Appointment of Attorney of Company
15.2 The directors may from time to time, by power of attorney or other instrument, appoint any person to be the attorney of the Company for such purposes, and with such powers, authorities and discretions (not exceeding those vested in or exercisable by the directors under these Articles and excepting the power to fill vacancies in the board of directors, to remove a director, to change the membership of, or fill vacancies in, any committee of the directors, to appoint or remove officers appointed by the directors and to declare dividends) and for such period, and with such remuneration and subject to such conditions as the directors may think fit. Any such power of attorney may contain such provisions for the protection or convenience of persons dealing with such attorney as the directors think fit. Any such attorney may be authorized by the directors to sub-delegate all or any of the powers, authorities and discretions for the time being vested in him or her.
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PART 16
INTERESTS OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Obligation to Account for Profits
16.1 A director or senior officer who holds a disclosable interest (as that term is used in the Act) in a contract or transaction into which the Company has entered or proposes to enter is liable to account to the Company for any profit that accrues to the director or senior officer under or as a result of the contract or transaction only if and to the extent provided in the Act.
Restrictions on Voting by Reason of Interest
16.2 A director who holds a disclosable interest in a contract or transaction into which the Company has entered or proposes to enter is not entitled to vote on any directors’ resolution to approve that contract or transaction, unless all the directors have a disclosable interest in that contract or transaction, in which case any or all of those directors may vote on such resolution.
Interested Director Counted in Quorum
16.3 A director who holds a disclosable interest in a contract or transaction into which the Company has entered or proposes to enter and who is present at the meeting of directors at which the contract or transaction is considered for approval may be counted in the quorum at the meeting whether or not the director votes on any or all of the resolutions considered at the meeting.
Disclosure of Conflict of Interest or Property
16.4 A director or senior officer who holds any office or possesses any property, right or interest that could result, directly or indirectly, in the creation of a duty or interest that materially conflicts with that individual’s duty or interest as a director or senior officer, must disclose the nature and extent of the conflict as required by the Act.
Director Holding Other Office in the Company
16.5 A director may hold any office or place of profit with the Company, other than the office of auditor of the Company, in addition to his or her office of director for the period and on the terms (as to remuneration or otherwise) that the directors may determine.
No Disqualification
16.6 No director or intended director is disqualified by his or her office from contracting with the Company either with regard to the holding of any office or place of profit the director holds with the Company or as vendor, purchaser or otherwise, and no contract or transaction entered into by or on behalf of the Company in which a director is in any way interested is liable to be voided for that reason.
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Professional Services by Director or Officer
16.7 Subject to the Act, a director or officer, or any person in which a director or officer has an interest, may act in a professional capacity for the Company, except as auditor of the Company, and the director or officer or such person is entitled to remuneration for professional services as if that director or officer were not a director or officer.
Director or Officer in Other Corporations
16.8 A director or officer may be or become a director, officer or employee of, or otherwise interested in, any person in which the Company may be interested as a shareholder or otherwise, and, subject to the Act, the director or officer is not accountable to the Company for any remuneration or other benefits received by him or her as director, officer or employee of, or from his or her interest in, such other person.
PART 17
PROCEEDINGS OF DIRECTORS
Meetings of Directors
17.1 The directors may meet together for the conduct of business, adjourn and otherwise regulate their meetings as they think fit, and meetings of the directors held at regular intervals may be held at the place, at the time and on the notice, if any, as the directors may from time to time determine.
Voting at Meetings
17.2 Questions arising at any meeting of directors are to be decided by a majority of votes and, in the case of an equality of votes, the chair of the meeting does not have a second or casting vote.
Chair of Meetings
17.3 The following individual is entitled to preside as chair at a meeting of directors:
(a) | the chair of the board, if any; |
(b) | in the absence of the chair of the board, the president, if any, if the president is a director; or |
(c) | any other director chosen by the directors if: |
(i) neither the chair of the board nor the president, if a director, is present at the meeting within 15 minutes after the time set for holding the meeting;
(ii) neither the chair of the board nor the president, if a director, is willing to chair the meeting; or
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(iii) the chair of the board and the president, if a director, have advised the secretary, if any, or any other director, that they will not be present at the meeting.
Place of Meetings
17.4 Meetings of directors may be held at any place within or outside of Canada, or if so approved by all of the directors, such meeting may be held entirely by means of an electronic or other communication facility that permits all persons participating in the meeting to communicate adequately with each other to the extent permitted by the Act.
Meetings by Telephone or Other Communications Medium
17.5 A director may participate in a meeting of the directors or of any committee of the directors:
(a) | in person; or |
(b) by telephone or by other communications medium if all directors participating in the meeting, whether in person or by telephone or other communications medium, are able to communicate with each other.
A director who participates in a meeting in a manner contemplated by this §17.5 is deemed for all purposes of the Act and these Articles to be present at the meeting and to have agreed to participate in that manner.
Calling of Meetings
17.6 A director may, and the secretary or an assistant secretary of the Company, if any, on the request of a director must, call a meeting of the directors at any time.
Notice of Meetings
17.7 Other than for meetings held at regular intervals as determined by the directors pursuant to §17.1, reasonable notice of each meeting of the directors, specifying the place, day and time of that meeting must be given to each of the directors by any method set out in §23.1 or orally or by telephone.
When Notice Not Required
17.8 It is not necessary to give notice of a meeting of the directors to a director if:
(a) the meeting is to be held immediately following a meeting of shareholders at which that director was elected or appointed, or is the meeting of the directors at which that director is appointed; or
(b) | the director has waived notice of the meeting. |
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Meeting Valid Despite Failure to Give Notice
17.9 The accidental omission to give notice of any meeting of directors to, or the non-receipt of any notice by, any director, does not invalidate any proceedings at that meeting.
Waiver of Notice of Meetings
17.10 Any director may send to the Company a document signed by him or her waiving notice of any past, present or future meeting or meetings of the directors and may at any time withdraw that waiver with respect to meetings held after that withdrawal. After sending a waiver with respect to all future meetings and until that waiver is withdrawn, no notice of any meeting of the directors need be given to that director and all meetings of the directors so held are deemed not to be improperly called or constituted by reason of notice not having been given to such director. Attendance of a director at a meeting of the directors is a waiver of notice of the meeting unless that director attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the grounds that the meeting is not lawfully called.
Quorum
17.11 The quorum necessary for the transaction of the business of the directors may be set by the directors and, if not so set, is deemed to be a majority of the directors or, if the number of directors is set at one, is deemed to be set at one director, and that director may constitute a meeting.
Validity of Acts Where Appointment Defective
17.12 Subject to the Act, an act of a director or officer is not invalid merely because of an irregularity in the election or appointment or a defect in the qualification of that director or officer.
Consent Resolutions in Writing
17.13 A resolution of the directors or of any committee of the directors may be passed without a meeting:
(a) in all cases, if each of the directors entitled to vote on the resolution consents to it in writing; or
(b) in the case of a resolution to approve a contract or transaction in respect of which a director has disclosed that he or she has or may have a disclosable interest, if each of the other directors who have not made such a disclosure consents in writing to the resolution.
A consent in writing under this §17.13 may be by signed document, fax, email or any other method of transmitting legibly recorded messages. Any electronic signature on a consent, whether digital or encrypted, shall be deemed to have the same force and effect as a manual signature. A consent in writing may be in two or more counterparts which together are deemed to constitute one consent in writing. A resolution of the directors or of any committee of the directors passed in accordance with this §17.13 is effective on the date stated in the consent in writing or on the latest date stated on any counterpart and is deemed to be a proceeding at a meeting of directors or of the committee of the directors and to be as valid and effective as if it had been passed at a meeting of the directors or of the committee of the directors that satisfies all the requirements of the Act and all the requirements of these Articles relating to meetings of the directors or of a committee of the directors.
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PART 18
EXECUTIVE AND OTHER COMMITTEES
Appointment and Powers of Executive Committee
18.1 The directors may, by resolution, appoint an executive committee consisting of the director or directors that they consider appropriate, and this committee has, during the intervals between meetings of the board of directors, all of the directors’ powers, except:
(a) | the power to fill vacancies in the board of directors; |
(b) | the power to remove a director; |
(c) | the power to change the membership of, or fill vacancies in, any committee of the directors; and |
(d) | such other powers, if any, as may be set out in the resolution or any subsequent directors’ resolution. |
Appointment and Powers of Other Committees
18.2 The directors may, by resolution:
(a) | appoint one or more committees (other than the executive committee) consisting of the director or directors that they consider appropriate; |
(b) | delegate to a committee appointed under §(a) any of the directors’ powers, except: |
(i) | the power to fill vacancies in the board of directors; |
(ii) | the power to remove a director; |
(iii) | the power to change the membership of, or fill vacancies in, any committee of the directors; and |
(iv) | the power to appoint or remove officers appointed by the directors; and |
(c) | make any delegation referred to in §(b) subject to the conditions set out in the resolution or any subsequent directors’ resolution. |
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Obligations of Committees
18.3 Any committee appointed under §18.1 or §18.2, in the exercise of the powers delegated to it, must:
(a) | conform to any rules that may from time to time be imposed on it by the directors; and |
(b) | report every act or thing done in exercise of those powers at such times as the directors may require. |
Powers of Board
18.4 The directors may, at any time, with respect to a committee appointed under §18.1 or §18.2
(a) revoke or alter the authority given to the committee, or override a decision made by the committee, except as to acts done before such revocation, alteration or overriding;
(b) | terminate the appointment of, or change the membership of, the committee; and |
(c) | fill vacancies in the committee. |
Committee Meetings
18.5 Subject to §18.3(a) and unless the directors otherwise provide in the resolution appointing the committee or in any subsequent resolution, with respect to a committee appointed under §18.1 or §18.2:
(a) | the committee may meet and adjourn as it thinks proper; |
(b) the committee may elect a chair of its meetings but, if no chair of a meeting is elected, or if at a meeting the chair of the meeting is not present within 15 minutes after the time set for holding the meeting, the directors present who are members of the committee may choose one of their number to chair the meeting;
(c) | a majority of the members of the committee constitutes a quorum of the committee; and |
(d) questions arising at any meeting of the committee are determined by a majority of votes of the members present, and in case of an equality of votes, the chair of the meeting does not have a second or casting vote.
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PART 19
OFFICERS
Directors May Appoint Officers
19.1 The directors may, from time to time, appoint such officers, if any, as the directors determine and the directors may, at any time, terminate any such appointment.
Functions, Duties and Powers of Officers
19.2 The directors may, for each officer:
(a) | determine the functions and duties of the officer; |
(b) entrust to and confer on the officer any of the powers exercisable by the directors on such terms and conditions and with such restrictions as the directors think fit; and
(c) | revoke, withdraw, alter or vary all or any of the functions, duties and powers of the officer. |
Qualifications
19.3 No person may be appointed as an officer unless that person is qualified in accordance with the Act. One person may hold more than one position as an officer of the Company. Any person appointed as the chair of the board, chair of a committee of the board or lead independent director, if any, must be a director. Any other officer need not be a director.
Remuneration and Terms of Appointment
19.4 All appointments of officers are to be made on the terms and conditions and at the remuneration (whether by way of salary, fee, commission, participation in profits or otherwise) that the directors thinks fit and are subject to termination at the pleasure of the directors, and an officer may in addition to such remuneration be entitled to receive, after he or she ceases to hold such office or leaves the employment of the Company, a pension or gratuity.
PART 20
INDEMNIFICATION
Definitions
20.1 In this Part 20:
(a) | “eligible party”, in relation to a company, means an individual who: |
(i) | is or was a director or officer of the Company; |
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(ii) | is or was a director or officer of another corporation |
(A) | at a time when the corporation is or was an affiliate of the Company, or |
(B) | at the request of the Company; or |
(iii) at the request of the Company, is or was, or holds or held a position equivalent to that of, a director or officer of a partnership, trust, joint venture or other unincorporated entity, and includes, except in the definition of “eligible proceeding” and Sections 163(1)(c) and (d) and 165 of the Act, the heirs and personal or other legal representatives of that individual;
(b) | “eligible penalty” means a judgment, penalty or fine awarded or imposed in, or an amount paid in settlement of, an eligible proceeding; |
(c) “eligible proceeding” means a proceeding in which an eligible party or any of the heirs and personal or other legal representatives of the eligible party, by reason of the eligible party being or having been a director or officer of, or holding or having held a position equivalent to that of a director or officer of, the Company or an associated corporation
(i) | is or may be joined as a party; or |
(ii) | is or may be liable for or in respect of a judgment, penalty or fine in, or expenses related to, the proceeding; |
(d) “expenses” has the meaning set out in the Act and includes costs, charges and expenses, including legal and other fees, but does not include judgments, penalties, fines or amounts paid in settlement of a proceeding; and
(e) “proceeding” includes any legal proceeding or investigative action, whether current, threatened, pending or completed.
Mandatory Indemnification of Eligible Parties
20.2 Subject to the Act, the Company must indemnify each eligible party and his or her heirs and legal personal representatives against all eligible penalties to which such person is or may be liable, and the Company must, after the final disposition of an eligible proceeding, pay the expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such person in respect of that proceeding. Each eligible party is deemed to have contracted with the Company on the terms of the indemnity contained in this §20.2.
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Indemnification of Other Persons
20.3 Subject to any restrictions in the Act, the Company may agree to indemnify and may indemnify any person (including an eligible party) against eligible penalties and pay expenses incurred in connection with the performance of services by that person for the Company.
Authority to Advance Expenses
20.4 The Company may advance expenses to an eligible party to the extent permitted by and in accordance with the Act.
Non-Compliance with Act
20.5 Subject to the Act, the failure of an eligible party of the Company to comply with the Act or these Articles or, if applicable, any former Companies Act or former Articles does not, of itself, invalidate any indemnity to which he or she is entitled under this Part 20.
Company May Purchase Insurance
20.6 The Company may purchase and maintain insurance for the benefit of any eligible party (or the heirs or legal personal representatives of any eligible party) against any liability incurred by any eligible party.
PART 21
DIVIDENDS
Payment of Dividends Subject to Special Rights
21.1 The provisions of this Part 21 are subject to the rights, if any, of shareholders holding shares with special rights as to dividends.
Declaration of Dividends
21.2 Subject to the Act, the directors may from time to time declare and authorize payment of such dividends as they may deem advisable.
No Notice Required
21.3 The directors need not give notice to any shareholder of any declaration under §21.2.
Record Date
21.4 The directors must set a date as the record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to receive payment of a dividend. The record date must not precede the date on which the dividend is to be paid by more than two months.
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Manner of Paying Dividend
21.5 A resolution declaring a dividend may direct payment of the dividend wholly or partly in money or by the distribution of specific assets or of fully paid shares or of bonds, debentures or other securities of the Company or any other entity, or in any one or more of those ways.
Settlement of Difficulties
21.6 If any difficulty arises in regard to a distribution under §21.5, the directors may settle the difficulty as they deem advisable, and, in particular, may:
(a) | set the value for distribution of specific assets; |
(b) determine that money in substitution for all or any part of the specific assets to which any shareholders are entitled may be paid to any shareholders on the basis of the value so fixed in order to adjust the rights of all parties; and
(c) | vest any such specific assets in trustees for the persons entitled to the dividend. |
When Dividend Payable
21.7 Any dividend may be made payable on such date as is fixed by the directors.
Dividends to be Paid in Accordance with Number of Shares
21.8 All dividends on shares of any class or series of shares must be declared and paid according to the number of such shares held.
Receipt by Joint Shareholders
21.9 If several persons are joint shareholders of any share, any one of them may give an effective receipt for any dividend, bonus or other money payable in respect of the share.
Dividend Bears No Interest
21.10 No dividend bears interest against the Company.
Fractional Dividends
21.11 If a dividend to which a shareholder is entitled includes a fraction of the smallest monetary unit of the currency of the dividend, that fraction may be disregarded in making payment of the dividend and that payment represents full payment of the dividend.
Payment of Dividends
21.12 Any dividend or other distribution payable in money in respect of shares may be paid (i) by cheque, made payable to the order of the person to whom it is sent, and mailed to the registered address of the shareholder, or in the case of joint shareholders, to the registered address of the joint shareholder who is first named on the central securities register, or to the person and to the address the shareholder or joint shareholders may direct in writing or (ii) with the consent of the Company and the shareholder, by wire transfer or other electronic means. In the case of payment of a dividend by cheque, mailing of such cheque will, to the extent of the sum represented by the cheque (plus the amount of the tax required by law to be deducted), discharge all liability for the dividend unless such cheque is not paid on presentation or the amount of tax so deducted is not paid to the appropriate taxing authority. In the case of payment of a dividend by wire transfer or other electronic means, the initiation of such payment by the Company will, to the extent of the sum represented by the transfer (plus the amount of the tax required by law to be deducted), discharge all liability for the dividend unless the amount of tax so deducted is not paid to the appropriate taxing authority.
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Capitalization of Retained Earnings or Surplus
21.13 Notwithstanding anything contained in these Articles, the directors may from time to time capitalize any retained earnings or surplus of the Company and may from time to time issue, as fully paid, shares or any bonds, debentures or other securities of the Company as a dividend representing the retained earnings or surplus so capitalized or any part thereof.
PART 22
ACCOUNTING RECORDS AND AUDITOR
Recording of Financial Affairs
22.1 The directors must cause adequate accounting records to be kept to record properly the financial affairs and condition of the Company and to comply with the Act.
Inspection of Accounting Records
22.2 Unless the directors determine otherwise, or unless otherwise determined by ordinary resolution, no shareholder of the Company is entitled to inspect or obtain a copy of any accounting records of the Company.
Remuneration of Auditor
22.3 The directors may set the remuneration of the auditor of the Company.
PART 23
NOTICES
Method of Giving Notice
23.1 Unless the Act or these Articles provide otherwise, a notice, statement, report or other record required or permitted by the Act or these Articles (a “Notice”) to be sent by or to a person may be sent by:
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(a) | mail addressed to the person at the applicable address for that person as follows: |
(i) | for a Notice mailed to a shareholder, the shareholder’s registered address; |
(ii) for a Notice mailed to a director or officer, the prescribed address for mailing shown for the director or officer in the records kept by the Company or the mailing address provided by the recipient for the sending of Notices of that class;
(iii) | in any other case, the mailing address of the intended recipient; |
(b) | delivery at the applicable address for that person as follows, addressed to the person: |
(i) | for a Notice delivered to a shareholder, the shareholder’s registered address; |
(ii) for a Notice delivered to a director or officer, the prescribed address for delivery shown for the director or officer in the records kept by the Company or the delivery address provided by the recipient for the sending of Notices of that class;
(iii) | in any other case, the delivery address of the intended recipient; |
(c) | sending the Notice by fax to the fax number provided by the intended recipient for the sending of Notices that class; |
(d) | sending the Notice by email to the email address provided by the intended recipient for the sending of Notices of that class; |
(e) sending the Notice by other means of electronic transmission accessible by the intended recipient for the sending of Notices of that class in accordance with applicable law; and
(f) | physical delivery to the intended recipient. |
Press Release
23.2 Unless the Act or these Articles provide otherwise, a Notice to be sent to a shareholder shall be deemed conclusively to have been given or made, and the obligation to give any Notice shall, unless otherwise required by applicable laws and regulations, be deemed conclusively to have been fully satisfied upon issuing a press release complying with applicable laws and regulations if deemed by the board of directors to be a reasonable or appropriate means of providing such Notice.
Deemed Receipt of Mailing
23.3 A notice, statement, report or other record that is:
(a) mailed to a person by ordinary mail to the applicable address for that person referred to in §23.1 is deemed to be received by the person to whom it was mailed on the day (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays excepted) following the date of mailing;
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(b) faxed to a person to the fax number provided by that person under §23.1 is deemed to be received by the person to whom it was faxed on the day it was faxed;
(c) emailed to a person to the e-mail address provided by that person under §23.1 is deemed to be received by the person to whom it was e-mailed on the day that it was emailed; and
(d) sent to a person by other means of electronic transmission under §23.1 is deemed to be received by the person to whom it was transmitted on the day that such transmission occurred.
Certificate of Sending
23.4 A certificate signed by the secretary, if any, or other officer of the Company or of any other corporation acting in that capacity on behalf of the Company stating that a notice, statement, report or other record was sent in accordance with §23.1 is conclusive evidence of that fact.
Notice to Joint Shareholders
23.5 A notice, statement, report or other record may be provided by the Company to the joint shareholders of a share by providing such record to the joint shareholder first named in the central securities register in respect of the share.
Notice to Legal Personal Representatives and Trustees
23.6 A notice, statement, report or other record may be provided by the Company to the persons entitled to a share in consequence of the death, bankruptcy or incapacity of a shareholder by:
(a) | mailing the record, addressed to them: |
(i) by name, by the title of the legal personal representative of the deceased or incapacitated shareholder, by the title of trustee of the bankrupt shareholder or by any similar description; and
(ii) at the address, if any, supplied to the Company for that purpose by the persons claiming to be so entitled; or
(b) if an address referred to in §(a)(ii) has not been supplied to the Company, by giving the notice in a manner in which it might have been given if the death, bankruptcy or incapacity had not occurred.
Undelivered Notices
23.7 If on two consecutive occasions, a notice, statement, report or other record is sent to a shareholder pursuant to §23.1 and on each of those occasions any such record is returned because the shareholder cannot be located, the Company shall not be required to send any further records to the shareholder until the shareholder informs the Company in writing of his or her new address.
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PART 24
PROHIBITIONS
Definitions
24.1 In this Part 24:
(a) | “designated security” means: |
(i) | a voting security of the Company; |
(ii) a security of the Company that is not a debt security and that carries a residual right to participate in the earnings of the Company or, on the liquidation or winding up of the Company, in its assets; or
(iii) | a security of the Company convertible, directly or indirectly, into a security described in §(a) or §(b); |
(b) | “security” has the meaning assigned in the Securities Act (British Columbia); and |
(c) | “voting security” means a security of the Company that: |
(i) | is not a debt security; and |
(ii) | carries a voting right either under all circumstances or under some circumstances that have occurred and are continuing. |
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Application
24.2 §24.3 does not apply to the Company if and for so long as it is a public company, a private company which is no longer eligible to use the private issuer exemption under the Securities Act (British Columbia) or a pre-existing reporting company which has the Statutory Reporting Company Provisions as part of its Articles or a company to which the Statutory Reporting Company Provisions apply.
Consent Required for Transfer of Shares or Designated Securities
24.3 No share or designated security may be sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of without the consent of the directors and the directors are not required to give any reason for refusing to consent to any such sale, transfer or other disposition.
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PART 25
|
FORUM SELECTION |
25.1 | Unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. |
Nothing in this §25.1 shall be deemed to apply to any suits brought to enforce any liability or duty created by the Exchange Act. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any security of the Company shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this §25.1.
PART 26
SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS
CLASS A EXCHANGEABLE SUBORDINATE VOTING SHARES
Special Rights and Restrictions
26.1 The Class A Shares as a class shall have attached thereto the special rights and restrictions specified in this Part 26.
DIVIDENDS
Dividend Rights
26.2 Each Class A Shareholder shall be entitled to receive, and the Company shall pay thereon, as and when declared by the board of directors, a dividend on each Class A Share in an amount in cash for each Class A Share equal to the cash distribution declared on each BBU Unit on each BBU Distribution Declaration Date multiplied by the Conversion Factor in effect on the Record Date of such dividend (the “Class A Dividend”), it being understood that Class A Shareholders will not be entitled to any dividends other than the Class A Dividend.
Unpaid Dividends
26.3 If the full amount of a Class A Dividend is not declared on a BBU Distribution Declaration Date, or is declared but is not paid on the payment date, then such Class A Dividend shall accrue and accumulate, whether or not the Company has earnings, whether or not there are funds legally available for the payment thereof and whether or not such distributions are earned, declared or authorized (such amounts, the “Unpaid Dividends”). Any dividend payment made on the Class A Shares shall first be credited against the earliest Unpaid Dividends due with respect to such Class A Shares which remains payable.
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Payment of Dividends
26.4 Cheques of the Company may be issued in respect of all Class A Dividends contemplated by §26.2 and the sending of such cheque to each Class A Shareholder will satisfy the cash dividend represented thereby unless the cheque is not paid on presentation. Subject to the requirements of applicable Law with respect to unclaimed property, no Class A Shareholder will be entitled to recover by action or other legal process against the Company any dividend that is represented by a cheque that has not been duly presented to the Company’s bankers for payment or that otherwise remains unclaimed for a period of two years from the date on which such dividend was first payable.
Record and Payment Dates
26.5 The Record Date with respect to any Class A Dividend declared by the board of directors and the payment date of such Class A Dividend will be the same dates as the Record Date and the payment date, respectively, for the corresponding distribution declared on the BBU Units, each as approved by the board of directors.
RANKING
Ranking of the Class A Shares
26.6 The Class A Shares shall, as to the payment of dividends and return of capital in a Liquidation Event, rank junior to the Preferred Shares and senior to the Class B Shares, the Class C Shares and any other shares ranking junior to the Class A Shares with respect to priority in payment of dividends and return of capital in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company.
VOTING
Voting Rights
26.7 Except as expressly provided herein, each Class A Shareholder will be entitled to receive notice of, and to attend and vote at, all meetings of shareholders of the Company, except for meetings at which only holders of another specified class or series of shares are entitled to vote separately as a class or series. Each Class A Shareholder shall be entitled to cast one vote for each Class A Share held at the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to vote on any matter.
26.8 Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or as required by Law, the Class A Shareholders and Class B Shareholders will vote together and not as separate classes.
26.9 Subject to any rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Shares to elect directors under specified circumstances, the holders of the outstanding Class A Shares and Class B Shares, voting together, shall be entitled to vote in respect of the election of all directors of the Company.
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Amendment with Approval of Class A Shareholders
26.10 In addition to any other approvals required by Law, any approval given by the Class A Shareholders to add to, change or remove any right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Class A Shares or any other matter requiring the approval or consent of the Class A Shareholders as a separate class will be deemed to have been sufficiently given if it will have been given in accordance with applicable Law, subject to a minimum requirement that such amendment be approved by not less than 66 2/3% of the votes cast on such amendment at a meeting of Class A Shareholders duly called and held at which the Class A Shareholders holding at least 10% of the outstanding Class A Shares at that time are present or represented by proxy; provided that such approval must be given also by the affirmative vote of holders of not less than 66 2/3% of the Non-Affiliated Holders represented in person or by proxy at the meeting. If at any such meeting the Class A Shareholders holding at least 10% of the outstanding Class A Shares at as of the Record Date of such meeting are not present or represented by proxy within one-half hour after the time appointed for such meeting, then the meeting will be adjourned to such date not less than five days thereafter and to such time and place as may be designated by the chairman of such meeting. At such reconvened meeting, the Class A Shareholders present or represented by proxy thereat may transact the business for which the meeting was originally called and a resolution passed thereat by the affirmative vote of not less than 66 2/3% of the votes cast on such amendment at such reconvened meeting excluding the BBU-Affiliated Class A Shareholders shall be effective.
EXCHANGE RIGHTS
Exchange at the Option of the Class A Shareholder
26.11 Subject to applicable Law and the due exercise by BBU of the Exchange-Redemption Call Right, at any time from and after the date of the issuance of the Class A Shares, each Class A Shareholder shall have the right (the “Exchange Right”) to require the Company to redeem all or such portion of the Class A Shares registered in the name of such Class A Shareholder specified in a Notice of Exchange delivered to the Transfer Agent by or on behalf of such Class A Shareholder (such Class A Shares being hereafter referred to as “Tendered Class A Shares” and such Class A Shareholder, the “Tendering Class A Shareholder”) for the BBU Units Amount per Tendered Class A Share or, if the Company elects in its sole and absolute discretion, the Cash Amount (in lieu of the BBU Units Amount per Tendered Class A Share), plus, in either case, a cash amount equal to any Unpaid Dividends per Tendered Class A Share.
Notice of Exchange
26.12 A Class A Shareholder must deliver a Notice of Exchange either electronically (by electronic mail or by any other electronic procedure that may be established by the Transfer Agent and communicated to the Class A Shareholders by the Company or the Transfer Agent) or physically (by mail, courier, hand delivery or otherwise) to any office of the Transfer Agent prior to the issuance by the Company of a Notice of Class A Redemption or the announcement of a Liquidation Event in order to exercise his, her or its Exchange Right. The Transfer Agent shall promptly notify the Company, BBU and, until such time as the Rights Agreement has been terminated, BAM, of the receipt of a Notice of Exchange.
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Satisfaction of Exchange Rights
26.13 Upon receipt by the Transfer Agent of a Notice of Exchange and such additional documents and instruments as the Company or the Transfer Agent may reasonably require, and provided that BBU has not exercised the Exchange-Redemption Call Right, the Company will redeem the applicable Tendered Class A Shares on or prior to the Specified Exchange Date. The Company will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Tendering Class A Shareholder, at the address of the holder recorded in the register of the Company for the Class A Shares or at the address specified in the holder’s Notice of Exchange, either (i) the BBU Units Amount, or (ii) the Cash Amount, as the Company may determine in its sole and absolute discretion, together with a cash amount for each Tendered Class A Share equal to any Unpaid Dividends per Tendered Class A Share ((i) or (ii), plus such Unpaid Dividends collectively being the “Exchange Consideration”) and such delivery of such Exchange Consideration by or on behalf of the Company by the Transfer Agent will be deemed to be payment of and will satisfy and discharge all liability for the Exchange Rights so exercised. Should the Company elect to satisfy Exchange Rights by delivering the Cash Amount, then the payment of such amount shall be made in the manner set forth in §26.4.
26.14 Any Tendering Class A Shareholder shall have no further right, with respect to any Tendered Class A Shares redeemed, repurchased or exchanged, to receive any dividends on Class A Shares with a Record Date on or after the date on which the Transfer Agent receives such Notice of Exchange. Each Tendering Class A Shareholder shall continue to own each Class A Share subject to any Notice of Exchange, and be treated as a Class A Shareholder with respect to each such Class A Share for all other purposes of these Articles, until such Class A Share has been redeemed in accordance with §26.13 or repurchased or exchanged in accordance with the Rights Agreement, as applicable, for the Secondary Exchange Amount in accordance with §26.16. A Tendering Class A Shareholder shall have no rights as a unitholder of BBU with respect to any BBU Units to be received by such Tendering Class A Shareholder in exchange for Tendered Class A Shares pursuant to §26.11 until the Transfer Agent has issued such BBU Units to such Tendering Class A Shareholder.
26.15 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Company will not be obligated to redeem Tendered Class A Shares to the extent that such redemption would be contrary to solvency requirements or other provisions of applicable Law. If the Company believes that it would not be permitted by any such requirements or other provisions to redeem the Tendered Class A Shares, and BBU has not exercised its Exchange-Redemption Call Right with respect to the Tendered Class A Shares, the Company will only be obligated to redeem the maximum number of Tendered Class A Shares (rounded down to a whole number of Class A Shares) that would not be contrary to such requirements or other provisions. The Company will notify any such Tendering Class A Shareholder at least one Business Day prior to the Specified Exchange Date as to the number of Tendered Class A Shares that will be redeemed by the Company. Where there is more than one Tendering Class A Shareholder, the Company will redeem the maximum number of Tendered Class A Shares that would not be contrary to such requirements or other provisions among such Tendering Class A Shareholders on a pro rata basis.
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Secondary Exchange Rights
26.16 For so long as the Rights Agreement has not been terminated, if a Tendering Class A Shareholder has not received the Exchange Consideration with respect to any Tendered Class A Shares by the Close of Business on the applicable Specified Exchange Date for any reason, then, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Rights Agreement, which the Class A Shareholders shall have a right to enforce, such Tendering Class A Shareholder shall be entitled to receive from BAM the Secondary Exchange Amount with respect to each such Tendered Class A Share no later than the applicable Secondary Exchange Date (the “Secondary Exchange Right”). The Company shall send to BAM and to the Rights Agent on the applicable Specified Exchange Date a notice to the effect that the Tendering Class A Shareholder has not received the Exchange Consideration and such notice will set forth the identity of the Tendering Class A Shareholder, the number of Tendered Class A Shares, the amounts of such Exchange Consideration then not paid and will be otherwise consistent with the definition of “Company Notice” in the Rights Agreement.
No Fractional BBU Units
26.17 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, no fractional BBU Units shall be issued in connection with the satisfaction of Exchange Rights, in connection with a redemption of a Class A Share or in connection with a Liquidation Event. In lieu of any fractional BBU Units to which the Tendering Class A Shareholder would otherwise be entitled, the Company shall pay a cash amount equal to the BBU Unit Value on the Trading Day immediately preceding the Exchange Date multiplied by such fraction of a BBU Unit. In lieu of any fractional BBU Units to which the Tendering Class A Shareholder would otherwise be entitled pursuant to the Rights Agreement, the Rights Agent shall pay a cash amount as determined in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Rights Agreement.
Withholding Taxes
26.18 Each Tendering Class A Shareholder shall be required to pay to the Company the amount of any tax withholding due upon the redemption of Tendered Class A Shares pursuant to §26.11 to §26.13 and will be deemed to have authorized the Company to retain such portion of the Exchange Consideration as the Company reasonably determines is necessary to satisfy its tax withholding obligations. Before making any withholding pursuant to this §26.18, the Company shall give each Tendering Class A Shareholder within three (3) Business Days after the Company’s receipt of a Notice of Exchange from such Tendering Class A Shareholder, notice of the Company’s good faith estimate of the amount of any anticipated tax withholding (together with the legal basis therefor) due upon the redemption of the Tendered Class A Shares subject to such Notice of Exchange, provide the Tendering Class A Shareholder with sufficient opportunity to provide any forms or other documentation or take such other steps in order to avoid or reduce such tax withholding, and reasonably cooperate with the Tendering Class A Shareholder in good faith to attempt to reduce any amounts that would otherwise be withheld pursuant to this §26.18; provided that any determination with respect to the tax withholding shall be made by the Company, BBU or an affiliate of BBU, as applicable, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith.
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COMPANY REDEMPTION RIGHTS
Company Redemption
26.19 If the Company delivers or causes to be delivered a Notice of Class A Redemption to the Class A Shareholders, it shall redeem all of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares on the Specified Class A Redemption Date. The Company may deliver a Notice of Class A Redemption at any time, in its sole discretion and subject to applicable Law, including in any of the following circumstances:
(a) the total number of Class A Shares outstanding decreases by 50% or more over any 12-month period;
(b) a Person acquires 90% of the BBU Units in a take-over bid (as defined by Applicable Securities Laws);
(c) the holders of BBU Units approve an acquisition of BBU by way of arrangement or amalgamation;
(d) | the holders of BBU Units approve a restructuring or other reorganization of BBU; |
(e) | there is a sale of all or substantially all the assets of BBU; |
(f) there is a change of Law (whether by legislative, governmental or judicial action), administrative practice or interpretation, or a change in circumstances of the Company and the shareholders of the Company, that may result in adverse tax consequences for the Company or the shareholders of the Company; or
(g) the board, in its good faith, concludes that the holders of BBU Units or the Class A Shareholders are adversely impacted by a fact, change, or other circumstance relating to the Company.
Right of Class B Shareholders to Cause Redemption of Class A Shares
26.20 The Class B Shareholders may, at any time and in their sole discretion, deliver a notice to the Company specifying a date upon which the Company shall redeem all of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares (provided that such specified date is no less than 60 days from the date on which the Class B Shareholders deliver such notice), and as soon as reasonably practicable after the receipt of such notice, the Company shall, subject to applicable Law, deliver a Notice of Class A Redemption to the Class A Shareholders and, without the consent of the Class A Shareholders, shall redeem all of the Class A Shares on the Specified Class A Redemption Date.
Redemption Procedure
26.21 In the event of a redemption of the Class A Shares, each Class A Shareholder shall be considered a Tendering Class A Shareholder and each Class A Share shall be considered a Tendered Class A Share for the purposes of §26.19 to §26.22, and the Company shall, at or prior to Close of Business on the Specified Class A Redemption Date, pay to each Tendering Class A Shareholder either (i) the BBU Units Amount, or (ii) the Cash Amount, as the Company may determine in its sole and absolute discretion, together with a cash amount for each Tendered Class A Share equal to any Unpaid Dividends per Tendered Class A Share ((i) or (ii), plus such Unpaid Dividends collectively being the “Redemption Consideration”) and such delivery of such Redemption Consideration by or on behalf of the Company by the Transfer Agent will be deemed to be payment of and will satisfy and discharge all liability for the redemption of the Class A Shares. Should the Company elect to satisfy its obligation to redeem the Class A Shares by delivering the Cash Amount, then the payment of such amount shall be made in the manner set forth in §26.4.
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26.22 §26.14 to §26.15 and §26.17 to §26.18 shall apply in their entirety, mutatis mutandis, to a redemption of the Class A Shares.
Exchange-Redemption Call Right
26.23 Notwithstanding the provisions in §26.11 to §26.22 above,
(a) in the event the Company receives a Notice of Exchange from a Tendering Class A Shareholder, BBU shall have an overriding right to acquire, or cause its affiliate to acquire all, but not less than all, of the Tendered Class A Shares from the Tendering Class A Shareholder by delivering the Exchange Consideration (the form of Exchange Consideration to be determined by BBU in its sole and absolute discretion) in accordance with §26.11 to §26.18, mutatis mutandis, in satisfaction of the obligations of the Company, and
(b) in the event the Company provides a Notice of Class A Redemption to each Class A Shareholder, BBU shall have an overriding right to acquire, or cause its affiliate to acquire all, but not less than all, of the Class A Shares from each Class A Shareholder by delivering the Redemption Consideration (the form of Redemption Consideration to be determined by BBU in its sole and absolute discretion) in accordance with §26.19 to §26.22, mutatis mutandis, in satisfaction of the obligations of the Company as set out therein (the right in either (a) or (b) being the “Exchange-Redemption Call Right”), and in the event of the exercise by BBU of the Exchange-Redemption Call Right, each Tendering Class A Shareholder will be obligated to sell all Tendered Class A Shares held by such Tendering Class A Shareholder to BBU (or its affiliate, as applicable) on delivery by BBU (or its affiliate, as applicable) to such Tendering Class A Shareholder of the Exchange Consideration or the Redemption Consideration, as applicable, and the Company will have no obligation to pay any Exchange Consideration or Redemption Consideration to the holders of such Class A Shares so purchased by BBU (or its affiliate, as applicable).
26.24 In order to exercise its Exchange-Redemption Call Right, BBU must notify the Transfer Agent in writing, as agent for the holders of Class A Shares, and the Company, of its intention to exercise such right at least 3 days before the Specified Exchange Date or at least 10 days before the Specified Class A Redemption Date, as applicable. Delivery by BBU to the Transfer Agent of a standing direction as to any exercise of the Exchange-Redemption Call Right in respect of the exercise of Exchange Rights shall satisfy the notification requirements set forth in this §26.24.
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LIQUIDATION
Liquidation Rights
26.25 Upon any liquidation, dissolution, winding up of the Company or any other distribution of its assets among its shareholders, whether voluntary or involuntary (a “Liquidation Event”), including where substantially concurrent with the liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of BBU, whether voluntary or involuntary (a “BBU Liquidation Event”), each Class A Shareholder shall, subject to the exercise of the Liquidation Call Right, be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Company legally available for distribution on the effective date of the Liquidation Event (the “Liquidation Date”) an amount in cash per Class A Share then held by them equal to the BBU Unit Value on the Trading Day immediately preceding the public announcement of the Liquidation Event (the “Liquidation Reference Date”) multiplied by the Conversion Factor (and together with a cash amount for each Class A Share equal to any Unpaid Dividends per Class A Share, the “Liquidation Amount”). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in connection with a Liquidation Event, including where substantially concurrent with a BBU Liquidation Event, if the Company, in its sole and absolute discretion elects, it may, subject to applicable Law, redeem all of the outstanding Class A Shares in exchange for such number of BBU Units per Class A Share equal to the Conversion Factor in effect on the Liquidation Reference Date, together with a cash amount per Class A Share equal to any Unpaid Dividends per Class A Share in accordance with §26.21 and §26.22, in lieu of paying the Liquidation Amount.
26.26 The rights of the Class A Shareholders to receive the amount set forth in §26.25 is subject to:
(a) the prior rights of holders of all classes and series of Preferred Shares and any other class of shares ranking in priority with the Class A Shares;
(b) prior payment in full to each Tendering Class A Shareholder and Tendering Class C Shareholder that submitted a Notice of Exchange or a Notice of Class C Retraction, as applicable, at least 10 days prior to the date of the Liquidation Event of the Exchange Consideration (in the case of the Tendering Class A Shareholders) and the Class C Retraction Amount (in the case of the Tendering Class C Shareholders); and
(c) prior payment in full to each Tendering Class B Shareholder that submitted a Notice of Class B Retraction at least 30 days prior to the date of the Liquidation Event of the Cash Amount.
26.27 If, upon any such Liquidation Event, the assets of the Company are insufficient to make payment in full to all Class A Shareholders of the foregoing amounts set forth in §26.25 with respect to the Liquidation Event, then such assets (or consideration) shall be distributed among the Class A Shareholders at the time outstanding, rateably in proportion to the full amounts to which they would otherwise be respectively entitled to receive under §26.25.
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BBU Liquidation Call Right
26.28 Notwithstanding §26.25, BBU will have the overriding right (the “Liquidation Call Right”), in the event of and notwithstanding the occurrence of any Liquidation Event, to purchase from, or cause its affiliate to purchase from, all but not less than all of the Class A Shareholders on the Liquidation Date all but not less than all of the Class A Shares held by each such holder in exchange for the issuance by BBU of such number of BBU Units per Class A Share equal to the Conversion Factor in effect on the Liquidation Reference Date (and together with a cash amount for each Class A Share equal to any Unpaid Dividends per Class A Share, the “Liquidation Call Consideration”). In the event of the exercise of a Liquidation Call Right, each such Class A Shareholder will be obligated on the Liquidation Date to sell all the Class A Shares held by such holder to BBU on the Liquidation Date upon issuance by BBU to the holder of the Liquidation Call Consideration for each such Class A Share and the Company will have no obligation to pay any Liquidation Amount to the holders of such Class A Shares so purchased by BBU.
26.29 In order to exercise the Liquidation Call Right, BBU must notify the Transfer Agent in writing, as agent for the Class A Shareholders and the Company, of its intention to exercise such right at least 30 days before the Liquidation Date in the case of a voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company and at least five Business Days before the Liquidation Date in the case of an involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company. If BBU exercises the Liquidation Call Right in accordance with this §26.29, all obligations of the Company under §26.25 to §26.27 will terminate and on the Liquidation Date BBU will purchase and Class A Shareholders will sell all of their Class A Shares then outstanding for a price per unit equal to the Liquidation Call Consideration.
Automatic Redemption Rights
26.30 Subject to the exercise of the Liquidation Call Right, in connection with a BBU Liquidation Event, including where substantially concurrent with a Liquidation Event, the Company shall, subject to applicable Law, redeem all outstanding Class A Shares on the day prior to the effective date of the BBU Liquidation Event for, in its sole and absolute discretion, (i) an amount in cash per share equal to the BBU Unit Value on the Trading Day immediately preceding the public announcement of the BBU Liquidation Event multiplied by the Conversion Factor (together with a cash amount for each Class A Share equal to any Unpaid Dividends per Class A Share), or (ii) such number of BBU Units equal to the Conversion Factor in effect on the Trading Day immediately preceding the public announcement of the BBU Liquidation Event (together with a cash amount for each Class A Share equal to any Unpaid Dividends per Class A Share).
OTHER RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS
Conversion of Class A Shares
26.31 Any BBU-Affiliated Class A Shareholder shall be entitled at any time to have any or all of such BBU-Affiliated Class A Shareholder’s Class A Shares converted into Class C Shares at a conversion rate equal to one Class C Share for each Class A Share in respect of which the conversion right is exercised. The right of conversion herein provided for may be exercised by notice in writing given to the Transfer Agent (a “Conversion Notice”), which notice shall specify the number of Class A Shares that the BBU-Affiliated Class A Shareholder desires to have converted. Upon receipt of a Conversion Notice, the Company shall, subject to applicable Law, promptly issue to the converting BBU-Affiliated Class A Shareholder the requisite number of Class C Shares and the Transfer Agent shall cancel the converted Class A Shares subject to the Conversion Notice effective concurrently therewith.
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Call Rights
26.32 Each Class A Shareholder, whether a registered holder or a beneficial holder, by virtue of becoming and being such a holder will be deemed to acknowledge each of the Exchange-Redemption Call Right and the Liquidation Call Right, in each case, in favour of BBU, and the overriding nature thereof in connection with the exercise of Exchange Rights, the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company or any other distribution of the assets of the Company among its shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, or the retraction or redemption of Class A Shares, as the case may be, and to be bound thereby in favour of BBU as herein provided.
PART 27
SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS
CLASS B MULTIPLE VOTING SHARES
Special Rights and Restrictions
27.1 The Class B Shares as a class shall have attached thereto the special rights and restrictions specified in this Part 27.
Dividend Rights
27.2 Except as set out in §27.3, the Class B Shareholders shall not be entitled to receive any dividends on the Class B Shares.
Stock Dividends
27.3 In the event a dividend is declared and paid on the Class A Shares consisting of Class A Shares, the board shall, subject to applicable Law, contemporaneously declare and pay an equivalent dividend on the Class B Shares consisting of Class B Shares.
Ranking of the Class B Shares
27.4 The Class B Shares shall, as to the return of capital in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company, rank junior to the Preferred Shares and to the Class A Shares and senior to the Class C Shares and any other shares ranking junior to the Class B Shares with respect to priority in the return of capital in a Liquidation Event.
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Voting Rights
27.5 Except as expressly provided herein, each Class B Shareholder will be entitled to receive notice of, and attend and vote at, all meetings of shareholders of the Company, except for meetings at which only holders of another specified class or series of shares are entitled to vote separately as a class or series. Each Class B Shareholder will be entitled to cast a number of votes per Class B Share equal to: (i) the number that is three times the number of Class A Shares then issued and outstanding, divided by (ii) the number of Class B Shares then issued and outstanding.
27.6 Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or as required by Law, the Class A Shareholders and the Class B Shareholders will vote together and not as separate classes. 27.7 At any time that no Class A Shares are outstanding or for any vote held only in respect of the Class B Shares, each Class B Shareholder will be entitled to cast one vote per Class B Share.
27.8 Subject to any rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Shares to elect directors under specified circumstances, the holders of the outstanding Class A Shares and Class B Shares, voting together, shall be entitled to vote for the election of all directors of the Company.
Amendment with Approval of Class B Shareholders
27.9 In addition to any other approvals required by Law, the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the Class B Shares as a class may be added to, changed or removed but only with the approval of the Class B Shareholders given as hereinafter specified.
27.10 The approval of the Class B Shareholders to add to, change or remove any right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Class B Shares as a class or in respect of any other matter requiring the consent of the holders of the Class B Shareholders may be given in such manner as may then be required by Law, subject to a minimum requirement that such approval be given by resolution signed by all the Class B Shareholders or passed by the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the votes cast at a meeting of the Class B Shareholders duly called for that purpose. On every poll taken at every meeting of the Class B Shareholders as a class, each Class B Shareholder entitled to vote thereat shall have one vote in respect of each Class B Share held.
Retraction at the Option of the Class B Shareholder
27.11 Subject to applicable Law, at any time from and after the date of the issuance of the Class B Shares, each Class B Shareholder shall have the right (the “Class B Retraction Right”) to require the Company to redeem all or such portion of the Class B Shares registered in the name of such Class B Shareholder specified in a Notice of Class B Retraction delivered to the Company by or on behalf of such Class B Shareholder (such Class B Shares being hereafter referred to as “Tendered Class B Shares” and such Class B Shareholder, the “Tendering Class B Shareholder”) for the Cash Amount (the “Class B Retraction Amount”).
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Notice of Class B Retraction
27.12 A Class B Shareholder must deliver a Notice of Class B Retraction to the registered office of the Company in order to exercise his, her or its Class B Retraction Right.
Satisfaction of Retraction Right
27.13 Upon receipt by Company of a Notice of Class B Retraction and such additional documents and instruments as the Company may reasonably require, the Company shall redeem the Tendered Class B Shares on or prior to the Specified Class B Retraction Date. The Company will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Tendering Class B Shareholder, at the address of the holder recorded in the register of the Company for the Class B Shares or at the address specified in the holder’s Notice of Class B Retraction, the Class B Retraction Amount, and such delivery of such Class B Retraction Amount by or on behalf of the Company, will be deemed to be payment of and will satisfy and discharge all liability for the Class B Retraction Right so exercised.
27.14 Each Tendering Class B Shareholder shall continue to own each Class B Share subject to any Notice of Class B Retraction, and be treated as a Class B Shareholder with respect to each such Class B Share for all other purposes of these Articles, until such Class B Share has been redeemed by the Company in accordance with §27.11 to §27.16.
27.15 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Company will not be obligated to redeem Tendered Class B Shares to the extent that such redemption would be contrary to solvency requirements or other provisions of applicable Law.
Withholding Taxes
27.16 Each Tendering Class B Shareholder shall be required to pay to the Company the amount of any tax withholding due upon the redemption of Tendered Class B Shares pursuant to §27.11 to §27.13 and will be deemed to have authorized the Company to retain such portion of the Class B Retraction Amount as the Company reasonably determines is necessary to satisfy its tax withholding obligations. Before making any withholding pursuant to this §27.16, the Company shall give each Tendering Class B Shareholder within three (3) Business Days after the Company’s receipt of a Notice of Class B Retraction from such Tendering Class B Shareholder, notice of the Company’s good faith estimate of the amount of any anticipated tax withholding (together with the legal basis therefor) due upon the redemption of the Tendered Class B Shares subject to such Notice of Class B Retraction, provide the Tendering Class B Shareholder with sufficient opportunity to provide any forms or other documentation or take such other steps in order to avoid or reduce such tax withholding, and reasonably cooperate with the Tendering Class B Shareholder in good faith to attempt to reduce any amounts that would otherwise be withheld pursuant to this §27.16; provided that any determination with respect to the tax withholding shall be made by the Company in its sole discretion exercised in good faith.
Liquidation Rights
27.17 Upon any Liquidation Event, including where substantially concurrent with a BBU Liquidation Event, subject to the following sentence, the Class B Shareholders shall be entitled to be paid out of the assets of the Company legally available for distribution on the Liquidation Date an amount in cash per Class B Share then held by them equal to the BBU Unit Value for each such Class B Share. At any time no Class C Shares are outstanding, the Class B Shareholders shall be entitled to receive on the Liquidation Date the assets and property of the Company remaining, if any, after the prior payments of the amounts set forth in §27.18.
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27.18 The rights of the Class B Shareholders to receive the amount set forth in §27.17 is subject to the prior payment of the amounts set forth in §26.26(b) and §26.26(c) and to the prior rights of holders of all classes and series of Preferred Shares, Class A Shares and any other class of shares ranking in priority or rateably with the Class B Shares.
27.19 If, upon any such Liquidation Event, the assets of the Company, after payment of any amounts owed to holders of all classes of shares ranking in priority to the Class B Shares, shall be insufficient to make payment in full to all Class B Shareholders of the foregoing amounts set forth in §27.17 with respect to the Liquidation Event, then such assets (or consideration) shall be distributed among the Class B Shareholders at the time outstanding, rateably in proportion to the full amounts to which they would otherwise be respectively entitled to receive under §27.17.
Transfer Restrictions
27.20 The Class B Shares may not be Transferred to any Person other than to BBU or a Person Controlled by BBU. If any Class B Shares are Transferred in contravention of the preceding sentence, (i) such Transfer shall be null and void, and the Company shall not register or otherwise recognize the Transfer of the Class B Shares to the transferee, (ii) any rights to vote attaching to the Class B Shares so Transferred may not be exercised by any Person, (iii) any payment by the Company on the Class B Shares so Transferred shall be prohibited and any such payment shall be forfeited, and (iv) any rights that an ineligible transferee may have as a result of being a holder of Class B Shares shall be null and void, in each case, until such time as such Transfer is cancelled.
PART 28
SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS
CLASS C NON-VOTING SHARES
Special Rights and Restrictions
28.1 The Class C Shares as a class shall have attached thereto the special rights and restrictions specified in this Part 28.
Dividend Rights
28.2 Class C Shareholders shall be entitled to receive, as and when declared by the board of directors, out of any assets of the Company legally available therefor, such dividends as may be declared from time to time by the board of directors. The Class C Shareholders shall not be entitled to receive dividends (i) unless and until the Company has paid any Unpaid Dividends, and (ii) unless and until the Company has paid all of the Exchange Consideration owing to any Tendering Class A Shareholders who have submitted Notices of Exchange before the date the board of directors declares a dividend on the Class C Shares. The record and payment dates for dividends on Class C Shares shall be such date that the board of directors shall designate for the payment of such dividends.
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Stock Dividends
28.3 In the event a dividend is declared and paid on the Class A Shares consisting of Class A Shares, the board shall, subject to applicable Law, contemporaneously declare and pay on the Class C Shares an equivalent dividend on a per share basis consisting of Class C Shares.
Ranking of the Class C Shares
28.4 The Class C Shares shall, as to the payment of dividends and return of capital in a Liquidation Event, rank junior to the Preferred Shares, the Class A Shares and the Class B Shares and senior over any other shares ranking junior to the Class C Shares with respect to priority in payment of dividends and return of capital in the event of the liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company.
Voting Rights
28.5 Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or as required by Law, each Class C Shareholder shall be entitled to notice of, and to attend, any meetings of shareholders of the Company, but shall not otherwise be entitled to vote at any such meeting.
Amendment with Approval of Class C Shareholders
28.6 In addition to any other approval required by Law, the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the Class C Shares as a class may be added to, changed or removed but only with the approval of the holders of the Class C Shares given as hereinafter specified.
28.7 The approval of the Class C Shareholders to add to, change or remove any right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Class C Shares as a class or in respect of any other matter requiring the consent of the Class C Shareholders may be given in such manner as may then be required by Law, subject to a minimum requirement that such approval be given by resolution signed by all the Class C Shareholders or passed by the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the votes cast at a meeting of the Class C Shareholders duly called for that purpose. On every poll taken at every meeting of the Class C Shareholders as a class, each Class C Shareholder entitled to vote thereat shall have one vote in respect of each Class C Share held.
Retraction at the Option of the Class C Shareholder
28.8 Subject to applicable Law, at any time from and after the date of the issuance of the Class C Shares, each Class C Shareholder shall have the right (the “Class C Retraction Right”) to require the Company to redeem all or such portion of the Class C Shares registered in the name of such Class C Shareholder specified in an Notice of Class C Retraction delivered to the Company by or on behalf of such Class C Shareholder (such Class C Shares being hereafter referred to as “Tendered Class C Shares” and such Class C Shareholder, the “Tendering Class C Shareholder”) for the Cash Amount (the “Class C Retraction Amount”).
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Notice of Class C Retraction
28.9 A Class C Shareholder must deliver a Notice of Class C Retraction to the registered office of the Company in order to exercise his, her or its Class C Retraction Right.
Satisfaction of Retraction Right
28.10 Upon receipt by Company of a Notice of Class C Retraction and such additional documents and instruments as the Company may reasonably require, the Company shall redeem the Tendered Class C Shares on or prior to the Specified Class C Retraction Date. The Company will deliver or cause to be delivered to the Tendering Class C Shareholder, at the address of the holder recorded in the register of the Company for the Class C Shares or at the address specified in the holder’s Notice of Class C Retraction, the Class C Retraction Amount, and such delivery of such Class C Retraction Amount by or on behalf of the Company, will be deemed to be payment of and will satisfy and discharge all liability for the Class C Retraction Right so exercised.
28.11 Each Tendering Class C Shareholder shall continue to own each Class C Share subject to any Notice of Class C Retraction, and be treated as a Class C Shareholder with respect to each such Class C Share for all other purposes of these Articles, until such Class C Share has been redeemed by the Company in accordance with §28.8 to §28.13.
28.12 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, the Company will not be obligated to redeem Tendered Class C Shares to the extent that such redemption would be contrary to solvency requirements or other provisions of applicable Law.
Withholding Taxes
28.13 Each Tendering Class C Shareholder shall be required to pay to the Company the amount of any tax withholding due upon the redemption of Tendered Class C Shares pursuant to §28.8 to §28.10 and will be deemed to have authorized the Company to retain such portion of the Class C Retraction Amount as the Company reasonably determines is necessary to satisfy its tax withholding obligations. Before making any tax withholding pursuant to this §28.13, the Company shall give each Tendering Class C Shareholder within three (3) Business Days after the Company’s receipt of a Notice of Class C Retraction from such Tendering Class C Shareholder, notice of the Company’s good faith estimate of the amount of any anticipated tax withholding (together with the legal basis therefor) due upon the redemption of the Tendered Class C Shares subject to such Notice of Class C Retraction, provide the Tendering Class C Shareholder with sufficient opportunity to provide any forms or other documentation or take such other steps in order to avoid or reduce such tax withholding, and reasonably cooperate with the Tendering Class C Shareholder in good faith to attempt to reduce any amounts that would otherwise be withheld pursuant to this §28.13; provided that any determination with respect to the tax withholding shall be made by the Company in its sole discretion exercised in good faith.
Liquidation Rights
28.14 Upon any Liquidation Event, including where substantially concurrent with a BBU Liquidation Event, the Class C Shareholders shall be entitled to receive on the Liquidation Date the assets and property of the Company remaining, if any, after the prior payments of the amounts set forth in §28.15.
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28.15 The rights of the Class C Shareholders to receive the amounts set forth in §28.14 is subject to the prior payment of the amounts set forth in §26.26(b) and §26.26(c) and the prior rights of holders of all classes and series of Preferred Shares, Class A Shares, Class B Shares and any other class of shares ranking in priority or rateably with the Class C Shares.
Transfer Restrictions
28.16 The Class C Shares may not be Transferred to any Person other than to BBU or a Person Controlled by BBU. If any Class C Shares are Transferred in contravention of the preceding sentence, (i) such Transfer shall be null and void, and the Company shall not register or otherwise recognize the Transfer of the Class C Shares to the transferee, (ii) any payment by the Company on the Class C Shares so Transferred shall be prohibited and any such payment shall be forfeited, and (iii) any rights that an ineligible transferee may have as a result of being a holder of Class C Shares shall be null and void, in each case, until such time as such Transfer is cancelled.
PART 29
SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS
CLASS A SENIOR PREFERRED SHARES
Special Rights and Restrictions
29.1 Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of issued shares of the Company, the Class A Senior Preferred Shares as a class shall have attached thereto the special rights and restrictions specified in this Part 29.
Directors’ Right to Issue in One or More Series
29.2 The Class A Senior Preferred Shares may be issued at any time or from time to time in one or more series. Before any Class A Senior Preferred Shares of a series are issued, the board of directors shall, subject to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), by resolution:
(a) determine the maximum number of shares of any of those series of shares that the Company is authorized to issue, determine that there is no maximum number or, if none of the shares of that series is issued, alter any determination so made, and authorize the alteration of the notice of articles accordingly;
(b) alter the articles, and authorize the alteration of the notice of articles, to create an identifying name by which the shares of any of those series of shares may be identified or, if none of the shares of that series is issued, to alter any such identifying name so created; and
(c) alter the articles, and authorize the alteration of the notice of articles accordingly, to attach special rights or restrictions to the shares of any of those series of shares, including, but without in any way limiting or restricting the generality of the foregoing, the rate or amount of dividends, whether cumulative, non-cumulative or partially cumulative, the dates, places and currencies of payment thereof, the consideration for, and the terms and conditions of, any purchase, retraction or redemption thereof, including redemption after a fixed term or at a premium, conversion or exchange rights, the terms and conditions of any share purchase plan or sinking fund, the restrictions respecting payment of dividends on, or the repayment of capital in respect of, any other shares of the Company and voting rights and restrictions but no special right or restriction so created, defined or attached shall contravene the provisions of §29.3 and §29.4, or, if none of the shares of that series is issued, to alter any such special rights or restrictions.
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Ranking of the Class A Senior Preferred Shares
29.3 The Class A Senior Preferred Shares of each series shall, as to the payment of dividends and return of capital in a Liquidation Event, rank on a parity with the Class A Senior Preferred Shares of every other series and senior to the Class B Junior Preferred Shares, the Class A Shares, the Class B Shares and the Class C Shares and over any other shares ranking junior to the Preferred Shares with respect to priority in payment of dividends and return of capital in a Liquidation Event.
Voting
29.4 Except as hereinafter referred to or as required by Law or unless provision is made in the articles of the Company relating to any series of Class A Senior Preferred Shares that such series is entitled to vote, the holders of the Class A Senior Preferred Shares as a class shall not be entitled as such to receive notice of, to attend or to vote at any meeting of the shareholders of the Company.
Amendment with Approval of Holder of Class A Senior Preferred Shares
29.5 In addition to any other approval required by Law, the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the Class A Senior Preferred Shares as a class may be added to, changed or removed but only with the approval of the holders of the Class A Senior Preferred Shares given as hereinafter specified.
29.6 The approval of the holders of the Class A Senior Preferred Shares to add to, change or remove any right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Class A Senior Preferred Shares as a class or in respect of any other matter requiring the consent of the holders of the Class A Senior Preferred Shares may be given in such manner as may then be required by Law, subject to a minimum requirement that such approval be given by resolution signed by all the holders of the Class A Senior Preferred Shares or passed by the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the votes cast at a meeting of the holders of the Class A Senior Preferred Shares duly called for that purpose. On every poll taken at every meeting of the holders of the Class A Senior Preferred Shares as a class, or at any joint meeting of the holders of two or more series of Class A Senior Preferred Shares, each holder of Class A Senior Preferred Shares entitled to vote thereat shall have one vote in respect of each Class A Senior Preferred Share held.
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PART 30
SPECIAL RIGHTS AND RESTRICTIONS
CLASS B JUNIOR PREFERRED SHARES
Special Rights and Restrictions
30.1 Subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of issued shares of the Company, the Class B Junior Preferred Shares as a class shall have attached thereto the special rights and restrictions specified in this Part 30.
Directors’ Right to Issue in One or More Series
30.2 The Class B Junior Preferred Shares may be issued at any time or from time to time in one or more series. Before any Class B Junior Preferred Shares of a series are issued, the board of directors shall, subject to the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), by resolution:
(a) determine the maximum number of shares of any of those series of shares that the Company is authorized to issue, determine that there is no maximum number or, if none of the shares of that series is issued, alter any determination so made, and authorize the alteration of the notice of articles accordingly;
(b) alter the articles, and authorize the alteration of the notice of articles, to create an identifying name by which the shares of any of those series of shares may be identified or, if none of the shares of that series is issued, to alter any such identifying name so created; and
(c) alter the articles, and authorize the alteration of the notice of articles accordingly, to attach special rights or restrictions to the shares of any of those series of shares, including, but without in any way limiting or restricting the generality of the foregoing, the rate or amount of dividends, whether cumulative, non-cumulative or partially cumulative, the dates, places and currencies of payment thereof, the consideration for, and the terms and conditions of, any purchase, retraction or redemption thereof, including redemption after a fixed term or at a premium, conversion or exchange rights, the terms and conditions of any share purchase plan or sinking fund, the restrictions respecting payment of dividends on, or the repayment of capital in respect of, any other shares of the Company and voting rights and restrictions but no special right or restriction so created, defined or attached shall contravene the provisions of §30.3 and §30.4, or, if none of the shares of that series is issued, to alter any such special rights or restrictions.
Ranking of the Class B Junior Preferred Shares
30.3 The Class B Junior Preferred Shares of each series shall, as to the payment of dividends and return of capital in a Liquidation Event, rank on a parity with the Class B Junior Preferred Shares of every other series, junior to the Class A Senior Preferred Shares and senior to the Class A Shares, the Class B Shares and the Class C Shares and over any other shares ranking junior to the Preferred Shares with respect to priority in payment of dividends and in return of capital in a Liquidation Event.
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Voting
30.4 Except as hereinafter referred to or as required by Law or unless provision is made in the articles of the Company relating to any series of Class B Junior Preferred Shares that such series is entitled to vote, the holders of the Class B Junior Preferred Shares as a class shall not be entitled as such to receive notice of, to attend or to vote at any meeting of the shareholders of the Company.
Amendment with Approval of Holder of Class B Junior Preferred Shares
30.5 In addition to any other approval required by Law, the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the Class B Junior Preferred Shares as a class may be added to, changed or removed but only with the approval of the holders of the Class B Junior Preferred Shares given as hereinafter specified.
30.6 The approval of the holders of the Class B Junior Preferred Shares to add to, change or remove any right, privilege, restriction or condition attaching to the Class B Junior Preferred Shares as a class or in respect of any other matter requiring the consent of the holders of the Class B Junior Preferred Shares may be given in such manner as may then be required by Law, subject to a minimum requirement that such approval be given by resolution signed by all the holders of the Class B Junior Preferred Shares or passed by the affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the votes cast at a meeting of the holders of the Class B Junior Preferred Shares duly called for that purpose. On every poll taken at every meeting of the holders of the Class B Junior Preferred Shares as a class, or at any joint meeting of the holders of two or more series of Class B Junior Preferred Shares, each holder of Class B Junior Preferred Shares entitled to vote thereat shall have one vote in respect of each Class B Junior Preferred Share held.
EXHIBIT “A”
Notice of Exchange
NOTICE OF EXCHANGE
To: TSX TRUST COMPANY (the “Transfer Agent”)
PLEASE DELIVER YOUR EXCHANGE REQUEST AS FOLLOWS:
TSX Trust Company 1 Toronto Street, Suite 1200 Toronto, ON M5C 2V6 Attention: Corporate Actions |
This notice is given pursuant to Section 26.12 of the articles (the “Articles”) of Brookfield Business Corporation (the “Company”). All capitalized words and expressions used in this notice that are defined in the Articles have the meanings ascribed to such words and expressions in the Articles.
The undersigned hereby notifies the Company that the undersigned desires to have the Company redeem in accordance with the Articles:
¨ | all Class A Share(s) registered in the name of the undersigned; or |
¨ | _____Class A Share(s) registered in the name of the undersigned. |
Such amount of Class A Share(s) elected above, being hereafter referred to herein as the “Tendered Class A Shares”.
The undersigned acknowledges the Exchange-Redemption Call Right of Brookfield Business Partners L.P. (“BBU”) or an affiliate of BBU to acquire all, but not less than all, of the Tendered Class A Shares from the undersigned and that this notice is and will be deemed to be an offer by the undersigned to sell the Tendered Class A Shares to BBU in accordance with the Exchange-Redemption Call Right on or prior to the Specified Exchange Date for the Exchange Consideration and on the other terms and conditions set out in the Articles.
The undersigned acknowledges that the exchange or acquisition of the Tendered Class A Shares may be satisfied by the delivery of an equivalent number of BBU Units (subject to adjustment to reflect certain capital events) or the Cash Amount. The form of payment is to be determined by the Company or BBU. It is the intention of the Company and BBU to satisfy any exchange or acquisition of Tendered Class A Shares through the delivery of BBU Units rather than the Cash Amount.
The undersigned acknowledges that the Company will not be obligated to redeem Tendered Class A Shares to the extent that such redemption would be contrary to solvency requirements or other provisions of applicable Laws. If the Company believes that it would not be permitted by any such requirements or other provisions to redeem the Tendered Class A Shares, provided that BBU has not exercised its Exchange-Redemption Call Right with respect to the Tendered Class A Shares, the Company will only be obligated to redeem the maximum number of Tendered Class A Shares (rounded down to a whole number of Class A Shares) that would not be contrary to such provisions.
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants to the Company and BBU that the undersigned has good title to, and owns, the Class A Share(s) to be acquired by the Company, BBU or an affiliate of BBU as the case may be, free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances whatsoever.
Date: | ||
Name of Person and Account Number (Please print) | ||
Street Address or P.O. Box | ||
City, Province and Postal Code | ||
Signature of Tendering Class A Shareholder | ||
(Guarantee of Signature) |
CURRENCY ELECTION
(only if exchange or acquisition of the Tendered Class A Shares is satisfied by the Cash Amount)
Shareholders domiciled in Canada will receive the Cash Amount in Canadian dollars (CAD) and shareholders domiciled in the United States and all other countries will receive the Cash Amount in U.S. dollars (USD), unless otherwise elected below:
¨ | Issue my cash entitlement payment(s) in U.S. dollars (USD). |
¨ | Issue my cash entitlement payment(s) in Canadian dollars (CAD). |
By electing to receive payment in another currency, the undersigned acknowledges that (a) the exchange rate used will be the rate established by the Transfer Agent, in its capacity as foreign exchange service provider to the Company, on the date the funds are converted and (b) the risk of any fluctuation in such rate will be borne by the undersigned.
Payment Delivery Instruction
¨ | Please check this box if the Cash Amount, if applicable, resulting from the exchange or acquisition of the Tendered Class A Shares is to be paid by cheque and mailed to the last address of the Tendering Class A Shareholder as it appears on the register of the Company or as instructed below in Exhibit A. ALL CHEQUE PAYMENTS WILL BE ISSUED TO THE REGISTERED NAME AS IT CURRENTLY APPEARS. |
¨ | Please check this box if the Cash Amount, if applicable, resulting from the exchange or acquisition of the Tendered Class A Shares is to be paid by cheque and held for pick-up by the Tendering Class A Shareholder at the principal transfer office of the Transfer Agent in Toronto, Ontario. |
NOTE: This panel must be completed and such additional documents as the Transfer Agent may require must be deposited with the Transfer Agent at its principal transfer office in Toronto, Ontario. The BBU Units Amount and any payment resulting from the exchange or acquisition of the Tendered Class A Shares will be issued and registered in, and made payable to respectively, the name of the Tendering Class A Shareholder as it appears on the register of the Company and the BBU Units Amount and payment resulting from such exchange or acquisition will be delivered to such Tendering Class A Shareholder as indicated above, unless the form appearing in Exhibit A (including the signature guarantee section) is duly completed.
STATUS AS U.S. SHAREHOLDER
(Please check the appropriate box)
Indicate whether or not you are a U.S. Shareholder or are acting on behalf of a U.S. Shareholder by placing an “X” in the applicable box below. A “U.S. Shareholder” is any holder of Class A Shares that is either (a) requesting that the Cash Amount, if applicable, is to be paid by cheque and mailed to a U.S. address (regardless whether such U.S. address is the last address of the Tendering Class A Shareholder as it appears on the register of the Company or such U.S. address is provided in Exhibit A) or (b) a U.S. person for United States federal income tax purposes as defined in “Important U.S. Tax Information for U.S. Shareholders” in Exhibit B.
☐ | The person signing this Notice of Exchange is not a U.S. Shareholder and is not acting on behalf of a U.S. Shareholder. |
☐ | The person signing this Notice of Exchange is a U.S. Shareholder or is acting on behalf of a U.S. Shareholder. |
If you are a U.S. Shareholder or acting on behalf of a U.S. Shareholder, then in order to avoid U.S. backup withholding, you generally must complete the IRS Form W-9 provided in Exhibit C. If you are a U.S. Shareholder but you are not a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes, then you must complete the appropriate IRS Form W-8 to avoid backup withholding. If you require an IRS Form W-8, please contact the Transfer Agent or download the appropriate IRS Form W-8 at www.irs.gov.
EXHIBIT A:
Cheque Delivery Information
Date: | ||
Name of Person in Whose Name Payment is to be Delivered (please print) | ||
Street Address or P.O. Box | ||
City, Province and Postal Code | ||
Signature of Tendering Class A Shareholder | ||
Guarantee of Signatures |
If this Notice is signed by a person other than the registered owner(s) of the Tendered Class A Share(s), or if BBU Units are to be delivered to a person other than such registered owner(s) or sent to an address other than the address of the registered owner(s) as shown on the register of the Company or if the payment is to be issued in the name of a person other than the registered owner of the Tendered Class A Share(s) such signature must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution1, or in some other manner satisfactory to the Transfer Agent (except that no guarantee is required if the signature is that of an Eligible Institution).
Dated: | |||
Signature guaranteed by (if required) | |||
Authorized Signature | Name of Authorized
Representative (please print or type) (if applicable) | ||
Name of Guarantor (please print or type) | |||
Address (please print or type) |
1 An “Eligible Institution” means a Canadian Schedule I chartered bank, a member of the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (STAMP), a member of the Stock Exchange Medallion Program (SEMP) or a member of the New York Stock Exchange Inc. Medallion Signature Program (MSP), acceptable to the Depositary. Members of these programs are usually members of a recognized stock exchange in Canada and/or the United States, members of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada, members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. or banks or trust companies in Canada or the United States
EXHIBIT B:
IMPORTANT U.S. TAX INFORMATION FOR U.S. SHAREHOLDERS
The following does not constitute a summary of the tax consequences of having the Company redeem the Tendered Class A Shares. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of having the Company redeem the Tendered Class A Shares.
For purposes of this Notice of Exchange, a U.S. person is a beneficial owner of Class A Shares that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is (a) an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States, (b) a corporation, partnership, or other entity classified as a corporation or partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any state or the District of Columbia, (c) an estate if the income of such estate is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of the source of such income, or (d) a trust if (i) a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of such trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of such trust, or (ii) such trust has validly elected to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
To avoid backup withholding of U.S. federal income tax on the redemption of Tendered Class A Shares, a U.S. Shareholder that is a U.S. person must, unless an exemption applies, provide the Transfer Agent with such holder’s correct taxpayer identification number (TIN) (which, in the case of an individual, generally is the individual’s social security number) or employer identification number (EIN), certify under penalties of perjury that such TIN or EIN is correct, and provide certain other certifications by completing the IRS Form W-9 included in this Notice of Exchange. If a U.S. Shareholder does not provide his, her, or its correct TIN or EIN or fails to provide the required certifications, the IRS may impose certain penalties on such holder, and payments to such holder upon the redemption of Tendered Class A Shares may be subject to backup withholding at a rate currently equal to 24%. All U.S. Shareholders that are U.S. persons submitting this Notice of Exchange should complete and sign the IRS Form W-9 to provide the information and certifications necessary to avoid backup withholding (unless an applicable exemption exists and is proved in a manner satisfactory to the Transfer Agent). To the extent that a U.S. Shareholder designates another U.S. person to receive payment, such other person may be required to provide a properly completed IRS Form W-9.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the amount of backup withholding may be credited against the U.S. federal income tax liability of the person subject to backup withholding. If backup withholding results in an overpayment of tax, a refund can be obtained by the U.S. Shareholder by timely providing the required information to the IRS.
If the Transfer Agent has not been provided with a properly certified TIN or EIN by the time of payment, backup withholding will apply. If the Tendered Class A Shares are held in more than one name or are not in the name of the actual owner, consult the instructions on the enclosed IRS Form W-9 for guidance on which name and TIN or EIN to report.
Certain U.S. Shareholders (such as corporations and individual retirement accounts) are not subject to backup withholding but may be required to provide evidence of their exemption from backup withholding. Exempt U.S. Shareholders should enter the appropriate exempt payee code on IRS Form W-9. See the enclosed IRS Form W-9 for instructions.
A U.S. Shareholder that is not a U.S. person and is not acting on behalf of a U.S. person should not complete IRS Form W-9. Instead, to establish an exemption from backup withholding, such U.S. Shareholder should properly complete and submit an IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E, W-8IMY, W-8ECI, or W-8EXP, as applicable, attesting to such exempt status. An appropriate IRS Form W-8 may be obtained from the Transfer Agent or on the IRS website
( www.irs.gov).
ALL U.S. SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS TO DETERMINE HOW THE FOREGOING BACKUP WITHHOLDING AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS APPLY TO THEM WITH REGARD TO THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
Exhibit C:
See attached
Form W-9 (Rev. October 2018) Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue ServiceRequest for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification Go to www.irs.gov/FormW9 for instructions and the latest information.Give Form to the requester. Do not send to the IRS.1 Name (as shown on your income tax return). Name is required on this line; do not leave this line blank.2 Business name/disregarded entity name, if different from above3 Check appropriate box for federal tax classification of the person whose name is entered on line 1. Check only one of the following seven boxes.4 Exemptions (codes apply only to certain entities, not individuals; see instructions on page 3):Individual/sole proprietor or single-member LLCC CorporationS CorporationPartnershipTrust/estateExempt payee code (if any)Limited liability company. Enter the tax classification (C=C corporation, S=S corporation, P=Partnership) Note: Check the appropriate box in the line above for the tax classification of the single-member owner. Do not check LLC if the LLC is classified as a single-member LLC that is disregarded from the owner unless the owner of the LLC is another LLC that is not disregarded from the owner for U.S. federal tax purposes. Otherwise, a single-member LLC that is disregarded from the owner should check the appropriate box for the tax classification of its owner. Other (see instructions)Exemption from FATCA reporting code (if any)(Applies to accounts maintained outside the U.S.)5 Address (number, street, and apt. or suite no.) See instructions. Requester’s name and address (optional)6 City, state, and ZIP code7 List account number(s) here (optional)Part I Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. The TIN provided must match the name given on line 1 to avoid backup withholding. For individuals, this is generally your social security number (SSN). However, for a resident alien, sole proprietor, or disregarded entity, see the instructions for Part I, later. For other entities, it is your employer identification number (EIN). If you do not have a number, see How to get a TIN, later. Note: If the account is in more than one name, see the instructions for line 1. Also see What Name and Number To Give the Requester for guidelines on whose number to enter.Social security number– –or Employer identification number–Part II CertificationUnder penalties of perjury, I certify that: 1. The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me); and 2. I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding; and 3. I am a U.S. citizen or other U.S. person (defined below); and 4. The FATCA code(s) entered on this form (if any) indicating that I am exempt from FATCA reporting is correct. Certification instructions. You must cross out item 2 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding because you have failed to report all interest and dividends on your tax return. For real estate transactions, item 2 does not apply. For mortgage interest paid, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, contributions to an individual retirement arrangement (IRA), and generally, payments other than interest and dividends, you are not required to sign the certification, but you must provide your correct TIN. See the instructions for Part II, later.Sign HereSignature of U.S. personDateGeneral Instructions Section references are to the Internal Revenue Code unless otherwise noted. Future developments. For the latest information about developments related to Form W-9 and its instructions, such as legislation enacted after they were published, go to www.irs.gov/FormW9. Purpose of Form An individual or entity (Form W-9 requester) who is required to file an information return with the IRS must obtain your correct taxpayer identification number (TIN) which may be your social security number (SSN), individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), adoption taxpayer identification number (ATIN), or employer identification number (EIN), to report on an information return the amount paid to you, or other amount reportable on an information return. Examples of information returns include, but are not limited to, the following. • Form 1099-INT (interest earned or paid)• Form 1099-DIV (dividends, including those from stocks or mutual funds) • Form 1099-MISC (various types of income, prizes, awards, or gross proceeds) • Form 1099-B (stock or mutual fund sales and certain other transactions by brokers) • Form 1099-S (proceeds from real estate transactions) • Form 1099-K (merchant card and third party network transactions) • Form 1098 (home mortgage interest), 1098-E (student loan interest), 1098-T (tuition) • Form 1099-C (canceled debt) • Form 1099-A (acquisition or abandonment of secured property) Use Form W-9 only if you are a U.S. person (including a resident alien), to provide your correct TIN. If you do not return Form W-9 to the requester with a TIN, you might be subject to backup withholding. See What is backup withholding, later.Cat. No. 10231X Form W-9 (Rev. 10-2018)
Form W-9 (Rev. 10-2018)Page 2By signing the filled-out form, you: 1. Certify that the TIN you are giving is correct (or you are waiting for a number to be issued), 2. Certify that you are not subject to backup withholding, or 3. Claim exemption from backup withholding if you are a U.S. exempt payee. If applicable, you are also certifying that as a U.S. person, your allocable share of any partnership income from a U.S. trade or business is not subject to the withholding tax on foreign partners' share of effectively connected income, and 4. Certify that FATCA code(s) entered on this form (if any) indicating that you are exempt from the FATCA reporting, is correct. See What is FATCA reporting, later, for further information. Note: If you are a U.S. person and a requester gives you a form other than Form W-9 to request your TIN, you must use the requester’s form if it is substantially similar to this Form W-9. Definition of a U.S. person. For federal tax purposes, you are considered a U.S. person if you are: • An individual who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien; • A partnership, corporation, company, or association created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States; • An estate (other than a foreign estate); or • A domestic trust (as defined in Regulations section 301.7701-7). Special rules for partnerships. Partnerships that conduct a trade or business in the United States are generally required to pay a withholding tax under section 1446 on any foreign partners’ share of effectively connected taxable income from such business. Further, in certain cases where a Form W-9 has not been received, the rules under section 1446 require a partnership to presume that a partner is a foreign person, and pay the section 1446 withholding tax. Therefore, if you are a U.S. person that is a partner in a partnership conducting a trade or business in the United States, provide Form W-9 to the partnership to establish your U.S. status and avoid section 1446 withholding on your share of partnership income. In the cases below, the following person must give Form W-9 to the partnership for purposes of establishing its U.S. status and avoiding withholding on its allocable share of net income from the partnership conducting a trade or business in the United States. • In the case of a disregarded entity with a U.S. owner, the U.S. owner of the disregarded entity and not the entity; • In the case of a grantor trust with a U.S. grantor or other U.S. owner, generally, the U.S. grantor or other U.S. owner of the grantor trust and not the trust; and • In the case of a U.S. trust (other than a grantor trust), the U.S. trust (other than a grantor trust) and not the beneficiaries of the trust. Foreign person. If you are a foreign person or the U.S. branch of a foreign bank that has elected to be treated as a U.S. person, do not use Form W-9. Instead, use the appropriate Form W-8 or Form 8233 (see Pub. 515, Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities). Nonresident alien who becomes a resident alien. Generally, only a nonresident alien individual may use the terms of a tax treaty to reduce or eliminate U.S. tax on certain types of income. However, most tax treaties contain a provision known as a “saving clause.” Exceptions specified in the saving clause may permit an exemption from tax to continue for certain types of income even after the payee has otherwise become a U.S. resident alien for tax purposes. If you are a U.S. resident alien who is relying on an exception contained in the saving clause of a tax treaty to claim an exemption from U.S. tax on certain types of income, you must attach a statement to Form W-9 that specifies the following five items. 1. The treaty country. Generally, this must be the same treaty under which you claimed exemption from tax as a nonresident alien. 2. The treaty article addressing the income. 3. The article number (or location) in the tax treaty that contains the saving clause and its exceptions. 4. The type and amount of income that qualifies for the exemption from tax. 5. Sufficient facts to justify the exemption from tax under the terms of the treaty article.Example. Article 20 of the U.S.-China income tax treaty allows an exemption from tax for scholarship income received by a Chinese student temporarily present in the United States. Under U.S. law, this student will become a resident alien for tax purposes if his or her stay in the United States exceeds 5 calendar years. However, paragraph 2 of the first Protocol to the U.S.-China treaty (dated April 30, 1984) allows the provisions of Article 20 to continue to apply even after the Chinese student becomes a resident alien of the United States. A Chinese student who qualifies for this exception (under paragraph 2 of the first protocol) and is relying on this exception to claim an exemption from tax on his or her scholarship or fellowship income would attach to Form W-9 a statement that includes the information described above to support that exemption. If you are a nonresident alien or a foreign entity, give the requester the appropriate completed Form W-8 or Form 8233. Backup Withholding What is backup withholding? Persons making certain payments to you must under certain conditions withhold and pay to the IRS 24% of such payments. This is called “backup withholding.” Payments that may be subject to backup withholding include interest, tax-exempt interest, dividends, broker and barter exchange transactions, rents, royalties, nonemployee pay, payments made in settlement of payment card and third party network transactions, and certain payments from fishing boat operators. Real estate transactions are not subject to backup withholding. You will not be subject to backup withholding on payments you receive if you give the requester your correct TIN, make the proper certifications, and report all your taxable interest and dividends on your tax return. Payments you receive will be subject to backup withholding if: 1. You do not furnish your TIN to the requester, 2. You do not certify your TIN when required (see the instructions for Part II for details), 3. The IRS tells the requester that you furnished an incorrect TIN, 4. The IRS tells you that you are subject to backup withholding because you did not report all your interest and dividends on your tax return (for reportable interest and dividends only), or 5. You do not certify to the requester that you are not subject to backup withholding under 4 above (for reportable interest and dividend accounts opened after 1983 only). Certain payees and payments are exempt from backup withholding. See Exempt payee code, later, and the separate Instructions for the Requester of Form W-9 for more information. Also see Special rules for partnerships, earlier. What is FATCA Reporting? The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) requires a participating foreign financial institution to report all United States account holders that are specified United States persons. Certain payees are exempt from FATCA reporting. See Exemption from FATCA reporting code, later, and the Instructions for the Requester of Form W-9 for more information. Updating Your Information You must provide updated information to any person to whom you claimed to be an exempt payee if you are no longer an exempt payee and anticipate receiving reportable payments in the future from this person. For example, you may need to provide updated information if you are a C corporation that elects to be an S corporation, or if you no longer are tax exempt. In addition, you must furnish a new Form W-9 if the name or TIN changes for the account; for example, if the grantor of a grantor trust dies. Penalties Failure to furnish TIN. If you fail to furnish your correct TIN to a requester, you are subject to a penalty of $50 for each such failure unless your failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect. Civil penalty for false information with respect to withholding. If you make a false statement with no reasonable basis that results in no backup withholding, you are subject to a $500 penalty.
Form W-9 (Rev. 10-2018)Page 3Criminal penalty for falsifying information. Willfully falsifying certifications or affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties including fines and/or imprisonment. Misuse of TINs. If the requester discloses or uses TINs in violation of federal law, the requester may be subject to civil and criminal penalties. Specific Instructions Line 1 You must enter one of the following on this line; do not leave this line blank. The name should match the name on your tax return. If this Form W-9 is for a joint account (other than an account maintained by a foreign financial institution (FFI)), list first, and then circle, the name of the person or entity whose number you entered in Part I of Form W-9. If you are providing Form W-9 to an FFI to document a joint account, each holder of the account that is a U.S. person must provide a Form W-9. a. Individual. Generally, enter the name shown on your tax return. If you have changed your last name without informing the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the name change, enter your first name, the last name as shown on your social security card, and your new last name. Note: ITIN applicant: Enter your individual name as it was entered on your Form W-7 application, line 1a. This should also be the same as the name you entered on the Form 1040/1040A/1040EZ you filed with your application.IF the entity/person on line 1 is a(n) . . . • Corporation • Individual • Sole proprietorship, or • Single-member limited liability company (LLC) owned by an individual and disregarded for U.S. federal tax purposes. • LLC treated as a partnership for U.S. federal tax purposes, • LLC that has filed Form 8832 or 2553 to be taxed as a corporation, or • LLC that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner but the owner is another LLC that is not disregarded for U.S. federal tax purposes. • Partnership • Trust/estate Line 4, ExemptionsTHEN check the box for . . .Corporation Individual/sole proprietor or single- member LLCLimited liability company and enter the appropriate tax classification. (P= Partnership; C= C corporation; or S= S corporation)Partnership Trust/estateb. Sole proprietor or single-member LLC. Enter your individual name as shown on your 1040/1040A/1040EZ on line 1. You may enter your business, trade, or “doing business as” (DBA) name on line 2. c. Partnership, LLC that is not a single-member LLC, C corporation, or S corporation. Enter the entity's name as shown on the entity's tax return on line 1 and any business, trade, or DBA name on line 2. d. Other entities. Enter your name as shown on required U.S. federal tax documents on line 1. This name should match the name shown on the charter or other legal document creating the entity. You may enter any business, trade, or DBA name on line 2. e. Disregarded entity. For U.S. federal tax purposes, an entity that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner is treated as a “disregarded entity.” See Regulations section 301.7701-2(c)(2)(iii). Enter the owner's name on line 1. The name of the entity entered on line 1 should never be a disregarded entity. The name on line 1 should be the name shown on the income tax return on which the income should be reported. For example, if a foreign LLC that is treated as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal tax purposes has a single owner that is a U.S. person, the U.S. owner's name is required to be provided on line 1. If the direct owner of the entity is also a disregarded entity, enter the first owner that is not disregarded for federal tax purposes. Enter the disregarded entity's name on line 2, “Business name/disregarded entity name.” If the owner of the disregarded entity is a foreign person, the owner must complete an appropriate Form W-8 instead of a Form W-9. This is the case even if the foreign person has a U.S. TIN. Line 2 If you have a business name, trade name, DBA name, or disregarded entity name, you may enter it on line 2. Line 3 Check the appropriate box on line 3 for the U.S. federal tax classification of the person whose name is entered on line 1. Check only one box on line 3.If you are exempt from backup withholding and/or FATCA reporting, enter in the appropriate space on line 4 any code(s) that may apply to you. Exempt payee code. • Generally, individuals (including sole proprietors) are not exempt from backup withholding. • Except as provided below, corporations are exempt from backup withholding for certain payments, including interest and dividends. • Corporations are not exempt from backup withholding for payments made in settlement of payment card or third party network transactions. • Corporations are not exempt from backup withholding with respect to attorneys’ fees or gross proceeds paid to attorneys, and corporations that provide medical or health care services are not exempt with respect to payments reportable on Form 1099-MISC. The following codes identify payees that are exempt from backup withholding. Enter the appropriate code in the space in line 4. 1—An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a), any IRA, or a custodial account under section 403(b)(7) if the account satisfies the requirements of section 401(f)(2) 2—The United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities 3—A state, the District of Columbia, a U.S. commonwealth or possession, or any of their political subdivisions or instrumentalities 4—A foreign government or any of its political subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities 5—A corporation 6—A dealer in securities or commodities required to register in the United States, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. commonwealth or possession 7—A futures commission merchant registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission 8—A real estate investment trust 9—An entity registered at all times during the tax year under the Investment Company Act of 1940 10—A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584(a) 11—A financial institution 12—A middleman known in the investment community as a nominee or custodian 13—A trust exempt from tax under section 664 or described in section 4947
Form W-9 (Rev. 10-2018)Page 4The following chart shows types of payments that may be exempt from backup withholding. The chart applies to the exempt payees listed above, 1 through 13. IF the payment is for . . . THEN the payment is exempt for . . . Interest and dividend payments All exempt payees except for 7 Broker transactions Exempt payees 1 through 4 and 6 through 11 and all C corporations. S corporations must not enter an exempt payee code because they are exempt only for sales of noncovered securities acquired prior to 2012.M—A tax exempt trust under a section 403(b) plan or section 457(g) plan Note: You may wish to consult with the financial institution requesting this form to determine whether the FATCA code and/or exempt payee code should be completed. Line 5 Enter your address (number, street, and apartment or suite number). This is where the requester of this Form W-9 will mail your information returns. If this address differs from the one the requester already has on file, write NEW at the top. If a new address is provided, there is still a chance the old address will be used until the payor changes your address in their records. Line 6 Enter your city, state, and ZIP code.Barter exchange transactions and patronage dividends Payments over $600 required to be reported and direct sales over $5,000¹ Payments made in settlement of payment card or third party network transactionsExempt payees 1 through 4Generally, exempt payees 1 through 5²Exempt payees 1 through 4Part I. Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. If you are a resident alien and you do not have and are not eligible to get an SSN, your TIN is your IRS individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). Enter it in the social security number box. If you do not have an ITIN, see How to get a TIN below. If you are a sole proprietor and you have an EIN, you may enter either your SSN or EIN.¹ See Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, and its instructions. ² However, the following payments made to a corporation and reportable on Form 1099-MISC are not exempt from backup withholding: medical and health care payments, attorneys’ fees, gross proceeds paid to an attorney reportable under section 6045(f), and payments for services paid by a federal executive agency. Exemption from FATCA reporting code. The following codes identify payees that are exempt from reporting under FATCA. These codes apply to persons submitting this form for accounts maintained outside of the United States by certain foreign financial institutions. Therefore, if you are only submitting this form for an account you hold in the United States, you may leave this field blank. Consult with the person requesting this form if you are uncertain if the financial institution is subject to these requirements. A requester may indicate that a code is not required by providing you with a Form W-9 with “Not Applicable” (or any similar indication) written or printed on the line for a FATCA exemption code. A—An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a) or any individual retirement plan as defined in section 7701(a)(37) B—The United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities C—A state, the District of Columbia, a U.S. commonwealth or possession, or any of their political subdivisions or instrumentalities D—A corporation the stock of which is regularly traded on one or more established securities markets, as described in Regulations section 1.1472-1(c)(1)(i) E—A corporation that is a member of the same expanded affiliated group as a corporation described in Regulations section 1.1472-1(c)(1)(i) F—A dealer in securities, commodities, or derivative financial instruments (including notional principal contracts, futures, forwards, and options) that is registered as such under the laws of the United States or any state G—A real estate investment trust H—A regulated investment company as defined in section 851 or an entity registered at all times during the tax year under the Investment Company Act of 1940 I—A common trust fund as defined in section 584(a) J—A bank as defined in section 581 K—A broker L—A trust exempt from tax under section 664 or described in section 4947(a)(1)If you are a single-member LLC that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner, enter the owner’s SSN (or EIN, if the owner has one). Do not enter the disregarded entity’s EIN. If the LLC is classified as a corporation or partnership, enter the entity’s EIN. Note: See What Name and Number To Give the Requester, later, for further clarification of name and TIN combinations. How to get a TIN. If you do not have a TIN, apply for one immediately. To apply for an SSN, get Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, from your local SSA office or get this form online at www.SSA.gov. You may also get this form by calling 1-800-772-1213. Use Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, to apply for an ITIN, or Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, to apply for an EIN. You can apply for an EIN online by accessing the IRS website at www.irs.gov/Businesses and clicking on Employer Identification Number (EIN) under Starting a Business. Go to www.irs.gov/Forms to view, download, or print Form W-7 and/or Form SS-4. Or, you can go to www.irs.gov/OrderForms to place an order and have Form W-7 and/or SS-4 mailed to you within 10 business days. If you are asked to complete Form W-9 but do not have a TIN, apply for a TIN and write “Applied For” in the space for the TIN, sign and date the form, and give it to the requester. For interest and dividend payments, and certain payments made with respect to readily tradable instruments, generally you will have 60 days to get a TIN and give it to the requester before you are subject to backup withholding on payments. The 60-day rule does not apply to other types of payments. You will be subject to backup withholding on all such payments until you provide your TIN to the requester. Note: Entering “Applied For” means that you have already applied for a TIN or that you intend to apply for one soon. Caution: A disregarded U.S. entity that has a foreign owner must use the appropriate Form W-8. Part II. Certification To establish to the withholding agent that you are a U.S. person, or resident alien, sign Form W-9. You may be requested to sign by the withholding agent even if item 1, 4, or 5 below indicates otherwise. For a joint account, only the person whose TIN is shown in Part I should sign (when required). In the case of a disregarded entity, the person identified on line 1 must sign. Exempt payees, see Exempt payee code, earlier. Signature requirements. Complete the certification as indicated in items 1 through 5 below.
Form W-9 (Rev. 10-2018)Page 51. Interest, dividend, and barter exchange accounts opened before 1984 and broker accounts considered active during 1983. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification. 2. Interest, dividend, broker, and barter exchange accounts opened after 1983 and broker accounts considered inactive during 1983. You must sign the certification or backup withholding will apply. If you are subject to backup withholding and you are merely providing your correct TIN to the requester, you must cross out item 2 in the certification before signing the form. 3. Real estate transactions. You must sign the certification. You may cross out item 2 of the certification.For this type of account: 14. Account with the Department of Agriculture in the name of a public entity (such as a state or local government, school district, or prison) that receives agricultural program payments 15. Grantor trust filing under the Form 1041 Filing Method or the Optional Form 1099 Filing Method 2 (see Regulations section 1.671-4(b)(2)(i)(B))Give name and EIN of: The public entityThe trust4. Other payments. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification unless you have been notified that you have previously given an incorrect TIN. “Other payments” include payments made in the course of the requester’s trade or business for rents, royalties, goods (other than bills for merchandise), medical and health care services (including payments to corporations), payments to a nonemployee for services, payments made in settlement of payment card and third party network transactions, payments to certain fishing boat crew members and fishermen, and gross proceeds paid to attorneys (including payments to corporations). 5. Mortgage interest paid by you, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, qualified tuition program payments (under section 529), ABLE accounts (under section 529A), IRA, Coverdell ESA, Archer MSA or HSA contributions or distributions, and pension distributions. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification. What Name and Number To Give the Requester For this type of account: Give name and SSN of: 1. Individual The individual¹ List first and circle the name of the person whose number you furnish. If only one person on a joint account has an SSN, that person’s number must be furnished. ² Circle the minor’s name and furnish the minor’s SSN. ³ You must show your individual name and you may also enter your business or DBA name on the “Business name/disregarded entity” name line. You may use either your SSN or EIN (if you have one), but the IRS encourages you to use your SSN. ⁴ List first and circle the name of the trust, estate, or pension trust. (Do not furnish the TIN of the personal representative or trustee unless the legal entity itself is not designated in the account title.) Also see Special rules for partnerships, earlier. *Note: The grantor also must provide a Form W-9 to trustee of trust. Note: If no name is circled when more than one name is listed, the number will be considered to be that of the first name listed. Secure Your Tax Records From Identity Theft Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, SSN, or other identifying information, without your2. Two or more individuals (joint account) other than an account maintained by an FFI 3. Two or more U.S. persons (joint account maintained by an FFI)4. Custodial account of a minor (Uniform Gift to Minors Act) 5. a. The usual revocable savings trust (grantor is also trustee) b. So-called trust account that is not a legal or valid trust under state law 6. Sole proprietorship or disregarded entity owned by an individual 7. Grantor trust filing under Optional Form 1099 Filing Method 1 (see Regulations section 1.671-4(b)(2)(i) (A)) For this type of account: 8. Disregarded entity not owned by an individual 9. A valid trust, estate, or pension trust10. Corporation or LLC electing corporate status on Form 8832 or Form 2553 11. Association, club, religious, charitable, educational, or other tax- exempt organizationThe actual owner of the account or, if combined funds, the first individual on ¹the accoun t Each holder of the account2 The minor1 The grantor-trustee1 The actual owner³The owne rThe grantor*Give name and EIN of: The owner⁴Legal entit y The corporationThe organizationpermission, to commit fraud or other crimes. An identity thief may use your SSN to get a job or may file a tax return using your SSN to receive a refund. To reduce your risk: • Protect your SSN, • Ensure your employer is protecting your SSN, and • Be careful when choosing a tax preparer. If your tax records are affected by identity theft and you receive a notice from the IRS, respond right away to the name and phone number printed on the IRS notice or letter. If your tax records are not currently affected by identity theft but you think you are at risk due to a lost or stolen purse or wallet, questionable credit card activity or credit report, contact the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490 or submit Form 14039. For more information, see Pub. 5027, Identity Theft Information for Taxpayers. Victims of identity theft who are experiencing economic harm or a systemic problem, or are seeking help in resolving tax problems that have not been resolved through normal channels, may be eligible for Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) assistance. You can reach TAS by calling the TAS toll-free case intake line at 1-877-777-4778 or TTY/TDD 1-800-829-4059. Protect yourself from suspicious emails or phishing schemes. Phishing is the creation and use of email and websites designed to mimic legitimate business emails and websites. The most common act is sending an email to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft.12. Partnership or multi-member LLC 13. A broker or registered nomineeThe partnership The broker or nominee
Form W-9 (Rev. 10-2018)Page 6The IRS does not initiate contacts with taxpayers via emails. Also, the IRS does not request personal detailed information through email or ask taxpayers for the PIN numbers, passwords, or similar secret access information for their credit card, bank, or other financial accounts. If you receive an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, forward this message to phishing@irs.gov. You may also report misuse of the IRS name, logo, or other IRS property to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 1-800-366-4484. You can forward suspicious emails to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov or report them at www.ftc.gov/complaint. You can contact the FTC at www.ftc.gov/idtheft or 877-IDTHEFT (877-438-4338). If you have been the victim of identity theft, see www.IdentityTheft.gov and Pub. 5027. Visit www.irs.gov/IdentityTheft to learn more about identity theft and how to reduce your risk.Privacy Act Notice Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code requires you to provide your correct TIN to persons (including federal agencies) who are required to file information returns with the IRS to report interest, dividends, or certain other income paid to you; mortgage interest you paid; the acquisition or abandonment of secured property; the cancellation of debt; or contributions you made to an IRA, Archer MSA, or HSA. The person collecting this form uses the information on the form to file information returns with the IRS, reporting the above information. Routine uses of this information include giving it to the Department of Justice for civil and criminal litigation and to cities, states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. commonwealths and possessions for use in administering their laws. The information also may be disclosed to other countries under a treaty, to federal and state agencies to enforce civil and criminal laws, or to federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies to combat terrorism. You must provide your TIN whether or not you are required to file a tax return. Under section 3406, payers must generally withhold a percentage of taxable interest, dividend, and certain other payments to a payee who does not give a TIN to the payer. Certain penalties may also apply for providing false or fraudulent information.
EXHIBIT “B”
Notice of Class A Redemption
NOTICE OF CLASS A REDEMPTION
To: Class A Shareholders of Brookfield Business Corporation (the “Company”)
This notice is given pursuant to Section 26.19 of the articles of the Company (the “Articles”). All capitalized words and expressions used in this notice that are defined in the Articles have the meanings ascribed to such words and expressions in such Articles.
The Company hereby notifies the Class A Shareholders that the Company desires to redeem all of the issued and outstanding Class A Shares in accordance with the Articles.
The Company acknowledges that this notice is and will be deemed to be an irrevocable offer by the Company to redeem all of the Class A Shares on the Specified Class A Redemption Date for the Redemption Consideration and on the other terms and conditions set out in the Articles.
The Specified Class A Redemption Date will be _________________________.
Brookfield Business Corporation
(Date)
EXHIBIT “C”
Notice of Class B Retraction
NOTICE OF CLASS B RETRACTION
To: Brookfield Business Corporation (the “Company”)
This notice is given pursuant to Section 27.12 of the articles of the Company (the “Articles”). All capitalized words and expressions used in this notice that are defined in the Articles have the meanings ascribed to such words and expressions in such Articles.
The undersigned hereby notifies the Company that the undersigned desires to have the Company redeem in accordance with the Articles:
__ all Class B Share(s) registered in the name of the undersigned; or
__ _____ Class B Share(s) registered in the name of the undersigned.
The undersigned acknowledges that this notice is and will be deemed to be an irrevocable offer by the undersigned to sell the Tendered Class B Shares to the Company on or prior to the Specified Class B Retraction Date for the Class B Retraction Amount and on the other terms and conditions set out in the Articles.
The undersigned acknowledges that the Company will not be obligated to redeem Tendered Class B Shares to the extent that such redemption would be contrary to solvency requirements or other provisions of applicable Laws. If the Company believes that it would not be permitted by any such requirements or other provisions to redeem the Tendered Class B Shares, the Company will only be obligated to redeem the maximum number of Tendered Class B Shares (rounded down to a whole number of Class B Shares) that would not be contrary to such provisions.
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants to the Company that the undersigned has good title to, and owns, the Class B Share(s) to be acquired by the Company, free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances whatsoever.
(Date) | |
(Signature of Tendering Class B Shareholder) | |
(Guarantee of Signature) |
¨ Please check this box if the Cash Amount resulting from the acquisition of the Tendered Class B Shares is to be mailed to the last address of the Tendering Class B Shareholder as it appears on the register of the Company.
NOTE: This panel must be completed and this certificate, together with such additional documents as the Company may require, must be delivered to the registered office of the Company in Vancouver, British Columbia. Any payment resulting from the acquisition of the Tendered Class B Shares will be made payable to the name of the Tendering Class B Shareholder as it appears on the register of the Company and payment resulting from such acquisition will be delivered to such Tendering Class B Shareholder as indicated above, unless the form appearing immediately below is duly completed.
Date: |
Name of Person in Whose Name Payment is to be Delivered (please print) | |
Street Address or P.O. Box | |
City, Province and Postal Code | |
Signature of Tendering Class B Shareholder |
NOTE: If this Notice of Class B Retraction is for less than all of the Class B Share(s) represented by this certificate, a certificate representing the remaining Class B Shares of the Company will be issued and registered in the name of the Tendering Class B Shareholder as it appears on the register of the Company.
EXHIBIT “D”
Notice of Class C Retraction
NOTICE OF CLASS C RETRACTION
To: Brookfield Business Corporation (the “Company”)
This notice is given pursuant to Section 28.9 of the articles of the Company (the “Articles”). All capitalized words and expressions used in this notice that are defined in the Articles have the meanings ascribed to such words and expressions in such Articles.
The undersigned hereby notifies the Company that the undersigned desires to have the Company redeem in accordance with the Articles:
__ all Class C Share(s) registered in the name of the undersigned; or
__ _____ Class C Share(s) registered in the name of the undersigned.
The undersigned acknowledges that this notice is and will be deemed to be an irrevocable offer by the undersigned to sell the Tendered Class C Shares to the Company on or prior to the Specified Class C Retraction Date for the Class C Retraction Amount and on the other terms and conditions set out in the Articles.
The undersigned acknowledges that the Company will not be obligated to redeem Tendered Class C Shares to the extent that such redemption would be contrary to solvency requirements or other provisions of applicable Laws. If the Company believes that it would not be permitted by any such requirements or other provisions to redeem the Tendered Class C Shares, the Company will only be obligated to redeem the maximum number of Tendered Class C Shares (rounded down to a whole number of Class C Shares) that would not be contrary to such provisions.
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants to the Company that the undersigned has good title to, and owns, the Class C Share(s) to be acquired by the Company, free and clear of all liens, claims and encumbrances whatsoever.
(Date) | |
(Signature of Tendering Class C Shareholder) | |
(Guarantee of Signature) |
¨ Please check this box if the Cash Amount resulting from the acquisition of the Tendered Class C Shares is to be mailed to the last address of the Tendering Class C Shareholder as it appears on the register of the Company.
NOTE: This panel must be completed and this certificate, together with such additional documents as the Company may require, must be delivered to the registered office of the Company in Vancouver, British Columbia. Any payment resulting from the acquisition of the Tendered Class C Shares will be made payable to the name of the Tendering Class C Shareholder as it appears on the register of the Company and payment resulting from such acquisition will be delivered to such Tendering Class C Shareholder as indicated above, unless the form appearing immediately below is duly completed.
Date: |
Name of Person in Whose Name Payment is to be Delivered (please print) | |
Street Address or P.O. Box | |
City, Province and Postal Code | |
Signature of Tendering Class C Shareholder |
NOTE: If this Notice of Class C Retraction is for less than all of the Class C Share(s) represented by this certificate, a certificate representing the remaining Class C Shares of the Company will be issued and registered in the name of the Tendering Class C Shareholder as it appears on the register of the Company.
EXHIBIT B-1
Authorized Signatures for Brookfield Business Corporation (“BBUC”) under Rights Agreement dated as of March 15, 2022
BBUC certifies that the names, titles, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses set forth in this Exhibit B-1 identify the persons authorized to provide the Company Notice.
Name, Title, Telephone Number, and e-mail address for person(s) designated to provide the Company Notice
Name | Title | Telephone Number | E-mail Address | Signature |
Jaspreet Dehl | Chief Financial Officer | 416-359-8585 | Jaspreet.Dehl@brookfield.com | ![]() |
AJ Silber | Senior Vice President | 416-359-8598 | AJ.Silber@brookfield.com | |
EXHIBIT B-1
Authorized Signatures for Brookfield Business Corporation (“BBUC”) under Rights Agreement dated as of March 15, 2022
BBUC certifies that the names, titles, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses set forth in this Exhibit B-1 identify the persons authorized to provide the Company Notice.
Name, Title, Telephone Number, and e-mail address for person(s) designated to provide the Company Notice
Name | Title | Telephone Number | E-mail Address | Signature |
Jaspreet Dehl | Chief Financial Officer | 416-359-8585 | Jaspreet.Dehl@brookfield.com | |
AJ Silber | Senior Vice President | 416-359-8598 | AJ.Silber@brookfield.com | ![]() |
EXHIBIT B-2
Authorized Signatures for Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (“BAM”) under Rights Agreement dated as of March 15, 2022
BAM certifies that the names, titles, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses set forth in this Exhibit B-2 identify the persons authorized to provide direction and initiate or confirm transactions, including funds equity transfer instructions, on behalf of the corporation.
Name, Title, Telephone Number, and e-mail address for person(s) designated to provide direction, including but not limited to funds/equity transfer instructions, and to otherwise direct Wilmington Trust, National Association, as Rights Agent
EXHIBIT C
Terms of Compensation of Rights Agent
In consideration for the services of the Rights Agent under the Rights Agreement dated as of March 15, 2022 with Brookfield Asset Management Inc. the Rights Agent shall receive the following compensation from the Liquidating Trust Assets:
Initial Acceptance Fee (one time, payable in advance on the Effective Date) account opening, document negotiation, KYC solicitation, client onboarding | $15,000 | |
Administration Fee (payable annually, in advance on the Effective Date and each anniversary thereof) | $70,000 | |
establishment of books and records, account maintenance, coordination with all professionals including legal, tax, BBU, BAM, DTC, etc. | ||
Custody Fee (charged quarterly in arrears based on average daily market value of assets in account) | 1.0 basis points* |
*custody fee waived if funds held in cash, money market funds, BBU Units or BBU Unit Convertible
Contingent Fee | $300/exchange/Exchanging | |
(billed only as required if the Rights Agent is required to process an exchange as contemplated by the Agreement) | Class A Shareholder | |
Fee inclusive of administrative effort and all wire charges or free delivery of shares through DTC |
Out-of-Pocket Expenses:
In addition to the fees listed above, all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be billed and payable at cost. Out-of-pocket expenses include, but are not limited to, reasonable fees of counsel or other outside professional firms (legal counsel, tax advisor) retained by the Rights Agent (including fees and expenses incurred in litigation), reasonable travel expenses of bank officers to attend closings.
EXTRAORDINARY ADMINISTRATION CHARGES (ONLY IF APPLICABLE):
In the event of extraordinary circumstances requiring administrative time beyond the scope of typical account duties set forth in the Instruments and supporting documents relevant to our appointment, including but not limited to, default and/or bankruptcy administration, additional charges shall accrue at an hourly rate, as follows:
Assistant Vice President, Vice President, Managing Director, Senior Vice President, or Member of Senior Management: $ 375.00 per hour
All of the above fees shall be subject to good faith negotiations as to reasonable revisions every two (2) years and shall be mutually agreed upon between the Rights Agent and BAM.
EXHIBIT D-1
Form of Company Notice
To: | Brookfield Asset Management Inc. |
Attn: Investor Relations
Brookfield Place, Suite 300
181 Bay Street, P.O. Box 762
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 2T3
Phone: 1-866-989-0311
Email: enquiries@brookfield.com
Brookfield Business Partners L.P.
73 Front Street, 5th Floor
Hamilton, HM 12, Bermuda
Phone: (441) 294-3304
E-mail: bbu.enquiries@brookfield.com
Wilmington Trust, N.A.- Rights Agent
Attn: Robert L. Reynolds – Global Capital Markets
246 Goose Lane, Suite 105
Guilford, CT 06437
Tel. 203-453-1318
rlreynolds@wilmingtontrust.com
Wilmington Trust, National Association:
Reference is made to that certain Rights Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2022, between Brookfield Asset Management Inc., and Wilmington Trust, National Association (the “Rights Agreement”). Capitalized terms that are not otherwise defined in this Exchanging Class A Shareholder Notice shall have the meanings given to them in the Rights Agreement.
THE DTC FREE DELIVERY OF THE SUBJECT CLASS A SHARES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE RIGHTS AGENT’S DTC PARTICIPANT NUMBER 990, FOR FURTHER CREDIT OF THE RECEIVED CLASS A SHARE ACCOUNT, ACCOUNT NUMBER [WT TO INSERT].
The Company represents and warrants that, with respect to ______________ Subject Class A Share(s):
(i) the Company has not satisfied its obligation under sections 26.11 and 26.13 of the Company’s Articles by delivering the BBU Units Amount or Cash Amount on the applicable Specified Exchange Date; and
(ii) BBU has not, upon its election in its sole and absolute discretion, acquired such Subject Class A Share(s) from the Exchanging Class A Shareholder and delivered the BBU Units Amount or Cash Amount in exchange therefor pursuant to section 26.23 of the Company’s Articles on the applicable Specified Exchange Date.
The BBU Units Amount and the Cash Amount for such Subject Class A Share(s) are as follows:
BBU Units Amount:_______________________
Cash Amount:____________________________
The BBU Units Amount or the Cash Amount, as applicable, shall be issued or paid to the Exchanging Class A Shareholder, whose information is as follows:
Please insert social security or other identifying number
(Please print name and address)
Delivery instructions for BBU Units Amount:
[Please insert complete instructions including recipient’s DTC participant number and the account number at the participant.]
Delivery instructions for Cash Amount:
[Please insert complete wire transfer instructions.]
Dated: _____________ __, ______
BROOKFIELD BUSINESS CORPORATION, a British Columbia corporation | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
EXHIBIT D-2
Form of Exchanging Class A Shareholder Notice
To: | Brookfield Asset Management Inc. |
Attn: Investor Relations
Brookfield Place, Suite 300
181 Bay Street, P.O. Box 762
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5J 2T3
Phone: 1-866-989-0311
Email: enquiries@brookfield.com
Wilmington Trust, N.A.- Rights Agent
Attn: Robert L. Reynolds – Global Capital Markets
246 Goose Lane, Suite 105
Guilford, CT 06437
Tel. 203-453-1318
rlreynolds@wilmingtontrust.com
Wilmington Trust, National Association:
Reference is made to that certain Rights Agreement, dated as of March 15, 2022, between Brookfield Asset Management Inc., and Wilmington Trust, National Association (the “Rights Agreement”). Capitalized terms that are not otherwise defined in this Exchanging Class A Shareholder Notice shall have the meanings given to them in the Rights Agreement.
THE DTC FREE DELIVERY OF THE SUBJECT CLASS A SHARES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE RIGHTS AGENT’S DTC PARTICIPANT NUMBER 990, FOR FURTHER CREDIT OF THE RECEIVED CLASS A SHARE ACCOUNT, ACCOUNT NUMBER [WT TO INSERT].
The undersigned (the “Holder”) represents and warrants that, with respect to _____________ Subject Class A Share(s):
(i) the Company has not satisfied its obligation under sections 26.11 and 26.13 of the Company’s Articles by delivering the BBU Units Amount or Cash Amount on the applicable Specified Exchange Date; and
(ii) BBU has not, upon its election in its sole and absolute discretion, acquired such Subject Class A Share(s) from the Exchanging Class A Shareholder and delivered the BBU Units Amount or Cash Amount in exchange therefor pursuant to section 26.23 of the Company’s Articles on the applicable Specified Exchange Date.
Pursuant to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Rights Agreement, the Holder irrevocably elects to exercise its Secondary Exchange Rights for the Holder’s Subject Class A Shares identified above. The BBU Units Amount or the Cash Amount, as applicable, shall be issued or paid to:
Please insert social security or other identifying number
(Please print name and address)
Delivery instructions for BBU Units Amount:
[Please insert complete instructions including recipient’s DTC participant number and the account number at the participant.]
Delivery instructions for Cash Amount:
[Please insert complete wire transfer instructions.]
Dated: _____________ __, ______
Signature |
Signature Medallion Guaranteed:
Signatures should be guaranteed by an eligible guarantor institution (bank, stock broker or savings and loan association with membership in an approved signature medallion program).
Exhibit 99.3
BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.
- and -
BROOKFIELD BUSINESS CORPORATION
- and –
BROOKFIELD BUSINESS PARTNERS L.P.
REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT |
March 15th, 2022
Table of Contents
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Article 1 INTERPRETATION | 1 | |
1.1 | Definitions | 1 |
1.2 | Headings and Table of Contents | 5 |
1.3 | Interpretation | 5 |
1.4 | Invalidity of Provisions | 6 |
1.5 | Entire Agreement | 6 |
1.6 | Waiver, Amendment | 7 |
1.7 | Governing Law | 7 |
Article 2 REGISTRATION RIGHTS | 7 | |
2.1 | Demand Registration | 7 |
2.2 | Piggyback Registrations | 10 |
2.3 | Short-Form Filings | 11 |
2.4 | Registration Procedures | 12 |
2.5 | Suspension of Dispositions | 17 |
2.6 | Registration Expenses | 17 |
2.7 | Indemnification | 18 |
2.8 | Transfer of Registration Rights | 21 |
2.9 | Current Public Information | 21 |
2.10 | Preservation of Rights | 21 |
2.11 | Obligations of BBU | 21 |
Article 3 TERMINATION | 22 | |
3.1 | Termination | 22 |
Article 4 MISCELLANEOUS | 22 | |
4.1 | Enurement | 22 |
4.2 | Notices | 23 |
4.3 | Authority | 24 |
4.4 | Further Assurances | 24 |
4.5 | Counterparts | 24 |
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REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made as of the 15th day of March, 2022
B E T W E E N:
BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC. (“Brookfield”)
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BROOKFIELD BUSINESS CORPORATION (“BBUC”)
-and –
BROOKFIELD BUSINESS PARTNERS L.P. (“BBU”)
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, BBUC desires to provide the Holders (as defined herein) with the registration rights specified in this Agreement with respect to Registrable Shares (as defined herein) on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.
NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the premises, mutual covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement and other good and valuable consideration (the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged), the parties covenant and agree, each with the other, as follows:
Article 1
INTERPRETATION
1.1 | Definitions |
The following definitions shall be for all purposes, unless otherwise clearly indicated to the contrary, applied to the terms used in this Agreement.
1.1.1 “Adverse Effect” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.1.5;
1.1.2 “Advice” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.5;
1.1.3 “Affiliate” means, with respect to a Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by such Person, or is under common Control of a third Person;
1.1.4 “Agreement” means this Registration Rights Agreement;
1.1.5 “BBU” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble;
1.1.6 “BBUC” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble;
1.1.7 “Brookfield” has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble;
1.1.8 “Business Day” means every day except a Saturday or Sunday, or a day which is a statutory or civic holiday in the Province of Ontario or the State of New York;
1.1.9 “Canadian Commissions” means the securities commissions or other securities regulatory authorities in each of the provinces and territories of Canada and any successor regulatory authorities having similar powers and, to the extent applicable, in any such province or territory, a federal securities commission or similar regulatory authority;
1.1.10 “Canadian Securities Laws” means, collectively, the applicable securities legislation, regulations, rules, policies, blanket rulings, decisions and orders of each of the provinces and territories of Canada and the Canadian Commissions;
1.1.11 “Control” means the control by one Person of another Person in accordance with the following: a Person (“A”) controls another Person (“B”) where A has the power to determine the management and policies of B by contract or status (for example, the status of A being the general partner of B) or by virtue of the beneficial ownership of or control over a majority of the voting interests in B; and, for greater certainty and without limitation, if A owns or has control over shares or other securities to which are attached more than 50% of the votes permitted to be cast in the election of directors to the Governing Body of B, or A is the general partner of B, a limited partnership, then in each case A Controls B for this purpose; and the term “Controlled” has the corresponding meaning;
1.1.12 “Demand Registration” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.1.1(a);
1.1.13 “Demand Request” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.1.1(a);
1.1.14 “Demanding Shareholders” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.1.1(a);
1.1.15 “Effective” means, in the case of a Registration Statement, a declaration by the SEC that such registration statement is effective, and in the case of a Prospectus, the issuance by the applicable Canadian Commission of a receipt for the final prospectus;
1.1.16 “Effective Date” means the date a Registration Statement or Prospectus becomes Effective;
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1.1.17 “Excluded Registration” means a registration of (i) securities pursuant to one or more Demand Registrations pursuant to Section 2.1 hereof, (ii) securities registered under the U.S. Securities Act on Form S-8, (iii) securities registered to effect the acquisition of, or combination with, another Person and (iv) securities pursuant to an exchange offer or any employee benefit or dividend reinvestment plan;
1.1.18 “FINRA” means Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.;
1.1.19 “Governing Body” means (i) with respect to a corporation or limited company, the board of directors of such corporation or limited company, (ii) with respect to a limited liability company, the manager(s), director(s) or managing partner(s) of such limited liability company, (iii) with respect to a partnership, the board, committee or other body of each general partner or managing partner of such partnership that serves a similar function (or if any such general partner or managing partner is itself a partnership, the board, committee or other body of such general or managing partner’s general or managing partner that serves a similar function), and (iv) with respect to any other Person, the body of such Person that serves a similar function, and in the case of each of (i) through (iv) includes any committee or other subdivision of such body and any Person to whom such body has delegated any power or authority, including any officer or managing director;
1.1.20 “Holder” means (i) Brookfield, (ii) any subsidiary of Brookfield holding Registrable Shares, and (iii) any direct or indirect transferee of Brookfield or any of its subsidiaries who shall become a party to this Agreement in accordance with Section 2.8 and has agreed in writing to be bound by the terms of this Agreement, provided that “Holder” shall not include BBUC and its subsidiaries;
1.1.21 “Inspectors” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.4(m);
1.1.22 “Person” means any natural person, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, joint venture, syndicate, sole proprietorship, company or corporation (with or without share capital), limited liability company, unlimited liability company, joint stock company, unincorporated association, trust, trustee, executor, administrator or other legal personal representative, regulatory body or agency, government or governmental agency, authority or entity however designated or constituted and pronouns have a similarly extended meaning;
1.1.23 “Piggyback Registration” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.2.1;
1.1.24 “POP Issuer” means an issuer eligible to use the POP System or equivalent system established from time to time by the Canadian Commissions;
1.1.25 “POP System” means the prompt offering prospectus qualification system under National Instrument 44-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators entitled “Short Form Prospectus Distributions”;
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1.1.26 “Prospectus” means a prospectus (including a Shelf Prospectus), including any amendment or supplement thereto, prepared in accordance with applicable Canadian Securities Laws for the purpose of qualifying securities for distribution to the public in any province or territory of Canada;
1.1.27 “Records” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.4(m);
1.1.28 “register,” “registered” and “registration” refers to (i) a registration effected by preparing and filing a registration statement in compliance with the U.S. Securities Act, and the declaration or ordering of the effectiveness of such registration statement, and (ii) a qualification for distribution under Canadian Securities Laws effected by preparing and filing a Prospectus;
1.1.29 “Registrable Shares” means the Shares owned by Holders from time to time, including Shares issuable to Holders on the conversion of securities convertible, exchangeable or exercisable into Shares owned by a Holder, together with any securities owned by Holders issued with respect to such Shares by way of dividend or split or in connection with a combination of shares, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, amalgamation, arrangement or other reorganization; provided, however, that Shares that, pursuant to Section 3.1, no longer have registration rights hereunder shall not be considered Registrable Shares;
1.1.30 “Registration Statement” means a registration statement under the U.S. Securities Act (which includes any preliminary prospectus, prospectus, prospectus supplement or free writing prospectus used in connection therewith);
1.1.31 “Requesting Holders” shall mean any Holder(s) requesting to have its (their) Registrable Shares included in any Demand Registration or Shelf Registration;
1.1.32 “Required Filing Date” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.1.1(b);
1.1.33 “SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any other federal agency at the time administering the U.S. Securities Act;
1.1.34 “Securities Laws” means Canadian Securities Laws and/or U.S. Securities Laws, as applicable;
1.1.35 “Seller Affiliates” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.7.1;
1.1.36 “Shares” means class A exchangeable subordinate voting shares of BBUC;
1.1.37 “Shelf Prospectus” means a shelf prospectus of BBUC filed with the Canadian Commissions under Canadian Securities Laws for offers and secondary sales of Registrable Shares on a continuous basis;
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1.1.38 “Shelf Registration” means a registration of the Registrable Shares under a registration statement pursuant to Rule 415 under the U.S. Securities Act;
1.1.39 “Suspension Notice” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.5;
1.1.40 “U.S. Exchange Act” means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any similar federal statute, and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder;
1.1.41 “U.S. Securities Act” means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any similar federal statute and the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC thereunder; and
1.1.42 “U.S. Securities Laws” means, collectively, the securities laws of the United States, including the U.S. Exchange Act, the U.S. Securities Act, state securities or “blue sky” laws within the United States, and all rules, regulations and ordinances promulgated thereunder.
1.2 | Headings and Table of Contents |
The inclusion of headings and a table of contents in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and will not affect the construction or interpretation hereof.
1.3 | Interpretation |
In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires:
1.3.1 words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice versa, words importing gender shall include all genders or the neuter, and words importing the neuter shall include all genders;
1.3.2 the words “include”, “includes”, “including”, or any variations thereof, when following any general term or statement, are not to be construed as limiting the general term or statement to the specific items or matters set forth or to similar items or matters, but rather as referring to all other items or matters that could reasonably fall within the broadest possible scope of the general term or statement;
1.3.3 references to any Person include such Person’s successors and permitted assigns;
1.3.4 except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, any reference in this Agreement to a statute, regulation, policy, rule or instrument shall include, and shall be deemed to be a reference also to, all rules and regulations made under such statute, in the case of a statute, all amendments made to such statute, regulation, policy, rule or instrument and to any statute, regulation, policy, rule or instrument that may be passed which has the effect of supplementing or superseding the statute, regulation, policy, rule or instrument so referred to;
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1.3.5 any reference to this Agreement or any other agreement, document or instrument shall be construed as a reference to this Agreement or, as the case may be, such other agreement, document or instrument as the same may have been, or may from time to time be, amended, varied, replaced, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified;
1.3.6 in the event that any day on which any amount is to be determined or any action is required to be taken hereunder is not a Business Day, then such amount shall be determined or such action shall be required to be taken at or before the requisite time on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day; and
1.3.7 except where otherwise expressly provided, all amounts in this Agreement are stated and shall be paid in U.S. currency.
1.4 | Invalidity of Provisions |
Each of the provisions contained in this Agreement is distinct and severable and a declaration of invalidity or unenforceability of any such provision or part thereof by a court of competent jurisdiction will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties waive any provision of law which renders any provision of this Agreement invalid or unenforceable in any respect. The parties will engage in good faith negotiations to replace any provision which is declared invalid or unenforceable with a valid and enforceable provision, the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid or unenforceable provision which it replaces.
1.5 | Entire Agreement |
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties pertaining to the subject matter of this Agreement. There are no warranties, conditions, or representations (including any that may be implied by statute) and there are no agreements in connection with such subject matter except as specifically set forth or referred to in this Agreement. No reliance is placed on any warranty, representation, opinion, advice or assertion of fact made either prior to, contemporaneous with, or after entering into this Agreement, or any amendment or supplement hereto, by any party to this Agreement or its directors, officers, employees or agents, to any other party to this Agreement or its directors, officers, employees or agents, except to the extent that the same has been reduced to writing and included as a term of this Agreement, and none of the parties to this Agreement has been induced to enter into this Agreement or any amendment or supplement by reason of any such warranty, representation, opinion, advice or assertion of fact. Accordingly, there will be no liability, either in tort or in contract, assessed in relation to any such warranty, representation, opinion, advice or assertion of fact, except to the extent contemplated above.
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1.6 | Waiver, Amendment |
Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, no waiver of this Agreement will be binding unless executed in writing by the party to be bound thereby. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement will constitute a waiver of any other provision nor will any waiver of any provision of this Agreement constitute a continuing waiver unless otherwise expressly provided. A party’s failure or delay in exercising any right under this Agreement will not operate as a waiver of that right. A single or partial exercise of any right will not preclude a party from any other or further exercise of that right or the exercise of any other right. This Agreement may not be amended or modified in any respect except by a written agreement signed by BBUC, BBU and Brookfield (so long as Brookfield owns any Shares) and the Holders of a majority of the then outstanding Registrable Shares.
1.7 | Governing Law |
This Agreement will be governed by and interpreted and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. Each party irrevocably attorns and submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Ontario courts situated in the City of Toronto and waives objection to the venue of any proceeding in such court or any argument that such court provides an inconvenient forum.
Article 2
REGISTRATION RIGHTS
2.1 | Demand Registration |
2.1.1 Request for Registration
(a) | Commencing on the date hereof, any Holder shall have the right to require BBUC to file a Registration Statement and/or a Prospectus for a public offering of all or part of its Registrable Shares (a “Demand Registration”), by delivering to BBUC written notice stating that such right is being exercised, naming the Holders whose Registrable Shares are to be included in such registration (collectively, the “Demanding Shareholders”), specifying the number of each such Demanding Shareholder’s Registrable Shares to be included in such registration and, subject to Section 2.1.3 hereof, describing the intended method of distribution thereof (a “Demand Request”). |
(b) | Each Demand Request shall specify the aggregate number of Registrable Shares proposed to be sold. Subject to Section 2.1.6, BBUC shall file a Registration Statement and/or Prospectus in respect of a Demand Registration as soon as practicable and, in any event, within forty-five (45) days after receiving a Demand Request (the “Required Filing Date”) and shall use reasonable best efforts to cause the same to be declared Effective as promptly as practicable after such filing; provided, however, that: |
(i) | BBUC shall not be obligated to file a Registration Statement or a Prospectus in respect of a Demand Registration pursuant to Section 2.1.1(a) within sixty (60) days after the Effective Date of a previous Demand Registration, other than a Shelf Registration pursuant to this Article 2; and |
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(ii) | BBUC shall not be obligated to file a Registration Statement or a Prospectus in respect of a Demand Registration pursuant to Section 2.1.1(a) unless the Demand Request is for (A) a number of Registrable Shares with a market value that is equal to at least $50,000,000 as of the date of such Demand Request, or (B) all of the Registrable Shares then held by the Demanding Shareholder. |
2.1.2 Shelf Registration. With respect to any Demand Registration, the Requesting Holders may request BBUC to file a Shelf Prospectus or effect a Shelf Registration, provided that BBUC is permitted to do so under Canadian Securities Laws and/or U.S. Securities Laws, as applicable.
2.1.3 Selection of Underwriters. At the request of a Requesting Holder, the offering of Registrable Shares pursuant to a Demand Registration shall be in the form of a “firm commitment” underwritten offering. The Requesting Holder shall select the investment banking firm or firms to manage the underwritten offering; provided that such selection shall be subject to the consent of BBUC, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. No Holder may participate in any registration pursuant to Section 2.1.1 unless such Holder (a) agrees to sell such Holder’s Registrable Shares on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements described above and (b) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements; provided, however, that no such Holder shall be required to make any representations or warranties in connection with any such registration other than representations and warranties as to (i) such Holder’s ownership of Registrable Shares to be transferred free and clear of all liens, claims, and encumbrances, (ii) such Holder’s power and authority to effect such transfer, and (iii) such matters pertaining to compliance with Securities Laws as may be reasonably requested; provided, further, however, that the obligation of such Holder to indemnify pursuant to any such underwriting arrangements shall be several, not joint and several, among such Holders selling Registrable Shares, and the liability of each such Holder will be in proportion thereto, and provided, further, that such liability will be limited to the net amount received by such Holder from the sale of its Registrable Shares pursuant to such registration.
2.1.4 Rights of Non-Requesting Holders. Upon receipt of any Demand Request, BBUC shall promptly (but in any event within ten (10) days) give written notice of such proposed Demand Registration to all other Holders, who shall have the right, exercisable by written notice to BBUC within twenty (20) days of their receipt of BBUC’s notice, to elect to include in such Demand Registration such portion of their Registrable Shares as they may request. All Holders requesting to have their Registrable Shares included in a Demand Registration in accordance with the preceding sentence and all Demanding Shareholders shall be deemed to be “Requesting Holders” for purposes of this Section 2.1. BBUC shall also have the right to issue and sell Shares in such Demand Registration, subject to Section 2.1.5.
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2.1.5 Priority on Demand Registrations. No securities to be sold for the account of any Person (including BBUC) other than a Requesting Holder shall be included in a Demand Registration unless the managing underwriter or underwriters shall advise the Requesting Holders in writing that the inclusion of such securities will not adversely affect the price, timing or distribution of the offering or otherwise adversely affect its success (an “Adverse Effect”). Furthermore, if the managing underwriter or underwriters shall advise the Requesting Holders that, even after exclusion of all securities of other Persons (including BBUC) pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence, the amount of Registrable Shares proposed to be included in such Demand Registration by Requesting Holders is sufficiently large to cause an Adverse Effect, the Registrable Shares of the Requesting Holders to be included in such Demand Registration shall equal the number of Registrable Shares which the Requesting Holders are so advised can be sold in such offering without an Adverse Effect and such Registrable Shares shall be allocated pro rata among the Requesting Holders on the basis of the number of Registrable Shares requested to be included in such registration by each such Requesting Holder.
2.1.6 Deferral of Filing. BBUC may defer the filing (but not the preparation) of a Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, required by Section 2.1 until a date not later than ninety (90) days after the Required Filing Date if (a) at the time BBUC receives the Demand Request, BBUC is engaged in confidential negotiations or other confidential activities, disclosure of which would be required in such Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable (but would not be required if such Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, were not filed), and the Board of Directors of BBUC determines in good faith that such disclosure would be materially detrimental to BBUC and its shareholders, (b) prior to receiving the Demand Request, BBUC had determined to effect a registered underwritten public offering of BBUC’s securities for BBUC’s account and BBUC has taken substantial steps (including, but not limited to, selecting a managing underwriter for such offering) and is proceeding with reasonable diligence to effect such offering, or (c) at the time BBUC receives the Demand Request, BBUC is currently engaged in a self-tender or exchange offer and the filing of a Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, would cause a violation of applicable Securities Laws. A deferral of the filing of a Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, pursuant to this Section 2.1.6 shall be lifted, and the requested Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, shall be filed forthwith, if, in the case of a deferral pursuant to clause (a) of the preceding sentence, the negotiations or other activities are disclosed, otherwise become publicly known, or are terminated, or, in the case of a deferral pursuant to clause (b) of the preceding sentence, the proposed registration for BBUC’s account is abandoned. In order to defer the filing of a Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, pursuant to this Section 2.1.6, BBUC shall promptly (but in any event within ten (10) days), upon determining to seek such deferral, deliver to the Requesting Holders a certificate signed by an officer of BBUC or the Board of Directors of BBUC stating that BBUC is deferring such filing pursuant to this Section 2.1.6 and a general statement of the reason for such deferral and an approximation of the anticipated delay. Within twenty (20) days after receiving such certificate, the Requesting Holder may withdraw such Demand Request by giving notice to BBUC; if withdrawn, the Demand Request shall be deemed not to have been made for all purposes of this Agreement. BBUC may defer the filing of a particular Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, pursuant to this Section 2.1.6 only once.
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2.2 | Piggyback Registrations |
2.2.1 Right to Piggyback. Each time BBUC proposes to (a) register any of its equity securities (other than pursuant to an Excluded Registration) under Canadian Securities Laws or U.S. Securities Laws for sale to the public (whether for the account of BBUC or the account of any securityholder of BBUC or (b) sell any of its equity securities (other than pursuant to an Excluded Registration) and with respect to which a Shelf Registration or Shelf Prospectus is expressly being utilized to effect such sale, (clause (a) and (b) are each referred to as a “Piggyback Registration”), BBUC shall give prompt written notice to each Holder of Registrable Shares, which notice shall offer each such Holder the opportunity to include any or all of its Registrable Shares in such Registration Statement, Shelf Registration or Prospectus, as applicable, subject to the limitations contained in Section 2.2.2 hereof. Each Holder who desires to have its Registrable Shares included in such Registration Statement, Shelf Registration or Prospectus, as applicable, shall so advise BBUC in writing (stating the number of Registrable Shares desired to be registered) within three (3) days after the date of such notice from BBUC (or within one (1) Business Day in the case of a “bought deal” financing). Any Holder shall have the right to withdraw such Holder’s request for inclusion of such Holder’s Registrable Shares in any Registration Statement, Shelf Registration or Prospectus, as applicable, pursuant to this Section 2.2.1 by giving written notice to BBUC of such withdrawal provided, however, that such request is made prior to the execution of an underwriting agreement (or similar agreement) with respect to such offering. Subject to Section 2.2.2 below, BBUC shall include in such Registration Statement, Shelf Registration or Prospectus, as applicable, all such Registrable Shares so requested to be included therein; provided, however, that BBUC may at any time withdraw or cease proceeding with any such registration or sale if it shall at the same time withdraw or cease proceeding with the registration or sale of all other equity securities originally proposed to be registered or sold. Each Holder shall protect and maintain the confidentiality of all information communicated to it by BBUC concerning a proposed Piggyback Registration pursuant to this Section 2.2.1 until such information becomes available in the public domain.
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2.2.2 Priority on Piggyback Registrations
(a) | If a Piggyback Registration is an underwritten offering, and if the managing underwriter advises BBUC that the inclusion of Registrable Shares requested to be included in a Registration Statement, Shelf Registration or Prospectus, as applicable, would cause an Adverse Effect, BBUC shall only be required to include such number of Registrable Shares in such Registration Statement, Shelf Registration or Prospectus, as applicable, as such underwriter advises in writing would not cause an Adverse Effect, with priority given as follows: (i) first, the securities BBUC proposes to sell, (ii) second, the Registrable Shares requested to be included in such Registration Statement, Shelf Registration or Prospectus, pro rata among the Holders of such Registrable Shares on the basis of the number of Registrable Shares owned by each such Holder, and (iii) third, any other securities requested to be included in such Registration Statement, Shelf Registration or Prospectus. If as a result of the provisions of this Section 2.2.2(a) any Holder shall not be entitled to include all Registrable Shares in a Registration Statement, Shelf Registration or Prospectus that such Holder has requested to be so included, such Holder may withdraw such Holder’s request to include Registrable Shares in such Registration Statement, Shelf Registration or Prospectus, as applicable. |
(b) | No Holder may participate in any Registration Statement, Shelf Registration or Prospectus, as applicable, in respect of a Piggyback Registration hereunder unless such Holder (i) agrees to sell such Holder’s Registrable Shares on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by BBUC and (ii) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents, each in customary form, reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements; provided, however, that no such Holder shall be required to make any representations or warranties in connection with any such registration other than representations and warranties as to (A) such Holder’s ownership of Registrable Shares to be sold or transferred free and clear of all liens, claims, and encumbrances, (B) such Holder’s power and authority to effect such transfer, and (C) such matters pertaining to compliance with applicable Securities Laws as may be reasonably requested; provided, further, however, that the obligation of such Holder to indemnify pursuant to any such underwriting arrangements shall be several, not joint and several, among such Holders selling Registrable Shares, and the liability of each such Holder will be in proportion thereto, and provided, further, that such liability will be limited to the net amount received by such Holder from the sale of its Registrable Shares pursuant to such Registration Statement, Shelf Registration or Prospectus. |
2.3 | Short-Form Filings |
(a) | Shelf Registration Statement. BBUC shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause Demand Registrations in the United States to be registered on a shelf registration statement on an appropriate form (including, but not limited to, Form F-10, Form F-3 or Form S-3, as may be applicable, or their successor forms, but excluding Form S-8, Form S-4 or Form F-4, or their successor forms, or any other form for a similar purpose) once BBUC becomes eligible to use any such form, and BBUC shall use its reasonable best efforts to remain so eligible to use any such form. |
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(b) | Short-Form Prospectus. BBUC shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause Demand Registrations in Canada to be qualified by way of a short-form Prospectus prepared pursuant to the POP System if, at the time of such Demand Registration, BBUC is a POP Issuer and is able to do so in all of the provinces and territories in which the Demand Registration is to be effected. For greater certainty, it is acknowledged that in the event that BBUC is not a POP Issuer or is unable to utilize the POP System in one or more Canadian provinces or territories in which the Demand Registration is to be effected, BBUC shall proceed by way of long-form Prospectus. |
2.4 | Registration Procedures |
Whenever any Holder has requested that any Registrable Shares be registered pursuant to this Agreement, BBUC will use its reasonable best efforts to effect the registration and the sale of such Registrable Shares in accordance with the intended method of disposition thereof as promptly as is practicable, and pursuant thereto BBUC will as expeditiously as possible:
(a) | prepare and file, pursuant to Section 2.1.1(b) with respect to any Demand Registration, subject to Section 2.3, a Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, with respect to such Registrable Shares and use its reasonable best efforts to cause such Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, to become Effective; provided that as far in advance as practicable before filing such Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, or any amendment or supplement thereto, BBUC will furnish to the selling Holders copies of reasonably complete drafts of all such documents prepared to be filed (including exhibits), and any such Holder shall have the opportunity to object to any information contained therein and BBUC will make corrections reasonably requested by such Holder with respect to such information prior to filing any such Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, or any amendment or supplement thereto; |
(b) | except in the case of a Shelf Registration or Shelf Prospectus, prepare and file with the SEC or the applicable Canadian Commissions, such amendments, post-effective amendments and supplements to such Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, effective for a period of not less than one hundred eighty (180) days (or such lesser period as is necessary for the underwriters in an underwritten offering to sell unsold allotments) and comply with the provisions of the applicable Securities Laws with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, during such period in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the sellers thereof set forth in such Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable; |
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(c) | in the case of a Shelf Registration or Shelf Prospectus, prepare and file with the SEC or the applicable Canadian Commissions, as applicable, such amendments and supplements to such Shelf Registration or Shelf Prospectus, as applicable, as may be necessary to keep such Shelf Registration or Shelf Prospectus, as applicable, effective and to comply with the provisions of the applicable Securities Laws with respect to the disposition of all Registrable Shares subject thereto for a period ending on the earlier of (i) twenty four (24) months after the Effective Date and (ii) the date on which all the Registrable Shares subject thereto have been sold pursuant to such Shelf Registration or Shelf Prospectus, as applicable; |
(d) | furnish to each seller of Registrable Shares and the underwriters of the securities being registered such number of copies of such Registration Statement, Shelf Registration or Prospectus, as applicable (in the English language and, if required, the French language), each amendment and supplement thereto, any documents incorporated by reference therein and such other documents as such seller or underwriters may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Shares owned by such seller or the sale of such securities by such underwriters (it being understood that, subject to Section 2.5 and the requirements of the applicable Securities Laws, BBUC consents to the use of the Registration Statement, Shelf Registration and Prospectus, as applicable, and any amendment or supplement thereto by each seller and the underwriters in connection with the offering and sale of the Registrable Shares covered by the Registration Statement, Shelf Registration or Prospectus, as applicable); |
(e) | use its reasonable best efforts to register or qualify such Registrable Shares under such other securities or “blue sky” laws of such jurisdictions as the managing underwriter reasonably requests (or, in the event the Registration Statement, Shelf Registration or Prospectus, as applicable, does not relate to an underwritten offering, as the holders of a majority of such Registrable Shares may reasonably request); use its reasonable best efforts to keep each such registration or qualification (or exemption therefrom) effective during the period in which such Registration Statement, Shelf Registration or Prospectus, as applicable, is required to be kept effective; and do any and all other acts and things which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable each seller to consummate the disposition of the Registrable Shares owned by such seller in such jurisdictions (provided, however, that BBUC will not be required to (i) qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this subparagraph, (ii) subject itself to taxation in any such jurisdiction, or (iii) consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction); |
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(f) | notify each seller of Registrable Shares and each underwriter and (if requested by any such Person) confirm such notice in writing (i) when any supplement or amendment to the Registration Statement, Shelf Registration or Prospectus, as applicable, has been filed following the Effective Date, and when the same has become effective, (ii) of the issuance by any state securities or other regulatory authority of any order suspending the qualification or exemption from qualification of any of the Registrable Shares under state securities or “blue sky” laws or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose, and (iii) of the happening of any event which makes any statement made in the Registration Statement, Shelf Registration or Prospectus, as applicable, untrue or which requires the making of any changes in such Registration Statement, Shelf Registration or Prospectus, as applicable, or documents so that they will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and, as promptly as practicable thereafter, prepare and file with the SEC and the applicable Canadian Commissions (as applicable) and furnish a supplement or amendment to such Registration Statement, Shelf Registration or Prospectus, as applicable, so that, as thereafter deliverable to the purchasers of such Registrable Shares, such Registration Statement, Shelf Registration or Prospectus, as applicable, will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; |
(g) | permit any selling Holder, which in such Holder’s sole and exclusive judgment, might reasonably be deemed to be an underwriter or a controlling person of BBUC, to participate in the preparation of such Registration Statement, Shelf Registration or Prospectus, as applicable, and to require the insertion therein of material, furnished to BBUC in writing, which in the reasonable judgment of such Holder and its counsel should be included; |
(h) | make reasonably available personnel, as selected by the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Shares included in such registration, for assistance in the selling effort relating to the Registrable Shares covered by such registration, including, but not limited to, the participation of such members of BBUC’s management in road show presentations; |
(i) | otherwise use its reasonable best efforts to comply with all applicable Securities Laws, and make generally available to BBUC’s securityholders an earnings statement satisfying the provisions of Section 11(a) of the U.S. Securities Act no later than thirty (30) days after the end of the twelve (12) month period beginning with the first day of BBUC’s first fiscal quarter commencing after the Effective Date, which earnings statement shall cover said twelve (12) month period, and which requirement will be deemed to be satisfied if BBUC timely files complete and accurate information on Forms 20-F and 6-K under the Exchange Act which otherwise complies with Rule 158 under the U.S. Securities Act; |
(j) | if requested by the managing underwriter or any seller of Registrable Shares, promptly incorporate in a prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information as the managing underwriter or any seller reasonably requests to be included therein, including, without limitation, with respect to the Registrable Shares being sold by such seller, the purchase price being paid therefor by the underwriters and with respect to any other terms of the underwritten offering of the Registrable Shares to be sold in such offering, and promptly make all required filings of such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment; |
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(k) | after filing of any document which is incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable (in the form in which it was incorporated), deliver a copy of each such document to each seller of Registrable Shares; |
(l) | cooperate with the sellers of Registrable Shares and the managing underwriter to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates (which shall not bear any restrictive legends unless required under applicable law) representing securities sold under any Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, and enable such securities to be in such denominations and registered in such names as the managing underwriter or such sellers may request and keep available and make available to BBUC’s transfer agent prior to the Effective Date a supply of such certificates; |
(m) | make available for inspection by any seller of Registrable Shares, any underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to any Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, and any attorney, accountant or other agent or representative retained by any such seller or underwriter (collectively, the “Inspectors”), all financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of BBUC (collectively, the “Records”), as shall be reasonably necessary to enable them to exercise their due diligence responsibility, and cause BBUC’s officers, directors and employees to supply all information requested by any such Inspector in connection with such Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable; provided, however, that, unless the disclosure of such Records is necessary to avoid or correct a misstatement or omission in the Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, or the release of such Records is ordered pursuant to a subpoena or other order from a court of competent jurisdiction, BBUC shall not be required to provide any information under this subparagraph (m) if (i) BBUC believes, after consultation with counsel for BBUC, that to do so would cause BBUC to forfeit an attorney-client privilege that was applicable to such information or (ii) if either (x) BBUC has requested and been granted from the SEC or a Canadian Commission confidential treatment of such information contained in any filing with the SEC or a Canadian Commission or documents provided supplementally or otherwise or (y) BBUC reasonably determines in good faith that such Records are confidential and so notifies the Inspectors in writing, unless prior to furnishing any such information with respect to clause (ii) such Holder of Registrable Shares requesting such information agrees to enter into a confidentiality agreement in customary form and subject to customary exceptions; and provided, further, that each Holder of Registrable Shares agrees that it will, upon learning that disclosure of such Records is sought in a court of competent jurisdiction, give notice to BBUC and allow BBUC, at its expense, to undertake appropriate action and to prevent disclosure of the Records deemed confidential; |
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(n) | furnish to each seller of Registrable Shares and underwriter a signed counterpart of (i) an opinion or opinions of counsel to BBUC, (ii) a comfort letter or comfort letters from BBUC’s independent auditors, addressed to the underwriters, each in customary form and covering such matters of the type customarily covered by opinions or comfort letters, as the case may be, as the managing underwriter reasonably requests, and (iii) if a Prospectus is filed in Quebec, opinions of Quebec counsel to BBUC and the auditors of BBUC addressed to the Holder and the underwriter or underwriters of such distribution relating to the translation of the Prospectus; |
(o) | cause the Registrable Shares included in any Prospectus or Registration Statement, as applicable, to be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and on the New York Stock Exchange; |
(p) | provide and cause to be maintained a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Shares registered hereunder; |
(q) | cooperate with each seller of Registrable Shares and each underwriter participating in the disposition of such Registrable Shares and their respective counsel in connection with any filings required to be made with FINRA; |
(r) | during the period when the Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, is required to be delivered under the applicable Securities Laws, promptly file all documents required to be filed with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or with the Canadian Commissions pursuant to Canadian Securities Laws; |
(s) | notify each seller of Registrable Shares promptly of any request by the SEC or a Canadian Commission for the amending or supplementing of such Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, or for additional information; |
(t) | enter into such agreements (including underwriting agreements in the managing underwriter’s customary form) as are customary in connection with an underwritten registration; and |
(u) | advise each seller of such Registrable Shares, promptly after it shall receive notice or obtain knowledge thereof, of the issuance of any stop order or ruling by the SEC or a Canadian Commission suspending the effectiveness of such Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose and promptly use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or to obtain its withdrawal at the earliest possible moment if such stop order should be issued. |
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2.5 | Suspension of Dispositions |
Each Holder agrees by acquisition of any Registrable Shares that, upon receipt of any notice (a “Suspension Notice”) from BBUC of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section 2.4(f)(iii) such Holder will forthwith discontinue disposition of Registrable Shares until such Holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, or until it is advised in writing (the “Advice”) by BBUC that the use of the Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, may be resumed, and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings which are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, and, if so directed by BBUC, such Holder will deliver to BBUC all copies, other than permanent file copies then in such Holder’s possession, of the Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, covering such Registrable Shares current at the time of receipt of such notice. In the event BBUC shall give any such notice, the time period regarding the effectiveness of Registration Statements or Prospectuses, as applicable, set forth in Sections 2.4(b) and 2.4(c) hereof shall be extended by the number of days during the period from and including the date of the giving of the Suspension Notice to and including the date when each seller of Registrable Shares covered by such Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, shall have received the copies of the supplemented or amended Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, or the Advice. BBUC shall use its reasonable best efforts and take such actions as are reasonably necessary to render the Advice as promptly as practicable.
2.6 | Registration Expenses |
All fees and expenses incident to any registration including, without limitation, BBUC’s performance of or compliance with this Article 2, all registration and filing fees, all fees and expenses associated with filings required to be made with FINRA (including, if applicable, the reasonable fees and expenses of any “qualified independent underwriter” and of its counsel), as may be required by the rules and regulations of FINRA, fees and expenses of compliance with securities or “blue sky” laws (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel in connection with “blue sky” qualifications of the Registrable Shares), rating agency fees, printing expenses (including expenses of printing certificates for the Registrable Shares and of printing prospectuses), messenger and delivery expenses, the fees and expenses incurred in connection with any listing or quotation of the Registrable Shares, fees and expenses of counsel for BBUC and its independent auditors (including the expenses of any special audit or “cold comfort” letters required by or incident to such performance), the fees and expenses of any special experts retained by BBUC in connection with such registration, and the fees and expenses of other persons retained by BBUC, will be borne by BBUC (unless paid by a security holder that is not a Holder for whose account the registration is being effected) whether or not any Registration Statement or Prospectus becomes Effective; provided, however, that any underwriting discounts, commissions, or fees attributable to the sale of the Registrable Shares will be borne by the Holders pro rata on the basis of the number of Shares so registered and the fees and expenses of any counsel, accountants, or other persons retained or employed by any Holder will be borne by such Holder.
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2.7 | Indemnification |
2.7.1 BBUC agrees to indemnify and reimburse, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each seller of Registrable Shares, and each of its employees, advisors, agents, representatives, partners, officers, and directors and each Person who Controls such seller and any agent or investment advisor thereof (collectively, the “Seller Affiliates”) (a) against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, and expenses, joint or several (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements except as limited by Section 2.7.3) based upon, arising out of, related to or resulting from any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in any Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, (b) against any and all loss, liability, claim, damage, and expense whatsoever, as incurred, to the extent of the aggregate amount paid in settlement of any litigation or investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or of any claim whatsoever based upon, arising out of, related to or resulting from any such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission, and (c) against any and all costs and expenses (including reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel) as may be reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing, or defending against any litigation, or investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever based upon, arising out of, related to or resulting from any such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission, or violation of the Securities Laws, to the extent that any such expense or cost is not paid under subparagraph (a) or (b) above; except insofar as any such statements are made in reliance upon and in strict conformity with information furnished in writing to BBUC by such seller or any Seller Affiliate for use therein or arise from such seller’s or any Seller Affiliate’s failure to deliver a copy of the Registration Statement or Prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto after BBUC has furnished such seller or Seller Affiliate with a sufficient number of copies of the same. The reimbursements required by this Section 2.7.1 will be made by periodic payments during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or expenses incurred.
2.7.2 In connection with any Registration Statement or Prospectus in which a seller of Registrable Shares is participating, each such seller will furnish to BBUC and/or BBU in writing such information and affidavits as BBUC and/or BBU reasonably requests for use in connection with any such Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, each such seller will indemnify BBUC, BBU and each of their respective employees, advisors, agents, representatives, partners, officers and directors and each Person who Controls BBUC or BBU, as applicable (excluding such seller or any Seller Affiliate) and any agent or investment advisor thereof against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements except as limited by Section 2.7.3) resulting from any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, but only to the extent that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission is contained in any information or affidavit so furnished in writing by such seller or any of its Seller Affiliates specifically for inclusion in the Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable; provided that the obligation to indemnify will be several, not joint and several, among such sellers of Registrable Shares, and the liability of each such seller of Registrable Shares will be in proportion to, and will be limited to, the net amount received by such seller from the sale of Registrable Shares pursuant to such Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable; provided, however, that such seller of Registrable Shares shall not be liable in any such case to the extent that prior to the filing of any such Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, or amendment thereof or supplement thereto, such seller has furnished in writing to BBUC and/or BBU information expressly for use in such Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto which corrected or made not misleading information previously furnished to BBUC and/or BBU.
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2.7.3 Any Person entitled to indemnification hereunder will (a) give prompt written notice to the indemnifying party of any claim with respect to which it seeks indemnification (provided that the failure to give such notice shall not limit the rights of such Person) and (b) unless in such indemnified party’s reasonable judgment a conflict of interest between such indemnified and indemnifying parties may exist with respect to such claim, permit such indemnifying party to assume the defense of such claim with counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party; provided, however, that any person entitled to indemnification hereunder shall have the right to employ separate counsel and to participate in the defense of such claim, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such person unless (i) the indemnifying party has agreed to pay such fees or expenses, (ii) the indemnifying party shall have failed to assume the defense of such claim and employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to such person, or (iii) such counsel has been retained due to a conflict as described below. If such defense is not assumed by the indemnifying party as permitted hereunder, the indemnifying party will not be subject to any liability for any settlement made by the indemnified party without its consent (but such consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). If such defense is assumed by the indemnifying party pursuant to the provisions hereof, such indemnifying party shall not settle or otherwise compromise the applicable claim unless (A) such settlement or compromise contains a full and unconditional release of the indemnified party without any admission of liability on the part of such indemnified party or (B) the indemnified party otherwise consents in writing. An indemnifying party who is not entitled to, or elects not to, assume the defense of a claim will not be obligated to pay the fees and expenses of more than one counsel for all parties indemnified by such indemnifying party with respect to such claim (together with appropriate local counsel), unless in the reasonable judgment of any indemnified party, a conflict of interest may exist between such indemnified party and any other of such indemnified parties with respect to such claim, in which event the indemnifying party shall be obligated to pay the reasonable fees and disbursements of such additional counsel or counsels.
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2.7.4 Each party hereto agrees that, if for any reason the indemnification provisions contemplated by Section 2.7.1 or Section 2.7.2 are unavailable to or insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, liabilities, or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party in connection with the actions which resulted in the losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of such indemnifying party and indemnified party shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by such indemnifying party or indemnified party, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 2.7.4 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Holders or any underwriters or all of them were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this Section 2.7.4. The amount paid or payable by an indemnified party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses (or actions in respect thereof) referred to above shall be deemed to include any legal or other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating or, except as provided in Section 2.7.3, defending any such action or claim. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 2.7.4, no Holder shall be required to contribute an amount greater than the dollar amount by which the net proceeds received by such Holder with respect to the sale of any Registrable Shares exceeds the amount of damages which such Holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of any and all untrue or alleged untrue statements of material fact or omissions or alleged omissions of material fact made in any Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto related to such sale of Registrable Shares. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Holders’ obligations in this Section 2.7.4 to contribute shall be several in proportion to the amount of Registrable Shares registered by them and not joint.
2.7.5 If indemnification is available under this Section 2.7, the indemnifying parties shall indemnify each indemnified party to the full extent provided in Section 2.7.1 and Section 2.7.2 without regard to the relative fault of said indemnifying party or indemnified party or any other equitable consideration provided for in Section 2.7.4 subject, in the case of the Holders, to the limited dollar amounts set forth in Section 2.7.2.
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2.7.6 The indemnification and contribution provided for under this Agreement will remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the indemnified party or any officer, director, or controlling Person of such indemnified party and will survive the transfer of securities.
2.8 | Transfer of Registration Rights |
The rights of each Holder under this Agreement may, in the Holder’s discretion, be assigned, in whole or in part, to any direct or indirect transferee of all or any portion of such Holder’s Registrable Shares who agrees in writing to be subject to and bound by all the terms and conditions of this Agreement. For greater certainty, in the case of a transfer of less than all of such Holder’s Registrable Shares, no such assignment will limit or otherwise impair the transferor’s rights under this Agreement.
2.9 | Current Public Information |
BBUC will file the reports required to be filed by it under applicable Securities Laws (or, if BBUC is not required to file such reports, will, upon the request of the Holders, make publicly available other information) and will take such further action as any of the Holders may reasonably request, all to the extent required from time to time to enable the Holders to sell Registrable Securities without registration under, and subject to the limitations of, applicable Securities Laws. Upon the reasonable request of any Holder, BBUC will deliver to such parties a written statement as to whether it has complied with such requirements and will, at its expense, forthwith upon the request of any such Holder, deliver to such Holder a certificate, signed by an officer, stating (a) BBUC’s name, address and telephone number (including area code), (b) BBUC’s Internal Revenue Service identification number and Business Number issued by the Canada Revenue Agency, (c) BBUC’s SEC and SEDAR file numbers, (d) the number of Shares outstanding as shown by the most recent report or statement published by BBUC, and (e) whether BBUC has filed the reports required to be filed under the applicable Securities Laws for a period or at least ninety (90) days prior to the date of such certificate and in addition has filed the most recent annual report required to be filed thereunder.
2.10 | Preservation of Rights |
BBUC will not directly or indirectly (a) grant any registration rights to third parties which are more favorable than or inconsistent with the rights granted hereunder or (b) enter into any agreement, take any action, or permit any change to occur, with respect to its securities that violates or subordinates the rights expressly granted to the Holders in this Agreement.
2.11 | Obligations of BBU |
Whenever any Holder has requested that any Registrable Shares be registered in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, BBU shall (i) cooperate with BBUC to satisfy BBUC’s obligations pursuant to this Agreement and participate in the preparation, as necessary, of a Registration Statement and/or Prospectus by BBUC and (ii) take any and all such actions as may be required under this Agreement and/or applicable Securities Laws to register the underlying limited partnership units of BBU that may be issued upon an exchange, redemption or purchase of Shares, or as a result of the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of BBUC or BBU. The provisions of the registration rights agreement between BBU and Brookfield dated June 1, 2016 (as amended, the “BBU-Brookfield Registration Rights Agreement”), other than sections 2.1.1(b)(i) and 2.1.1(b)(ii) thereof, shall apply to the registration of any underlying limited partnership units of BBU that may be delivered by Brookfield to a holder of Shares upon an exchange of Shares, mutatis mutandis, and the preparation of a Registration Statement and/or Prospectus by BBU in connection therewith shall be deemed to be a “Demand Registration” under the BBU-Brookfield Registration Rights Agreement without the need for Brookfield to take any further action thereunder.
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Article 3
TERMINATION
3.1 | Termination |
The Holders may exercise the registration rights granted hereunder in such manner and proportions as they shall agree among themselves. The registration rights hereunder shall cease to apply to any particular Registrable Shares when: (a) a Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable, with respect to the sale of such Shares (or other securities) shall have become Effective and such Shares shall have been disposed of in accordance with such Registration Statement or Prospectus, as applicable; (b) such Shares (or other securities) shall have been sold to the public pursuant to an exemption under applicable Securities Laws; (c) such Shares (or other securities) shall have been otherwise transferred, new certificates for them not bearing a legend restricting further transfer shall have been delivered by BBUC and subsequent public distribution of them shall not require registration under applicable Securities Laws; (d) such Shares (or other securities) shall have ceased to be outstanding; or (e) such Registrable Shares are eligible for sale pursuant to Rule 144(b)(1) (without the requirement for BBUC to be in compliance with the current public information required under Rule 144) under the U.S. Securities Act. BBUC shall promptly upon the request of any Holder furnish to such Holder evidence of the number of Registrable Shares then outstanding.
Article 4
MISCELLANEOUS
4.1 | Enurement |
This Agreement will enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.
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4.2 | Notices |
Any notice or other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder will be in writing and will be given by prepaid first-class mail, by facsimile or other means of electronic communication, including e-mail, or by hand-delivery as hereinafter provided. Any such notice or other communication, if mailed by prepaid first-class mail at any time other than during a general discontinuance of postal service due to strike, lockout or otherwise, will be deemed to have been received on the fourth Business Day after the post-marked date thereof, or if sent by facsimile or other means of electronic communication, will be deemed to have been received on the Business Day following the sending, or if delivered by hand will be deemed to have been received at the time it is delivered to the applicable address noted below either to the individual designated below or to an individual at such address having apparent authority to accept deliveries on behalf of the addressee. Notice of change of address will also be governed by this section. In the event of a general discontinuance of postal service due to strike, lock-out or otherwise, notices or other communications will be delivered by hand or sent by facsimile or other means of electronic communication and will be deemed to have been received in accordance with this section. Notices and other communications will be addressed as follows:
4.2.1 if to Brookfield:
Brookfield Asset Management Inc.
Brookfield Place, 181 Bay Street
Suite 300, P.O. Box 762
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3
Attention: Chief Legal Officer
4.2.2 if to BBUC:
Brookfield Business Corporation
250 Vesey Street, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10281-1023
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
4.2.3 if to BBU:
Brookfield Business Partners L.P.
73 Front Street, 5th Floor
Hamilton HM12, Bermuda
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
or to such other addresses as a party may from time to time notify the other in accordance with this Section 4.2.
If to any other Holder, the address indicated for such Holder in BBUC’s stock transfer records with copies, so long as Brookfield owns any Registrable Shares, to Brookfield as provided above.
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4.3 | Authority |
Each of the parties hereto represents to the other that (a) it has the corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement, (b) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by it has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and no such further action is required, (c) it has duly and validly executed and delivered this Agreement, and (d) this Agreement is a legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and general equity principles.
4.4 | Further Assurances |
Each of the parties hereto will promptly do, make, execute or deliver, or cause to be done, made, executed or delivered, all such further acts, documents and things as the other party hereto may reasonably require from time to time for the purpose of giving effect to this Agreement and will use commercially reasonable efforts and take all such steps as may be reasonably within its power to implement to their full extent the provisions of this Agreement.
4.5 | Counterparts |
This Agreement may be signed in counterparts and each of such counterparts will constitute an original document and such counterparts, taken together, will constitute one and the same instrument.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC. | ||
By: | “Kathy Sarpash” | |
Name: Kathy Sarpash Title: Senior Vice President |
Brookfield BUSINESS CORPORATION | ||
By: | “A.J. Silber” | |
Name: A.J. Silber Title: Director |
Brookfield BUSINESS PARTNERS L.P., by its general partner, BROOKfield BUSINESS L.P., by its general partner, BROOKFIELD BUSINESS PARTNERS LIMITED | ||
By: | “James Bodi” | |
Name: James Bodi Title: Vice President |
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Exhibit 99.4
GLOBAL GUARANTEE
THIS GUARANTEE (this “Guarantee”) is made as of March 15, 2021
BY:
BBUC HOLDINGS INC.
(the “Guarantor”)
IN FAVOUR OF:
Each of the lenders listed on Schedule “A” hereto
(collectively, the “Lenders” and each a “Lender”).
RECITALS:
A. | Brookfield Business L.P., Brookfield BBP Canada Holdings Inc., Brookfield BBP Bermuda Holdings Limited and Brookfield BBP US Holdings LLC (collectively, the “Borrowers”), as borrowers, Brookfield Business Partners L.P. (the “Existing Guarantor”), as guarantor, and each Lender, as a single lender, are parties to separate credit agreements each dated originally as of May 4, 2018, May 18, 2018, June 4, 2018, June 12, 2019, November 5, 2019, December 17, 2019, as applicable, pursuant to which each Lender has established a credit facility for the benefit of the Borrowers (as amended, restated or supplemented from time to time, herein called the “Credit Agreements” and each a “Credit Agreement”); |
B. | The Guarantor has agreed to deliver this Guarantee in favour of each of the Lenders to guarantee the payment of the Obligations (as defined below) under each of the Credit Agreements; and |
C. | Except as expressly provided herein, all capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in each Credit Agreement, as applicable; |
NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained and other good and valuable consideration (the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged), the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. | Interpretation |
All capitalized terms used but not defined in this agreement will have the meanings attributed to such terms in each Credit Agreement or all Credit Agreements, as the context requires.
2. | Guarantee |
2.1 | Guarantee |
The Guarantor hereby jointly and severally, unconditionally and irrevocably guarantees to each Lender and its successors and assigns the prompt payment in full when due of the “Obligations” (as defined in each Credit Agreement) under each and all of the Credit Agreements (the “Obligations”). The Guarantor hereby further agrees that if any Borrower shall fail to pay in full when due (whether by acceleration or otherwise) any of the Obligations, the Guarantor will promptly pay 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 Obligations, the same will be promptly paid in full when due (whether by acceleration or otherwise) in accordance with the terms of such extension or renewal.
2.2 | Obligations Absolute |
The obligations of the Guarantor under Section 2.1 are absolute and unconditional, irrespective of the value, genuineness, validity, regularity or enforceability of the obligations of any Borrower under each Credit Agreement, the other Financing Documents or any other agreement or instrument referred to therein, or any substitution, release or exchange of any other guarantee of or security for any of the Obligations, and, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, irrespective of any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a surety or guarantor, it being the intent of this Guarantee that the obligations of the Guarantor hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional under any and all circumstances. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is agreed that, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, the occurrence of any one or more of the following shall not alter or impair the liability of the Guarantor hereunder, which shall remain absolute and unconditional as described above:
(i) | at any time or from time to time, without notice to the Guarantor, the time for any performance of or compliance with any of the Obligations shall be extended, or such performance or compliance shall be waived; |
(ii) | any of the acts mentioned in any of the provisions of each Credit Agreement or any other agreement or instrument referred to therein shall be done or omitted; |
(iii) | the maturity of any of the Obligations shall be accelerated, or any of the Obligations shall be modified, supplemented or amended in any respect, or any right under each Credit Agreement or any other agreement or instrument referred to therein shall be waived or any other guarantee of any of the Obligations or any security therefor shall be released or exchanged in whole or in part or otherwise dealt with; |
(iv) | any lack of validity or enforceability of any agreement between any Borrower and each Lender; |
(v) | any impossibility, impracticability, frustration of purpose, illegality, force majeure or act of any Governmental Authority; |
(vi) | the bankruptcy, winding-up, liquidation, dissolution or insolvency of any Borrower or any other Person, or the amalgamation of or any change in the status, function, control or ownership of any Borrower and/or each Lender or any other Person; |
(vii) | any lack or limitation of power, incapacity or disability on the part of any Borrower or of the directors, officers, employees or agents thereof or any other irregularity, defect or informality on the part of any Borrower in its obligations to each Lender; |
(viii) | any other law, regulation or other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defence available to, or a discharge of, any Borrower in respect of any or all of the Obligations; or |
(ix) | any payment or failure to pay by any Borrower hereunder. |
The Guarantor, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, hereby expressly waives diligence, presentment, demand of payment, protest and all notices whatsoever, and any requirement that each Lender exhaust any right, power or remedy or proceed against any Borrower under each Credit Agreement or any other agreement or instrument referred to therein, or against any other Person under any other guarantee of, or security for, any of the Obligations.
2.3 | Reinstatement |
The obligations of the Guarantor under this Guarantee shall be automatically reinstated if and to the extent that for any reason any payment by or on behalf of any Borrower in respect of the Obligations is rescinded or must be otherwise restored by any holder of any of the Obligations, whether as a result of any proceedings in bankruptcy or reorganization or otherwise, and the Guarantor agrees that it will indemnify each Lender on demand for all reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable fees of counsel) incurred by each Lender in connection with such rescission or restoration, including any such reasonable costs and expenses incurred in defending against any claim alleging that such payment constituted a preference, fraudulent transfer or similar payment under any Debtor Relief Law.
2.4 | Subrogation |
The Guarantor hereby agrees that until the payment and satisfaction in full of all Obligations and the expiration and termination of the Revolving Credit Commitment under each Credit Agreement it shall not exercise any right or remedy arising by reason of any performance by it of its guarantee in Section 2.1, whether by subrogation or otherwise, against any Borrower or any other Guarantor of any of the Obligations or any security for any of the Obligations.
2.5 | Remedies |
The Guarantor agrees that, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, as between the Guarantor on the one hand and each Lender on the other, the obligations of any Borrower under each Credit Agreement may be declared to be forthwith due and payable as provided in Article 7 of each Credit Agreement (and shall be deemed to have become automatically due and payable in the circumstances provided in Article 7 of each Credit Agreement) for purposes of this Section 2.1 notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such declaration (or such obligations from becoming automatically due and payable) as against any Borrower and that, in the event of such declaration (or such obligations being deemed to have become automatically due and payable), such obligations (whether or not due and payable by such Borrower) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantor for purposes of Section 2.1).
2.6 | Continuing Guarantee |
This Guarantee is a continuing guarantee, and shall apply to all Obligations whenever arising until the expiration or termination of the Revolving Credit Commitment and payment in full of the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees and other amounts payable hereunder.
2.7 | Prima Facie Evidence |
Any account settled or stated in writing by or between each Lender and any Borrower will be prima facie evidence that the balance or amount thereof appearing due to each Lender is so due.
2.8 | No Set-off |
In any claim by any Lender against the Guarantor, the Guarantor may not assert any set-off or counterclaim that the Guarantor may have against such Lender.
2.9 | Joint and Several Liability |
The joint and several obligations of the Guarantor hereunder are of payment and not of collection and are independent of the obligations of the Existing Guarantor and any other party who becomes a Guarantor under each Credit Agreement (together, the “Other Guarantors”) and a separate action or actions may be brought against the Guarantor whether or not action is brought against any of the Other Guarantors. Each Lender may enforce its applicable Credit Agreement and the other Financing Documents against the Guarantor without first making demand upon or instituting collection proceedings against any of the Other Guarantors. The Guarantor hereby waives promptness, diligence, notice of acceptance and any other notice with respect to the obligations of any of the Other Guarantors and any requirement that each Lender protect, secure, perfect or insure any security interest or Lien, or any property subject thereto, or exhaust any right or take any action against any of the Other Guarantors or entity.
3. | Headings |
The headings of the sections of this agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and will not affect the construction or interpretation of this agreement.
4. | Governing Law |
The parties agree that this agreement will be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario.
[Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned has executed and delivered this Guarantee as of the date first above written.
BBUC HOLDINGS INC. | ||
By: | “A.J Silber” | |
Name: A.J Silber Title: Director |
Signature Page – Global Guarantee of BBUC Holdings Inc.
SCHEDULE “A”
LIST OF LENDERS
• | Bank of America, N.A., Canada Branch |
• | Bank of China, New York Branch |
• | Bank of Montreal |
• | Barclays Bank PLC |
• | Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce |
• | Citibank, N.A., Canadian Branch |
• | Credit Suisse AG, Toronto Branch |
• | Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch |
• | Export Development Canada |
• | HSBC Bank Canada |
• | Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Canada) |
• | JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Toronto Branch |
• | Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc. |
• | MUFG Bank, Ltd., Canada Branch |
• | National Bank of Canada |
• | Royal Bank of Canada |
• | Société Générale |
• | The Bank of Nova Scotia |
• | The Toronto-Dominion Bank and The Toronto-Dominion Bank, New York Branch |
• | Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Canadian Branch |
Exhibit 99.5
SUBORDINATE CREDIT AGREEMENT
between
BROOKFIELD BBP CANADA HOLDINGS INC.
as Borrower
and
BBUC HOLDINGS INC.
as Lender
Effective as of March 15, 2022
Table of Contents
Page | ||
Article 1 DEFINITIONS | 1 | |
1.1 | Defined Terms | 1 |
1.2 | Terms Generally | 14 |
1.3 | Accounting Terms; GAAP | 14 |
1.4 | Time | 14 |
1.5 | Borrowers Jointly and Severally Liable | 14 |
1.6 | Borrowers Bound by Delivered Certificates and Notices | 15 |
1.7 | Currency Equivalents | 15 |
1.8 | Amount of Credit | 15 |
1.9 | Divisions | 15 |
1.10 | Exhibits | 16 |
Article 2 THE CREDIT facility | 16 | |
2.1 | Establishment of Credit Facility | 16 |
2.2 | Loans and Borrowings | 16 |
2.3 | Requests for Borrowings | 16 |
2.4 | Interest | 17 |
2.5 | Evidence of Debt | 19 |
2.6 | Termination and Reduction by Lender of Credit Commitment | 19 |
2.7 | Mandatory Repayments of Excess Drawn Amounts | 20 |
2.8 | Voluntary Prepayments and Cancellation | 20 |
2.9 | Breakage Costs | 20 |
2.10 | Alternate Rate of Interest | 20 |
2.11 | LIBOR Discontinuation | 21 |
2.12 | Increased Costs; Illegality | 23 |
2.13 | Payments Generally | 24 |
2.14 | Addition of Borrowers | 24 |
2.15 | Withholding Tax. | 24 |
Article 3 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES | 25 | |
3.1 | Organization; Powers | 25 |
3.2 | Authorization; Enforceability | 25 |
3.3 | Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts | 25 |
3.4 | Financial Information | 26 |
3.5 | Litigation | 26 |
3.6 | Compliance with Laws and Agreements | 26 |
3.7 | Taxes | 26 |
3.8 | Pension Plans | 26 |
3.9 | No Order or Judgments | 27 |
3.10 | Insurance | 27 |
3.11 | Solvency | 27 |
3.12 | Environmental Matters | 27 |
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Table of Contents
(continued)
Page | ||
3.13 | Money Laundering Laws | 27 |
3.14 | Office of Foreign Assets Control | 28 |
3.15 | Survival of Representations and Warranties | 28 |
3.16 | Deemed Repetition | 28 |
Article 4 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT to loans | 28 | |
4.1 | Effective Date | 28 |
4.2 | Each Borrowing | 28 |
Article 5 AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS | 29 | |
5.1 | Financial Statements and Other Information | 29 |
5.2 | Existence; Conduct of Business | 29 |
5.3 | Timely Payment | 29 |
5.4 | Books and Records | 29 |
5.5 | Compliance with Laws | 30 |
5.6 | Insurance | 30 |
5.7 | Operation of Business | 30 |
5.8 | Maintenance of Assets | 30 |
5.9 | Payment of Taxes | 30 |
5.10 | Use of Proceeds | 31 |
Article 6 NEGATIVE COVENANTS | 31 | |
6.1 | Fundamental Changes | 31 |
Article 7 EVENTS OF DEFAULT | 32 | |
7.1 | Events of Default | 32 |
7.2 | Legal Proceedings | 35 |
7.3 | Non-Merger | 35 |
Article 8 subordination and Deposits | 35 | |
8.1 | Subordination | 35 |
8.2 | Deposits | 36 |
Article 9 MISCELLANEOUS | 36 | |
9.1 | Notices | 36 |
9.2 | Waivers | 37 |
9.3 | Expenses; Indemnity | 37 |
9.4 | Currency Indemnity | 38 |
9.5 | Successors and Assigns and Additions of Lenders | 39 |
9.6 | Survival | 39 |
9.7 | Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness | 39 |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)
9.8 | Electronic Signatures | 40 |
9.9 | Severability | 40 |
9.10 | Right of Set Off | 40 |
9.11 | Governing Law; Jurisdiction | 40 |
9.12 | Waiver of Jury Trial | 40 |
9.13 | Headings | 41 |
9.14 | Limited Recourse | 41 |
Exhibit A FORM OF BORROWING REQUEST | A-1 | |
Exhibit B FORM OF DEPOSIT RECORD | B-1 | |
Exhibit C FORM OF CONFIRMATION OF SUBORDINATION | C-1 |
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SUBORDINATE CREDIT AGREEMENT
THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT is effective as of March 15th, 2022 and is entered into between Brookfield BBP Canada Holdings Inc., as the initial Borrower, such Persons as become Borrowers hereunder from time to time, and BBUC Holdings Inc., as Lender.
The parties hereto agree as follows:
Article 1
DEFINITIONS
1.1 | Defined Terms |
As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:
“Agreement” means this agreement and all schedules attached hereto, as amended, restated or supplemented from time to time.
“Applicable Law” means, in respect of any Person, property, transaction, event or other matter, as applicable, all Laws relating or applicable to such Person, property, transaction, event or matter.
“Applicable Margin” means, with respect to any Loan, the applicable rate per annum, expressed as a percentage, set forth in the relevant column and row of the table below as adjusted pursuant to Section 2.4.1:
Type of Loan | Applicable Margin | |||
Canadian Prime Rate Loan | 2.45 | % | ||
U.S. Base Rate Loan | 2.45 | % | ||
CDOR Loan | 3.45 | % | ||
LIBOR Loan | 3.45 | % |
“Authorization” means, with respect to any Person, any authorization, order, permit, approval, grant, licence, consent, franchise, privilege, certificate, judgment, writ, injunction, award, determination, direction, decree, by-law, rule or regulation of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over such Person and legally binding on such Person.
“Available Amount” means the amount of the Credit Facility as set out in Section 2.1 as reduced from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
“Available Tenor” means, as of any date of determination and with respect to the then-current Benchmark, as applicable, any tenor for such Benchmark or payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark, as applicable, that is or may be used for determining the length of an Interest Period pursuant to this Agreement as of such date and not including, for the avoidance of doubt, any tenor for such Benchmark that is then-removed from the definition of “Interest Period” pursuant to Section 2.11.4.
“Benchmark” means, initially, USD LIBOR Screen Rate; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to USD LIBOR Screen Rate or the then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement to the extent that such Benchmark Replacement has replaced such prior benchmark rate pursuant to Section 2.11.
“Benchmark Replacement” means, for any Available Tenor, the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Lender for the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date:
(a) | the sum of: (i) Term SOFR and (ii) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; |
(b) | the sum of: (i) Daily Simple SOFR and (ii) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; |
(c) | the sum of: (i) the alternate benchmark rate that has been selected by the Lender as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor giving due consideration to (A) any selection or recommendation of a replacement benchmark rate or the mechanism for determining such a rate by the Relevant Governmental Body or (B) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a benchmark rate as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for Dollar denominated syndicated or bilateral credit facilities at such time and (ii) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; |
provided that, in the case of clause (a), 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 Lender in its reasonable discretion. If the Benchmark Replacement as determined pursuant to clause (a), (b) or (c) above would be less than the Floor, the Benchmark Replacement will be deemed to be the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement.
“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:
(a) | for purposes of clauses (a) and (b) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement,” the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Lender: (i) 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, and (ii) 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 |
(b) | for purposes of clause (c) 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 Lender and the Borrowers 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 Dollar denominated syndicated or bilateral credit facilities; |
provided that, in the case of clause (a) 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 Lender 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 “U.S. Base Rate”, “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 Lender decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of such Benchmark Replacement and to permit the administration thereof by the Lender in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Lender decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Lender determines that no market practice for the administration of such Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner of administration as the Lender decides is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement). The Lender agrees to consult with the Borrowers on making any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes and obtain the Borrowers’ consent thereto, not to be unreasonably withheld.
3 |
“Benchmark Replacement Date” means the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:
(a) | in the case of clause (a) and (b) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (i) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (ii) 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); and |
(b) | in the case of clause (c) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein; or |
(c) | in the case of an Early Opt-in Election, the sixth (6th) Business Day after the date on which notice of such Early Opt-in Election is provided to the Borrowers, so long as the Lender has not received, by 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date on which notice of such Early Opt-in Election is provided to the Borrowers, written notice of objection to such Early Opt-in Election from any Borrower. |
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 (a) or (b) 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 the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:
(a) | 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); |
(b) | 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 of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component) or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), which states that the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component) has ceased or will cease to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or |
4 |
(c) | 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 representative. |
For the avoidance of doubt, a “Benchmark Transition Event” will be deemed to have occurred with respect to any Benchmark if a public statement or publication of information set forth above has occurred with respect to each then-current Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).
“Benchmark Unavailability Period” means the period (if any) (x) beginning at the time that a Benchmark Replacement Date pursuant to clauses (a) or (b) of that definition has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder in accordance with Section 2.11 and (y) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder in accordance with Section 2.11.
“Borrowers” means, collectively, Brookfield BBP Canada Holdings Inc. and each Person that agrees to be bound hereunder as a Borrower hereunder pursuant to Section 2.14.
“Borrowing” means any availment of the Credit Facility and includes a continuation or conversion of any outstanding Loan.
“Borrowing Request” means a request by any Borrower for a Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.3.
“Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in Toronto, Ontario or New York, New York are authorized or required by Applicable Law to remain closed.
“Canadian Dollars” and “Cdn$” refer to lawful money of Canada.
“Canadian Prime Borrowing” means a Borrowing comprised of one or more Canadian Prime Rate Loans.
5 |
“Canadian Prime Rate Loan” means a Loan denominated in Canadian Dollars which bears interest at a rate based upon the Canadian Prime Rate.
“Canadian Prime Rate” means, on any day, the annual rate of interest equal to the greater of (a) the annual rate of interest announced by the Canadian Reference Lender and in effect as its prime rate at its principal office in Toronto, Ontario on such day for determining interest rates on Canadian Dollar-denominated commercial loans in Canada, and (b) the annual rate of interest equal to the sum of the one-month CDOR in effect on such day plus 1.0% per annum.
“Canadian Reference Lender” means such bank that is listed on Schedule I of the Bank Act (Canada) that is selected by the Lender by giving written notice of thereof to the Borrowers.
“CDOR” means (a) with respect to a CDOR Loan, the rate per annum equal to the average per annum rate applicable to Canadian Dollar bankers’ acceptances having an identical or comparable term as the proposed CDOR Loan displayed and identified as such on the Reuters screen CDOR Page, rounded to the nearest 1/100th of 1% (with .005% being rounded up), at approximately 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on the first day of the Interest Period for such CDOR Loan, with a term equivalent to the Interest Period of such CDOR Loan or if such Interest Period is not equal to a number of months, with a term equivalent to the number of months closest to such Interest Period, plus 0.10%; provided that if such rate does not appear on the Reuters screen CDOR Page on such date as contemplated, then the CDOR on such date shall be calculated as the rate for the term referred to above applicable to Canadian Dollar bankers’ acceptances quoted by the Canadian Reference Lender as of 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on such date or, if such date is not a Business Day, then on the immediately preceding Business Day, plus 0.10%; provided further that the CDOR shall at no times be less than 0%. If no CDOR is available for a particular Interest Period but CDORs are available for maturities both longer and shorter than such Interest Period, then the CDOR for such Interest Period shall be the CDOR Interpolated Rate plus 0.10%.
“CDOR Borrowing” means a Borrowing comprised of one or more CDOR Loans.
“CDOR Interpolated Rate” means, in relation to any CDOR Loan and its Interest Period, a rate per annum determined by the Lender (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 applicable CDOR for the longest period for which a CDOR is available that is shorter than such Interest Period and (b) the applicable CDOR for the shortest period for which a CDOR is available that is longer than such Interest Period, in each case as of 11:00 a.m., Toronto time on the day two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period; provided that the Interpolated Rate shall at no times be less than 0%.
“CDOR Loan” means a Loan denominated in Canadian Dollars which bears interest at a rate based upon CDOR.
6 |
“Change in Control” means the acquisition by any Person other than Brookfield Asset Management Inc. or its Affiliates (or any combination thereof) of Control of any Borrower.
“Change in Law” means (a) the adoption or taking effect of any new Law after the date of this Agreement, (b) any change in any Law or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority after the date of this Agreement, or (c) compliance by the Lender or any of its lenders with any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law, but in the case of a request, guideline or directive not having the force of law, being a request, guideline or directive with which Persons customarily, and are expected by the relevant Governmental Authority to, comply and nevertheless considered to be binding on a Person or such Person’s property) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement.
“Control” and similar expressions mean a relationship between two Persons wherein one of such Persons has the power, through the ownership of Equity Securities, by contract or otherwise, to directly or indirectly direct the management and policies of the other of such Persons, and includes, without limitation: (a) in the case of a corporation or a trust, the ownership, either directly or indirectly through one or more Persons, of Equity Securities of such corporation or trust carrying more than 50% of the votes that may be cast to elect the directors or trustees of such corporation or trust or the Control of the corporate trustee of such trust, either under all circumstances or under some circumstances that have occurred and are continuing, (other than Equity Securities held as collateral for a bona fide debt where the holder thereof is not entitled to exercise the voting rights attached thereto unless a default has occurred), provided that such votes, if exercised, are sufficient to elect a majority of the directors or trustees of such corporation or trust or corporate trustee; and (b) in the case of a general partnership or limited partnership, the power, through the ownership of Equity Securities, by contract or otherwise, to act as the managing partner appointed in respect of such general partnership or the general partner appointed in respect of such limited partnership, or to otherwise Control such managing partner or general partner, as applicable.
“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.
“Credit Facility” means the revolving credit facility established pursuant to Section 2.1.1.
“Daily Simple SOFR” means, for any day, SOFR, with the conventions for this rate (which will include a lookback) being established by the Lender 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 Lender decides that any such convention is not administratively feasible for the Lender, then the Lender may establish another convention in its reasonable discretion in consultation with the Borrowers.
7 |
“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.
“Dollar Amount” means at any time with respect to outstanding Loans under the Credit Facility, the aggregate of (a) the amount in Dollars of all Loans that are denominated in Dollars, and (b) the Dollar Equivalent at such time of all Loans that are denominated in Canadian Dollars.
“Dollar Equivalent” means, at the date of determination, the amount of Dollars that the Lender could purchase, in accordance with its normal practice, with a specified amount of Canadian Dollars based on the Exchange Rate on such date.
“Dollars” and “$” refer to lawful money of the United States unless otherwise indicated.
“Early Opt-in Election” means, if the then-current Benchmark is LIBOR, the occurrence of:
(a) | a determination by the Lender that at least five currently outstanding Dollar denominated syndicated or bilateral 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 credit facilities are identified in the notice to the Borrowers described in clause (b) below and are publicly available for review), and |
(b) | the election by the Lender to trigger a fallback from the USD LIBOR Screen Rate and the provision by the Lender of written notice of such election to the Borrowers. |
“Effective Date” means March 15, 2022.
“Environmental Laws” means all applicable federal, provincial, local or foreign laws, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, decrees, judgements, injunctions, notices or binding agreements issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental Authority, having the force of law and relating to the environment, health and safety, or health protection, including the generation, use, handling, collection, treatment, storage, transportation, recovery, recycling, release, threatened release or disposal of any hazardous or regulated material.
“Equity Securities” means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares, units, interests, participations, rights in, or other equivalents (however designated and whether voting and non-voting) of, such Person’s capital, whether outstanding on the date hereof or issued after the date hereof, including without limitation any interest in a partnership, limited partnership or other similar Person and any unit or beneficial interest in a trust, and any and all rights, warrants, options or other rights exchangeable for or convertible into any of the foregoing.
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“Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 7.1.
“Exchange Rate” means, on any day, the rate at which Canadian Dollars may be exchanged into Dollars as set forth at approximately 11:00 a.m. New York City time on such date on the relevant Reuters screen for Canadian Dollars; provided that if such rate does not appear on any Reuters screen on any date, the Exchange Rate shall be determined by reference to such other publicly available service for displaying exchange rates as may be reasonably selected by the Lender.
“FATCA” means sections 1471 through 1474 of the IRC, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with) and any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any intergovernmental agreement or foreign legislation (including official administrative rules or practices) implemented to give effect to any intergovernmental agreements entered into thereunder and any agreements entered into pursuant to section 1471(b) of the IRC.
“Federal Funds Effective Rate” means, for any period, a fluctuating rate of interest per annum equal for each day during such period to (a) the weighted average of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by federal funds brokers, as published for such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, for the immediately preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or (b) if such rate is not so published for any day which is a Business Day, the average of the quotations for such day on such transactions received by the Lender from three federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Federal Funds Effective Rate is less than zero, it shall be deemed to be zero hereunder.
“Federal Reserve Board” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.
“Floor” means the benchmark rate floor, if any, provided in this Agreement initially (as of the execution of this Agreement, the modification, amendment or renewal of this Agreement or otherwise) with respect to USD LIBOR.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in Canada or the United States in effect from time to time which, for clarity, will include IFRS.
“Governmental Authority” means the Government of Canada or the United States, any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether provincial, state, territorial or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court or other ether entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.
“Hostile Acquisition” means a proposed acquisition by any Borrower or any Subsidiary in circumstances in which the Person subject to such acquisition will not have, as of the date of the acquisition notice in respect of such acquisition, evidenced its agreement or agreement in principle to such acquisition.
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“IFRS” means the International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and as in effect from time to time.
“Indemnitee” has the meaning specified in Section 9.3.2.
“Interest Payment Date” means, (a) in the case of any Canadian Prime Rate Loan or U.S. Base Rate Loan, the first Business Day of each month, and (b) in the case of any CDOR Loan or LIBOR Loan, the last day of the Interest Period relating to such Loan, provided that if an Interest Period for any CDOR Loan or LIBOR Loan exceeds three months, then “Interest Payment Date” shall also include each date which occurs at each three month interval during such Interest Period.
“Interest Period” means with respect to a CDOR Loan or LIBOR Loan, 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 thereafter or such other periods thereafter as may from time to time be agreed to by the Borrower requesting such Loan and the Lender; provided that (a) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the immediately succeeding Business Day unless such immediately succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the immediately preceding Business Day, (b) any Interest Period 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 (c) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date. For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and, in the case of a converted or continued Borrowing, thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.
“IRC” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
“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.
“Laws” means all applicable federal, state, provincial, municipal, foreign and international statutes, acts, codes, ordinances, decrees, treaties, rules, regulations, municipal by-laws, judicial or arbitral or administrative or ministerial or departmental or regulatory judgments, orders, decisions, rulings or awards or any provisions of the foregoing, and all policies, practices, directives and guidelines in each case of any Governmental Authority and having the force of law; and “Law” means any one or more of the foregoing.
“Lender” means, collectively, BBUC Holdings Inc. and each Person that becomes a Lender hereunder from time to time.
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“LIBOR” means with respect to any LIBOR Loan denominated in Dollars, for any Interest Period, the rate for Dollar borrowings appearing on the applicable Reuters screen (or, in each case, on any successor or substitute page of such service, or any successor to or substitute for such service, providing rate quotations comparable to those currently provided on such page of such service, as determined by the Lender from time to time) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, in each case as the rate for Dollar deposits with a maturity comparable to such Interest Period; provided that if such rate is not available at such time for any reason, then “LIBOR” with respect to such LIBOR Loan for such Interest Period will be the rate at which Dollar deposits approximately equal to the amount of such LIBOR Loan and for a maturity comparable to such Interest Period are offered by the principal London office of a commercial bank selected by the Lender in immediately available funds in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period; provided further that if any such rate is below zero, LIBOR shall be deemed to be zero and LIBOR shall be adjusted as applicable to reflect the Statutory Reserve Rate by multiplying the rate described above by the Statutory Reserve Rate.
“LIBOR Borrowing” means a Borrowing comprised of one or more LIBOR Loans.
“LIBOR Loan” means a loan denominated in Dollars which bears interest at a rate based upon LIBOR.
“Loan” means any LIBOR Loan, Canadian Prime Rate Loan, CDOR Loan or U.S. Base Rate Loan made by the Lender to a Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.
“Material Adverse Effect” means any event, development or circumstance which has had or would have (a) a material adverse effect on the business, assets, properties, operations or financial condition of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or (b) a material adverse effect on the ability of the Borrowers (taken as a whole) to perform their obligations under this Agreement.
“Maturity Date” means the date that is ten (10) years from the Effective Date, unless the Agreement is terminated in accordance with Section 2.6, in which case the Maturity Date shall be the date the Agreement is so terminated.
“Money Laundering Laws” has the meaning specified in Section 3.13.
“Obligations” means all present and future debts, liabilities and obligations of the Borrowers to the Lender under this Agreement, whether absolute or contingent, due or to become due, existing on the Effective Date or thereafter arising, including without limitation with respect to all Loans, and all interest and fees owing hereunder (including those that accrue after the commencing by or against any Borrower of any insolvency or similar proceeding).
“OFAC” has the meaning specified in Section 3.14.
“OFAC Lists” has the meaning specified in Section 3.14.
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“Person” includes any natural person, corporation, company, limited liability company, unlimited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, incorporated organization, partnership, limited partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.
“Reference Time” with respect to any setting of the then-current Benchmark means (a) if such Benchmark is the USD LIBOR Screen Rate, 11:00 a.m., London time, on the day that is two London banking days preceding the date of such setting, and (b) if such Benchmark is not a USD LIBOR Screen Rate, the time determined by the Lender in its reasonable discretion.
“Relevant Governmental Body” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or any successor thereto.
“Responsible Officer” means, in respect of any Person, any director or officer of such Person or the general or managing partner of such Person.
“Senior Debt” has the meaning given to that term in Section 8.1(a).
“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 at approximately 8:00 a.m., New York City time, on the immediately succeeding Business Day.
“SOFR Administrator” means the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or a successor administrator of the secured overnight financing rate).
“SOFR Administrator’s Website” means the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, currently at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source for the secured overnight financing rate identified as such by the SOFR Administrator from time to time.
“Specified Threshold Amount” means, as at any date, the greater of (a) $50,000,000 and (b) an amount equal to 10% of the Borrowers’ consolidated equity as at such date.
“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, liquid asset, fees or similar reserve requirements (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves or other requirements) established by any central bank, monetary authority, the Federal Reserve Board, the Financial Services Authority, the European Central Bank or other Governmental Authority for any category of deposits or liabilities customarily used to fund loans in the applicable currency, expressed in the case of each such requirement as a decimal. Such reserve, liquid asset, fee or similar requirements shall, in the case of Dollar denominated Loans, include those imposed pursuant to Regulation D of the Federal Reserve Board. LIBOR Loans shall be deemed to be subject to such reserve, liquid asset, fee or similar requirements without the benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets that may be available to lenders from time to time under any Applicable Law. The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any such change in any reserve, liquid asset, fee or similar requirement.
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“subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person (the “parent”) at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, trust or other entity of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the combined voting stock are owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person or by any one or more subsidiaries of such Person.
“Subsidiaries” means, collectively, the subsidiaries of the Borrowers, and “Subsidiary” means any of them.
“Taxes” means all present and future taxes, charges, fees, levies, imposts, surtaxes, duties and other assessments, including all income, sales, use, goods and services, value added, capital, capital gains, alternative, net worth, transfer, profits, withholding, payroll, employer health, excise, real property and personal property taxes, and any other taxes, customs duties, fees, assessments, or similar charges of any nature, imposed by any Governmental Authority and whether disputed or not.
“Term SOFR” means, for the applicable Corresponding Tenor as of the applicable Reference Time, the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body.
“Type”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan or Borrowing is a U.S. Base Rate Loan, Canadian Prime Rate Loan, LIBOR Loan or CDOR Loan or a U.S. Base Rate Borrowing, Canadian Prime Borrowing, LIBOR Borrowing or CDOR Borrowing, as the case may be.
“Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement excluding the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.
“U.S. Base Rate” means, on any day, the annual rate of interest equal to the greater of (a) the annual rate of interest announced by a commercial Canadian bank selected by the Lender and in effect as its base rate at its principal office in Toronto, Ontario on such day for determining interest rates on Dollar demand commercial loans in Canada, (b) the sum of the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.50% per annum, and (c) LIBOR for Dollars for a one-month term in effect on such day plus 1.00%. Any change in the U.S. Base Rate due to a change in the applicable base rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate or such LIBOR shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the applicable base rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate or such LIBOR, respectively. If the U.S. Base Rate is less than zero, it shall be deemed to be zero hereunder.
“U.S. Base Rate Borrowing” means a Borrowing comprised of one or more U.S. Base Rate Loans.
“U.S. Base Rate Loan” means a Loan denominated in Dollars which bears interest at a rate based upon the U.S. Base Rate.
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“USD LIBOR” means LIBOR for borrowings denominated in Dollars.
“USD LIBOR Screen Rate” means the rate for Dollar borrowings set forth in the definition of LIBOR itself.
“Withholdings” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.15.
1.2 | Terms Generally |
The definitions of terms herein will apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun will include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include”, “includes” and “including” will be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”. Unless the context requires otherwise: (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein will be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein); (b) any reference herein to any statute or any Section thereof will, unless otherwise expressly stated, be deemed to be a reference to such statute or Section as amended, restated or re-enacted from time to time; (c) any reference herein to any Person will be construed to include such Person’s successors and permitted assigns; (d) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, will be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof; (e) all references herein to Articles, Sections and Exhibits will be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits to, this Agreement; and (f) the words “asset” and “property” will 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 contractual rights.
1.3 | Accounting Terms; GAAP |
Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature will be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time.
1.4 | Time |
All time references herein will, unless otherwise specified, be references to local time in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Time is of the essence of this Agreement.
1.5 | Borrowers Jointly and Severally Liable |
Each Person that becomes a Borrower is jointly and severally liable for all Obligations, including the obligation to pay all amounts owing hereunder to the Lender on the dates such amounts are due and on the Maturity Date. Each Borrower agrees that if any of the Obligations are not paid in full when due (whether at stated maturity, as a mandatory repayment, by acceleration or otherwise), the Borrowers will, jointly and severally, promptly pay the same without any demand or notice whatsoever and each Borrower jointly and severally irrevocably and unconditionally accepts joint and several liability with respect to the payment and performance of all Obligations of each other Borrower, it being the intention of the parties hereto that all Obligations be joint and several obligations of each Borrower without preference or distinction among them. Each Borrower agrees that delivery of funds to any Borrower under this Agreement shall constitute valuable consideration and reasonably equivalent value to all Borrowers for purposes of binding them and their assets on a joint and several basis for the Obligations hereunder. Each Borrower agrees that it will not seek payment, directly or indirectly, from any other Borrower through a claim of indemnity, contribution, subrogation or otherwise until all Obligations have been repaid in full and the Credit Facility has terminated.
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1.6 | Borrowers Bound by Delivered Certificates and Notices |
Each Borrower hereby authorizes each other Borrower to deliver or submit to the Lender on behalf of such Borrower (and all other Borrowers) any Borrowing Request, notice or certificate required or permitted to be delivered or submitted by it or on its behalf hereunder and agrees that it will be bound by, and shall be responsible for any information set forth in any such Borrowing Request, notice or certificate to the same extent as if such Borrowing Request, notice or certificate had been executed by a Responsible Officer of such Borrower and delivered or submitted by such Borrower.
1.7 | Currency Equivalents |
For purposes of determining (a) whether the amount of any Borrowing, together with all other Borrowings then outstanding or to be borrowed at the same time as such Borrowing, would exceed the Available Amount, (b) the unutilized amount of the Credit Facility, and (c) the outstanding principal amount of any Borrowing, the outstanding principal amount of any Loan that is denominated in Canadian Dollars shall be deemed to be the Dollar Equivalent of such amount determined as of the applicable determination date.
1.8 | Amount of Credit |
Any reference herein to the amount of credit outstanding means, at any particular time:
(a) | in the case of a Canadian Prime Rate Loan or CDOR Loan, the Dollar Equivalent of the principal amount thereof; and |
(b) | in the case of a LIBOR Loan or U.S. Base Rate Loan, the principal amount of such Loan. |
1.9 | Divisions |
For all purposes of this Agreement, 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 Person comes into existence, such new Person shall be deemed to have been organized on the first date of its existence by the holders of its Equity Securities at such time.
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1.10 | Exhibits |
The following are the Exhibits annexed hereto, incorporated by reference and deemed to be a part hereof:
Exhibit A | - | Borrowing Request |
Exhibit B | - | Form of Deposit Record |
Exhibit C | - | Form of Confirmation of Subordination |
Article 2
THE CREDIT facility
2.1 | Establishment of Credit Facility |
2.1.1 | Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Lender hereby establishes in favour of the Borrowers a Credit Facility in the amount of $1,000,000,000 (the “Available Amount”) and commits to make Loans to the Borrowers from time to time during the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the Maturity Date, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all such Loans not exceeding at any time the Available Amount. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Borrowers may borrow, repay and re-borrow Loans. |
2.1.2 | Advances under the Credit Facility are to be used by the Borrowers for their general corporate purposes, provided that in no event will the Credit Facility be used to finance a Hostile Acquisition without the consent of the Lender. |
2.2 | Loans and Borrowings |
Each Borrowing under the Credit Facility will be comprised of U.S. Base Rate Loans or LIBOR Loans in Dollars or Canadian Prime Rate Loans or CDOR Loans in Canadian Dollars, as any Borrower may request in accordance herewith.
2.3 | Requests for Borrowings |
2.3.1 | To request a Borrowing under the Credit Facility, any Borrower shall notify the Lender of such request by written Borrowing Request substantially in the form of Exhibit A not later than 11:00 a.m., Toronto time, four (4) Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing or such shorter period as the Lender may agree to. Each Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable. The Lender is entitled to rely upon and act upon any Borrowing Request given or purportedly given by any Borrower, and each Borrower hereby waives the right to dispute the authenticity and validity of any such transaction once the Lender has advanced funds, based on such Borrowing Request. Each Borrowing Request shall specify the following information: |
(a) | the aggregate amount of the requested Borrowing; |
(b) | the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day; |
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(c) | whether such Borrowing is to be a U.S. Base Rate Borrowing, a LIBOR Borrowing, a Canadian Prime Borrowing or a CDOR Borrowing; |
(d) | in the case of a CDOR Borrowing or LIBOR Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable to such Borrowing, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”; and |
(e) | the location and number of the Borrower’s account to which funds are to be disbursed. |
2.3.2 | Each CDOR Borrowing and LIBOR Borrowing under the Credit Facility initially shall have the Interest Period specified in the applicable Borrowing Request. Thereafter, a Borrower may elect to convert any Borrowing to any different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a CDOR Borrowing or LIBOR Borrowing, may elect the Interest Periods therefor. The Borrowers may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing. To make an election pursuant to this Section 2.3.2, a Borrower shall notify the Lender of such election by delivering a Borrowing Request required under Section 2.3.1 as if the Borrower were requesting a Borrowing to be made on the effective date of such election. Each such Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable. In addition to the information specified in Section 2.3.1, each Borrowing Request shall specify the Borrowing to which such request applies and, if different options are elected with respect to different portions thereof, the portions thereof to be allocated to each resulting Borrowing. If no election is made pursuant to this Section 2.3.2 at the end of an Interest Period applicable to any CDOR Loan or LIBOR Loan, the applicable Borrower shall be deemed to have elected an Interest Period of one month for such CDOR Loan or LIBOR Loan for the immediately following Interest Period. Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Lender so notifies the Borrowers, then so long as an Event of Default is continuing (a) no outstanding Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a CDOR Borrowing or LIBOR Borrowing and (b) unless repaid, each CDOR Borrowing and LIBOR Borrowing shall be converted to a Canadian Prime Borrowing or U.S. Base Rate Borrowing, respectively, at the end of the then-current Interest Period applicable thereto. |
2.3.3 | Each CDOR Borrowing and LIBOR Borrowing will be subject to Sections 2.10, 2.11 and 2.12. |
2.4 | Interest |
2.4.1 | The Loans under the Credit Facility comprising each U.S. Base Rate Borrowing and Canadian Prime Borrowing shall bear interest (computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 365 days or 366 days, as the case may be) at a rate per annum equal to the U.S. Base Rate and Canadian Prime Rate, respectively, plus the Applicable Margin from time to time in effect. |
2.4.2 | The Loans under the Credit Facility comprising each CDOR Borrowing shall bear interest (computed on the basis of the actual number of days in the relevant Interest Period over a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be) at CDOR for the Interest Period in effect for such CDOR Loans plus the Applicable Margin from time to time in effect. |
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2.4.3 | The Loans under the Credit Facility comprising each LIBOR Borrowing shall bear interest (computed on the basis of the actual number of days in the relevant Interest Period over a year of 360 days) at LIBOR for the Interest Period in effect for such LIBOR Loans plus the Applicable Margin from time to time in effect. |
2.4.4 | The applicable U.S. Base Rate, Canadian Prime Rate, LIBOR and CDOR Rate shall be determined by the Lender, and such determination shall, absent manifest error, constitute prima facie evidence thereof. |
2.4.5 | Accrued interest on each Loan shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date and upon termination of the Credit Facility, and in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan, accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment together with all applicable breakage costs. |
2.4.6 | All interest hereunder shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). Any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall bear interest for one day. |
2.4.7 | It is understood and agreed that if at any time after the date hereof the Lender’s cost of borrowing is increased, the Lender will be entitled, after consultation with the Borrowers, to increase the Applicable Margin that is applicable to all or any Types of Loans or Borrowings to reflect the Lender’s increased cost of making such Loans or Borrowings available to the Borrowers. |
2.4.8 | For the purposes of the Interest Act (Canada) and disclosure thereunder, whenever any interest or any fee to be paid hereunder or in connection herewith is to be calculated on the basis of any period of time that is less than a calendar year, the yearly rate of interest to which the rate used in such calculation is equivalent is the rate so used multiplied by the actual number of days in the calendar year in which the same is to be ascertained and divided by 360, 365 or 366, as applicable. The rates of interest under this Agreement are nominal rates, and not effective rates or yields. The principle of deemed reinvestment of interest does not apply to any interest calculation under this Agreement. |
2.4.9 | If any provision of this Agreement would oblige any Borrower to make any payment of interest or other amount payable to the Lender in an amount or calculated at a rate which would be prohibited by Law or would result in a receipt by the Lender of “interest” at a “criminal rate” (as such terms are construed under the Criminal Code (Canada)), then, notwithstanding such provision, such amount or rate shall be deemed to have been adjusted with retroactive effect to the maximum amount or rate of interest, as the case may be, as would not be so prohibited by Law or so result in a receipt by the Lender of “interest” at a “criminal rate”, such adjustment to be effected, to the extent necessary (but only to the extent necessary), as follows: |
(a) | first, by reducing the amount or rate of interest required to be paid to the Lender under this Section 2.4; and |
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(b) | thereafter, by reducing any fees, commissions, premiums and other amounts required to be paid to the Lender which would constitute interest for purposes of Section 347 of the Criminal Code (Canada). |
2.4.10 | Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Loans will bear interest to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, after as well as before judgment, at a rate per annum equal to 2.0% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Loans. All other amounts owing under this Agreement will bear interest at an interest rate equal to the one month LIBOR rate plus 4.0% per annum. |
2.5 | Evidence of Debt |
2.5.1 | The Lender shall maintain accounts in which it shall record (a) the amount of each Loan made hereunder and the relevant Interest Periods applicable thereto, (b) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrowers to the Lender hereunder, and (c) the amount of any sum received by the Lender hereunder. |
2.5.2 | The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to Section 2.5.1 shall be prima facie evidence (absent manifest error) of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein; provided that the failure of the Lender to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrowers to repay the Loans and all other amounts payable in connection therewith, including interest and fees, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. |
2.6 | Termination and Reduction by Lender of Credit Commitment |
2.6.1 | The Lender may at any time after the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date, upon giving the Borrowers 90 days’ prior written notice, terminate its commitment with respect to the Credit Facility and the Borrowers must repay all amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility (including all interest and fees payable hereunder) on the termination date that is so elected by the Lender. |
2.6.2 | Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Lender shall have the right to terminate its commitment with respect to the Credit Facility upon giving the Borrowers 90 days’ prior written notice. If the Lender so terminates the Credit Facility, the Borrowers must repay all amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility (including all interest and fees payable hereunder) on the termination date that is so elected by the Lender. |
2.6.3 | Unless previously terminated, the commitment of the Lender with respect to the Credit Facility will terminate on the Maturity Date and each Borrower hereby unconditionally jointly and severally promises to pay to the Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Loan on the Maturity Date (or such earlier date that the Loans have been accelerated pursuant to the last paragraph of Section 7.1) together with all interest accrued thereon and other amounts outstanding under this Agreement. |
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2.7 | Mandatory Repayments of Excess Drawn Amounts |
If at any time the Lender determines that the Dollar Amount outstanding under the Credit Facility exceeds the Available Amount, then upon written notice from the Lender to such effect, the Borrowers will, within 24 hours, make a prepayment of the Credit Facility in an amount equal to such excess.
2.8 | Voluntary Prepayments and Cancellation |
The Borrowers may, from time to time at their option, prepay any Loan without premium or penalty or permanently reduce the Available Credit of the Credit Facility, provided that:
(a) | any prepayment or reduction is in a minimum amount of $100,000; |
(b) | the Borrowers pay concurrently with any such prepayment all interest accrued on the amount prepaid together with breakage costs, if any, incurred by the Lender as a result of any such prepayment and that are payable pursuant to Section 2.9; |
(c) | the Lender receives written notice of such prepayment, at least three Business Days prior to the date of such prepayment and specifying the amount and date of such prepayment. Any such notice shall be irrevocable and the Borrowers shall be bound to prepay in accordance with such notice; and |
(d) | in the event that the notice provided to the Lender in accordance with (c) above, indicates that the prepaid amount is to permanently prepay the Credit Facility pursuant to this Section 2.8, then the amount prepaid may not be re-borrowed thereunder (otherwise, the Borrowers will retain the right to re-borrow amounts prepaid in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement). |
2.9 | Breakage Costs |
If (a) any Borrower fails to borrow or continue any CDOR Loan or LIBOR Loan on the date specified in any Borrowing Request delivered pursuant hereto, or (b) any CDOR Loan or LIBOR Loan is paid for any reason on any day other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default or voluntary or mandatory prepayment), then the Borrowers will compensate the Lender for all loss, costs and expenses that the Lender incurs in connection with such event (including all loss, costs and expenses that the Lender incurs under its own credit facilities), as determined by the Lender. A certificate of the Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that the Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section 2.9 will be delivered to the Borrowers and will, absent manifest error, constitute prima facie evidence thereof. The Borrowers will pay the Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 30 days after receipt thereof.
2.10 | Alternate Rate of Interest |
If prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a CDOR Borrowing or LIBOR Borrowing:
(a) | the Lender determines that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining CDOR or LIBOR for such Interest Period; or |
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(b) | the Lender determines that CDOR or LIBOR for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to the Lender of making or maintaining CDOR Loans or LIBOR Loans included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period; |
then the Lender shall give notice thereof to the Borrowers as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until the Lender notifies the Borrowers that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (i) any Borrowing Request that requests the continuation of any Borrowing as an affected CDOR Borrowing or a LIBOR Borrowing (as applicable) shall be deemed to request conversion to a Canadian Prime Borrowing or U.S. Base Rate Borrowing (as applicable), and (ii) any Borrowing Request that requests an affected CDOR Borrowing or LIBOR Borrowing (as applicable) shall be made as a Canadian Prime Borrowing or U.S. Base Rate Borrowing (as applicable).
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if at any time the Lender determines that CDOR is no longer determinable or the supervisor for the administrator of CDOR or a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over banks or other financial institutions has made a public statement identifying a specific date after which CDOR shall no longer be used for determining interests rates for loans, then the Lender shall give written notice of such determination to the Borrowers and the Lender and the Borrowers shall endeavour to establish an alternate rate of interest to CDOR that gives due consideration to the then prevailing market convention for determining a replacement standard and shall enter into an amendment to this Agreement to reflect such agreed upon alternate rate of interest and such other related changes to this Agreement as may be applicable; provided that if any such alternate rate of interest shall be less than zero in respect of any Loan, such rate shall be deemed to be zero in respect of such Loan.
2.11 | LIBOR Discontinuation |
2.11.1 | Benchmark Replacement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred prior to the Reference Time in respect of any setting of the then-current Benchmark, then (i) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (a) or (b) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder 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 and (ii) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (c) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder in respect of any Benchmark setting at or after 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the tenth (10th) Business Day after the date on which notice of such Benchmark Replacement is provided to the Borrowers without any amendment to this Agreement, or further action or consent of the Borrowers, so long as the Lender has not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such Benchmark Replacement from any Borrower. |
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2.11.2 | Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes. In connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, the Lender will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, any amendments implementing such Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes will become effective in accordance with the definition of “Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes”. |
2.11.3 | Notices; Standards for Decisions and Determinations. The Lender will promptly notify the Borrowers of (i) any occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date, (ii) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, (iii) the effectiveness of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes, (iv) the removal or reinstatement of any tenor of a Benchmark pursuant to Section 2.11.4 below and (v) the commencement or conclusion of any Benchmark Unavailability Period. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by the Lender pursuant to this Section, as applicable, will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error and may be made in its sole discretion and without consent from any other party to this Agreement, except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section. |
2.11.4 | Unavailability of Tenor of Benchmark. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, at any time (including in connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement), (i) if the then-current Benchmark is a term rate (including Term SOFR or USD LIBOR) and either (A) any tenor for such Benchmark is not displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Lender 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 Lender 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 Lender may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for all Benchmark settings at or after such time to reinstate such previously removed tenor. |
2.11.5 | Benchmark Unavailability Period. Upon the Borrowers’ receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, a Borrower may revoke any request for a borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Dollar denominated LIBOR Loans to be made, converted or continued during any Benchmark Unavailability Period and, failing that, the Borrower will be deemed to have converted any such request into a request for a borrowing of or conversion to U.S. Base Rate Loans. 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 U.S. Base Rate based upon the then-current Benchmark or such tenor for such Benchmark, as applicable, will not be used in any determination of U.S. Base Rate. |
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2.12 | Increased Costs; Illegality |
2.12.1 | If any Change in Law shall: |
(a) | impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, additional capital, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, the Lender or any of its lenders; or |
(b) | impose on the Lender or any of its lenders or the London interbank market any other condition affecting any cost or charge directly or indirectly incurred by the Lender in connection with a Loan hereunder (including the imposition on the Lender or any of its lenders of, or any change to, any Tax or other charge with respect to its or their CDOR Loans or LIBOR Loans or participation therein, or its obligation to make CDOR Loans or LIBOR Loans); |
and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to the Lender of making, continuing, converting to or maintaining any Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan) or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by the Lender hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then the Borrowers will pay to the Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate the Lender for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.
2.12.2 | If the Lender determines that any Change in Law regarding capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the Lender’s rate of return with respect to the Loans made by the Lender to a level below that which the Lender would have achieved but for such Change in Law prior to the occurrence of such Change in Law, then from time to time the Borrowers will pay to the Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate the Lender for any such reduction suffered. |
2.12.3 | A certificate of the Lender setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate the Lender as specified in Sections 2.12.1 or 2.12.2 shall be delivered to the Borrowers, and any such certificate shall include a brief description of the Change in Law and a calculation of the amount or amounts necessary to compensate the Lender and shall, absent manifest error, be prima facie evidence of the amount of such compensation. The Borrowers shall pay the Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 30 days after receipt thereof. |
2.12.4 | Failure or delay on the part of the Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 2.12 shall not constitute a waiver of the Lender’s right to demand such compensation. |
2.12.5 | In the event that the Lender shall have determined (which determination shall be reasonably exercised and shall, absent manifest error, constitute prima facie evidence thereof) at any time that the making or continuance of any Type of Loan has become unlawful or materially restricted as a result of compliance by the Lender in good faith with any Applicable Law, then, in any such event, the Lender shall give prompt notice (by telephone and confirmed in writing) to the Borrowers of such determination. Upon the giving of the notice to the Borrowers referred to in this Section 2.12.5, the Borrowers’ right to request (by continuation or otherwise), and the Lender’s obligation to make, Loans of that Type shall be immediately suspended and if the affected Type of Loans are then outstanding, the Borrowers shall immediately, or if permitted by Applicable Law, no later than the date permitted thereby, upon at least one Business Day prior written notice to the Lender, convert each such affected Type of Loan into a Type of Loan that is not so affected. |
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2.13 | Payments Generally |
The Borrowers shall make each payment required to be made by them hereunder (whether of principal, interest or fees, amounts payable under any of Sections 2.9 or 2.12 or otherwise) prior to 12:00 p.m., Toronto time, on the date when due, in immediately available funds, without set-off or counterclaim except for any deductions or withholdings for any present or future Taxes or similar charges that the Borrower is required to make pursuant to Applicable Law. Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Lender, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. 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. The Borrowers shall make payments to the Lender in accordance with instructions provided by the Lender to the Borrowers.
2.14 | Addition of Borrowers |
Any Borrower may elect from time to time to designate another Subsidiary or a subsidiary of Brookfield Business Partners L.P. as a Borrower hereunder subject to delivering to the Lender a signed accession agreement in the form required by the Lender and from and after the date of such designation, such Person shall for all purposes be a “Borrower” hereunder.
2.15 | Withholding Tax. |
2.15.1 | Any and all payments required to be made by or on behalf of the Borrowers under this Agreement will be made free and clear of, and without deduction or withholding for, or on account of, any present or future Taxes or similar charges (collectively, the “Withholdings”) unless such Withholdings are required to be made under Applicable Law. If a Borrower is so required to deduct or withhold any Withholdings from any amount payable to the Lender: |
(a) | The applicable Borrower will remit the Withholdings to the appropriate taxation authority following its deduction or withholding prior to the date on which penalties attach thereto. |
(b) | Within 30 days after such Withholdings have been remitted, the applicable Borrower will deliver to the Lender evidence satisfactory to the Lender, acting reasonably, that the taxes or charges in respect of which such deduction or withholding was made have been remitted to the appropriate taxation authority. |
2.15.2 | If a payment made to the Lender under this Agreement by any Borrower would be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax imposed by FATCA if the Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the IRC, as applicable), the Lender shall deliver to such Borrower at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by such Borrower such documentation prescribed by Applicable Law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the IRC) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by such Borrower as may be necessary for it to comply with its obligations under FATCA and to determine that the Lender has complied with the Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this 2.15.2, “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement. |
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2.15.3 | The Borrowers will pay any and all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other taxes or arising from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with Applicable Law. |
Article 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Each Borrower represents and warrants to the Lender that:
3.1 | Organization; Powers |
It is organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all requisite power and authority and holds all requisite licences, permits, approvals and qualifications necessary to carry on its business as presently conducted, and is qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, every jurisdiction where such qualification is required, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.2 | Authorization; Enforceability |
This Agreement is within its corporate or partnership power and has been authorized by all necessary corporate and other action. This Agreement has been executed and delivered by it and constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of it, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganisation, moratorium or other Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.
3.3 | Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts |
This Agreement, except for matters that, individually or in the aggregate would not result in a Material Adverse Effect, (a) does not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, (b) does not violate any Applicable Law or its constating or organizational documents or any order of any Governmental Authority, (c) does not violate in any material way or result in a default under any indenture, agreement or other instrument binding upon it or any of its assets, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by it, and (d) does not result in the creation or imposition of any lien on any of its assets.
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3.4 | Financial Information |
3.4.1 | All financial statements delivered to the Lender pursuant to this Agreement in respect of a Borrower present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations and cash flows of such Borrower as of such dates and for such periods of such financial statements, in accordance with GAAP. |
3.4.2 | All written information (including that disclosed in all financial statements) pertaining to the Borrowers that has been made available to the Lender by any Borrower or any authorized representative of any Borrower, taken as a whole, was, when furnished, complete and correct in all material respects and did not, when furnished, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained therein not materially misleading in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made. |
3.5 | Litigation |
There are no actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to any Borrower’s actual knowledge, threatened against or affecting any Borrower, any of the Subsidiaries or any of their assets that would, if determined adversely, affect the legality or enforceability of this Agreement or have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.6 | Compliance with Laws and Agreements |
Except for any matters that, individually or in the aggregate, would not result in a Material Adverse Effect, the Borrowers and the Subsidiaries are in compliance with all Laws applicable to them or their property (including all labour laws) and all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon them or their property (including all labour contracts). Except for any matters that, individually or in the aggregate, would not result in a Material Adverse Effect, the Borrowers and the Subsidiaries have not violated or failed to obtain any Authorization necessary to the ownership of their property or assets or the conduct of their businesses.
3.7 | Taxes |
The Borrowers and the Subsidiaries have timely filed or caused to be filed all Tax returns and reports required to have been filed and have paid or caused to be paid all Taxes required to have been paid (including all instalments with respect to the current period) and have made adequate provision for Taxes for the current period, except Taxes which individually or in the aggregate would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.8 | Pension Plans |
All material obligations of the Borrowers and the Subsidiaries (including fiduciary, funding, investment and administration obligations) required to be performed in connection with their pension and benefit plans and the funding agreements therefor have been performed on a timely basis and there are no unfunded or undisclosed liabilities thereunder, except to the extent that the same individually or in aggregate would not result in a Material Adverse Effect.
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3.9 | No Order or Judgments |
There are no orders, judgments, award or decrees outstanding against any Borrower or any Subsidiary, or affecting their assets, that would have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.10 | Insurance |
Except for any matters which would individually or in aggregate not have a Material Adverse Effect, all policies of fire, liability, workers’ compensation, casualty, flood, business interruption, third party liability, and other forms of insurance owned or held by the Borrowers and the Subsidiaries provide insurance coverage in at least such amounts and against at least such risks (but including in any event public liability) in each case as are usually insured against in the same general area by companies engaged in the same or a similar business for the assets and operations of the Borrowers and the Subsidiaries (as applicable).
3.11 | Solvency |
No Borrower is an “insolvent person” within the meaning of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) or the United States Bankruptcy Code.
3.12 | Environmental Matters |
Neither the property of the Borrowers and the Subsidiaries, nor the operations conducted thereon violate any applicable order of any Governmental Authority made pursuant to Environmental Laws, where such violation would result in remedial obligations having a Material Adverse Effect.
3.13 | Money Laundering Laws |
The operations of the Borrowers are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the U.S. Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (Canada) and the other applicable money laundering Laws to which they are subject, including the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”) and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body involving any of them with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending, except as disclosed in writing to the Lender or as would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.14 | Office of Foreign Assets Control |
None of the Borrowers and none of their respective directors, officers, Subsidiaries, or, to their knowledge, employees is (a) a person included in the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons Lists (the “OFAC Lists”), as published from time to time by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department (“OFAC”), or (b) currently subject to any U.S. economic sanctions administered by OFAC.
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3.15 | Survival of Representations and Warranties |
The representations and warranties set out in this Article 3 and in any certificate, notice, delivered pursuant to this Agreement will survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement notwithstanding any investigation or examination that may be made by the Lender.
3.16 | Deemed Repetition |
The representations and warranties of the Borrowers contained in this Article 3 will be deemed to be repeated on the date of the delivery of each Borrowing Request and each continuation of a Borrowing as if made on each such date, unless such representations and warranties expressly refer to a different date.
Article 4
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT to loans
4.1 | Effective Date |
The obligations of the Lender to make Loans hereunder shall not become effective until the date on which the Lender confirms to each Borrower that is a party to this agreement on the date hereof that each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived by the Lender in accordance with Section 9.2):
4.1.1 | Credit Agreement. The Lender shall have received from such Borrower a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of such Borrower. |
4.1.2 | Other Documentation. The Lender shall have received such other documents and instruments as are both customary for transactions of this type and as it may reasonably request. |
4.2 | Each Borrowing |
The obligation of the Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing (including on the occasion of the initial Borrowings hereunder), is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions: it being understood that the conditions are included for the exclusive benefit of the Lender and may be waived in writing in whole or in part by the Lender at any time:
(a) | the representations and warranties of the Borrowers set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct on and as of the date of each such Borrowing, as if made on such date unless such representations and warranties expressly refer to a different date; |
(b) | at the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and |
(c) | the Lender shall have received a Borrowing Request in the manner and within the time period required by Section 2.3. |
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Article 5
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
From (and including) the Effective Date until the expiry or termination of the Credit Facility and the payment in full of all Obligations owing hereunder, the Borrowers covenant and agree with the Lender that:
5.1 | Financial Statements and Other Information |
The Borrowers will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Lender:
5.1.1 | at the request of the Lender, the most recently prepared unaudited financial statements of any Borrower; |
5.1.2 | forthwith after a Responsible Officer of a Borrower learns of the existence of a Default or Event of Default, the certificate of such Borrower, signed by a Responsible Officer, specifying the event which constitutes a Default or Event of Default and the steps being taken to cure such Default or Event of Default; |
5.1.3 | forthwith after a Responsible Officer of a Borrower learns that any representation or warranty is inaccurate in any material respect when made or deemed to have been made, notice thereof; |
5.1.4 | forthwith upon receipt thereof, notice to the Lender of any action, suit or proceeding affecting any Borrower or any Subsidiary that would, if determined adversely, have a Material Adverse Effect and will, from time to time, furnish the Lender with such information reasonably required by the Lender with respect to the status of any such action, suit or proceeding; and |
5.1.5 | such other information as the Lender may from time to time reasonably request. |
5.2 | Existence; Conduct of Business |
Each Borrower will maintain its existence in good standing and conduct its businesses in a prudent manner.
5.3 | Timely Payment |
The Borrowers will make due and timely payment, as provided for herein, of the principal of all Loans, all interest thereon and all fees and other amounts required to be paid hereunder.
5.4 | Books and Records |
The Borrowers will at all times keep true and complete financial books and records and accounts in accordance with, to the extent applicable, GAAP.
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5.5 | Compliance with Laws |
The Borrowers will, and will cause the Subsidiaries to, comply with all Laws applicable to them or their property, except where the occurrence of such non-compliance, individually or in the aggregate, would not result in a Material Adverse Effect. The Borrowers will not directly or indirectly (a) lend or contribute by way of equity the proceeds of the Loans to any Person on the OFAC Lists at the time of such loan or contribution or any Person that is known to the Borrowers as being owned or controlled by a Person on the OFAC Lists at such time, or (b) knowingly use or otherwise knowingly make available the proceeds of the Loans to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person in violation of any of the U.S. economic sanctions administered by OFAC.
5.6 | Insurance |
The Borrowers will, and will cause the Subsidiaries to, maintain or cause to be maintained, with financially sound and reputable insurers, insurance with respect to their respective properties and business against such liabilities, casualties, risks and contingencies and in such types (including business interruption insurance and, to the extent available at commercially reasonable rates, flood insurance) and amounts as is customary in the case of Persons engaged in the same or similar businesses, except where the occurrence of such non-compliance, individually or in the aggregate, would not result in a Material Adverse Effect.
5.7 | Operation of Business |
The Borrowers will, and will cause the Subsidiaries to, maintain all necessary licences, approvals and permits and manage and operate their businesses in compliance in all material respects with all Applicable Laws, except where a failure to so maintain, manage and operate would not result in a Material Adverse Effect.
5.8 | Maintenance of Assets |
The Borrowers will cause their properties and the properties of the Subsidiaries, to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment and will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in their judgment may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided, however, that nothing will prevent or restrict the sale, abandonment or other disposition of any of such properties or any failure to take any of the foregoing actions where such action or failure would not result in a Material Adverse Effect.
5.9 | Payment of Taxes |
The Borrowers will, and will cause the Subsidiaries to, on or before the date for payment thereof, pay all Taxes imposed upon them or upon their assets, the non-payment of which would result in a Material Adverse Effect, except any such Tax that is being contested in good faith and by proper proceedings and as to which appropriate reserves are maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
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5.10 | Use of Proceeds |
The Borrowers will use the proceeds of all Borrowings obtained under the Credit Facility only for the purposes set out in Section 2.1.2 of this Agreement.
Article 6
NEGATIVE COVENANTS
From (and including) the Effective Date until the termination or expiry of the Credit Facility and the payment in full of all Obligations owing hereunder, the Borrowers covenant and agree with the Lender that:
6.1 | Fundamental Changes |
None of the Borrowers (in each case, a “Predecessor”) will enter into any transaction whereby all or substantially all of its assets would become the property of any other Person (a “Successor”) whether by way of reorganization, reconstruction, consolidation, amalgamation, merger, transfer, sale or otherwise, unless:
(a) | no Default or Event of Default will have occurred and remain outstanding and such transaction will not result in the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default; and |
(b) | prior to or contemporaneously with the consummation of such transaction the Predecessor and/or the Successor have executed such instruments and delivered such legal opinions as the Lender reasonably requests in forms acceptable to the Lender acting reasonably, and done such things as are necessary or advisable to establish that upon the consummation of such transaction; |
(i) | the Successor will have assumed all the covenants and obligations of the Predecessor under this Agreement; and |
(ii) | this Agreement will be a valid and binding obligation of the Successor entitling the Lender, as against the Successor, to exercise all its rights under its Agreement; |
(whereupon such Successor will become a Borrower hereunder, entitled to exercise every right and power of the Predecessor hereunder with the same effect as if such Successor had been named as a Borrower hereunder, whereupon the Predecessor will be released from all of its covenants and the Obligations).
The foregoing will not apply to any transfer of any assets by any Borrower to any other Borrower or any Subsidiary.
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Article 7
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
7.1 | Events of Default |
If any of the following events (“Events of Default”) occurs:
(a) | the Borrowers fail to pay the Obligations (or any part thereof) on the Maturity Date; |
(b) | the Borrowers fail to pay other amount owing hereunder when due and such failure continues unremedied for a period of five Business Days after written notice thereof from the Lender; |
(c) | any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of any Borrower hereunder will prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed to be made and if such incorrect representation or warranty is not remedied within 15 Business Days after notice thereof from the Lender to the Borrowers; |
(d) | any Borrower fails to observe or perform any other covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement and such failure continues unremedied for a period of 20 Business Days after written notice thereof from the Lender; |
(e) | any Borrower: |
(i) | becomes insolvent, or generally does not or becomes unable to pay its debts or meet its liabilities as the same become due, or admits in writing its inability to pay its debts generally, or declares any general moratorium on its indebtedness, or proposes a compromise or arrangement between it and any class of its creditors; |
(ii) | commits an act of bankruptcy under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada), the United States Bankruptcy Code or under analogous foreign law, or makes an assignment of its property for the general benefit of its creditors under such Act or under analogous foreign law, or makes a proposal (or files a notice of its intention to do so) under such Act or under analogous foreign law; |
(iii) | institutes any proceeding seeking to adjudicate it an insolvent, or seeking liquidation, dissolution, winding-up, reorganization, compromise, arrangement, adjustment, protection, moratorium, relief, stay of proceedings of creditors generally (or any class of creditors), or composition of it or its debts or any other relief, under any federal, provincial or foreign Law in effect on the Effective Date or thereafter arising relating to bankruptcy, winding-up, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, plans of arrangement or relief or protection of debtors (including the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada), the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada), the United States Bankruptcy Code and any applicable corporations legislation) or at common law or in equity, or files an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding; |
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(iv) | applies for the appointment of, or the taking of possession by, a receiver, interim receiver, receiver/manager, sequestrator, conservator, custodian, administrator, trustee, liquidator or other similar official for it or any substantial part of its property; or |
(v) | threatens to do any of the foregoing, or takes any action, corporate or otherwise, to approve, effect, consent to or authorize any of the actions described in this Section 7.1(e) or in Section 7.1(f), or otherwise acts in furtherance thereof or fails to act in a timely and appropriate manner in defence thereof; |
(f) | any petition, proposal or notice of intention to file a proposal is filed, application made or other proceeding instituted against or in respect of any Borrower: |
(i) | seeking to adjudicate it an insolvent; |
(ii) | seeking a receiving order against it under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada), the United States Bankruptcy Code or under analogous foreign law; |
(iii) | seeking liquidation, dissolution, winding-up, reorganization, compromise, arrangement, adjustment, protection, moratorium, relief, stay of proceedings of creditors generally (or any class of creditors), or composition of it or its debts or any other relief under any federal, provincial or foreign Law in effect on the Effective Date or thereafter arising relating to bankruptcy, winding-up, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, plans of arrangement or relief or protection of debtors (including the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada), the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada), the United States Bankruptcy Code and any applicable corporations legislation) or at common law or in equity; or |
(iv) | seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of, or the taking of possession by, a receiver, interim receiver, receiver/manager, sequestrator, conservator, custodian, administrator, trustee, liquidator or other similar official for it or any substantial part of its property; |
and such petition, application or proceeding continues undismissed, or unstayed and in effect, for a period of 60 days after the institution thereof; provided that if an order, decree or judgment is granted or entered (whether or not entered or subject to appeal) against the applicable Borrower thereunder in the interim, such grace period will cease to apply, and provided further that if such Borrower files an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, such grace period will cease to apply;
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(g) | any other event occurs which, under the Laws of any applicable jurisdiction, has an effect equivalent to any of the events referred to in either of Sections 7.1(e) or (f) and, if the event is equivalent to the event referred to in (f) (subject to the same provisos), the 60 day grace period will apply as set out in (f); |
(h) | any one or more judgments for the payment of borrowed money in an aggregate amount in excess of the Specified Threshold Amount is rendered against any Borrower and such Borrower has not (i) provided for the discharge of such judgment in accordance with its terms within 30 days from the date of entry thereof, or (ii) procured a stay of execution thereof within 30 days from the date of entry thereof and within such period, or such longer period during which execution of such judgment continues to be stayed, appealed such judgment and caused the execution thereof to be stayed during such appeal; provided that if enforcement and/or realization proceedings or similar process are lawfully commenced in respect thereof in the interim, such grace period will cease to apply; |
(i) | any property of any Borrower having a fair market value in excess of the Specified Threshold Amount is seized (including by way of execution, attachment, garnishment, levy or distraint) or any lien thereon securing indebtedness is enforced against such property, or such property has become subject to any charging order or equitable execution of a Governmental Authority, or any writ of execution or distress warrant exists in respect of such property, or any sheriff or other Person becomes lawfully entitled by operation of law or otherwise to seize or distrain upon such property, and in any case such seizure, enforcement, execution, attachment, garnishment, distraint, charging order or equitable execution or other seizure or right, continues in effect and is not released or discharged for more than 30 days or such longer period during which entitlement to the use of such property continues with the affected Borrower and the affected Borrower is contesting the same in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, provided that if the property is removed form the use of the affected Borrower or is sold in the interim, such grace period shall cease to apply; |
(j) | any Borrower shall fail to pay any principal or premium or interest in respect of any indebtedness for borrowed money in an aggregate amount exceeding the Specified Threshold Amount when the same becomes due and payable (whether at scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise), and such failure shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in the agreement or instrument relating to such indebtedness for borrowed money; or |
(k) | this Agreement, at any time for any reason, terminates or ceases to be in full force and effect and a legally valid, binding and enforceable obligation of the Borrowers is declared to be void or voidable or is repudiated, or the validity, binding effect, legality or enforceability hereof or thereof is at any time contested by any Borrower, or any Borrower denies that it has any or any further liability or obligation hereunder or thereunder, or any action or proceeding is commenced to enjoin or restrain the performance or observance by the Borrowers of any material terms hereof or thereof or to question the validity or enforceability hereof or thereof, |
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then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to a Borrower described in clause (e), (f) or (g) above), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event or any other such event, the Lender may, by notice to the Borrowers, take either or both of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate the availability of the Credit Facility, and thereupon the Credit Facility will terminate immediately, and (ii) declare all Loans and Obligations then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), and thereupon the principal of all Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other Obligations of the Borrowers accrued hereunder, will become due and payable immediately, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind except as set forth earlier in this paragraph, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers.
7.2 | Legal Proceedings |
If any Event of Default occurs, the Lender may, in its discretion, exercise any right or recourse and/or proceed by any action, suit, remedy or proceeding against the Borrowers authorized or permitted by law for the recovery of all the indebtedness and liabilities of the Borrowers to the Lender and proceed to exercise any and all rights and remedies hereunder, and no such remedy for the enforcement of the rights of the Lender will be exclusive of or dependent on any other remedy but any one or more of such remedies may from time to time be exercised independently or in combination.
7.3 | Non-Merger |
The taking of a judgment or judgments or any other action or dealing whatsoever by the Lender in respect of this Agreement will not operate as a merger of any indebtedness of any Borrower to the Lender or in any way suspend payment or affect or prejudice the rights, remedies and powers, legal or equitable, which the Lender may have in connection with such liabilities and the surrender, cancellation or any other dealings with any security for such liabilities will not release or affect the liability of any Borrower hereunder.
Article 8
subordination and Deposits
8.1 | Subordination |
The Lender hereby agrees as follows:
(a) | the payment of the Obligations is subordinated and, subject to the right of payment to the extent and in the manner set forth in paragraph (b) below, postponed to the repayment in full of all other indebtedness of the Borrowers (or any of them) and all liabilities and obligations of the Borrowers (or any of them) to any holder of such indebtedness of any kind, now or hereafter existing, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, joint or several, whether as principal or surety and whether under a credit agreement, promissory note, guarantee or otherwise (collectively, the “Senior Debt”), as such Senior Debt may be modified renewed, extended, increased or modified in any way from time to time and including all principal, interest, fees, expenses and other amounts owing from time to time in respect of such Senior Debt; |
35 |
(b) | the Lender may not receive any payment in respect of any Obligations unless, at the time of such payment, all amounts then due and owing under or in respect of the Senior Debt have been paid in full and no default exists in respect of the Senior Debt or any document evidencing, securing or relating to the Senior Debt; |
(c) | the Lender shall not accept any mortgage, pledge, hypothec or other charge, lien or encumbrance on any property, asset or undertaking of any Borrower in respect of the Obligations; |
(d) | the Lender shall not initiate or prosecute any claim, action or other proceeding challenging the enforceability of any Senior Debt or object to any borrowing under any Senior Debt; |
(e) | the Lender agrees, at the request of any holder of Senior Debt, to execute and deliver to such holder a confirmation of the subordination provided for herein in the form attached as Exhibit C, but without prejudice to the rights of any holder of Senior Debt that does not request or receive such a confirmation; and |
(f) | the Borrowers are not restricted from incurring indebtedness or charging their property and undertaking to secure any indebtedness or other obligations. |
8.2 | Deposits |
Until the Maturity Date, the Lender or its nominee may from time to time request to place amounts on deposit with a Borrower or its nominee. If a Borrower or its nominee agrees to accept such a deposit, then the parties agree that the terms set out in Exhibit B will govern such deposit and the parties to such arrangement will execute a form of Deposit Record substantially in the form of Exhibit B.
Article 9
MISCELLANEOUS
9.1 | Notices |
Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone, all notices and other communications provided for herein will be in writing and will be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by email in each case to the addressee, as follows:
9.1.1 | if to the Borrowers: |
Brookfield Place
181 Bay Street, Suite 300
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3
Attention: Viththiya
Thayaparan, Senior Analyst
Email: viththiya.thayaparan@brookfield.com
Attention: Harrison Domagala, Analyst
Email: harrison.domagala@brookfield.com
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9.1.2 | if to the Lender: |
Brookfield Place
181 Bay Street, Suite 300
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3
Attention: Viththiya
Thayaparan, Senior Analyst
Email: viththiya.thayaparan@brookfield.com
Attention: Harrison Domagala, Analyst
Email: harrison.domagala@brookfield.com
Any party hereto may change its address or facsimile number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. All notices and other communications given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement will be deemed to have been given on the date of receipt.
9.2 | Waivers |
No failure or delay by the Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder will operate as a waiver thereof, nor will 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 Lender hereunder are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that it would otherwise have. Any waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by the Borrowers therefrom will be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of any Loan will not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Lender may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.
9.3 | Expenses; Indemnity |
9.3.1 | The Borrowers will pay all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Lender, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of external counsel for the Lender in connection with the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby will be consummated), the management and administration of Loans and this Agreement (whether or not any Borrowings are made hereunder), any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions of this Agreement, and the collection, enforcement or protection of the Lender’s rights in connection with this Agreement, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of the Credit Facility and the Loans. |
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9.3.2 | Each Borrower will indemnify the Lender, its directors, officers and employees (each such Person including the directors, officers and employees herein referred to as an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, cost recovery actions, damages, expenses and liabilities of whatsoever nature or kind asserted by third parties, and all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses to which any Indemnitee may become subject arising out of or in connection with (a) the execution or delivery by the Lender of this Agreement or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the performance by the Lender of its obligations hereunder and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder, (b) any Loan or any actual or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom, (c) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto, (d) any other aspect of this Agreement, and (e) the enforcement of any Indemnitee’s rights hereunder and any related investigation, defence, preparation of defence, litigation and enquiries; provided that such indemnity will not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and non-appealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence, wilful misconduct or wilful material breach of this Agreement by such Indemnitee. |
9.4 | Currency Indemnity |
If, for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court in any jurisdiction with respect to this Agreement, it becomes necessary to convert into the currency of such jurisdiction (the “Judgment Currency”) any amount due under this Agreement in any currency other than the Judgment Currency (the “Currency Due”), then conversion shall be made at the rate of exchange prevailing on the Business Day before the day on which judgment is given. For this purpose “rate of exchange” means the rate at which the Lender is able, on the relevant date, to purchase the Currency Due with the Judgment Currency in accordance with its normal practice. In the event that there is a change in the rate of exchange prevailing between the Business Day before the day on which the judgment is given and the date of receipt by the Lender of the amount due, the Borrowers will, on the date of receipt by the Lender, pay such additional amounts, if any, or be entitled to receive reimbursement of such amount, if any, as may be necessary to ensure that the amount received by the Lender on such date is the amount in the Judgment Currency which when converted at the rate of exchange prevailing on the date of receipt by the Lender is the amount then due under this Agreement in the Currency Due. If the amount of the Currency Due which the Lender is so able to purchase is less than the amount of the Currency Due originally due to it, the Borrowers shall indemnify and save the Lender harmless from and against all loss or damage arising as a result of such deficiency. This indemnity shall constitute an obligation separate and independent from the other obligations contained in this Agreement, shall give rise to a separate and independent cause of action, shall apply irrespective of any indulgence granted by the Lender from time to time and shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding any judgment or order for a liquidated sum in respect of an amount due under this Agreement or under any judgment or order.
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9.5 | Successors and Assigns and Additions of Lenders |
9.5.1 | The provisions of this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that no Borrower may, without the prior written consent of the Lender, assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder to any Person other than a Successor pursuant to a transaction that is completed in compliance with Section 6.1. |
9.5.2 | The Lender may assign to one or more assignees all or any portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement at any time upon giving the Borrowers written notice thereof. |
9.5.3 | Any Lender may at any time and from time to time add any Person as a Lender hereunder by delivering written notice of such designation to the Borrowers. From and after the delivery of any such written notice by any Lender, each Person that is so designated as a Lender hereunder will be entitled to all rights and benefits of this Agreement and be jointly and severally liable with each other Lender hereunder for the obligations of the Lenders hereunder. The Lenders may designate and appoint one or more of the Lenders or any other Person as their agents under this Agreement for the purposes of receiving all notices and requests to be issued, giving all consents and approvals and receiving all payments to be made to the Lenders hereunder and the Borrowers will be entitled to rely on any such designation and appointment and will be deemed to have discharged their obligations hereunder if such notices and requests are delivered, consents and approvals are obtained and payments are made in accordance with such designations and appointments. |
9.6 | Survival |
All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Borrowers herein will be considered to have been relied upon by the Lender and will survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the making of any Loans, and all such covenants and agreements will 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 is outstanding and unpaid and so long as the Credit Facility has not expired or been terminated other than these amounts claimed or capable of being claimed under sections of this Agreement which by the terms of this Agreement, survive termination of this Agreement. Sections 2.9, 9.3 and 9.6 will survive and remain in full force and effect, regardless of the repayment of the Obligations or the expiration or termination of the Credit Facility or this Agreement or any provision hereof.
9.7 | Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness |
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which will constitute an original, but all of which when taken together will constitute a single contract. This Agreement and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Lender, 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. This Agreement will become effective when it will have been executed by the Lender and when the Lender will have received the counterpart hereof which, when taken together, bears the Borrowers’ signatures, and thereafter will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Delivery of an executed original counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile will be as effective as delivery of a manually executed original counterpart of this Agreement.
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9.8 | Electronic Signatures |
The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in this Agreement shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or electronic records (including without limitation those generated by Docu-Sign and similar programs), each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any Applicable Law.
9.9 | Severability |
Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction will, 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 hereof, and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction will not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.
9.10 | Right of Set Off |
If an Event of Default will have occurred and be continuing, the Lender 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) at any time held and other obligations at any time owing by the Lender to or for the credit or the account of any Borrower against any of and all of the obligations of the Borrowers under this Agreement held by the Lender, irrespective of whether or not the Lender will have made any demand under this Agreement and although such obligations may be unmatured. The rights of the Lender under this section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of set off) which the Lender may have.
9.11 | Governing Law; Jurisdiction |
This Agreement will be construed in accordance with and governed by the Laws of the Province of Ontario. Each of the Borrowers hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of the Province of Ontario.
9.12 | Waiver of Jury Trial |
Each party hereto waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, any right it may have to trial by jury in any legal proceeding directly or indirectly arising out of or relating to this Agreement.
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9.13 | 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 will not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.
9.14 | Limited Recourse |
Recourse under this Agreement against each Borrower will be limited to the property and assets of such Borrower, and this Agreement will not be personally binding upon, and resort will not be had to, nor will recourse or satisfaction be sought from the private property of, any of the limited partners, unitholders or securityholders of such Borrower (unless such Person is also a Borrower hereunder).
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
BROOKFIELD BBP CANADA HOLDINGS INC., as Borrower | |||
Per: | “A.J. Silber” | ||
Name: | A.J. Silber | ||
Title: | Senior Vice President |
BBUC HOLDINGS INC., as Lender
| |||
Per: | “A.J. Silber” | ||
Name: |
A.J. Silber | ||
Title: | Director |
[Signature Page- Subordinated Credit Agreement]
Exhibit A
FORM OF BORROWING REQUEST
Date:■
The undersigned, Brookfield BBP Canada Holdings Inc. (a “Borrower”), refers to the Credit Agreement dated as of ■, 2022, between the undersigned, as Borrower, and BBUC Holdings Inc., as Lender (the “Credit Agreement”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein will have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.
The Borrowers hereby gives you notice pursuant to Section 2.3 of the Credit Agreement that it requests a Borrowing under the Credit Agreement as follows:
(A) | Amount and Interest Period: a ■ Loan in the amount of $■ and with an Interest Period of ■ months. |
(B) | Date of Borrowing:■ |
(C) | Account of the Borrower to which the funds are to be disbursed:■ |
(D) | The undersigned confirms having read the provisions of the Credit Agreement which are relevant to the furnishing of this Borrowing Request. The undersigned confirms that the Borrowers have complied with all conditions precedent for the requested Borrowing. |
The Borrower hereby certifies that the representations and warranties of the Borrowers set forth in the Credit Agreement are true and correct on and as of the date hereof as if made as of the date hereof, and that no Default or Event of Default exists.
BROOKFIELD BBP CANADA HOLDINGS INC. | |||
Per: | |||
Name: | |||
Title: |
Exhibit B
FORM OF DEPOSIT RECORD
■, 201■ | Toronto |
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, ■ (“Depositee”), having its principal office at ■, promises to pay on demand to the order of ■ (“Depositor”), having its principal office at ■, the Principal Amounts (as defined below) as the Depositor may from time to time advance to the Depositee, together with interest from the date hereof at the Applicable Interest Rate (as defined below), calculated and compounded monthly, both before and after maturity, default and judgment and until actual payment, with interest on overdue interest at the same rate.
WHEREAS, the Depositor may make deposits with the Depositee from time to time (each a “Deposit”);
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
WHEN USED HEREIN, the following capitalized terms will have the following meanings:
“Applicable Interest Rate” will mean a rate of [one month LIBOR [+ ■%] per annum/■% per annum], noting that such rate may be revised so as to reflect market terms prior to any deposit being made, based on the deposit rates of at least two commercial banks.
“Business Day” means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City or Toronto, Canada are authorized or required by law to close.
“Deposit Date” will be the date of each advance under this Note.
“Default Rate” will be the Applicable Interest Rate plus five percent (5%) per annum.
“Deposits” mean, collectively, all Deposits advanced by the Depositor to the Depositee from time to time.
“Events of Default” means the occurrence of any of the following, each of which will constitute an Event of Default under this Note:
(i) | Failure to make any payment of interest or principal on this Note when due, or failure to pay the principal balance of this Note on demand; or |
B-2 |
(ii) | Failure to pay any other amount payable pursuant to this Note when due and payable in accordance with the provisions hereof, with such failure continuing for ten (10) Business Days after Depositor delivers written notice thereof to Depositee; or |
(iii) | Any default in the performance of the obligations pursuant to Section 3; or |
(iv) | Any insolvency or bankruptcy of the Depositee. |
“Governmental Authority” will mean any nation or government, any federal, state, provincial, local or other political subdivision thereof and any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government.
“Material Adverse Effect” will mean any event or condition that has a material adverse effect on the ability of Depositee to repay the principal and interest of the Obligations as they become due.
“Note” means this deposit record and “Notes” means collectively, all such deposit records evidencing Deposits advanced by the Depositor to the Depositee from time to time.
“Obligations” will mean all obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of every nature of Depositee from time to time owing to Depositor under or in connection with this Note and the Deposits (including all Principal Amounts and all interest accrued thereon).
“Payment Dates” will be ■ and ■ in each calendar year, commencing on ■.
“Person” will mean an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an association, a trust, a limited liability company or any other entity or organization, including a government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof.
“Principal Amount” will mean, with respect to any Deposit, the principal amount of such Deposit.
“Requirements of Law” will mean, as to any Person, the charter and by-laws or other organizational or governing documents of such Person, and any law, rule or regulation, or determination of an arbitrator or a court or other Governmental Authority, 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.
1. | The Obligations will be due and payable in lawful money of Canada as follows: |
(a) | On each Payment Date until this Note is paid in full on demand, Depositee will pay to Depositor all interest then accrued on each Principal Amount at the Applicable Interest Rate. Depositee may request, and Depositor may, in its sole discretion, agree that any interest payable by Depositee under this Note will continue to accrue until such date as Depositor may agree to. |
[Signature Page- Subordinated Credit Agreement]
B-3 |
(b) | On demand, but in any event, no later than ■, Depositee will pay to Depositor the Obligations then outstanding. |
(c) | Amounts due on this Note will be payable, without any counterclaim, setoff or deduction whatsoever except for any withholding taxes that the Depositee is required to withhold at law, at the office of Depositor or its agent or designee at the address set forth in the first paragraph of this Note or at such other place as Depositor or its agent or designee may from time to time designate in writing. |
(d) | The Depositee acknowledges that the actual recording of amounts advanced and amounts paid on the attached grid schedule shall, in the absence of manifest error, be prima facie evidence of the same; provided that the failure of the Depositor to record the same on the grid schedule shall not affect the obligation of the undersigned to pay or repay the amounts advanced by the Depositor, together with interest thereon at the Applicable Interest Rate. |
2. | In order to induce Depositor to make the Deposits, Depositee makes the following representations and warranties as of each Deposit Date, each of which will survive the effectiveness of this Note, the execution and delivery hereof and the making of the Deposits: |
(a) | Depositee is (i) duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation, (ii) is duly authorized and qualified to do business and is in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction except where the failure to be so qualified and in good standing would not result in a Material Adverse Effect, and (iii) has all powers and all material governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals required to carry on its business as now conducted or as it is presently proposed to be conducted except where the failure to have the same would not result in a Material Adverse Effect. |
(b) | Depositee has the power and authority to execute, deliver and carry out the terms and provisions of this Note and has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution and delivery on behalf of Depositee and the performance by Depositee hereof. Depositee has duly executed and delivered this Note and this Note constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Depositee, enforceable in accordance with its terms. |
(c) | Neither the execution, delivery or performance by the Depositee of this Note, nor compliance by the Depositee with the terms and provisions hereof, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, (i) will contravene any applicable provision of any material law, statute, rule, regulation, order, writ, injunction or decree of any court or governmental instrumentality that is binding on the Depositee or its property, or (ii) will conflict, in any material respect, with or result in any breach of, any of the terms, covenants, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a material default under, or result in the creation or imposition of (or the obligation to create or impose) any agreement to which the Depositee is a party or by which it or any of its assets is bound. |
[Signature Page- Subordinated Credit Agreement]
B-4 |
3. | Depositee covenants and agrees that so long as the Deposits are outstanding and until payment in full of all of the Obligations, unless Depositor will otherwise give prior written consent: |
(a) | Depositee will at all times maintain its existence and preserve and keep in full force and effect its rights and franchises material to its businesses, except where the loss or termination of such rights and franchises would not have a Material Adverse Effect; |
(b) | Depositee will remain qualified to do business and maintain its good standing in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business and the ownership of its property requires it to be so qualified and in good standing, except where noncompliance would not have a Material Adverse Effect; and |
(c) | Depositee will comply with all Requirements of Law, except where noncompliance would not have a Material Adverse Effect. |
4. | Depositee may prepay the Principal Amount of any Deposit in full or in part at any time [together with all interest accrued on such prepaid amount]. |
5. | If the Depositee defaults in the payment of any payment that is due on any Payment Date (or such later date as the Depositor has agreed pursuant to section 1(a) that such installment is due), then the Depositee will pay to Depositor a late payment charge in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the amount of the installment not paid as aforesaid. Said late charge payments, if payable, will be payable without notice or demand by the Depositor, and are independent of and have no effect upon the rights of the Depositor under paragraph 1 above. |
6. | This Note will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario. |
7. | The Depositee will execute and acknowledge (or cause to be executed and acknowledged) and deliver to the Depositor all documents, and take all actions, reasonably required by the Depositor from time to time to confirm the rights created or now or hereafter intended to be created under this Note, to protect and further the validity and enforceability of this Note, or otherwise carry out the purposes of the Note and the transactions contemplated hereunder; provided, however, that no such further actions, assurances and confirmations will increase the Depositee’s obligations under this Note. |
8. | No modification, amendment, extension, discharge, termination or waiver (a “Modification”) of any provision of this Note, nor consent to any departure by the Depositee therefrom, will in any event be effective unless the same will be in a writing signed by the Depositor, and then such waiver or consent will be effective only in the specific instance, and for the purpose, for which given. Except as otherwise expressly agreed to by the Depositor in writing, no Modification will entitle the Depositee to any other or future Modification, whether in the same, similar or other circumstances. The Depositor does not hereby agree to, nor does the Depositor hereby commit itself to, enter into any Modification. |
[Signature Page- Subordinated Credit Agreement]
B-5 |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Depositee has caused this Note to be executed and delivered as of the day and year first above written.
■ | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page- Subordinated Credit Agreement]
B-6 |
Currency: ________________
DATE | LOAN NUMBER | ADVANCES | PRINCIPAL PAYMENTS | UNPAID BALANCE | NOTATION MADE BY | |||||
1 | ||||||||||
[Signature Page- Subordinated Credit Agreement]
Exhibit C
FORM OF CONFIRMATION OF SUBORDINATION
TO: | ■ and its successors and assigns (the “Senior Lender”) |
RE: | Credit agreement dated as of ■ between ■ (the “Borrower”) and the Senior Lender, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time (the “Senior Credit Agreement”) |
AND RE: | Credit Agreement dated as of ■, 2022 between Brookfield BBP Canada Holdings Inc.., as borrower, and BBUC Holdings Inc, as lender (the “Subordinate Lender”), as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time (the “Subordinate Credit Agreement”) |
Pursuant to section 8.1 of the Subordinate Credit Agreement, the undersigned confirms in favour of the Senior Lender that (i) all indebtedness, liabilities and obligations of the Borrower owing from time to time under or pursuant to the Senior Credit Agreement constitutes “Senior Debt” for all purposes of the Subordinate Credit Agreement, and (ii) the Senior Lender is entitled to all the rights and benefits of section 8.1 of the Subordinate Credit Agreement in respect of the Senior Debt owing to it from time to time.
All terms that are capitalized but not defined herein have the meanings attributed to such terms in the Subordinate Credit Agreement.
This confirmation is binding upon the undersigned and its successors and assigns, and enures to the benefit of the Senior Lender and its respective successors and assigns.
DATED this day of ■.
BBUC HOLDINGS INC. | ||
Per: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
Per: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Exhibit 99.6
SUBORDINATE CREDIT AGREEMENT
between
BBUC HOLDINGS INC.
as Borrower
and
BROOKFIELD BBP CANADA HOLDINGS INC.
as Lender
Effective as of March 15, 2022
Table of Contents
Page | ||
Article 1 DEFINITIONS | 1 | |
1.1 | Defined Terms | 1 |
1.2 | Terms Generally | 14 |
1.3 | Accounting Terms; GAAP | 14 |
1.4 | Time | 14 |
1.5 | Borrowers Jointly and Severally Liable | 14 |
1.6 | Borrowers Bound by Delivered Certificates and Notices | 15 |
1.7 | Currency Equivalents | 15 |
1.8 | Amount of Credit | 15 |
1.9 | Divisions | 15 |
1.10 | Exhibits | 16 |
Article 2 THE CREDIT facility | 16 | |
2.1 | Establishment of Credit Facility | 16 |
2.2 | Loans and Borrowings | 16 |
2.3 | Requests for Borrowings | 16 |
2.4 | Interest | 17 |
2.5 | Evidence of Debt | 19 |
2.6 | Termination and Reduction by Lender of Credit Commitment | 19 |
2.7 | Mandatory Repayments of Excess Drawn Amounts | 20 |
2.8 | Voluntary Prepayments and Cancellation | 20 |
2.9 | Breakage Costs | 20 |
2.10 | Alternate Rate of Interest | 21 |
2.11 | LIBOR Discontinuation | 21 |
2.12 | Increased Costs; Illegality | 23 |
2.13 | Payments Generally | 24 |
2.14 | Addition of Borrowers | 24 |
2.15 | Withholding Tax. | 24 |
Article 3 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES | 25 | |
3.1 | Organization; Powers | 25 |
3.2 | Authorization; Enforceability | 25 |
3.3 | Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts | 25 |
3.4 | Financial Information | 26 |
3.5 | Litigation | 26 |
3.6 | Compliance with Laws and Agreements | 26 |
3.7 | Taxes | 26 |
3.8 | Pension Plans | 26 |
3.9 | No Order or Judgments | 27 |
3.10 | Insurance | 27 |
3.11 | Solvency | 27 |
3.12 | Environmental Matters | 27 |
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TABLE
OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page | ||
3.13 | Money Laundering Laws | 27 |
3.14 | Office of Foreign Assets Control | 27 |
3.15 | Survival of Representations and Warranties | 28 |
3.16 | Deemed Repetition | 28 |
Article 4 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT to loans | 28 | |
4.1 | Effective Date | 28 |
4.2 | Each Borrowing | 28 |
Article 5 AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS | 29 | |
5.1 | Financial Statements and Other Information | 29 |
5.2 | Existence; Conduct of Business | 29 |
5.3 | Timely Payment | 29 |
5.4 | Books and Records | 29 |
5.5 | Compliance with Laws | 30 |
5.6 | Insurance | 30 |
5.7 | Operation of Business | 30 |
5.8 | Maintenance of Assets | 30 |
5.9 | Payment of Taxes | 30 |
5.10 | Use of Proceeds | 31 |
Article 6 NEGATIVE COVENANTS | 31 | |
6.1 | Fundamental Changes | 31 |
Article 7 EVENTS OF DEFAULT | 32 | |
7.1 | Events of Default | 32 |
7.2 | Legal Proceedings | 35 |
7.3 | Non-Merger | 35 |
Article 8 subordination and Deposits | 35 | |
8.1 | Subordination | 35 |
8.2 | Deposits | 36 |
Article 9 MISCELLANEOUS | 36 | |
9.1 | Notices | 36 |
9.2 | Waivers | 37 |
9.3 | Expenses; Indemnity | 37 |
9.4 | Currency Indemnity | 38 |
9.5 | Successors and Assigns and Additions of Lenders | 39 |
9.6 | Survival | 39 |
9.7 | Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness | 39 |
- ii -
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
(continued)
Page | ||
9.8 | Electronic Signatures | 40 |
9.9 | Severability | 40 |
9.10 | Right of Set Off | 40 |
9.11 | Governing Law; Jurisdiction | 40 |
9.12 | Waiver of Jury Trial | 40 |
9.13 | Headings | 41 |
9.14 | Limited Recourse | 41 |
Exhibit A FORM OF BORROWING REQUEST | A-1 | |
Exhibit B FORM OF DEPOSIT RECORD | B-1 | |
Exhibit C FORM OF CONFIRMATION OF SUBORDINATION | C-1 |
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SUBORDINATE CREDIT AGREEMENT
THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT is effective as of March 15th, 2022 and is entered into between BBUC Holdings Inc., as the initial Borrower, such Persons as become Borrowers hereunder from time to time, and Brookfield BBP Canada Holdings Inc., as Lender.
The parties hereto agree as follows:
Article 1
DEFINITIONS
1.1 | Defined Terms |
As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:
“Agreement” means this agreement and all schedules attached hereto, as amended, restated or supplemented from time to time.
“Applicable Law” means, in respect of any Person, property, transaction, event or other matter, as applicable, all Laws relating or applicable to such Person, property, transaction, event or matter.
“Applicable Margin” means, with respect to any Loan, the applicable rate per annum, expressed as a percentage, set forth in the relevant column and row of the table below as adjusted pursuant to Section 2.4.1:
Type of Loan | Applicable Margin | |||
Canadian Prime Rate Loan | 2.45 | % | ||
U.S. Base Rate Loan | 2.45 | % | ||
CDOR Loan | 3.45 | % | ||
LIBOR Loan | 3.45 | % |
“Authorization” means, with respect to any Person, any authorization, order, permit, approval, grant, licence, consent, franchise, privilege, certificate, judgment, writ, injunction, award, determination, direction, decree, by-law, rule or regulation of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over such Person and legally binding on such Person.
“Available Amount” means the amount of the Credit Facility as set out in Section 2.1 as reduced from time to time in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
“Available Tenor” means, as of any date of determination and with respect to the then-current Benchmark, as applicable, any tenor for such Benchmark or payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark, as applicable, that is or may be used for determining the length of an Interest Period pursuant to this Agreement as of such date and not including, for the avoidance of doubt, any tenor for such Benchmark that is then-removed from the definition of “Interest Period” pursuant to Section 2.11.4.
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“Benchmark” means, initially, USD LIBOR Screen Rate; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to USD LIBOR Screen Rate or the then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement to the extent that such Benchmark Replacement has replaced such prior benchmark rate pursuant to Section 2.11.
“Benchmark Replacement” means, for any Available Tenor, the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Lender for the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date:
(a) | the sum of: (i) Term SOFR and (ii) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; |
(b) | the sum of: (i) Daily Simple SOFR and (ii) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; |
(c) | the sum of: (i) the alternate benchmark rate that has been selected by the Lender as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor giving due consideration to (A) any selection or recommendation of a replacement benchmark rate or the mechanism for determining such a rate by the Relevant Governmental Body or (B) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a benchmark rate as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for Dollar denominated syndicated or bilateral credit facilities at such time and (ii) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; |
provided that, in the case of clause (a), 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 Lender in its reasonable discretion. If the Benchmark Replacement as determined pursuant to clause (a), (b) or (c) above would be less than the Floor, the Benchmark Replacement will be deemed to be the Floor for the purposes of this Agreement.
“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:
(a) | for purposes of clauses (a) and (b) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement,” the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Lender: (i) 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, and (ii) 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 |
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(b) | for purposes of clause (c) 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 Lender and the Borrowers 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 Dollar denominated syndicated or bilateral credit facilities; |
provided that, in the case of clause (a) 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 Lender 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 “U.S. Base Rate”, “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 Lender decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of such Benchmark Replacement and to permit the administration thereof by the Lender in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Lender decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Lender determines that no market practice for the administration of such Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner of administration as the Lender decides is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement). The Lender agrees to consult with the Borrowers on making any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes and obtain the Borrowers’ consent thereto, not to be unreasonably withheld.
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“Benchmark Replacement Date” means the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:
(a) | in the case of clause (a) and (b) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the later of (i) the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein and (ii) 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); and |
(b) | in the case of clause (c) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein; or |
(c) | in the case of an Early Opt-in Election, the sixth (6th) Business Day after the date on which notice of such Early Opt-in Election is provided to the Borrowers, so long as the Lender has not received, by 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date on which notice of such Early Opt-in Election is provided to the Borrowers, written notice of objection to such Early Opt-in Election from any Borrower. |
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 (a) or (b) 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 the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:
(a) | 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); |
(b) | 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 of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component) or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), which states that the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component) has ceased or will cease to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or |
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(c) | 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 representative. |
For the avoidance of doubt, a “Benchmark Transition Event” will be deemed to have occurred with respect to any Benchmark if a public statement or publication of information set forth above has occurred with respect to each then-current Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).
“Benchmark Unavailability Period” means the period (if any) (x) beginning at the time that a Benchmark Replacement Date pursuant to clauses (a) or (b) of that definition has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder in accordance with Section 2.11 and (y) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder in accordance with Section 2.11.
“Borrowers” means, collectively, BBUC Holdings Inc. and each Person that agrees to be bound hereunder as a Borrower hereunder pursuant to Section 2.14.
“Borrowing” means any availment of the Credit Facility and includes a continuation or conversion of any outstanding Loan.
“Borrowing Request” means a request by any Borrower for a Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.3.
“Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in Toronto, Ontario or New York, New York are authorized or required by Applicable Law to remain closed.
“Canadian Dollars” and “Cdn$” refer to lawful money of Canada.
“Canadian Prime Borrowing” means a Borrowing comprised of one or more Canadian Prime Rate Loans.
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“Canadian Prime Rate Loan” means a Loan denominated in Canadian Dollars which bears interest at a rate based upon the Canadian Prime Rate.
“Canadian Prime Rate” means, on any day, the annual rate of interest equal to the greater of (a) the annual rate of interest announced by the Canadian Reference Lender and in effect as its prime rate at its principal office in Toronto, Ontario on such day for determining interest rates on Canadian Dollar-denominated commercial loans in Canada, and (b) the annual rate of interest equal to the sum of the one-month CDOR in effect on such day plus 1.0% per annum.
“Canadian Reference Lender” means such bank that is listed on Schedule I of the Bank Act (Canada) that is selected by the Lender by giving written notice of thereof to the Borrowers.
“CDOR” means (a) with respect to a CDOR Loan, the rate per annum equal to the average per annum rate applicable to Canadian Dollar bankers’ acceptances having an identical or comparable term as the proposed CDOR Loan displayed and identified as such on the Reuters screen CDOR Page, rounded to the nearest 1/100th of 1% (with .005% being rounded up), at approximately 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on the first day of the Interest Period for such CDOR Loan, with a term equivalent to the Interest Period of such CDOR Loan or if such Interest Period is not equal to a number of months, with a term equivalent to the number of months closest to such Interest Period, plus 0.10%; provided that if such rate does not appear on the Reuters screen CDOR Page on such date as contemplated, then the CDOR on such date shall be calculated as the rate for the term referred to above applicable to Canadian Dollar bankers’ acceptances quoted by the Canadian Reference Lender as of 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on such date or, if such date is not a Business Day, then on the immediately preceding Business Day, plus 0.10%; provided further that the CDOR shall at no times be less than 0%. If no CDOR is available for a particular Interest Period but CDORs are available for maturities both longer and shorter than such Interest Period, then the CDOR for such Interest Period shall be the CDOR Interpolated Rate plus 0.10%.
“CDOR Borrowing” means a Borrowing comprised of one or more CDOR Loans.
“CDOR Interpolated Rate” means, in relation to any CDOR Loan and its Interest Period, a rate per annum determined by the Lender (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 applicable CDOR for the longest period for which a CDOR is available that is shorter than such Interest Period and (b) the applicable CDOR for the shortest period for which a CDOR is available that is longer than such Interest Period, in each case as of 11:00 a.m., Toronto time on the day two Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period; provided that the Interpolated Rate shall at no times be less than 0%.
“CDOR Loan” means a Loan denominated in Canadian Dollars which bears interest at a rate based upon CDOR.
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“Change in Control” means the acquisition by any Person other than Brookfield Asset Management Inc. or its Affiliates (or any combination thereof) of Control of any Borrower.
“Change in Law” means (a) the adoption or taking effect of any new Law after the date of this Agreement, (b) any change in any Law or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority after the date of this Agreement, or (c) compliance by the Lender or any of its lenders with any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law, but in the case of a request, guideline or directive not having the force of law, being a request, guideline or directive with which Persons customarily, and are expected by the relevant Governmental Authority to, comply and nevertheless considered to be binding on a Person or such Person’s property) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement.
“Control” and similar expressions mean a relationship between two Persons wherein one of such Persons has the power, through the ownership of Equity Securities, by contract or otherwise, to directly or indirectly direct the management and policies of the other of such Persons, and includes, without limitation: (a) in the case of a corporation or a trust, the ownership, either directly or indirectly through one or more Persons, of Equity Securities of such corporation or trust carrying more than 50% of the votes that may be cast to elect the directors or trustees of such corporation or trust or the Control of the corporate trustee of such trust, either under all circumstances or under some circumstances that have occurred and are continuing, (other than Equity Securities held as collateral for a bona fide debt where the holder thereof is not entitled to exercise the voting rights attached thereto unless a default has occurred), provided that such votes, if exercised, are sufficient to elect a majority of the directors or trustees of such corporation or trust or corporate trustee; and (b) in the case of a general partnership or limited partnership, the power, through the ownership of Equity Securities, by contract or otherwise, to act as the managing partner appointed in respect of such general partnership or the general partner appointed in respect of such limited partnership, or to otherwise Control such managing partner or general partner, as applicable.
“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.
“Credit Facility” means the revolving credit facility established pursuant to Section 2.1.1.
“Daily Simple SOFR” means, for any day, SOFR, with the conventions for this rate (which will include a lookback) being established by the Lender 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 Lender decides that any such convention is not administratively feasible for the Lender, then the Lender may establish another convention in its reasonable discretion in consultation with the Borrowers.
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“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.
“Dollar Amount” means at any time with respect to outstanding Loans under the Credit Facility, the aggregate of (a) the amount in Dollars of all Loans that are denominated in Dollars, and (b) the Dollar Equivalent at such time of all Loans that are denominated in Canadian Dollars.
“Dollar Equivalent” means, at the date of determination, the amount of Dollars that the Lender could purchase, in accordance with its normal practice, with a specified amount of Canadian Dollars based on the Exchange Rate on such date.
“Dollars” and “$” refer to lawful money of the United States unless otherwise indicated.
“Early Opt-in Election” means, if the then-current Benchmark is LIBOR, the occurrence of:
(a) | a determination by the Lender that at least five currently outstanding Dollar denominated syndicated or bilateral 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 credit facilities are identified in the notice to the Borrowers described in clause (b) below and are publicly available for review), and |
(b) | the election by the Lender to trigger a fallback from the USD LIBOR Screen Rate and the provision by the Lender of written notice of such election to the Borrowers. |
“Effective Date” means March 15, 2022.
“Environmental Laws” means all applicable federal, provincial, local or foreign laws, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, decrees, judgements, injunctions, notices or binding agreements issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental Authority, having the force of law and relating to the environment, health and safety, or health protection, including the generation, use, handling, collection, treatment, storage, transportation, recovery, recycling, release, threatened release or disposal of any hazardous or regulated material.
“Equity Securities” means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares, units, interests, participations, rights in, or other equivalents (however designated and whether voting and non-voting) of, such Person’s capital, whether outstanding on the date hereof or issued after the date hereof, including without limitation any interest in a partnership, limited partnership or other similar Person and any unit or beneficial interest in a trust, and any and all rights, warrants, options or other rights exchangeable for or convertible into any of the foregoing.
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“Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 7.1.
“Exchange Rate” means, on any day, the rate at which Canadian Dollars may be exchanged into Dollars as set forth at approximately 11:00 a.m. New York City time on such date on the relevant Reuters screen for Canadian Dollars; provided that if such rate does not appear on any Reuters screen on any date, the Exchange Rate shall be determined by reference to such other publicly available service for displaying exchange rates as may be reasonably selected by the Lender.
“FATCA” means sections 1471 through 1474 of the IRC, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with) and any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof, any intergovernmental agreement or foreign legislation (including official administrative rules or practices) implemented to give effect to any intergovernmental agreements entered into thereunder and any agreements entered into pursuant to section 1471(b) of the IRC.
“Federal Funds Effective Rate” means, for any period, a fluctuating rate of interest per annum equal for each day during such period to (a) the weighted average of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by federal funds brokers, as published for such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, for the immediately preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or (b) if such rate is not so published for any day which is a Business Day, the average of the quotations for such day on such transactions received by the Lender from three federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Federal Funds Effective Rate is less than zero, it shall be deemed to be zero hereunder.
“Federal Reserve Board” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.
“Floor” means the benchmark rate floor, if any, provided in this Agreement initially (as of the execution of this Agreement, the modification, amendment or renewal of this Agreement or otherwise) with respect to USD LIBOR.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in Canada or the United States in effect from time to time which, for clarity, will include IFRS.
“Governmental Authority” means the Government of Canada or the United States, any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether provincial, state, territorial or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court or other ether entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.
“Hostile Acquisition” means a proposed acquisition by any Borrower or any Subsidiary in circumstances in which the Person subject to such acquisition will not have, as of the date of the acquisition notice in respect of such acquisition, evidenced its agreement or agreement in principle to such acquisition.
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“IFRS” means the International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and as in effect from time to time.
“Indemnitee” has the meaning specified in Section 9.3.2.
“Interest Payment Date” means, (a) in the case of any Canadian Prime Rate Loan or U.S. Base Rate Loan, the first Business Day of each month, and (b) in the case of any CDOR Loan or LIBOR Loan, the last day of the Interest Period relating to such Loan, provided that if an Interest Period for any CDOR Loan or LIBOR Loan exceeds three months, then “Interest Payment Date” shall also include each date which occurs at each three month interval during such Interest Period.
“Interest Period” means with respect to a CDOR Loan or LIBOR Loan, 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 thereafter or such other periods thereafter as may from time to time be agreed to by the Borrower requesting such Loan and the Lender; provided that (a) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the immediately succeeding Business Day unless such immediately succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the immediately preceding Business Day, (b) any Interest Period 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 (c) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date. For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and, in the case of a converted or continued Borrowing, thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.
“IRC” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
“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.
“Laws” means all applicable federal, state, provincial, municipal, foreign and international statutes, acts, codes, ordinances, decrees, treaties, rules, regulations, municipal by-laws, judicial or arbitral or administrative or ministerial or departmental or regulatory judgments, orders, decisions, rulings or awards or any provisions of the foregoing, and all policies, practices, directives and guidelines in each case of any Governmental Authority and having the force of law; and “Law” means any one or more of the foregoing.
“Lender” means, collectively, Brookfield BBP Canada Holdings Inc. and each Person that becomes a Lender hereunder from time to time.
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“LIBOR” means with respect to any LIBOR Loan denominated in Dollars, for any Interest Period, the rate for Dollar borrowings appearing on the applicable Reuters screen (or, in each case, on any successor or substitute page of such service, or any successor to or substitute for such service, providing rate quotations comparable to those currently provided on such page of such service, as determined by the Lender from time to time) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, in each case as the rate for Dollar deposits with a maturity comparable to such Interest Period; provided that if such rate is not available at such time for any reason, then “LIBOR” with respect to such LIBOR Loan for such Interest Period will be the rate at which Dollar deposits approximately equal to the amount of such LIBOR Loan and for a maturity comparable to such Interest Period are offered by the principal London office of a commercial bank selected by the Lender in immediately available funds in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period; provided further that if any such rate is below zero, LIBOR shall be deemed to be zero and LIBOR shall be adjusted as applicable to reflect the Statutory Reserve Rate by multiplying the rate described above by the Statutory Reserve Rate.
“LIBOR Borrowing” means a Borrowing comprised of one or more LIBOR Loans.
“LIBOR Loan” means a loan denominated in Dollars which bears interest at a rate based upon LIBOR.
“Loan” means any LIBOR Loan, Canadian Prime Rate Loan, CDOR Loan or U.S. Base Rate Loan made by the Lender to a Borrower pursuant to this Agreement.
“Material Adverse Effect” means any event, development or circumstance which has had or would have (a) a material adverse effect on the business, assets, properties, operations or financial condition of the Borrowers and their Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or (b) a material adverse effect on the ability of the Borrowers (taken as a whole) to perform their obligations under this Agreement.
“Maturity Date” means the date that is ten (10) years from the Effective Date, unless the Agreement is terminated in accordance with Section 2.6, in which case the Maturity Date shall be the date the Agreement is so terminated.
“Money Laundering Laws” has the meaning specified in Section 3.13.
“Obligations” means all present and future debts, liabilities and obligations of the Borrowers to the Lender under this Agreement, whether absolute or contingent, due or to become due, existing on the Effective Date or thereafter arising, including without limitation with respect to all Loans, and all interest and fees owing hereunder (including those that accrue after the commencing by or against any Borrower of any insolvency or similar proceeding).
“OFAC” has the meaning specified in Section 3.14.
“OFAC Lists” has the meaning specified in Section 3.14.
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“Person” includes any natural person, corporation, company, limited liability company, unlimited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, incorporated organization, partnership, limited partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.
“Reference Time” with respect to any setting of the then-current Benchmark means (a) if such Benchmark is the USD LIBOR Screen Rate, 11:00 a.m., London time, on the day that is two London banking days preceding the date of such setting, and (b) if such Benchmark is not a USD LIBOR Screen Rate, the time determined by the Lender in its reasonable discretion.
“Relevant Governmental Body” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or any successor thereto.
“Responsible Officer” means, in respect of any Person, any director or officer of such Person or the general or managing partner of such Person.
“Senior Debt” has the meaning given to that term in Section 8.1(a).
“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 at approximately 8:00 a.m., New York City time, on the immediately succeeding Business Day.
“SOFR Administrator” means the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or a successor administrator of the secured overnight financing rate).
“SOFR Administrator’s Website” means the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, currently at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source for the secured overnight financing rate identified as such by the SOFR Administrator from time to time.
“Specified Threshold Amount” means, as at any date, the greater of (a) $50,000,000 and (b) an amount equal to 10% of the Borrowers’ consolidated equity as at such date.
“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, liquid asset, fees or similar reserve requirements (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves or other requirements) established by any central bank, monetary authority, the Federal Reserve Board, the Financial Services Authority, the European Central Bank or other Governmental Authority for any category of deposits or liabilities customarily used to fund loans in the applicable currency, expressed in the case of each such requirement as a decimal. Such reserve, liquid asset, fee or similar requirements shall, in the case of Dollar denominated Loans, include those imposed pursuant to Regulation D of the Federal Reserve Board. LIBOR Loans shall be deemed to be subject to such reserve, liquid asset, fee or similar requirements without the benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets that may be available to lenders from time to time under any Applicable Law. The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any such change in any reserve, liquid asset, fee or similar requirement.
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“subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person (the “parent”) at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, trust or other entity of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the combined voting stock are owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person or by any one or more subsidiaries of such Person.
“Subsidiaries” means, collectively, the subsidiaries of the Borrowers, and “Subsidiary” means any of them.
“Taxes” means all present and future taxes, charges, fees, levies, imposts, surtaxes, duties and other assessments, including all income, sales, use, goods and services, value added, capital, capital gains, alternative, net worth, transfer, profits, withholding, payroll, employer health, excise, real property and personal property taxes, and any other taxes, customs duties, fees, assessments, or similar charges of any nature, imposed by any Governmental Authority and whether disputed or not.
“Term SOFR” means, for the applicable Corresponding Tenor as of the applicable Reference Time, the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body.
“Type”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan or Borrowing is a U.S. Base Rate Loan, Canadian Prime Rate Loan, LIBOR Loan or CDOR Loan or a U.S. Base Rate Borrowing, Canadian Prime Borrowing, LIBOR Borrowing or CDOR Borrowing, as the case may be.
“Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement excluding the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.
“U.S. Base Rate” means, on any day, the annual rate of interest equal to the greater of (a) the annual rate of interest announced by a commercial Canadian bank selected by the Lender and in effect as its base rate at its principal office in Toronto, Ontario on such day for determining interest rates on Dollar demand commercial loans in Canada, (b) the sum of the Federal Funds Effective Rate plus 0.50% per annum, and (c) LIBOR for Dollars for a one-month term in effect on such day plus 1.00%. Any change in the U.S. Base Rate due to a change in the applicable base rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate or such LIBOR shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the applicable base rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate or such LIBOR, respectively. If the U.S. Base Rate is less than zero, it shall be deemed to be zero hereunder.
“U.S. Base Rate Borrowing” means a Borrowing comprised of one or more U.S. Base Rate Loans.
“U.S. Base Rate Loan” means a Loan denominated in Dollars which bears interest at a rate based upon the U.S. Base Rate.
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“USD LIBOR” means LIBOR for borrowings denominated in Dollars.
“USD LIBOR Screen Rate” means the rate for Dollar borrowings set forth in the definition of LIBOR itself.
“Withholdings” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.15.
1.2 | Terms Generally |
The definitions of terms herein will apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun will include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words “include”, “includes” and “including” will be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”. Unless the context requires otherwise: (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document herein will be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein); (b) any reference herein to any statute or any Section thereof will, unless otherwise expressly stated, be deemed to be a reference to such statute or Section as amended, restated or re-enacted from time to time; (c) any reference herein to any Person will be construed to include such Person’s successors and permitted assigns; (d) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, will be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof; (e) all references herein to Articles, Sections and Exhibits will be construed to refer to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits to, this Agreement; and (f) the words “asset” and “property” will 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 contractual rights.
1.3 | Accounting Terms; GAAP |
Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature will be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time.
1.4 | Time |
All time references herein will, unless otherwise specified, be references to local time in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Time is of the essence of this Agreement.
1.5 | Borrowers Jointly and Severally Liable |
Each Person that becomes a Borrower is jointly and severally liable for all Obligations, including the obligation to pay all amounts owing hereunder to the Lender on the dates such amounts are due and on the Maturity Date. Each Borrower agrees that if any of the Obligations are not paid in full when due (whether at stated maturity, as a mandatory repayment, by acceleration or otherwise), the Borrowers will, jointly and severally, promptly pay the same without any demand or notice whatsoever and each Borrower jointly and severally irrevocably and unconditionally accepts joint and several liability with respect to the payment and performance of all Obligations of each other Borrower, it being the intention of the parties hereto that all Obligations be joint and several obligations of each Borrower without preference or distinction among them. Each Borrower agrees that delivery of funds to any Borrower under this Agreement shall constitute valuable consideration and reasonably equivalent value to all Borrowers for purposes of binding them and their assets on a joint and several basis for the Obligations hereunder. Each Borrower agrees that it will not seek payment, directly or indirectly, from any other Borrower through a claim of indemnity, contribution, subrogation or otherwise until all Obligations have been repaid in full and the Credit Facility has terminated.
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1.6 | Borrowers Bound by Delivered Certificates and Notices |
Each Borrower hereby authorizes each other Borrower to deliver or submit to the Lender on behalf of such Borrower (and all other Borrowers) any Borrowing Request, notice or certificate required or permitted to be delivered or submitted by it or on its behalf hereunder and agrees that it will be bound by, and shall be responsible for any information set forth in any such Borrowing Request, notice or certificate to the same extent as if such Borrowing Request, notice or certificate had been executed by a Responsible Officer of such Borrower and delivered or submitted by such Borrower.
1.7 | Currency Equivalents |
For purposes of determining (a) whether the amount of any Borrowing, together with all other Borrowings then outstanding or to be borrowed at the same time as such Borrowing, would exceed the Available Amount, (b) the unutilized amount of the Credit Facility, and (c) the outstanding principal amount of any Borrowing, the outstanding principal amount of any Loan that is denominated in Canadian Dollars shall be deemed to be the Dollar Equivalent of such amount determined as of the applicable determination date.
1.8 | Amount of Credit |
Any reference herein to the amount of credit outstanding means, at any particular time:
(a) | in the case of a Canadian Prime Rate Loan or CDOR Loan, the Dollar Equivalent of the principal amount thereof; and |
(b) | in the case of a LIBOR Loan or U.S. Base Rate Loan, the principal amount of such Loan. |
1.9 | Divisions |
For all purposes of this Agreement, 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 Person comes into existence, such new Person shall be deemed to have been organized on the first date of its existence by the holders of its Equity Securities at such time.
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1.10 | Exhibits |
The following are the Exhibits annexed hereto, incorporated by reference and deemed to be a part hereof:
Exhibit A | - | Borrowing Request |
Exhibit B | - | Form of Deposit Record |
Exhibit C | - | Form of Confirmation of Subordination |
Article 2
THE CREDIT facility
2.1 | Establishment of Credit Facility |
2.1.1 | Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Lender hereby establishes in favour of the Borrowers a Credit Facility in the amount of $1,000,000,000 (the “Available Amount”) and commits to make Loans to the Borrowers from time to time during the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the Maturity Date, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all such Loans not exceeding at any time the Available Amount. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Borrowers may borrow, repay and re-borrow Loans. |
2.1.2 | Advances under the Credit Facility are to be used by the Borrowers for their general corporate purposes, provided that in no event will the Credit Facility be used to finance a Hostile Acquisition without the consent of the Lender. |
2.2 | Loans and Borrowings |
Each Borrowing under the Credit Facility will be comprised of U.S. Base Rate Loans or LIBOR Loans in Dollars or Canadian Prime Rate Loans or CDOR Loans in Canadian Dollars, as any Borrower may request in accordance herewith.
2.3 | Requests for Borrowings |
2.3.1 | To request a Borrowing under the Credit Facility, any Borrower shall notify the Lender of such request by written Borrowing Request substantially in the form of Exhibit A not later than 11:00 a.m., Toronto time, four (4) Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing or such shorter period as the Lender may agree to. Each Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable. The Lender is entitled to rely upon and act upon any Borrowing Request given or purportedly given by any Borrower, and each Borrower hereby waives the right to dispute the authenticity and validity of any such transaction once the Lender has advanced funds, based on such Borrowing Request. Each Borrowing Request shall specify the following information: |
(a) | the aggregate amount of the requested Borrowing; |
(b) | the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day; |
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(c) | whether such Borrowing is to be a U.S. Base Rate Borrowing, a LIBOR Borrowing, a Canadian Prime Borrowing or a CDOR Borrowing; |
(d) | in the case of a CDOR Borrowing or LIBOR Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable to such Borrowing, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”; and |
(e) | the location and number of the Borrower’s account to which funds are to be disbursed. |
2.3.2 | Each CDOR Borrowing and LIBOR Borrowing under the Credit Facility initially shall have the Interest Period specified in the applicable Borrowing Request. Thereafter, a Borrower may elect to convert any Borrowing to any different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a CDOR Borrowing or LIBOR Borrowing, may elect the Interest Periods therefor. The Borrowers may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing. To make an election pursuant to this Section 2.3.2, a Borrower shall notify the Lender of such election by delivering a Borrowing Request required under Section 2.3.1 as if the Borrower were requesting a Borrowing to be made on the effective date of such election. Each such Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable. In addition to the information specified in Section 2.3.1, each Borrowing Request shall specify the Borrowing to which such request applies and, if different options are elected with respect to different portions thereof, the portions thereof to be allocated to each resulting Borrowing. If no election is made pursuant to this Section 2.3.2 at the end of an Interest Period applicable to any CDOR Loan or LIBOR Loan, the applicable Borrower shall be deemed to have elected an Interest Period of one month for such CDOR Loan or LIBOR Loan for the immediately following Interest Period. Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and the Lender so notifies the Borrowers, then so long as an Event of Default is continuing (a) no outstanding Borrowing may be converted to or continued as a CDOR Borrowing or LIBOR Borrowing and (b) unless repaid, each CDOR Borrowing and LIBOR Borrowing shall be converted to a Canadian Prime Borrowing or U.S. Base Rate Borrowing, respectively, at the end of the then-current Interest Period applicable thereto. |
2.3.3 | Each CDOR Borrowing and LIBOR Borrowing will be subject to Sections 2.10, 2.11 and 2.12. |
2.4 | Interest |
2.4.1 | The Loans under the Credit Facility comprising each U.S. Base Rate Borrowing and Canadian Prime Borrowing shall bear interest (computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 365 days or 366 days, as the case may be) at a rate per annum equal to the U.S. Base Rate and Canadian Prime Rate, respectively, plus the Applicable Margin from time to time in effect. |
2.4.2 | The Loans under the Credit Facility comprising each CDOR Borrowing shall bear interest (computed on the basis of the actual number of days in the relevant Interest Period over a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be) at CDOR for the Interest Period in effect for such CDOR Loans plus the Applicable Margin from time to time in effect. |
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2.4.3 | The Loans under the Credit Facility comprising each LIBOR Borrowing shall bear interest (computed on the basis of the actual number of days in the relevant Interest Period over a year of 360 days) at LIBOR for the Interest Period in effect for such LIBOR Loans plus the Applicable Margin from time to time in effect. |
2.4.4 | The applicable U.S. Base Rate, Canadian Prime Rate, LIBOR and CDOR Rate shall be determined by the Lender, and such determination shall, absent manifest error, constitute prima facie evidence thereof. |
2.4.5 | Accrued interest on each Loan shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date and upon termination of the Credit Facility, and in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan, accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment together with all applicable breakage costs. |
2.4.6 | All interest hereunder shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). Any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall bear interest for one day. |
2.4.7 | It is understood and agreed that if at any time after the date hereof the Lender’s cost of borrowing is increased, the Lender will be entitled, after consultation with the Borrowers, to increase the Applicable Margin that is applicable to all or any Types of Loans or Borrowings to reflect the Lender’s increased cost of making such Loans or Borrowings available to the Borrowers. |
2.4.8 | For the purposes of the Interest Act (Canada) and disclosure thereunder, whenever any interest or any fee to be paid hereunder or in connection herewith is to be calculated on the basis of any period of time that is less than a calendar year, the yearly rate of interest to which the rate used in such calculation is equivalent is the rate so used multiplied by the actual number of days in the calendar year in which the same is to be ascertained and divided by 360, 365 or 366, as applicable. The rates of interest under this Agreement are nominal rates, and not effective rates or yields. The principle of deemed reinvestment of interest does not apply to any interest calculation under this Agreement. |
2.4.9 | If any provision of this Agreement would oblige any Borrower to make any payment of interest or other amount payable to the Lender in an amount or calculated at a rate which would be prohibited by Law or would result in a receipt by the Lender of “interest” at a “criminal rate” (as such terms are construed under the Criminal Code (Canada)), then, notwithstanding such provision, such amount or rate shall be deemed to have been adjusted with retroactive effect to the maximum amount or rate of interest, as the case may be, as would not be so prohibited by Law or so result in a receipt by the Lender of “interest” at a “criminal rate”, such adjustment to be effected, to the extent necessary (but only to the extent necessary), as follows: |
(a) | first, by reducing the amount or rate of interest required to be paid to the Lender under this Section 2.4; and |
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(b) | thereafter, by reducing any fees, commissions, premiums and other amounts required to be paid to the Lender which would constitute interest for purposes of Section 347 of the Criminal Code (Canada). |
2.4.10 | Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Loans will bear interest to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, after as well as before judgment, at a rate per annum equal to 2.0% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Loans. All other amounts owing under this Agreement will bear interest at an interest rate equal to the one month LIBOR rate plus 4.0% per annum. |
2.5 | Evidence of Debt |
2.5.1 | The Lender shall maintain accounts in which it shall record (a) the amount of each Loan made hereunder and the relevant Interest Periods applicable thereto, (b) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrowers to the Lender hereunder, and (c) the amount of any sum received by the Lender hereunder. |
2.5.2 | The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to Section 2.5.1 shall be prima facie evidence (absent manifest error) of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein; provided that the failure of the Lender to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrowers to repay the Loans and all other amounts payable in connection therewith, including interest and fees, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. |
2.6 | Termination and Reduction by Lender of Credit Commitment |
2.6.1 | The Lender may at any time after the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date, upon giving the Borrowers 90 days’ prior written notice, terminate its commitment with respect to the Credit Facility and the Borrowers must repay all amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility (including all interest and fees payable hereunder) on the termination date that is so elected by the Lender. |
2.6.2 | Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Lender shall have the right to terminate its commitment with respect to the Credit Facility upon giving the Borrowers 90 days’ prior written notice. If the Lender so terminates the Credit Facility, the Borrowers must repay all amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility (including all interest and fees payable hereunder) on the termination date that is so elected by the Lender. |
2.6.3 | Unless previously terminated, the commitment of the Lender with respect to the Credit Facility will terminate on the Maturity Date and each Borrower hereby unconditionally jointly and severally promises to pay to the Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Loan on the Maturity Date (or such earlier date that the Loans have been accelerated pursuant to the last paragraph of Section 7.1) together with all interest accrued thereon and other amounts outstanding under this Agreement. |
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2.7 | Mandatory Repayments of Excess Drawn Amounts |
If at any time the Lender determines that the Dollar Amount outstanding under the Credit Facility exceeds the Available Amount, then upon written notice from the Lender to such effect, the Borrowers will, within 24 hours, make a prepayment of the Credit Facility in an amount equal to such excess.
2.8 | Voluntary Prepayments and Cancellation |
The Borrowers may, from time to time at their option, prepay any Loan without premium or penalty or permanently reduce the Available Credit of the Credit Facility, provided that:
(a) | any prepayment or reduction is in a minimum amount of $100,000; |
(b) | the Borrowers pay concurrently with any such prepayment all interest accrued on the amount prepaid together with breakage costs, if any, incurred by the Lender as a result of any such prepayment and that are payable pursuant to Section 2.9; |
(c) | the Lender receives written notice of such prepayment, at least three Business Days prior to the date of such prepayment and specifying the amount and date of such prepayment. Any such notice shall be irrevocable and the Borrowers shall be bound to prepay in accordance with such notice; and |
(d) | in the event that the notice provided to the Lender in accordance with (c) above, indicates that the prepaid amount is to permanently prepay the Credit Facility pursuant to this Section 2.8, then the amount prepaid may not be re-borrowed thereunder (otherwise, the Borrowers will retain the right to re-borrow amounts prepaid in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement). |
2.9 | Breakage Costs |
If (a) any Borrower fails to borrow or continue any CDOR Loan or LIBOR Loan on the date specified in any Borrowing Request delivered pursuant hereto, or (b) any CDOR Loan or LIBOR Loan is paid for any reason on any day other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default or voluntary or mandatory prepayment), then the Borrowers will compensate the Lender for all loss, costs and expenses that the Lender incurs in connection with such event (including all loss, costs and expenses that the Lender incurs under its own credit facilities), as determined by the Lender. A certificate of the Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that the Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section 2.9 will be delivered to the Borrowers and will, absent manifest error, constitute prima facie evidence thereof. The Borrowers will pay the Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 30 days after receipt thereof.
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2.10 | Alternate Rate of Interest |
If prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a CDOR Borrowing or LIBOR Borrowing:
(a) | the Lender determines that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining CDOR or LIBOR for such Interest Period; or |
(b) | the Lender determines that CDOR or LIBOR for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to the Lender of making or maintaining CDOR Loans or LIBOR Loans included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period; |
then the Lender shall give notice thereof to the Borrowers as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until the Lender notifies the Borrowers that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (i) any Borrowing Request that requests the continuation of any Borrowing as an affected CDOR Borrowing or a LIBOR Borrowing (as applicable) shall be deemed to request conversion to a Canadian Prime Borrowing or U.S. Base Rate Borrowing (as applicable), and (ii) any Borrowing Request that requests an affected CDOR Borrowing or LIBOR Borrowing (as applicable) shall be made as a Canadian Prime Borrowing or U.S. Base Rate Borrowing (as applicable).
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if at any time the Lender determines that CDOR is no longer determinable or the supervisor for the administrator of CDOR or a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over banks or other financial institutions has made a public statement identifying a specific date after which CDOR shall no longer be used for determining interests rates for loans, then the Lender shall give written notice of such determination to the Borrowers and the Lender and the Borrowers shall endeavour to establish an alternate rate of interest to CDOR that gives due consideration to the then prevailing market convention for determining a replacement standard and shall enter into an amendment to this Agreement to reflect such agreed upon alternate rate of interest and such other related changes to this Agreement as may be applicable; provided that if any such alternate rate of interest shall be less than zero in respect of any Loan, such rate shall be deemed to be zero in respect of such Loan.
2.11 | LIBOR Discontinuation |
2.11.1 | Benchmark Replacement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred prior to the Reference Time in respect of any setting of the then-current Benchmark, then (i) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (a) or (b) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder 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 and (ii) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (c) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder in respect of any Benchmark setting at or after 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the tenth (10th) Business Day after the date on which notice of such Benchmark Replacement is provided to the Borrowers without any amendment to this Agreement, or further action or consent of the Borrowers, so long as the Lender has not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such Benchmark Replacement from any Borrower. |
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2.11.2 | Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes. In connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, the Lender will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, any amendments implementing such Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes will become effective in accordance with the definition of “Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes”. |
2.11.3 | Notices; Standards for Decisions and Determinations. The Lender will promptly notify the Borrowers of (i) any occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date, (ii) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, (iii) the effectiveness of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes, (iv) the removal or reinstatement of any tenor of a Benchmark pursuant to Section 2.11.4 below and (v) the commencement or conclusion of any Benchmark Unavailability Period. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by the Lender pursuant to this Section, as applicable, will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error and may be made in its sole discretion and without consent from any other party to this Agreement, except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section. |
2.11.4 | Unavailability of Tenor of Benchmark. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, at any time (including in connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement), (i) if the then-current Benchmark is a term rate (including Term SOFR or USD LIBOR) and either (A) any tenor for such Benchmark is not displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Lender 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 Lender 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 Lender may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for all Benchmark settings at or after such time to reinstate such previously removed tenor. |
2.11.5 | Benchmark Unavailability Period. Upon the Borrowers’ receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, a Borrower may revoke any request for a borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Dollar denominated LIBOR Loans to be made, converted or continued during any Benchmark Unavailability Period and, failing that, the Borrower will be deemed to have converted any such request into a request for a borrowing of or conversion to U.S. Base Rate Loans. 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 U.S. Base Rate based upon the then-current Benchmark or such tenor for such Benchmark, as applicable, will not be used in any determination of U.S. Base Rate. |
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2.12 | Increased Costs; Illegality |
2.12.1 | If any Change in Law shall: |
(a) | impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, additional capital, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, the Lender or any of its lenders; or |
(b) | impose on the Lender or any of its lenders or the London interbank market any other condition affecting any cost or charge directly or indirectly incurred by the Lender in connection with a Loan hereunder (including the imposition on the Lender or any of its lenders of, or any change to, any Tax or other charge with respect to its or their CDOR Loans or LIBOR Loans or participation therein, or its obligation to make CDOR Loans or LIBOR Loans); |
and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to the Lender of making, continuing, converting to or maintaining any Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan) or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by the Lender hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then the Borrowers will pay to the Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate the Lender for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.
2.12.2 | If the Lender determines that any Change in Law regarding capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the Lender’s rate of return with respect to the Loans made by the Lender to a level below that which the Lender would have achieved but for such Change in Law prior to the occurrence of such Change in Law, then from time to time the Borrowers will pay to the Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate the Lender for any such reduction suffered. |
2.12.3 | A certificate of the Lender setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate the Lender as specified in Sections 2.12.1 or 2.12.2 shall be delivered to the Borrowers, and any such certificate shall include a brief description of the Change in Law and a calculation of the amount or amounts necessary to compensate the Lender and shall, absent manifest error, be prima facie evidence of the amount of such compensation. The Borrowers shall pay the Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 30 days after receipt thereof. |
2.12.4 | Failure or delay on the part of the Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 2.12 shall not constitute a waiver of the Lender’s right to demand such compensation. |
2.12.5 | In the event that the Lender shall have determined (which determination shall be reasonably exercised and shall, absent manifest error, constitute prima facie evidence thereof) at any time that the making or continuance of any Type of Loan has become unlawful or materially restricted as a result of compliance by the Lender in good faith with any Applicable Law, then, in any such event, the Lender shall give prompt notice (by telephone and confirmed in writing) to the Borrowers of such determination. Upon the giving of the notice to the Borrowers referred to in this Section 2.12.5, the Borrowers’ right to request (by continuation or otherwise), and the Lender’s obligation to make, Loans of that Type shall be immediately suspended and if the affected Type of Loans are then outstanding, the Borrowers shall immediately, or if permitted by Applicable Law, no later than the date permitted thereby, upon at least one Business Day prior written notice to the Lender, convert each such affected Type of Loan into a Type of Loan that is not so affected. |
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2.13 | Payments Generally |
The Borrowers shall make each payment required to be made by them hereunder (whether of principal, interest or fees, amounts payable under any of Sections 2.9 or 2.12 or otherwise) prior to 12:00 p.m., Toronto time, on the date when due, in immediately available funds, without set-off or counterclaim except for any deductions or withholdings for any present or future Taxes or similar charges that the Borrower is required to make pursuant to Applicable Law. Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Lender, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. 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. The Borrowers shall make payments to the Lender in accordance with instructions provided by the Lender to the Borrowers.
2.14 | Addition of Borrowers |
Any Borrower may elect from time to time to designate another Subsidiary or a subsidiary of Brookfield Business Partners L.P. as a Borrower hereunder subject to delivering to the Lender a signed accession agreement in the form required by the Lender and from and after the date of such designation, such Person shall for all purposes be a “Borrower” hereunder.
2.15 | Withholding Tax. |
2.15.1 | Any and all payments required to be made by or on behalf of the Borrowers under this Agreement will be made free and clear of, and without deduction or withholding for, or on account of, any present or future Taxes or similar charges (collectively, the “Withholdings”) unless such Withholdings are required to be made under Applicable Law. If a Borrower is so required to deduct or withhold any Withholdings from any amount payable to the Lender: |
(a) | The applicable Borrower will remit the Withholdings to the appropriate taxation authority following its deduction or withholding prior to the date on which penalties attach thereto. |
(b) | Within 30 days after such Withholdings have been remitted, the applicable Borrower will deliver to the Lender evidence satisfactory to the Lender, acting reasonably, that the taxes or charges in respect of which such deduction or withholding was made have been remitted to the appropriate taxation authority. |
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2.15.2 | If a payment made to the Lender under this Agreement by any Borrower would be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax imposed by FATCA if the Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the IRC, as applicable), the Lender shall deliver to such Borrower at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by such Borrower such documentation prescribed by Applicable Law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the IRC) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by such Borrower as may be necessary for it to comply with its obligations under FATCA and to determine that the Lender has complied with the Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this 2.15.2, “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement. |
2.15.3 | The Borrowers will pay any and all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other taxes or arising from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery or enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with Applicable Law. |
Article 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Each Borrower represents and warrants to the Lender that:
3.1 | Organization; Powers |
It is organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all requisite power and authority and holds all requisite licences, permits, approvals and qualifications necessary to carry on its business as presently conducted, and is qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, every jurisdiction where such qualification is required, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.2 | Authorization; Enforceability |
This Agreement is within its corporate or partnership power and has been authorized by all necessary corporate and other action. This Agreement has been executed and delivered by it and constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of it, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganisation, moratorium or other Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.
3.3 | Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts |
This Agreement, except for matters that, individually or in the aggregate would not result in a Material Adverse Effect, (a) does not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, (b) does not violate any Applicable Law or its constating or organizational documents or any order of any Governmental Authority, (c) does not violate in any material way or result in a default under any indenture, agreement or other instrument binding upon it or any of its assets, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by it, and (d) does not result in the creation or imposition of any lien on any of its assets.
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3.4 | Financial Information |
3.4.1 | All financial statements delivered to the Lender pursuant to this Agreement in respect of a Borrower present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations and cash flows of such Borrower as of such dates and for such periods of such financial statements, in accordance with GAAP. |
3.4.2 | All written information (including that disclosed in all financial statements) pertaining to the Borrowers that has been made available to the Lender by any Borrower or any authorized representative of any Borrower, taken as a whole, was, when furnished, complete and correct in all material respects and did not, when furnished, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained therein not materially misleading in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made. |
3.5 | Litigation |
There are no actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to any Borrower’s actual knowledge, threatened against or affecting any Borrower, any of the Subsidiaries or any of their assets that would, if determined adversely, affect the legality or enforceability of this Agreement or have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.6 | Compliance with Laws and Agreements |
Except for any matters that, individually or in the aggregate, would not result in a Material Adverse Effect, the Borrowers and the Subsidiaries are in compliance with all Laws applicable to them or their property (including all labour laws) and all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon them or their property (including all labour contracts). Except for any matters that, individually or in the aggregate, would not result in a Material Adverse Effect, the Borrowers and the Subsidiaries have not violated or failed to obtain any Authorization necessary to the ownership of their property or assets or the conduct of their businesses.
3.7 | Taxes |
The Borrowers and the Subsidiaries have timely filed or caused to be filed all Tax returns and reports required to have been filed and have paid or caused to be paid all Taxes required to have been paid (including all instalments with respect to the current period) and have made adequate provision for Taxes for the current period, except Taxes which individually or in the aggregate would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.8 | Pension Plans |
All material obligations of the Borrowers and the Subsidiaries (including fiduciary, funding, investment and administration obligations) required to be performed in connection with their pension and benefit plans and the funding agreements therefor have been performed on a timely basis and there are no unfunded or undisclosed liabilities thereunder, except to the extent that the same individually or in aggregate would not result in a Material Adverse Effect.
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3.9 | No Order or Judgments |
There are no orders, judgments, award or decrees outstanding against any Borrower or any Subsidiary, or affecting their assets, that would have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.10 | Insurance |
Except for any matters which would individually or in aggregate not have a Material Adverse Effect, all policies of fire, liability, workers’ compensation, casualty, flood, business interruption, third party liability, and other forms of insurance owned or held by the Borrowers and the Subsidiaries provide insurance coverage in at least such amounts and against at least such risks (but including in any event public liability) in each case as are usually insured against in the same general area by companies engaged in the same or a similar business for the assets and operations of the Borrowers and the Subsidiaries (as applicable).
3.11 | Solvency |
No Borrower is an “insolvent person” within the meaning of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) or the United States Bankruptcy Code.
3.12 | Environmental Matters |
Neither the property of the Borrowers and the Subsidiaries, nor the operations conducted thereon violate any applicable order of any Governmental Authority made pursuant to Environmental Laws, where such violation would result in remedial obligations having a Material Adverse Effect.
3.13 | Money Laundering Laws |
The operations of the Borrowers are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the U.S. Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (Canada) and the other applicable money laundering Laws to which they are subject, including the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”) and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body involving any of them with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending, except as disclosed in writing to the Lender or as would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.14 | Office of Foreign Assets Control |
None of the Borrowers and none of their respective directors, officers, Subsidiaries, or, to their knowledge, employees is (a) a person included in the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons Lists (the “OFAC Lists”), as published from time to time by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department (“OFAC”), or (b) currently subject to any U.S. economic sanctions administered by OFAC.
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3.15 | Survival of Representations and Warranties |
The representations and warranties set out in this Article 3 and in any certificate, notice, delivered pursuant to this Agreement will survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement notwithstanding any investigation or examination that may be made by the Lender.
3.16 | Deemed Repetition |
The representations and warranties of the Borrowers contained in this Article 3 will be deemed to be repeated on the date of the delivery of each Borrowing Request and each continuation of a Borrowing as if made on each such date, unless such representations and warranties expressly refer to a different date.
Article 4
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT to loans
4.1 | Effective Date |
The obligations of the Lender to make Loans hereunder shall not become effective until the date on which the Lender confirms to each Borrower that is a party to this agreement on the date hereof that each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived by the Lender in accordance with Section 9.2):
4.1.1 | Credit Agreement. The Lender shall have received from such Borrower a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of such Borrower. |
4.1.2 | Other Documentation. The Lender shall have received such other documents and instruments as are both customary for transactions of this type and as it may reasonably request. |
4.2 | Each Borrowing |
The obligation of the Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing (including on the occasion of the initial Borrowings hereunder), is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions: it being understood that the conditions are included for the exclusive benefit of the Lender and may be waived in writing in whole or in part by the Lender at any time:
(a) | the representations and warranties of the Borrowers set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct on and as of the date of each such Borrowing, as if made on such date unless such representations and warranties expressly refer to a different date; |
(b) | at the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and |
(c) | the Lender shall have received a Borrowing Request in the manner and within the time period required by Section 2.3. |
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Article 5
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
From (and including) the Effective Date until the expiry or termination of the Credit Facility and the payment in full of all Obligations owing hereunder, the Borrowers covenant and agree with the Lender that:
5.1 | Financial Statements and Other Information |
The Borrowers will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Lender:
5.1.1 | at the request of the Lender, the most recently prepared unaudited financial statements of any Borrower; |
5.1.2 | forthwith after a Responsible Officer of a Borrower learns of the existence of a Default or Event of Default, the certificate of such Borrower, signed by a Responsible Officer, specifying the event which constitutes a Default or Event of Default and the steps being taken to cure such Default or Event of Default; |
5.1.3 | forthwith after a Responsible Officer of a Borrower learns that any representation or warranty is inaccurate in any material respect when made or deemed to have been made, notice thereof; |
5.1.4 | forthwith upon receipt thereof, notice to the Lender of any action, suit or proceeding affecting any Borrower or any Subsidiary that would, if determined adversely, have a Material Adverse Effect and will, from time to time, furnish the Lender with such information reasonably required by the Lender with respect to the status of any such action, suit or proceeding; and |
5.1.5 | such other information as the Lender may from time to time reasonably request. |
5.2 | Existence; Conduct of Business |
Each Borrower will maintain its existence in good standing and conduct its businesses in a prudent manner.
5.3 | Timely Payment |
The Borrowers will make due and timely payment, as provided for herein, of the principal of all Loans, all interest thereon and all fees and other amounts required to be paid hereunder.
5.4 | Books and Records |
The Borrowers will at all times keep true and complete financial books and records and accounts in accordance with, to the extent applicable, GAAP.
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5.5 | Compliance with Laws |
The Borrowers will, and will cause the Subsidiaries to, comply with all Laws applicable to them or their property, except where the occurrence of such non-compliance, individually or in the aggregate, would not result in a Material Adverse Effect. The Borrowers will not directly or indirectly (a) lend or contribute by way of equity the proceeds of the Loans to any Person on the OFAC Lists at the time of such loan or contribution or any Person that is known to the Borrowers as being owned or controlled by a Person on the OFAC Lists at such time, or (b) knowingly use or otherwise knowingly make available the proceeds of the Loans to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person in violation of any of the U.S. economic sanctions administered by OFAC.
5.6 | Insurance |
The Borrowers will, and will cause the Subsidiaries to, maintain or cause to be maintained, with financially sound and reputable insurers, insurance with respect to their respective properties and business against such liabilities, casualties, risks and contingencies and in such types (including business interruption insurance and, to the extent available at commercially reasonable rates, flood insurance) and amounts as is customary in the case of Persons engaged in the same or similar businesses, except where the occurrence of such non-compliance, individually or in the aggregate, would not result in a Material Adverse Effect.
5.7 | Operation of Business |
The Borrowers will, and will cause the Subsidiaries to, maintain all necessary licences, approvals and permits and manage and operate their businesses in compliance in all material respects with all Applicable Laws, except where a failure to so maintain, manage and operate would not result in a Material Adverse Effect.
5.8 | Maintenance of Assets |
The Borrowers will cause their properties and the properties of the Subsidiaries, to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment and will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in their judgment may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided, however, that nothing will prevent or restrict the sale, abandonment or other disposition of any of such properties or any failure to take any of the foregoing actions where such action or failure would not result in a Material Adverse Effect.
5.9 | Payment of Taxes |
The Borrowers will, and will cause the Subsidiaries to, on or before the date for payment thereof, pay all Taxes imposed upon them or upon their assets, the non-payment of which would result in a Material Adverse Effect, except any such Tax that is being contested in good faith and by proper proceedings and as to which appropriate reserves are maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
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5.10 | Use of Proceeds |
The Borrowers will use the proceeds of all Borrowings obtained under the Credit Facility only for the purposes set out in Section 2.1.2 of this Agreement.
Article 6
NEGATIVE COVENANTS
From (and including) the Effective Date until the termination or expiry of the Credit Facility and the payment in full of all Obligations owing hereunder, the Borrowers covenant and agree with the Lender that:
6.1 | Fundamental Changes |
None of the Borrowers (in each case, a “Predecessor”) will enter into any transaction whereby all or substantially all of its assets would become the property of any other Person (a “Successor”) whether by way of reorganization, reconstruction, consolidation, amalgamation, merger, transfer, sale or otherwise, unless:
(a) | no Default or Event of Default will have occurred and remain outstanding and such transaction will not result in the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default; and |
(b) | prior to or contemporaneously with the consummation of such transaction the Predecessor and/or the Successor have executed such instruments and delivered such legal opinions as the Lender reasonably requests in forms acceptable to the Lender acting reasonably, and done such things as are necessary or advisable to establish that upon the consummation of such transaction; |
(i) | the Successor will have assumed all the covenants and obligations of the Predecessor under this Agreement; and |
(ii) | this Agreement will be a valid and binding obligation of the Successor entitling the Lender, as against the Successor, to exercise all its rights under its Agreement; |
(whereupon such Successor will become a Borrower hereunder, entitled to exercise every right and power of the Predecessor hereunder with the same effect as if such Successor had been named as a Borrower hereunder, whereupon the Predecessor will be released from all of its covenants and the Obligations).
The foregoing will not apply to any transfer of any assets by any Borrower to any other Borrower or any Subsidiary.
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Article 7
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
7.1 | Events of Default |
If any of the following events (“Events of Default”) occurs:
(a) | the Borrowers fail to pay the Obligations (or any part thereof) on the Maturity Date; |
(b) | the Borrowers fail to pay other amount owing hereunder when due and such failure continues unremedied for a period of five Business Days after written notice thereof from the Lender; |
(c) | any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of any Borrower hereunder will prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed to be made and if such incorrect representation or warranty is not remedied within 15 Business Days after notice thereof from the Lender to the Borrowers; |
(d) | any Borrower fails to observe or perform any other covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement and such failure continues unremedied for a period of 20 Business Days after written notice thereof from the Lender; |
(e) | any Borrower: |
(i) | becomes insolvent, or generally does not or becomes unable to pay its debts or meet its liabilities as the same become due, or admits in writing its inability to pay its debts generally, or declares any general moratorium on its indebtedness, or proposes a compromise or arrangement between it and any class of its creditors; |
(ii) | commits an act of bankruptcy under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada), the United States Bankruptcy Code or under analogous foreign law, or makes an assignment of its property for the general benefit of its creditors under such Act or under analogous foreign law, or makes a proposal (or files a notice of its intention to do so) under such Act or under analogous foreign law; |
(iii) | institutes any proceeding seeking to adjudicate it an insolvent, or seeking liquidation, dissolution, winding-up, reorganization, compromise, arrangement, adjustment, protection, moratorium, relief, stay of proceedings of creditors generally (or any class of creditors), or composition of it or its debts or any other relief, under any federal, provincial or foreign Law in effect on the Effective Date or thereafter arising relating to bankruptcy, winding-up, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, plans of arrangement or relief or protection of debtors (including the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada), the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada), the United States Bankruptcy Code and any applicable corporations legislation) or at common law or in equity, or files an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding; |
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(iv) | applies for the appointment of, or the taking of possession by, a receiver, interim receiver, receiver/manager, sequestrator, conservator, custodian, administrator, trustee, liquidator or other similar official for it or any substantial part of its property; or |
(v) | threatens to do any of the foregoing, or takes any action, corporate or otherwise, to approve, effect, consent to or authorize any of the actions described in this Section 7.1(e) or in Section 7.1(f), or otherwise acts in furtherance thereof or fails to act in a timely and appropriate manner in defence thereof; |
(f) | any petition, proposal or notice of intention to file a proposal is filed, application made or other proceeding instituted against or in respect of any Borrower: |
(i) | seeking to adjudicate it an insolvent; |
(ii) | seeking a receiving order against it under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada), the United States Bankruptcy Code or under analogous foreign law; |
(iii) | seeking liquidation, dissolution, winding-up, reorganization, compromise, arrangement, adjustment, protection, moratorium, relief, stay of proceedings of creditors generally (or any class of creditors), or composition of it or its debts or any other relief under any federal, provincial or foreign Law in effect on the Effective Date or thereafter arising relating to bankruptcy, winding-up, insolvency, reorganization, receivership, plans of arrangement or relief or protection of debtors (including the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada), the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada), the United States Bankruptcy Code and any applicable corporations legislation) or at common law or in equity; or |
(iv) | seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of, or the taking of possession by, a receiver, interim receiver, receiver/manager, sequestrator, conservator, custodian, administrator, trustee, liquidator or other similar official for it or any substantial part of its property; |
and such petition, application or proceeding continues undismissed, or unstayed and in effect, for a period of 60 days after the institution thereof; provided that if an order, decree or judgment is granted or entered (whether or not entered or subject to appeal) against the applicable Borrower thereunder in the interim, such grace period will cease to apply, and provided further that if such Borrower files an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, such grace period will cease to apply;
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(g) | any other event occurs which, under the Laws of any applicable jurisdiction, has an effect equivalent to any of the events referred to in either of Sections 7.1(e) or (f) and, if the event is equivalent to the event referred to in (f) (subject to the same provisos), the 60 day grace period will apply as set out in (f); |
(h) | any one or more judgments for the payment of borrowed money in an aggregate amount in excess of the Specified Threshold Amount is rendered against any Borrower and such Borrower has not (i) provided for the discharge of such judgment in accordance with its terms within 30 days from the date of entry thereof, or (ii) procured a stay of execution thereof within 30 days from the date of entry thereof and within such period, or such longer period during which execution of such judgment continues to be stayed, appealed such judgment and caused the execution thereof to be stayed during such appeal; provided that if enforcement and/or realization proceedings or similar process are lawfully commenced in respect thereof in the interim, such grace period will cease to apply; |
(i) | any property of any Borrower having a fair market value in excess of the Specified Threshold Amount is seized (including by way of execution, attachment, garnishment, levy or distraint) or any lien thereon securing indebtedness is enforced against such property, or such property has become subject to any charging order or equitable execution of a Governmental Authority, or any writ of execution or distress warrant exists in respect of such property, or any sheriff or other Person becomes lawfully entitled by operation of law or otherwise to seize or distrain upon such property, and in any case such seizure, enforcement, execution, attachment, garnishment, distraint, charging order or equitable execution or other seizure or right, continues in effect and is not released or discharged for more than 30 days or such longer period during which entitlement to the use of such property continues with the affected Borrower and the affected Borrower is contesting the same in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, provided that if the property is removed form the use of the affected Borrower or is sold in the interim, such grace period shall cease to apply; |
(j) | any Borrower shall fail to pay any principal or premium or interest in respect of any indebtedness for borrowed money in an aggregate amount exceeding the Specified Threshold Amount when the same becomes due and payable (whether at scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise), and such failure shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in the agreement or instrument relating to such indebtedness for borrowed money; or |
(k) | this Agreement, at any time for any reason, terminates or ceases to be in full force and effect and a legally valid, binding and enforceable obligation of the Borrowers is declared to be void or voidable or is repudiated, or the validity, binding effect, legality or enforceability hereof or thereof is at any time contested by any Borrower, or any Borrower denies that it has any or any further liability or obligation hereunder or thereunder, or any action or proceeding is commenced to enjoin or restrain the performance or observance by the Borrowers of any material terms hereof or thereof or to question the validity or enforceability hereof or thereof, |
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then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to a Borrower described in clause (e), (f) or (g) above), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event or any other such event, the Lender may, by notice to the Borrowers, take either or both of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate the availability of the Credit Facility, and thereupon the Credit Facility will terminate immediately, and (ii) declare all Loans and Obligations then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), and thereupon the principal of all Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other Obligations of the Borrowers accrued hereunder, will become due and payable immediately, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind except as set forth earlier in this paragraph, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers.
7.2 | Legal Proceedings |
If any Event of Default occurs, the Lender may, in its discretion, exercise any right or recourse and/or proceed by any action, suit, remedy or proceeding against the Borrowers authorized or permitted by law for the recovery of all the indebtedness and liabilities of the Borrowers to the Lender and proceed to exercise any and all rights and remedies hereunder, and no such remedy for the enforcement of the rights of the Lender will be exclusive of or dependent on any other remedy but any one or more of such remedies may from time to time be exercised independently or in combination.
7.3 | Non-Merger |
The taking of a judgment or judgments or any other action or dealing whatsoever by the Lender in respect of this Agreement will not operate as a merger of any indebtedness of any Borrower to the Lender or in any way suspend payment or affect or prejudice the rights, remedies and powers, legal or equitable, which the Lender may have in connection with such liabilities and the surrender, cancellation or any other dealings with any security for such liabilities will not release or affect the liability of any Borrower hereunder.
Article 8
subordination and Deposits
8.1 | Subordination |
The Lender hereby agrees as follows:
(a) | the payment of the Obligations is subordinated and, subject to the right of payment to the extent and in the manner set forth in paragraph (b) below, postponed to the repayment in full of all other indebtedness of the Borrowers (or any of them) and all liabilities and obligations of the Borrowers (or any of them) to any holder of such indebtedness of any kind, now or hereafter existing, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, joint or several, whether as principal or surety and whether under a credit agreement, promissory note, guarantee or otherwise (collectively, the “Senior Debt”), as such Senior Debt may be modified renewed, extended, increased or modified in any way from time to time and including all principal, interest, fees, expenses and other amounts owing from time to time in respect of such Senior Debt; |
35 |
(b) | the Lender may not receive any payment in respect of any Obligations unless, at the time of such payment, all amounts then due and owing under or in respect of the Senior Debt have been paid in full and no default exists in respect of the Senior Debt or any document evidencing, securing or relating to the Senior Debt; |
(c) | the Lender shall not accept any mortgage, pledge, hypothec or other charge, lien or encumbrance on any property, asset or undertaking of any Borrower in respect of the Obligations; |
(d) | the Lender shall not initiate or prosecute any claim, action or other proceeding challenging the enforceability of any Senior Debt or object to any borrowing under any Senior Debt; |
(e) | the Lender agrees, at the request of any holder of Senior Debt, to execute and deliver to such holder a confirmation of the subordination provided for herein in the form attached as Exhibit C, but without prejudice to the rights of any holder of Senior Debt that does not request or receive such a confirmation; and |
(f) | the Borrowers are not restricted from incurring indebtedness or charging their property and undertaking to secure any indebtedness or other obligations. |
8.2 | Deposits |
Until the Maturity Date, the Lender or its nominee may from time to time request to place amounts on deposit with a Borrower or its nominee. If a Borrower or its nominee agrees to accept such a deposit, then the parties agree that the terms set out in Exhibit B will govern such deposit and the parties to such arrangement will execute a form of Deposit Record substantially in the form of Exhibit B.
Article 9
MISCELLANEOUS
9.1 | Notices |
Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone, all notices and other communications provided for herein will be in writing and will be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by email in each case to the addressee, as follows:
9.1.1 | if to the Borrowers: |
Brookfield Place
181 Bay Street, Suite 300
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3
Attention: Viththiya Thayaparan, Senior Analyst
Email: viththiya.thayaparan@brookfield.com
Attention: Harrison Domagala, Analyst
Email: harrison.domagala@brookfield.com
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9.1.2 | if to the Lender: |
Brookfield Place
181 Bay Street, Suite 300
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3
Attention: Viththiya Thayaparan, Senior Analyst
Email: viththiya.thayaparan@brookfield.com
Attention: Harrison Domagala, Analyst
Email: harrison.domagala@brookfield.com
Any party hereto may change its address or facsimile number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. All notices and other communications given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement will be deemed to have been given on the date of receipt.
9.2 | Waivers |
No failure or delay by the Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder will operate as a waiver thereof, nor will 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 Lender hereunder are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that it would otherwise have. Any waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by the Borrowers therefrom will be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the making of any Loan will not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Lender may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.
9.3 | Expenses; Indemnity |
9.3.1 | The Borrowers will pay all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Lender, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of external counsel for the Lender in connection with the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby will be consummated), the management and administration of Loans and this Agreement (whether or not any Borrowings are made hereunder), any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions of this Agreement, and the collection, enforcement or protection of the Lender’s rights in connection with this Agreement, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of the Credit Facility and the Loans. |
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9.3.2 | Each Borrower will indemnify the Lender, its directors, officers and employees (each such Person including the directors, officers and employees herein referred to as an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, cost recovery actions, damages, expenses and liabilities of whatsoever nature or kind asserted by third parties, and all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses to which any Indemnitee may become subject arising out of or in connection with (a) the execution or delivery by the Lender of this Agreement or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby, the performance by the Lender of its obligations hereunder and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereunder, (b) any Loan or any actual or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom, (c) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto, (d) any other aspect of this Agreement, and (e) the enforcement of any Indemnitee’s rights hereunder and any related investigation, defence, preparation of defence, litigation and enquiries; provided that such indemnity will not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and non-appealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence, wilful misconduct or wilful material breach of this Agreement by such Indemnitee. |
9.4 | Currency Indemnity |
If, for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court in any jurisdiction with respect to this Agreement, it becomes necessary to convert into the currency of such jurisdiction (the “Judgment Currency”) any amount due under this Agreement in any currency other than the Judgment Currency (the “Currency Due”), then conversion shall be made at the rate of exchange prevailing on the Business Day before the day on which judgment is given. For this purpose “rate of exchange” means the rate at which the Lender is able, on the relevant date, to purchase the Currency Due with the Judgment Currency in accordance with its normal practice. In the event that there is a change in the rate of exchange prevailing between the Business Day before the day on which the judgment is given and the date of receipt by the Lender of the amount due, the Borrowers will, on the date of receipt by the Lender, pay such additional amounts, if any, or be entitled to receive reimbursement of such amount, if any, as may be necessary to ensure that the amount received by the Lender on such date is the amount in the Judgment Currency which when converted at the rate of exchange prevailing on the date of receipt by the Lender is the amount then due under this Agreement in the Currency Due. If the amount of the Currency Due which the Lender is so able to purchase is less than the amount of the Currency Due originally due to it, the Borrowers shall indemnify and save the Lender harmless from and against all loss or damage arising as a result of such deficiency. This indemnity shall constitute an obligation separate and independent from the other obligations contained in this Agreement, shall give rise to a separate and independent cause of action, shall apply irrespective of any indulgence granted by the Lender from time to time and shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding any judgment or order for a liquidated sum in respect of an amount due under this Agreement or under any judgment or order.
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9.5 | Successors and Assigns and Additions of Lenders |
9.5.1 | The provisions of this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that no Borrower may, without the prior written consent of the Lender, assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder to any Person other than a Successor pursuant to a transaction that is completed in compliance with Section 6.1. |
9.5.2 | The Lender may assign to one or more assignees all or any portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement at any time upon giving the Borrowers written notice thereof. |
9.5.3 | Any Lender may at any time and from time to time add any Person as a Lender hereunder by delivering written notice of such designation to the Borrowers. From and after the delivery of any such written notice by any Lender, each Person that is so designated as a Lender hereunder will be entitled to all rights and benefits of this Agreement and be jointly and severally liable with each other Lender hereunder for the obligations of the Lenders hereunder. The Lenders may designate and appoint one or more of the Lenders or any other Person as their agents under this Agreement for the purposes of receiving all notices and requests to be issued, giving all consents and approvals and receiving all payments to be made to the Lenders hereunder and the Borrowers will be entitled to rely on any such designation and appointment and will be deemed to have discharged their obligations hereunder if such notices and requests are delivered, consents and approvals are obtained and payments are made in accordance with such designations and appointments. |
9.6 | Survival |
All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Borrowers herein will be considered to have been relied upon by the Lender and will survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the making of any Loans, and all such covenants and agreements will 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 is outstanding and unpaid and so long as the Credit Facility has not expired or been terminated other than these amounts claimed or capable of being claimed under sections of this Agreement which by the terms of this Agreement, survive termination of this Agreement. Sections 2.9, 9.3 and 9.6 will survive and remain in full force and effect, regardless of the repayment of the Obligations or the expiration or termination of the Credit Facility or this Agreement or any provision hereof.
9.7 | Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness |
This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which will constitute an original, but all of which when taken together will constitute a single contract. This Agreement and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Lender, 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. This Agreement will become effective when it will have been executed by the Lender and when the Lender will have received the counterpart hereof which, when taken together, bears the Borrowers’ signatures, and thereafter will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Delivery of an executed original counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile will be as effective as delivery of a manually executed original counterpart of this Agreement.
39 |
9.8 | Electronic Signatures |
The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of like import in this Agreement shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or electronic records (including without limitation those generated by Docu-Sign and similar programs), each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any Applicable Law.
9.9 | Severability |
Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction will, 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 hereof, and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction will not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.
9.10 | Right of Set Off |
If an Event of Default will have occurred and be continuing, the Lender 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) at any time held and other obligations at any time owing by the Lender to or for the credit or the account of any Borrower against any of and all of the obligations of the Borrowers under this Agreement held by the Lender, irrespective of whether or not the Lender will have made any demand under this Agreement and although such obligations may be unmatured. The rights of the Lender under this section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of set off) which the Lender may have.
9.11 | Governing Law; Jurisdiction |
This Agreement will be construed in accordance with and governed by the Laws of the Province of Ontario. Each of the Borrowers hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of the Province of Ontario.
9.12 | Waiver of Jury Trial |
Each party hereto waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, any right it may have to trial by jury in any legal proceeding directly or indirectly arising out of or relating to this Agreement.
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9.13 | 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 will not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.
9.14 | Limited Recourse |
Recourse under this Agreement against each Borrower will be limited to the property and assets of such Borrower, and this Agreement will not be personally binding upon, and resort will not be had to, nor will recourse or satisfaction be sought from the private property of, any of the limited partners, unitholders or securityholders of such Borrower (unless such Person is also a Borrower hereunder).
41 |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
BBUC HOLDINGS INC., as Borrower | |||
Per: | “A.J. Silber” | ||
Name: | A.J. Silber | ||
Title: | Director |
BROOKFIELD BBP CANADA HOLDINGS INC., as Lender | |||
Per: | “A.J. Silber” | ||
Name: | A.J. Silber | ||
Title: | Senior Vice President |
[Signature Page – Subordinated Credit Agreement]
Exhibit A
FORM OF BORROWING REQUEST
Date:■
The undersigned, BBUC Holdings Inc. (a “Borrower”), refers to the Credit Agreement dated as of ■, 2022, between the undersigned, as Borrower, and Brookfield BBP Canada Holdings Inc., as Lender (the “Credit Agreement”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein will have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.
The Borrowers hereby gives you notice pursuant to Section 2.3 of the Credit Agreement that it requests a Borrowing under the Credit Agreement as follows:
(A) | Amount and Interest Period: a ■ Loan in the amount of $■ and with an Interest Period of ■ months. |
(B) | Date of Borrowing:■ |
(C) | Account of the Borrower to which the funds are to be disbursed:■ |
(D) | The undersigned confirms having read the provisions of the Credit Agreement which are relevant to the furnishing of this Borrowing Request. The undersigned confirms that the Borrowers have complied with all conditions precedent for the requested Borrowing. |
The Borrower hereby certifies that the representations and warranties of the Borrowers set forth in the Credit Agreement are true and correct on and as of the date hereof as if made as of the date hereof, and that no Default or Event of Default exists.
BBUC HOLDINGS INC. | ||
Per: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
A-1 |
B-1
Exhibit B
FORM OF DEPOSIT RECORD
■, 201■ | Toronto |
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, ■ (“Depositee”), having its principal office at ■, promises to pay on demand to the order of ■ (“Depositor”), having its principal office at ■, the Principal Amounts (as defined below) as the Depositor may from time to time advance to the Depositee, together with interest from the date hereof at the Applicable Interest Rate (as defined below), calculated and compounded monthly, both before and after maturity, default and judgment and until actual payment, with interest on overdue interest at the same rate.
WHEREAS, the Depositor may make deposits with the Depositee from time to time (each a “Deposit”);
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
WHEN USED HEREIN, the following capitalized terms will have the following meanings:
“Applicable Interest Rate” will mean a rate of [one month LIBOR [+ ■%] per annum/■% per annum], noting that such rate may be revised so as to reflect market terms prior to any deposit being made, based on the deposit rates of at least two commercial banks.
“Business Day” means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City or Toronto, Canada are authorized or required by law to close.
“Deposit Date” will be the date of each advance under this Note.
“Default Rate” will be the Applicable Interest Rate plus five percent (5%) per annum.
“Deposits” mean, collectively, all Deposits advanced by the Depositor to the Depositee from time to time.
“Events of Default” means the occurrence of any of the following, each of which will constitute an Event of Default under this Note:
(i) | Failure to make any payment of interest or principal on this Note when due, or failure to pay the principal balance of this Note on demand; or |
B-2 |
(ii) | Failure to pay any other amount payable pursuant to this Note when due and payable in accordance with the provisions hereof, with such failure continuing for ten (10) Business Days after Depositor delivers written notice thereof to Depositee; or |
(iii) | Any default in the performance of the obligations pursuant to Section 3; or |
(iv) | Any insolvency or bankruptcy of the Depositee. |
“Governmental Authority” will mean any nation or government, any federal, state, provincial, local or other political subdivision thereof and any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government.
“Material Adverse Effect” will mean any event or condition that has a material adverse effect on the ability of Depositee to repay the principal and interest of the Obligations as they become due.
“Note” means this deposit record and “Notes” means collectively, all such deposit records evidencing Deposits advanced by the Depositor to the Depositee from time to time.
“Obligations” will mean all obligations, liabilities and indebtedness of every nature of Depositee from time to time owing to Depositor under or in connection with this Note and the Deposits (including all Principal Amounts and all interest accrued thereon).
“Payment Dates” will be ■ and ■ in each calendar year, commencing on ■.
“Person” will mean an individual, a corporation, a partnership, an association, a trust, a limited liability company or any other entity or organization, including a government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof.
“Principal Amount” will mean, with respect to any Deposit, the principal amount of such Deposit.
“Requirements of Law” will mean, as to any Person, the charter and by-laws or other organizational or governing documents of such Person, and any law, rule or regulation, or determination of an arbitrator or a court or other Governmental Authority, 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.
1. | The Obligations will be due and payable in lawful money of Canada as follows: |
(a) | On each Payment Date until this Note is paid in full on demand, Depositee will pay to Depositor all interest then accrued on each Principal Amount at the Applicable Interest Rate. Depositee may request, and Depositor may, in its sole discretion, agree that any interest payable by Depositee under this Note will continue to accrue until such date as Depositor may agree to. |
[Signature Page – Subordinated Credit Agreement]
B-3 |
(b) | On demand, but in any event, no later than ■, Depositee will pay to Depositor the Obligations then outstanding. |
(c) | Amounts due on this Note will be payable, without any counterclaim, setoff or deduction whatsoever except for any withholding taxes that the Depositee is required to withhold at law, at the office of Depositor or its agent or designee at the address set forth in the first paragraph of this Note or at such other place as Depositor or its agent or designee may from time to time designate in writing. |
(d) | The Depositee acknowledges that the actual recording of amounts advanced and amounts paid on the attached grid schedule shall, in the absence of manifest error, be prima facie evidence of the same; provided that the failure of the Depositor to record the same on the grid schedule shall not affect the obligation of the undersigned to pay or repay the amounts advanced by the Depositor, together with interest thereon at the Applicable Interest Rate. |
2. | In order to induce Depositor to make the Deposits, Depositee makes the following representations and warranties as of each Deposit Date, each of which will survive the effectiveness of this Note, the execution and delivery hereof and the making of the Deposits: |
(a) | Depositee is (i) duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation, (ii) is duly authorized and qualified to do business and is in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction except where the failure to be so qualified and in good standing would not result in a Material Adverse Effect, and (iii) has all powers and all material governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals required to carry on its business as now conducted or as it is presently proposed to be conducted except where the failure to have the same would not result in a Material Adverse Effect. |
(b) | Depositee has the power and authority to execute, deliver and carry out the terms and provisions of this Note and has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution and delivery on behalf of Depositee and the performance by Depositee hereof. Depositee has duly executed and delivered this Note and this Note constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Depositee, enforceable in accordance with its terms. |
(c) | Neither the execution, delivery or performance by the Depositee of this Note, nor compliance by the Depositee with the terms and provisions hereof, nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, (i) will contravene any applicable provision of any material law, statute, rule, regulation, order, writ, injunction or decree of any court or governmental instrumentality that is binding on the Depositee or its property, or (ii) will conflict, in any material respect, with or result in any breach of, any of the terms, covenants, conditions or provisions of, or constitute a material default under, or result in the creation or imposition of (or the obligation to create or impose) any agreement to which the Depositee is a party or by which it or any of its assets is bound. |
[Signature Page – Subordinated Credit Agreement]
B-4 |
3. | Depositee covenants and agrees that so long as the Deposits are outstanding and until payment in full of all of the Obligations, unless Depositor will otherwise give prior written consent: |
(a) | Depositee will at all times maintain its existence and preserve and keep in full force and effect its rights and franchises material to its businesses, except where the loss or termination of such rights and franchises would not have a Material Adverse Effect; |
(b) | Depositee will remain qualified to do business and maintain its good standing in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business and the ownership of its property requires it to be so qualified and in good standing, except where noncompliance would not have a Material Adverse Effect; and |
(c) | Depositee will comply with all Requirements of Law, except where noncompliance would not have a Material Adverse Effect. |
4. | Depositee may prepay the Principal Amount of any Deposit in full or in part at any time [together with all interest accrued on such prepaid amount]. |
5. | If the Depositee defaults in the payment of any payment that is due on any Payment Date (or such later date as the Depositor has agreed pursuant to section 1(a) that such installment is due), then the Depositee will pay to Depositor a late payment charge in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the amount of the installment not paid as aforesaid. Said late charge payments, if payable, will be payable without notice or demand by the Depositor, and are independent of and have no effect upon the rights of the Depositor under paragraph 1 above. |
6. | This Note will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario. |
7. | The Depositee will execute and acknowledge (or cause to be executed and acknowledged) and deliver to the Depositor all documents, and take all actions, reasonably required by the Depositor from time to time to confirm the rights created or now or hereafter intended to be created under this Note, to protect and further the validity and enforceability of this Note, or otherwise carry out the purposes of the Note and the transactions contemplated hereunder; provided, however, that no such further actions, assurances and confirmations will increase the Depositee’s obligations under this Note. |
8. | No modification, amendment, extension, discharge, termination or waiver (a “Modification”) of any provision of this Note, nor consent to any departure by the Depositee therefrom, will in any event be effective unless the same will be in a writing signed by the Depositor, and then such waiver or consent will be effective only in the specific instance, and for the purpose, for which given. Except as otherwise expressly agreed to by the Depositor in writing, no Modification will entitle the Depositee to any other or future Modification, whether in the same, similar or other circumstances. The Depositor does not hereby agree to, nor does the Depositor hereby commit itself to, enter into any Modification. |
[Signature Page – Subordinated Credit Agreement]
B-5 |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Depositee has caused this Note to be executed and delivered as of the day and year first above written.
■ | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page – Subordinated Credit Agreement]
B-6 |
Currency: ________________
DATE | LOAN NUMBER |
ADVANCES | PRINCIPAL PAYMENTS |
UNPAID BALANCE |
NOTATION MADE BY | |||||
1 | ||||||||||
[Signature Page – Subordinated Credit Agreement]
Exhibit C
FORM OF CONFIRMATION OF SUBORDINATION
TO: | ■ and its successors and assigns (the “Senior Lender”) |
RE: | Credit agreement dated as of ■ between ■ (the “Borrower”) and the Senior Lender, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time (the “Senior Credit Agreement”) |
AND RE: | Credit Agreement dated as of ■, 2022 between BBUC Holdings Inc., as borrower, and Brookfield BBP Canada Holdings Inc., as lender (the “Subordinate Lender”), as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time (the “Subordinate Credit Agreement”) |
Pursuant to section 8.1 of the Subordinate Credit Agreement, the undersigned confirms in favour of the Senior Lender that (i) all indebtedness, liabilities and obligations of the Borrower owing from time to time under or pursuant to the Senior Credit Agreement constitutes “Senior Debt” for all purposes of the Subordinate Credit Agreement, and (ii) the Senior Lender is entitled to all the rights and benefits of section 8.1 of the Subordinate Credit Agreement in respect of the Senior Debt owing to it from time to time.
All terms that are capitalized but not defined herein have the meanings attributed to such terms in the Subordinate Credit Agreement.
This confirmation is binding upon the undersigned and its successors and assigns, and enures to the benefit of the Senior Lender and its respective successors and assigns.
DATED this day of ■.
BROOKFIELD BBP CANADA HOLDINGS INC. | ||
Per: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
Per: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
C-1 |
Exhibit 99.7
DEMAND PROMISSORY NOTE
US$220,758,965 | March 9, 2022 |
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, BROOKFIELD BBP CANADA HOLDINGS INC. (the “Borrower”) HEREBY PROMISES TO PAY ON DEMAND to BBUC HOLDINGS INC. (the “Lender”) the principal sum of US$220,758,965 in lawful money of the United States of America (or so much thereof as shall not have been prepaid), together with interest only on the unpaid balance thereof at the Interest Rate (as defined below) plus 3.45% per annum, which interest will be calculated from the date hereof and be payable both before and after demand, default and judgment until actual payment is received by the Lender, together with interest on overdue interest at the same rate.
Interest will be payable under this Promissory Note on the date the principal amount owing hereunder is demanded by the Lender and monthly in arrears on the first Business Day of each month in each year (each a “Payment Date”), commencing on May 2, 2022. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower will have the right, exercisable by giving the Lender written notice at least one Business Day prior to any Payment Date, to capitalize all or any part of the interest that would otherwise be payable in cash on such Payment Date and to add such capitalized interest to the outstanding principal balance of this Promissory Note as of such Payment Date (such capitalized interest is collectively referred to as “PIK Interest”), which PIK interest will bear interest at the Interest Rate plus 3.45% per annum and will be calculated and payable in the same manner as the interest that is payable on the principal owing hereunder. All accrued and unpaid PIK Interest, together with all other interest, the principal amount of this Promissory Note and all other obligations hereunder, shall be payable in cash by the Borrower on the date demand for such payment is made by the Lender hereunder.
Wherever in this Promissory Note reference is made to a rate of interest “per annum” or a similar expression is used, such interest shall be calculated on the basis of a calendar year of 365 days. Whenever a rate of interest is calculated on the basis of a year (the “deemed year”) which contains fewer days than the actual number of calendar days in the year of calculation, such rate of interest shall be expressed as a yearly rate for purposes of the Interest Act (Canada) by multiplying such rate of interest by the actual number of days in the calendar year of calculation, and dividing it by the number of days in the deemed year.
The following capitalized terms will have the following meanings:
(a) | “Business Day” means any day except for a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association recommends that the fixed income departments of its members be closed for the entire day for purposes of trading in United States government securities. |
(b) | “Dollar” means United States dollars. |
(c) | “Interest Period” means the period commencing on a Payment Date and ending on the earlier of the next Payment Date or the date the Lender demands repayment of this Promissory Note in full provided that the initial Interest Period shall be the period commencing on the date of this Promissory Note and ending on the first Payment Date of May 2, 2022. |
(d) | “Interest Rate” means, for purposes of any calculation and any Interest Period, the rate per annum equal to (a) Term SOFR for such Interest Period plus (b) 0.10%. |
(e) | “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 Federal Reserve Bank of New York on its website on the immediately succeeding Business Day. |
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(f) | “Term SOFR” means the forward-looking term rate based on one month SOFR on the day that is two (2) Business Days prior to the first day of the applicable Interest Period, as such rate is published by the Term SOFR Administrator; provided, however, that if as of 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on any determination day such rate has not been published by the Term SOFR Administrator, then “Term SOFR” shall be such rate for one month SOFR as was published by the Term SOFR Administrator on the first preceding Business Day for which such rate was published by the Term SOFR Administrator or such other rate as the Lender specifies as a replacement reference rate; provided, that if Term SOFR determined as provided above shall ever be less than zero, then Term SOFR shall be deemed to be zero. |
(g) | “Term SOFR Administrator” means CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited (CBA) (or a successor administrator of the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR selected by the Lender). |
All principal and other amounts due hereunder shall be payable to the Lender without set off or counterclaim, in lawful currency of the United States of America in immediately available funds to such account of the Lender as the Lender may notify to the Borrower from time to time.
The Borrower shall have the right to prepay all or any part of the principal amount outstanding under this Promissory Note, including all or any of the PIK Interest, on any Payment Date (together with all interest owing hereunder on such Payment Date), without notice or bonus.
The amount advanced by the Lender to the Borrower pursuant to the terms of this Promissory Note, all interest payable or accrued hereunder and all payments made on account of principal and interest thereof, shall be recorded by the Lender on its books and records, such books and records constituting prima facie evidence of the accuracy of the information contained herein; provided that the failure of the Lender to make any such recordation shall not affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder.
The Borrower hereby waives presentment, demand, protest and notice of any kind. No failure to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any rights hereunder on the part of the Lender shall operate as a waiver of such rights.
This Promissory Note may not be amended without the consent of both of the parties hereto. The Lender may assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights under the terms of this Promissory Note, in its sole discretion.
The Lender shall have the right, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off any amount owed by the Lender to the Borrower, whether or not matured, against any amount then due and payable by the Borrower hereunder, regardless of the currency or place of payment of either such amount.
This Promissory Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the laws of Canada applicable therein without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws thereof.
[Signature Page to Follow]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Promissory Note has been duly executed by the Borrower on the date set forth above and shall become effective as of the date first above written.
BROOKFIELD BBP CANADA HOLDINGS INC. | ||
By: | /s/ AJ Silber | |
Name: AJ Silber | ||
Title: Vice President and Secretary |
Acknowledged and agreed to | ||
effective as of the date first above written: | ||
BBUC HOLDINGS INC. | ||
By: | /s/ AJ Silber | |
Name: AJ Silber | ||
Title: Director |
Exhibit 99.8
FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT
between
Brookfield Business L.P., Brookfield BBP Canada
Holdings Inc., Brookfield BBP Bermuda
Holdings Limited, Brookfield BBP US Holdings LLC and
each other person who becomes a party hereto as a Borrower
as Borrowers
and
Brookfield Business Partners L.P. and BBUC Holdings Inc. as Guarantors
and
BPEG US INC.
as Lender
Dated as of March 15, 2022
Table of Contents
Page
Article 1 DEFINITIONS | 1 |
1.1 | Defined Terms | 1 |
1.2 | Terms Generally | 20 |
1.3 | Accounting Terms; GAAP | 21 |
1.4 | Time | 21 |
1.5 | Currency | 21 |
1.6 | Borrowers Jointly and Severally Liable | 21 |
1.7 | Amount of Credit | 21 |
1.8 | Divisions | 22 |
1.9 | Schedules | 22 |
Article 2 THE CREDIT FACILITY | 22 |
2.1 | Establishment of Credit Facility | 22 |
2.2 | Loans and Borrowings | 22 |
2.3 | Requests for Borrowings | 23 |
2.4 | Interest | 24 |
2.5 | Bankers’ Acceptances | 25 |
2.6 | Evidence of Debt | 27 |
2.7 | Termination and Reduction of Credit Commitment | 28 |
2.8 | Repayment of Loans | 28 |
2.9 | Mandatory Repayments | 28 |
2.10 | Voluntary Prepayments and Cancellation | 28 |
2.11 | Automatic Renewal of Maturity Date | 29 |
2.12 | Alternate Rate of Interest | 29 |
2.13 | LIBOR Discontinuation | 30 |
2.14 | Increased Costs; Illegality | 31 |
2.15 | Breakage Costs | 32 |
2.16 | Withholding Tax Indemnity | 33 |
2.17 | Payments Generally | 36 |
2.18 | Currency Indemnity | 36 |
2.19 | Addition of Borrowers | 37 |
Article 3 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES | 37 |
3.1 | Organization; Powers | 37 |
3.2 | Authorization; Enforceability | 37 |
3.3 | Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts | 37 |
3.4 | Financial Information | 38 |
3.5 | Litigation | 38 |
3.6 | Compliance with Laws and Agreements | 38 |
3.7 | Taxes | 38 |
3.8 | Ownership of Property | 38 |
3.9 | Pension Plans | 39 |
3.10 | No Order or Judgments | 39 |
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Table of Contents
(continued)
Page
3.11 | No Material Adverse Effect | 39 |
3.12 | Defaults | 39 |
3.13 | Environmental Matters | 39 |
3.14 | Fiscal Year | 40 |
3.15 | Money Laundering Laws | 40 |
3.16 | Office of Foreign Assets Control | 40 |
3.17 | Survival of Representations and Warranties | 40 |
3.18 | Deemed Repetition | 40 |
Article 4 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT | 41 |
4.1 | Effective Date | 41 |
4.2 | Each Borrowing | 42 |
Article 5 AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS | 42 |
5.1 | Financial Statements and Other Information | 42 |
5.2 | Existence; Conduct of Business | 43 |
5.3 | Timely Payment | 43 |
5.4 | Books and Records | 43 |
5.5 | Compliance with Laws | 43 |
5.6 | Insurance | 44 |
5.7 | Operation of Business | 44 |
5.8 | Maintenance of Assets | 44 |
5.9 | Financial Covenant | 44 |
5.10 | Payment of Taxes | 45 |
5.11 | Use of Proceeds | 45 |
5.12 | Pensions | 45 |
Article 6 NEGATIVE COVENANTS | 45 |
6.1 | Liens | 45 |
6.2 | Fundamental Changes | 46 |
6.3 | Financial Instrument Obligations | 46 |
6.4 | Limitation on Distributions | 46 |
6.5 | Acquisitions | 47 |
Article 7 EVENTS OF DEFAULT | 47 |
7.1 | Events of Default | 47 |
7.2 | Legal Proceedings | 50 |
7.3 | Non-Merger | 50 |
Article 8 GUARANTEES | 50 |
8.1 | Guarantees | 50 |
8.2 | Indemnity | 51 |
8.3 | Payment and Performance | 51 |
8.4 | Continuing Obligation | 51 |
8.5 | Obligor Guarantee Unaffected | 52 |
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Table of Contents
(continued)
Page
8.6 | Waivers | 52 |
8.7 | Lender’s Right to Act | 53 |
8.8 | Action or Inaction | 54 |
8.9 | Lender’s Rights | 54 |
8.10 | Demand | 54 |
8.11 | General Limitations on Guarantee Obligations | 54 |
Article 9 MISCELLANEOUS | 55 |
9.1 | Notices | 55 |
9.2 | Waivers | 56 |
9.3 | Expenses; Indemnity | 56 |
9.4 | Successors and Assigns | 57 |
9.5 | Survival | 57 |
9.6 | Senior Indebtedness | 57 |
9.7 | Amendment and Restatement | 58 |
9.8 | Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness | 58 |
9.9 | Severability | 58 |
9.10 | Right of Set Off | 58 |
9.11 | Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process | 58 |
9.12 | Waiver of Jury Trial | 59 |
9.13 | Headings | 59 |
9.14 | Confidentiality | 60 |
9.15 | Patriot Act | 60 |
Exhibit A | Form of Borrowing Request |
Exhibit B | Form of Compliance Certificate |
Exhibit C-1 | Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate |
Exhibit C-2 | Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate |
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FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT
THIS FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT is dated as of March 15, 2022 and is entered into between Brookfield Business L.P., Brookfield BBP Canada Holdings Inc., Brookfield BBP Bermuda Holdings Limited, Brookfield BBP US Holdings LLC, and each other person who becomes a party hereto as a Borrower in accordance with this Agreement, as Borrowers, Brookfield Business Partners L.P. and BBUC Holdings Inc., as Guarantors, and BPEG US Inc., as Lender.
The parties hereto agree as follows:
Article 1
DEFINITIONS
1.1 | Defined Terms |
As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:
“Acceptance Fee” means a fee payable by a Borrower to the Lender in Canadian Dollars with respect to the acceptance of a B/A, calculated on the face amount of the B/A at the rate per annum equal to the Applicable Margin from time to time in effect on the basis of the number of days in the applicable Contract Period (including the date of acceptance and excluding the date of maturity) and a year of 365 days or 366 days, as the case may be.
“Additional Terms Agreement” means the additional terms agreement dated as of the date hereof between the Borrowers and the Lender, as amended, restated or supplemented from time to time.
“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more Persons, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with, such Person.
“Agreement” means this credit agreement and all schedules attached hereto, as amended, restated or supplemented from time to time.
“Applicable Law” means, in respect of any Person, property, transaction, event or other matter, as applicable, all Laws relating or applicable to such Person, property, transaction, event or matter.
“Applicable Margin” means, with respect to any Loan under the Credit Facility, the applicable rate per annum, expressed as a percentage, set forth in the Additional Terms Agreement for such Loan.
“Authorization” means, with respect to any Person, any authorization, order, permit, approval, grant, licence, consent, franchise, privilege, certificate, judgment, writ, injunction, award, determination, direction, decree, by-law, rule or regulation of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over such Person and legally binding on such Person.
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“Available Credit” means, with respect to the Credit Facility at any particular time up to and including the Maturity Date, the difference obtained when the aggregate amount outstanding under the Credit Facility (calculated in accordance with Section 1.7) at such time is deducted from the Credit Facility Amount at such time.
“Available Tenor” means, as of any date of determination and with respect to the then-current Benchmark, as applicable, any tenor for such Benchmark or payment period for interest calculated with reference to such Benchmark, as applicable, that is or may be used for determining the length of an Interest Period pursuant to this Agreement as of such date and not including, for the avoidance of doubt, any tenor for such Benchmark that is then-removed from the definition of “Interest Period” pursuant to Section 2.13.4.
“B/A Borrowing” means a Borrowing comprised of one or more Bankers’ Acceptances, including any B/A Equivalent Loans.
“B/A Equivalent Loan” has the meaning specified in Section 2.5.1.
“Bankers’ Acceptance” and “B/A” mean an instrument denominated in Canadian Dollars, drawn by any Borrower and accepted by the Lender in accordance with this Agreement, and includes a depository note within the meaning of the Depository Bills and Notes Act (Canada) and a bill of exchange within the meaning of the Bills of Exchange Act (Canada), provided, that for the purposes of this Agreement, “Bankers’ Acceptance” and “B/A” shall also include a B/A Equivalent Loan.
“BBP” means Brookfield Business Partners L.P., an exempted partnership formed under the laws of Bermuda.
“BBP General Partner” means, as at any date, the general partner of BBP on such date; as at the date hereof, the BBP General Partner is Brookfield Business Partners Limited.
“BBP Group Members” means, collectively, BBP, Holding LP, the Borrowers and the Subsidiaries, and “BBP Group Member” means any of them.
“Benchmark” means, initially, LIBOR Screen Rate; provided that if a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to LIBOR Screen Rate or the then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement to the extent that such Benchmark Replacement has replaced such prior benchmark rate pursuant to Section 2.13.1.
“Benchmark Replacement” means, for any Available Tenor, the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Lender for the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date:
(a) | the sum of: (i) Term SOFR and (ii) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; |
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(b) | the sum of: (i) Daily Simple SOFR and (ii) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; |
(c) | the sum of: (i) the alternate benchmark rate that has been selected by the Lender as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor giving due consideration to (x) any selection or recommendation of a replacement benchmark rate or the mechanism for determining such a rate by the Relevant Governmental Body or (y) any evolving or then-prevailing market convention for determining a benchmark rate as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for Dollar denominated syndicated or bilateral credit facilities at such time and (ii) the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; |
provided that, in the case of clause (a), 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 Lender in its reasonable discretion. If the Benchmark Replacement as determined pursuant to clause (a), (b) or (c) 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 Financing 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:
(a) | for purposes of clauses (a) and (b) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement,” the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Lender: (i) 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, and (ii) 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 |
(b) | for purposes of clause (c) 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 Lender and any Borrower for the applicable Corresponding Tenor giving due consideration to (i) any selection or recommendation of a spread adjustment, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of such Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement by the Relevant Governmental Body on the applicable Benchmark Replacement Date 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 Dollar denominated syndicated or bilateral credit facilities; |
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provided that, in the case of clause (a) 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 Lender 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 “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 Lender decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption and implementation of such Benchmark Replacement and to permit the administration thereof by the Lender in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Lender decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Lender determines that no market practice for the administration of such Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner of administration as the Lender decides is reasonably necessary in connection with the administration of this Agreement and the other Financing Documents). The Lender agrees to consult with the Borrowers on making any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes and obtain the Borrowers consent thereto, not to be unreasonably withheld.
“Benchmark Replacement Date” means the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:
(a) | in the case of clause (a) or (b) 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); and |
(b) | in the case of clause (c) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein; or |
(c) | in the case of an Early Opt-in Election, the sixth (6th) Business Day after the date on which notice of such Early Opt-in Election is provided to the Borrowers, so long as the Lender has not received, by 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the fifth (5th) Business Day after the date on which notice of such Early Opt-in Election is provided to the Borrowers, written notice of objection to such Early Opt-in Election from any Borrower. |
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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 (a) or (b) 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 the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark:
(a) | 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); |
(b) | 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 of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component) or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for such Benchmark (or such component), which states that the administrator of such Benchmark (or such component) has ceased or will cease to provide all Available Tenors of such Benchmark (or such component thereof) permanently or indefinitely; provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide any Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or such component thereof); or |
(c) | 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 representative. |
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For the avoidance of doubt, a “Benchmark Transition Event” will be deemed to have occurred with respect to any Benchmark if a public statement or publication of information set forth above has occurred with respect to each then-current Available Tenor of such Benchmark (or the published component used in the calculation thereof).
“Benchmark Unavailability Period” means the period (if any) (x) beginning at the time that a Benchmark Replacement Date pursuant to clauses (a) or (b) of that definition has occurred if, at such time, no Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Financing Document in accordance with Section 2.13 and (y) ending at the time that a Benchmark Replacement has replaced the then current Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Financing Document in accordance with Section 2.13.
“Borrowers” means, collectively, Holding LP, Brookfield BBP Canada Holdings Inc., Brookfield BBP Bermuda Holdings Limited, Brookfield BBP US Holdings LLC, and each other Person that becomes a Borrower pursuant to Section 2.19; and “Borrower” means any one of them.
“Borrowing” means any availment of the Credit Facility, including any Loan and any rollover or conversion of any outstanding Loan.
“Borrowing Request” means a request by any Borrower for a Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.3.
“Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in Toronto, Ontario or New York, New York are authorized or required by applicable law to remain closed and, in the case of any LIBOR Loan, is also not a day on which commercial banks in London, England are authorized or required by Applicable Law to remain closed.
“Canadian Dollars” and “Cdn$” refer to lawful money of Canada.
“Canadian Prime Borrowing” means a Borrowing comprised of one or more Canadian Prime Loans.
“Canadian Prime Loan” means a Loan denominated in Canadian Dollars which bears interest at a rate based upon the Canadian Prime Rate.
“Canadian Prime Rate” means, on any day, the annual rate of interest equal to the greater of (a) the annual rate of interest announced by the Canadian Reference Lender and in effect as its prime rate at its principal office in Toronto, Ontario on such day for determining interest rates on Canadian Dollar-denominated commercial loans in Canada, and (b) the annual rate of interest equal to the sum of the one-month CDOR Rate in effect on such day plus 1.0% per annum.
“Canadian Reference Lender” means Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, or such other bank listed on Schedule I of the Bank Act (Canada) as selected by the Lender.
“Capital Lease Obligation” of any Person means the obligation to pay rent or other payment amounts under a lease of (or other Indebtedness arrangements conveying the right to use) real or personal property of such Person which is required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease on a balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP.
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“CDOR Interpolated Rate” means, in relation to any CDOR Borrowing and its Contract Period, a rate per annum determined by the Lender (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 applicable CDOR for the longest period for which a CDOR is available that is shorter than such Contract Period and (b) the applicable CDOR for the shortest period for which a CDOR is available that is longer than such Contract Period, in each case as of 11:00 a.m., Toronto time on the day two Business Days prior to the first day of such Contract Period; provided that the CDOR Interpolated Rate shall at no times be less than 0%.
“CDOR Rate” means, on any date, the annual rate of interest which is the rate based on an average rate applicable to Canadian Dollar bankers’ acceptances for the applicable Contract Period appearing on the “Reuters Screen CDOR Page” (as defined in the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. 2000 definitions, as modified and amended from time to time), rounded to the nearest 1/100th of 1% (with .005% being rounded up), at approximately 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time), on such date, or if such date is not a Business Day, then on the immediately preceding Business Day, plus 0.10%; provided that if such rate does not appear on the Reuters Screen CDOR Page on such date as contemplated, then the CDOR Rate on such date shall be calculated as the rate for the term referred to above applicable to Canadian Dollar bankers’ acceptances quoted by the Canadian Reference Lender as of 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) on such date or, if such date is not a Business Day, then on the immediately preceding Business Day, plus 0.10%; provided further that the CDOR Rate shall at no times be less than 0%. If no CDOR is available for a particular Contract Period but CDORs are available for maturities both longer and shorter than such Contract Period, then CDOR for such Contract Period shall be the CDOR Interpolated Rate plus 0.10%.
“Change in Law” means (a) the adoption of any new Law after the date of this Agreement, (b) any change in any existing Law or in the official interpretation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority after the date of this Agreement, or (c) compliance by the Lender or any of its lenders with any request, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law, but in the case of a request, guideline or directive not having the force of law, being a request, guideline or directive with which Persons customarily, and are expected by the relevant Governmental Authority to, comply and nevertheless considered to be binding on a Person or such Person’s property) of any Governmental Authority made or issued after the date of this Agreement.
“Claim” has the meaning specified in Section 9.3.2(f).
“Common Equity” means, in respect of any Person, the sum of all components of equity other than preferred equity of such Person as determined in accordance with GAAP, including, in the case of BBP, all redeemable exchangeable units of Holding LP.
“Compliance Certificate” means a certificate of a senior officer of a Borrower, issued on behalf of all Borrowers, substantially in the form of Exhibit B.
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“Contract Period” means the term of a B/A specified by a Borrower in a Borrowing Request, commencing on the date of such B/A and expiring on a Business Day which shall be either one, two, three or six months thereafter or such other periods thereafter as may from time to time be agreed to by such Borrower and the Lender, subject to availability, provided that (a) subject to subparagraph (a) below, each such period shall be subject to such extensions or reductions as may be determined by the Lender to ensure that each Contract Period will expire on a Business Day, and (b) no Contract Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date.
“Control” and similar expressions mean a relationship between two Persons wherein one of such Persons has the power, through the ownership of Equity Securities, by contract or otherwise, to directly or indirectly direct the management and policies of the other of such Persons, and includes, without limitation: (a) in the case of a corporation or a trust, the ownership, either directly or indirectly through one or more Persons, of Equity Securities of such corporation or trust carrying more than 50% of the votes that may be cast to elect the directors or trustees of such corporation or trust, either under all circumstances or under some circumstances that have occurred and are continuing, (other than Equity Securities held as collateral for a bona fide debt where the holder thereof is not entitled to exercise the voting rights attached thereto unless a default has occurred), provided that such votes, if exercised, are sufficient to elect a majority of the directors or trustees of such corporation or trust; and (b) in the case of a general partnership or limited partnership, the power, through the ownership of Equity Securities, by contract or otherwise, to act as the managing partner appointed in respect of such general partnership or the general partner appointed in respect of such limited partnership, or to otherwise Control such managing partner or general partner, as applicable.
“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.
“Credit Commitment” means the Lender’s commitment to make Loans up to the Available Credit of the Credit Facility, as such commitment may be reduced from time to time in accordance with this Agreement.
“Credit Facility” has the meaning specified in Section 2.1.1.
“Credit Facility Amount” means the aggregate amount of the Credit Commitment which equals:
(a) | $1,000,000,000 in respect of the period ending on (and excluding) April 27, 2023; and |
(b) | $500,000,000 in respect of the period commencing on (and including) April 27, 2023 and ending on the Maturity Date. |
“Currency Due” has the meaning specified in Section 2.18.
“Daily Simple SOFR” means, for any day, SOFR, with the conventions for this rate (which will include a lookback) being established by the Lender 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 Lender decides that any such convention is not administratively feasible for the Lender, then the Lender may establish another convention in its reasonable discretion in consultation with the Borrowers.
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“Debtor Relief Laws” means Title 11 of the United States Code and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, arrangement, rearrangement, readjustment, composition, liquidation, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, examination, or similar debtor relief or debt adjustment laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally.
“Deconsolidated Net Worth” means, as of the time of any determination thereof, the following amount (determined without duplication): (a) the amount of all Common Equity and preferred equity of BBP and all capital securities that represent securities issued by one or more Obligors, in each case as shown on the most recent consolidated balance sheet of BBP prepared in accordance with GAAP, plus (b) the principal amount of all Subordinated Debt of the Obligors as at the date of such balance sheet, minus (c) to the extent included in (a), the amount reflected on such balance sheet in respect of minority or non-controlling interests owned by Persons other than in the Obligors, as adjusted pursuant to Section 5.9.
“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.
“Discount Proceeds” means, for any B/A, an amount (rounded to the nearest whole cent, with one-half of one cent being rounded up) calculated on the applicable date of Borrowing by multiplying the face amount of the B/A by the quotient of (a) one divided by (b) the sum of one plus the product of (i) the Discount Rate (expressed as a decimal) applicable to such B/A, and (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the Contract Period of the B/A and the denominator of which is 365, with such quotient being rounded up or down to the nearest fifth decimal place, and with .000005 being rounded up.
“Discount Rate” means with respect to a B/A being purchased (or B/A Equivalent Loan being made) by the Lender on any day, the applicable CDOR Rate on such day.
“Distribution” means, with respect to any Person: (a) the retirement, redemption, retraction, purchase or other acquisition of any Equity Securities of such Person; (b) the declaration or payment of any dividend, return of capital or other distribution (in cash, securities or other property or otherwise) of, on or in respect of, any Equity Securities of such Person; (c) any other payment or distribution (in cash, securities or other property, or otherwise) of, on or in respect of any Equity Securities of such Person; or (d) any payment, prepayment or repayment on account of any Subordinated Debt (or any other debt that by its terms, is expressly subordinated to senior debt of the Borrowers) owing by such Person, including in respect of principal, interest, bonus, premium or otherwise.
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“Dollars” and “$” refer to lawful money of the United States unless otherwise indicated.
“Early Opt-in Election” means, if the then-current Benchmark is LIBOR, the occurrence of:
(a) | a determination by the Lender that at least five currently outstanding Dollar denominated syndicated or bilateral 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 credit facilities are identified in the notice to the Borrowers described in clause (b) below and are publicly available for review), and |
(b) | the election by the Lender to trigger a fallback from the LIBOR Screen Rate and the provision by the Lender of written notice of such election to the Borrowers. |
“Effective Date” means the date on which all of the conditions specified in Section 4.1 are satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 9.2, as confirmed in a written notice from the Lender to the Borrowers.
“Environmental Laws” means all applicable federal, provincial, local or foreign laws, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances, orders, decrees, judgements, injunctions, notices or binding agreements issued, promulgated or entered into by any Governmental Authority, having the force of law and relating to the environment, health and safety, or health protection, including the preservation or reclamation of natural resources and the generation, use, handling, collection, treatment, storage, transportation, recovery, recycling, release, threatened release or disposal of any Hazardous Material.
“Environmental Liability” means any liability, (including any liability for damages, costs of environmental remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of any Borrower, Guarantor or Subsidiary, directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) a violation of any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, collection, treatment, storage, transportation, recovery, recycling or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials 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.
“Equity Securities” means, with respect to any Person, any and all shares, units, interests, participations, rights in, or other equivalents (however designated and whether voting and non-voting) of, such Person’s capital, whether outstanding on the date hereof or issued after the date hereof, including without limitation any interest in a partnership, limited partnership or other similar Person and any unit or beneficial interest in a trust, and any and all rights, warrants, options or other rights exchangeable for or convertible into any of the foregoing.
“Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 7.1.
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“Excluded Taxes” means any of the following taxes imposed on or with respect to a Lender or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Lender: (a) taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise or capital taxes, and branch profits taxes, in each case, (i) imposed as a result of such Lender being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or its applicable lending office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes; (b) withholding taxes of Bermuda, Canada or the United States imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of the Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or the Credit Facility pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) the Lender acquires such interest in the Loan or the Credit Facility or (ii) the Lender changes its lending office, except to the extent that, pursuant to Section 2.16, amounts with respect to such taxes were payable either to the Lender’s assignor immediately before the Lender became a party hereto or to the Lender immediately before it changed its lending office; (c) taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with any of Section 2.16.5, 2.16.6, 2.16.7 or 2.16.8; and, (d) any U.S. federal withholding taxes imposed under FATCA.
“FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the IRC, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with) and any current or future regulations or official interpretations thereof.
“Federal Funds (Effective) Rate” means, for any period, a fluctuating rate of interest per annum equal for each day during such period to (a) the weighted average of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by federal funds brokers, as published for such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, for the next preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or (b) if such rate is not so published for any day which is a Business Day, the average of the quotations for such day on such transactions received by the Lender from three federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.
“Financial Instrument Obligations” of any Person, means, with respect to any Person, obligations for transactions arising under:
(a) | any interest swap agreement, forward rate agreement, floor, cap or collar agreement, futures or options, insurance or other similar agreement or arrangement, or any combination thereof, entered into or guaranteed by such Person where the subject matter of the same is interest rates or the price, value, or amount payable thereunder is dependent or based upon the interest rates or fluctuations in interest rates in effect from time to time (but, for certainty, shall exclude conventional floating rate debt); |
(b) | any currency swap agreement, cross-currency agreement, forward agreement, floor, cap or collar agreement, futures or options, insurance or other similar agreement or arrangement, or any combination thereof, entered into or guaranteed by such Person where the subject matter of the same is currency exchange rates or the price, value or amount payable thereunder is dependent or based upon currency exchange rates or fluctuations in currency exchange rates in effect from time to time; |
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(c) | any agreement, whether financial or physical, for the purchase, sale, exchange, making or taking of any commodity (including natural gas, oil, electricity, coal, emission credits or other energy products), any commodity swap agreement, floor, cap or collar agreement or commodity future or option or other similar agreements or arrangements, or any combination thereof, entered into or guaranteed by such Person where the subject matter of the same is any commodity or the price, value or amount payable thereunder is dependent or based upon the price of any commodity or fluctuations in the price of any commodity in effect from time to time; and |
(d) | any derivative transaction. |
“Financing Documents” means this Agreement and the Borrowing Requests, together with any other document, instrument or agreement now or hereafter entered into pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement, as such documents, instruments or agreements may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.
“Fiscal Quarter” means any fiscal quarter of BBP.
“Fiscal Year” means any fiscal year of BBP.
“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 LIBOR.
“Foreign Lender” means (a) if any Borrower is a U.S. Person, the Lender, if it is not a U.S. Person, and (b) if any Borrower is not a U.S. Person, the Lender, if it is resident or organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which such Borrower is resident for tax purposes.
“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in Canada in effect from time to time which, for clarity, shall be determined with reference to IFRS as at the date hereof.
“Governmental Authority” means the Government of Canada or of the United States of America, any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether provincial, state, territorial or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank, fiscal or monetary authority or other authority regulating financial institutions, and any other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.
“Guarantee” of or by any Person (in this definition, the “guarantor”) means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of the guarantor guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness of any other Person (in this definition, the “primary credit party”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect, (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment thereof (whether in the form of a loan, advance, stock purchase, capital contribution or otherwise), (b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness of the payment thereof, (c) to maintain working capital, equity capital solvency, or any other balance sheet, income statement or other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary credit party so as to enable the primary credit party to pay such Indebtedness, (d) as an account party in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guarantee issued to support such Indebtedness, or (e) to purchase, sell or lease (as lessor or lessee) property, or to purchase or sell services, in each case primarily for the purpose of enabling the debtor to make payment of such Indebtedness or to assure the holder of such Indebtedness or other financial obligation against loss, provided Guarantees shall not include endorsements of instruments for deposit or collection in the ordinary course of business.
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“Guarantors” means BBP and BBUC Holdings Inc. and “Guarantor” means any of them.
“Hazardous Materials” means any substance, product, liquid, waste, pollutant, chemical, contaminant, insecticide, pesticide, gaseous or solid matter, organic or inorganic matter, fuel, microorganism, ray, odour, radiation, energy, vector, plasma, constituent, material or any combination thereof which (a) is regulated or prohibited under any Environmental Law, or (b) is hazardous, hazardous waste, toxic, a pollutant, a deleterious substance, a contaminant or a source of pollution or contamination under any Environmental Law, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, radon gas, infectious or medical wastes and all other substances or wastes of any nature regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.
“Holding LP” means Brookfield Business L.P., an exempted partnership formed under the laws of Bermuda.
“IFRS” means the International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and as in effect from time to time.
“Indebtedness” of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money or with respect to advances made to such Person of any kind which are in the nature of indebtedness for borrowed money, (b) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements other than leases which are accounted for under GAAP as operating leases relating to property acquired by such Person, (d) all obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding current accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business), (e) all Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed, (f) all Guarantees by such Person of Indebtedness of others, (g) Capital Lease Obligations and sale and leaseback obligations, (h) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of letters of credit and letters of guarantee which are the equivalent of letters of credit, (i) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person in respect of bankers’ acceptances, and (j) the Financial Instrument Obligations of such Person. For greater certainty trade accounts do not constitute Indebtedness. For the purposes of determining the amount of “Indebtedness” outstanding under a Financial Instrument Obligation or Guarantee thereof, the amount of Indebtedness will equal the amount due or accruing due thereunder (after any netting of obligations as provided thereunder), determined by marking the same to market in accordance with its terms.
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“Indemnified Taxes” means (a) all Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of any Borrower under this Agreement, and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in the foregoing clause (a), Other Taxes.
“Indemnitee” has the meaning specified in Section 9.3.2.
“Information” has the meaning specified in Section 3.4.2.
“Interest Payment Date” means, (a) in the case of any Loan other than a LIBOR Loan, the first Business Day of each month, and (b) in the case of a LIBOR Loan, the last day of each Interest Period relating to such LIBOR Loan, provided that if an Interest Period for any LIBOR Loan is of a duration exceeding three months, then “Interest Payment Date” shall also include each date which occurs at each three month interval during such Interest Period.
“Interest Period” means with respect to a LIBOR Loan, 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 thereafter or such other periods thereafter as may from time to time be agreed to by the Borrower requesting such LIBOR Loan and the Lender; provided that (a) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the immediately succeeding Business Day unless 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, (b) any Interest Period pertaining to a LIBOR Loan 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 (c) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date. For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and, in the case of a converted or continued Borrowing, thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.
“Investment” means, with respect to any BBP Group Member: (a) any direct or indirect loan or advance by such BBP Group Member to any other Person; (b) any purchase or acquisition by such BBP Group Member of equity interests in or debt instruments or other securities issued by any other Person; (c) any acquisition of property by such BBP Group Member; and (d) any contribution of capital or other investment by such BBP Group Member to or in any other Person.
“IRC” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
“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.
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“Judgment Currency” has the meaning specified in Section 2.18.
“Laws” means all applicable federal, provincial, municipal, foreign and international statutes, acts, codes, ordinances, decrees, treaties, rules, regulations, municipal by-laws, judicial or arbitral or administrative or ministerial or departmental or regulatory judgments, orders, decisions, rulings or awards or any provisions of the foregoing, and all policies, practices, directives and guidelines in each case of any Governmental Authority and having the force of law, but in the case of any policy, practice, directive or guideline not having the force of law, being a policy, practice, directive or guideline to which Persons customarily, and are expected by the relevant Governmental Authority to, comply and are nevertheless considered to be binding upon such Person or such Person’s property; and “Law” means any one or more of the foregoing.
“Lender” means BPEG US Inc., its successors and permitted assigns.
“LIBOR” means with respect to any LIBOR Loan denominated in Dollars for any Interest Period, the rate for Dollar borrowings appearing on the relevant LIBOR page on the Reuters Service at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, or any successor to such Service or if such Service is not available, any substitute for such Service providing rate quotations comparable to those currently provided on such page of such Service, as determined by the Lender from time to time for purposes of providing quotations of interest rates applicable to Dollar deposits in the London interbank market) at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period, in each case as the rate for Dollar deposits with a maturity comparable to such Interest Period. In the event that such rate is not available at such time for any reason, then “LIBOR” with respect to such LIBOR Loan for such Interest Period shall be the rate at which Dollar deposits approximately equal to the amount of such LIBOR Loan and for a maturity comparable to such Interest Period are offered by the principal London office of the Canadian Reference Lender in immediately available funds in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period; provided that if any such rate is below zero, LIBOR shall be deemed to be zero.
“LIBOR Borrowing” means a Borrowing comprised of one or more LIBOR Loans.
“LIBOR Loan” means a Loan denominated in Dollars which bears interest at a rate based upon LIBOR.
“LIBOR Screen Rate” means the rate for Dollar borrowings set forth in the definition of LIBOR itself.
“Lien” means, (a) with respect to any asset, any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance in the nature of a security interest, charge, security interest, in, on or of such asset, and (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease, title retention agreement or consignment agreement (or any financing lease) which has the effect of creating a security interest relating to any asset.
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“Limited Recourse Indebtedness” means Indebtedness of any Subsidiary that is or was incurred to finance a specific facility or portfolio of facilities or the acquisition of financial assets (each a “Financed Asset”), provided that such Indebtedness may be secured by liens on only (a) the property that constitutes the Financed Asset, (b) the income from and proceeds of the Financed Asset, (c) the Equity Securities in any Subsidiary that owns, directly or indirectly, an interest in the Financed Asset (a “Financed Subsidiary”), including any such Equity Securities that are owned by any Borrower or Subsidiary (if permitted by Section 6.1), (d) the contracts pertaining to such Financed Asset, and (e) other assets not directly or indirectly owned by any one or more of the Borrowers, the Guarantors or any Subsidiary.
“Loan” means any LIBOR Loan, Canadian Prime Loan or U.S. Base Rate Loan made by the Lender to a Borrower pursuant to this Agreement and any B/A accepted (or B/A Equivalent Loan made) by the Lender hereunder.
“Material Adverse Effect” means any event, development or circumstance which has had or would reasonably be expected to have (a) a material adverse effect on the business, assets, properties, operations or condition (financial or otherwise) of BBP on a consolidated basis or (b) a material adverse effect on the ability of the Obligors to perform their obligations under this Agreement or any other Financing Document.
“Maturity Date” means June 26, 2026, unless the Agreement is automatically renewed under Section 2.11, in which case the Maturity Date shall be the date the Agreement is scheduled to terminate following any valid renewal.
“Money Laundering Laws” has the meaning specified in Section 3.15.
“Obligors” means, collectively, the Borrowers and the Guarantors, and “Obligor” means any of them.
“Obligations” means all present and future debts, liabilities and obligations of the Borrowers to the Lender under this Agreement and the other Financing Documents, whether absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising, including without limitation with respect to any Loan, and any interest and fees (including those that accrue after the commencing by or against a Borrower of any insolvency or similar proceeding).
“OFAC” has the meaning specified in Section 3.16.
“Original Closing Date” means June 20, 2016.
“Original Credit Agreement” has the meaning specified in Section 9.7.
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“Other Connection Taxes” means taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between the Lender and the jurisdiction imposing such tax (other than connections arising from the Lender having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced this Agreement, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan or this Agreement).
“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, this Agreement, except any such taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment of this Agreement.
“Participating Member State” means any member state of the European Community that adopts or has adopted the Euro as its lawful currency in accordance with the legislation of the European Union relating to the European Monetary Union.
“Patriot Act” means the US Patriot Act (Title III of Pub. L. 107-56) (signed into law October 26, 2001), as amended and supplemented from time to time.
“Permitted Liens” means any of the following:
(a) | any encumbrance on property of any Person which exists at the time such Person is merged into, or amalgamated or consolidated with any Obligor in compliance with this Agreement, or any encumbrance on property that exists when such property is directly or indirectly acquired by any Obligor, which encumbrance does not extend to any other property or assets of the Obligor, other than an encumbrance incurred in contemplation of such merger, amalgamation, consolidation or acquisition; |
(b) | any encumbrance or right of distress reserved in or exercisable under any lease for rent to which any Obligor is a party and for compliance with the terms of the lease; |
(c) | any encumbrance reserved in or exercisable under any subdivision, site plan control, development, reciprocal, servicing, facility, facility cost sharing or similar agreement with a Governmental Authority currently existing or hereafter entered into with a Governmental Authority, which does not or in aggregate do not materially interfere with the use of the property for the purposes for which it is held or materially detract from the value thereof; |
(d) | encumbrances respecting encroachments by facilities on neighbouring lands over any property owned by any Obligor which do not materially interfere with the use thereof for the purposes for which the property is held or materially detract from the value thereof; |
(e) | permits, licenses, agreements, easements (including, without limitation, heritage easements and agreements relating thereto), restrictions, restrictive covenants, reciprocal rights, rights-of-way, public ways, rights in the nature of an easement and other similar rights in land granted to or reserved by other Persons (including, without in any way limiting the generality of the foregoing, permits, licenses, agreements, easements, rights-of-way, sidewalks, public ways, and rights in the nature of easements or servitudes for sewers, drains, steam, gas and water mains or electric light and power or telephone and telegraph conduits, poles, wires and cables); or |
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(f) | liens incurred in the ordinary course of business, other than in connection with the incurrence of Indebtedness, that do not individually or in the aggregate with all other Permitted Liens materially detract from the value of the properties encumbered or materially interfere with their use in the ordinary course of business. |
“Person” includes any natural person, corporation, company, limited liability company, unlimited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, incorporated organization, partnership, limited partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.
“Reference Time” with respect to any setting of the then-current Benchmark means (a) if such Benchmark is the LIBOR Screen Rate, 11:00 a.m., London time, on the day that is two London banking days preceding the date of such setting, and (b) if such Benchmark is not a LIBOR Screen Rate, the time determined by the Lender in its reasonable discretion.
“Relevant Governmental Body” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or any successor thereto.
“SOFR” means, with respect to any Business Day, a rate per annum equal to the secured overnight financing rate for such Business Day published by the SOFR Administrator on the SOFR Administrator’s Website at approximately 8:00 a.m., New York City time, on the immediately succeeding Business Day.
“SOFR Administrator” means the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (or a successor administrator of the secured overnight financing rate).
“SOFR Administrator’s Website” means the website of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, currently at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source for the secured overnight financing rate identified as such by the SOFR Administrator from time to time.
“Subordinated Debt” of any Obligor means unsecured Indebtedness in respect of which the holder thereof has entered into a subordination and postponement in favour of the Lender in form and substance acceptable to the Lender, which agreement provides that (a) the payment of principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on and all other payment obligations in respect of such Indebtedness shall be subordinate to the prior payment in full of the Credit Facility at least to the extent that no payment of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on or otherwise due in respect of such Indebtedness may be made for so long as there exists any Default or Event of Default hereunder, and (b) the holders of such Indebtedness may not take any enforcement action in respect of such Indebtedness until the Credit Facility have been repaid in full.
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“subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, trust or other entity of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the combined Voting Stock are owned, directly or indirectly, by such Person or by any one or more subsidiaries of such Person.
“Subsidiaries” means, collectively, the subsidiaries of the Obligors, and “Subsidiary” means any of them.
“Taxes” means all present and future taxes, charges, fees, levies, imposts, surtaxes, duties and other assessments, including all income, sales, use, goods and services, value added, capital, capital gains, alternative, net worth, transfer, profits, withholding, payroll, employer health, excise, real property and personal property taxes, and any other taxes, customs duties, fees, assessments, or similar charges of any nature, including Canada Pension Plan and provincial pension plan contributions, unemployment insurance payments and workers’ compensation premiums and including all present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies arising from any payment made hereunder or under any other Financing Document or from the execution, delivery of enforcement of, or otherwise with respect to, any Financing Document, together with any instalments with respect thereto, and any interest, fines and penalties with respect thereto, imposed by any Governmental Authority (including federal, state, provincial, municipal and foreign Governmental Authorities), and whether disputed or not.
“Term SOFR” means, for the applicable Corresponding Tenor as of the applicable Reference Time, the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body.
“Transactions” means the execution, delivery and performance by the Borrowers of this Agreement and the other Financing Documents, and the borrowing of Loans.
“Type”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan or Borrowing is a U.S. Base Rate Loan, Canadian Prime Loan, LIBOR Loan, or B/A or a U.S. Base Rate Borrowing, Canadian Prime Borrowing, LIBOR Borrowing or B/A Borrowing, as the case may be.
“Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement excluding the related Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.
“U.S. Base Rate” means, on any day, the annual rate of interest equal to the greater of (a) the annual rate of interest announced by a commercial Canadian bank selected by the Lender and in effect as its base rate at its principal office in Toronto, Ontario on such day for determining interest rates on Dollar demand commercial loans in Canada, and (b) the sum of the Federal Funds (Effective) Rate plus 0.50% per annum.
“U.S. Base Rate Borrowing” means a Borrowing comprised of one or more U.S. Base Rate Loans.
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“U.S. Base Rate Loan” means a Loan denominated in Dollars which bears interest at a rate based upon the U.S. Base Rate.
“U.S. Borrower” means any Borrower that is a U.S. Person.
“U.S. Dollar Amount” means at any time with respect to outstanding Loans under the Credit Facility, the aggregate of (a) the amount in Dollars of all Loans that are denominated in Dollars, and (b) the U.S. Dollar Equivalent at such time of all Loans that are denominated in Canadian Dollars.
“U.S. Dollar Equivalent” means, at the date of determination, the amount of Dollars that the Lender could purchase, in accordance with its normal practice, with a specified amount of Canadian Dollars based on the Exchange Rate on such date.
“U.S. Person” means any Person that is a “United States Person” as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the IRC.
“U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.16.6(b)(iii).
“Voting Stock” of any Person means the Equity Securities of such Person which ordinarily have 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, provided that in the case of a general partnership or limited partnership, “Voting Stock” means (i) in respect of a general partnership, the Equity Securities of each managing partner (if a managing general partner has been appointed) or each general partner (if a managing partner has not been appointed) of such general partnership, and (ii) in respect of a limited partnership, the Equity Securities of each general partner of such limited partnership, which Equity Securities, in each case, ordinarily have voting power for the election of directors (or Persons performing similar functions) of such managing partner(s) or general partner(s), as applicable, whether at all times or only so long as no senior class of securities has such voting power by reason of any contingency.
“Withholdings” has the meaning given to that term in Section 2.16.
1.2 | 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”. 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, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein); (b) any reference herein to any statute or any Section thereof shall, unless otherwise expressly stated, be deemed to be a reference to such statute or Section as amended, restated or re-enacted from time to time; (c) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and permitted assigns; (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; and (f) 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 contractual rights.
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1.3 | Accounting Terms; GAAP |
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. In the event of a change of GAAP, the Borrowers and the Lender shall negotiate in good faith to revise (if appropriate) the financial covenant to reflect GAAP as then in effect, in which case all calculations thereafter made for the purpose of determining compliance with the financial covenant contained herein shall be made on a basis consistent with GAAP in existence as at the date of such revision.
1.4 | Time |
All time references herein shall, unless otherwise specified, be references to local time in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Time is of the essence of this Agreement and the other Financing Documents.
1.5 | Currency |
Unless otherwise stated herein all monetary amounts herein are expressed in Dollars.
1.6 | Borrowers Jointly and Severally Liable |
Each Borrower is jointly and severally liable for all obligations of the Borrowers under this Agreement, including the obligation to pay all amounts owing hereunder to the Lender on the Maturity Date.
1.7 | Amount of Credit |
Any reference herein to the amount of credit outstanding means, at any particular time:
(a) | in the case of a Canadian Prime Loan, the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of the principal amount thereof; |
(b) | in the case of a B/A, the U.S. Dollar Equivalent of the face amount thereof; and |
(c) | in the case of a LIBOR Loan or U.S. Base Rate Loan, the principal amount of such Loan. |
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1.8 | Divisions |
For all purposes of this Agreement, 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 Person comes into existence, such new Person shall be deemed to have been organized on the first date of its existence by the holders of its Equity Securities at such time
1.9 | Schedules |
The following are the Schedules and Exhibits annexed hereto, incorporated by reference and deemed to be a part hereof:
Exhibit A | Form of Borrowing Request |
Exhibit B | Form of Compliance Certificate |
Exhibit C | Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificates |
Article 2
THE CREDIT FACILITY
2.1 | Establishment of Credit Facility |
2.1.1 | Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Lender establishes in favour of the Borrowers during the period commencing on the Original Closing Date and ending on the Maturity Date, an unsecured revolving acquisition credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) in the Credit Facility Amount. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Borrowers may borrow, repay and re-borrow Loans under the Credit Facility. |
2.1.2 | Loans advanced under the Credit Facility are to be used by the Borrowers to fund Investments. |
2.2 | Loans and Borrowings |
2.2.1 | Each Borrowing under the Credit Facility will be comprised of U.S. Base Rate Loans or LIBOR Loans in Dollars or Canadian Prime Loans or Bankers Acceptances in Canadian Dollars, as any Borrower may request in accordance herewith. |
2.2.2 | Each Borrowing under the Credit Facility shall be in an aggregate amount that is not less than $1,000,000 in the case of Borrowings in Dollars and Cdn$1,000,000 in the case of Borrowings in Canadian Dollars. |
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2.3 | Requests for Borrowings |
2.3.1 | To request a Borrowing under the Credit Facility, any Borrower shall notify the Lender of such request by written Borrowing Request substantially in the form of Exhibit A not later than 11:00 a.m., Toronto time, three (3) Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing. Each Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable. The Lender is entitled to rely upon and act upon any Borrowing Request given or purportedly given by any Borrower, and each Borrower hereby waives the right to dispute the authenticity and validity of any such transaction once the Lender has advanced funds, based on such Borrowing Request. Each Borrowing Request shall specify the following information: |
(a) | the aggregate amount of the requested Borrowing; |
(b) | the date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day; |
(c) | whether such Borrowing is to be a U.S. Base Rate Borrowing, a LIBOR Borrowing, a Canadian Prime Borrowing or a B/A Borrowing; |
(d) | in the case of a LIBOR Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable to such Borrowing, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”; |
(e) | in the case of a B/A Borrowing, the initial Contract Period to be applicable to such Borrowing, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Contract Period”; and |
(f) | the location and number of the Borrower’s account to which funds are to be disbursed. |
2.3.2 | Each LIBOR Borrowing under the Credit Facility initially shall have the Interest Period specified in the applicable Borrowing Request. Thereafter, a Borrower must elect a new Interest Period therefor. A Borrower may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing. To make an election pursuant to this Section 2.3.2, a Borrower shall notify the Lender of such election by a Borrowing Request required under Section 2.3.1 as if the Borrower were requesting a Borrowing to be made on the effective date of such election. Each such Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable. In addition to the information specified in Section 2.3.1, each Borrowing Request shall specify the Borrowing to which such 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. If no election is made pursuant to this Section 2.3.2 at the end of an Interest Period applicable to any LIBOR Loan, the applicable Borrower shall be deemed to have elected an Interest Period of one month for such LIBOR Loan for the immediately following Interest Period. |
2.3.3 | Each B/A Borrowing will be subject to Section 2.5. |
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2.4 | Interest |
2.4.1 | The Loans under the Credit Facility comprising each U.S. Base Rate Borrowing shall bear interest (computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 365 days or 366 days, as the case may be) at a rate per annum equal to the U.S. Base Rate plus the Applicable Margin from time to time in effect. |
2.4.2 | The Loans under the Credit Facility comprising each Canadian Prime Borrowing shall bear interest (computed on the basis of the actual number of days elapsed over a year of 365 days or 366 days, as the case may be) at a rate per annum equal to the Canadian Prime Rate plus the Applicable Margin from time to time in effect. |
2.4.3 | The Loans under the Credit Facility comprising each LIBOR Borrowing shall bear interest (computed on the basis of the actual number of days in the relevant Interest Period over a year of 360 days) at LIBOR for the Interest Period in effect for such LIBOR Loans plus the Applicable Margin. |
2.4.4 | The Loans comprising each B/A Borrowing shall be subject to an Acceptance Fee payable as set forth in Section 2.5.6. |
2.4.5 | The applicable U.S. Base Rate, Canadian Prime Rate, LIBOR and Discount Rate shall be determined by the Lender, and such determination shall, absent manifest error, constitute prima facie evidence thereof. |
2.4.6 | Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Loans shall bear interest to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, after as well as before judgment, at a rate per annum equal to 2% plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Loan. All other amounts owing under this Agreement shall bear interest at an interest rate equal to the one month LIBOR plus 4.75% per annum. |
2.4.7 | Accrued interest on each Loan (other than B/A Borrowings) shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date and upon termination of the Credit Commitment, and in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan, accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment. |
2.4.8 | All interest hereunder shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day). Any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall bear interest for one day. |
2.4.9 | For the purposes of the Interest Act (Canada) and disclosure thereunder, whenever any interest or any fee to be paid hereunder or in connection herewith is to be calculated on the basis of any period of time that is less than a calendar year, the yearly rate of interest to which the rate used in such calculation is equivalent is the rate so used multiplied by the actual number of days in the calendar year in which the same is to be ascertained and divided by 360, 365 or 366, as applicable. The rates of interest under this Agreement are nominal rates, and not effective rates or yields. The principle of deemed reinvestment of interest does not apply to any interest calculation under this Agreement. |
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2.4.10 | If any provision of this Agreement would oblige any Borrower to make any payment of interest or other amount payable to the Lender in an amount or calculated at a rate which would be prohibited by Law or would result in a receipt by the Lender of “interest” at a “criminal rate” (as such terms are construed under the Criminal Code (Canada)), then, notwithstanding such provision, such amount or rate shall be deemed to have been adjusted with retroactive effect to the maximum amount or rate of interest, as the case may be, as would not be so prohibited by Law or so result in a receipt by the Lender of “interest” at a “criminal rate”, such adjustment to be effected, to the extent necessary (but only to the extent necessary), as follows: |
(a) | first, by reducing the amount or rate of interest required to be paid to the Lender under Section 2.4; and |
(b) | thereafter, by reducing any fees, commissions, premiums and other amounts required to be paid to the Lender which would constitute interest for purposes of Section 347 of the Criminal Code (Canada). |
2.5 | Bankers’ Acceptances |
2.5.1 | Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, any Borrower may request a Borrowing by presenting drafts for acceptance and purchase as B/As by the Lender. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, to the extent the Lender is unable to accept drafts, the Lender may make an advance to the Borrower in lieu of purchasing a draft that it would otherwise be required to purchase hereunder (a “B/A Equivalent Loan”). The principal amount of a B/A Equivalent Loan shall be equal to the face amount of the applicable draft that would otherwise be issued to the Lender in connection therewith, and the provisions of this Agreement shall apply to such B/A Equivalent Loan as if a draft had been issued to such Lender (including the payment by the Lender of Discount Proceeds as provided for in Section 2.5.6 at the time the draft would have been issued to such Lender). The Borrowers acknowledge that BPEG US Inc. cannot accept drafts and will be advancing B/A Equivalent Loans. |
2.5.2 | No Contract Period with respect to a B/A to be accepted and purchased under the Credit Facility shall extend beyond the Maturity Date. |
2.5.3 | To facilitate availment of B/A Borrowings (other than B/A Equivalent Loans), each Borrower hereby appoints the Lender as its attorney to sign and endorse on its behalf (in accordance with a Borrowing Request relating to a B/A Borrowing), in handwriting or by facsimile or mechanical signature as and when deemed necessary by the Lender, blank forms of B/As in the form requested by the Lender. In this respect, it is the Borrowers’ responsibility to furnish the Lender with an adequate supply of blank forms of B/As for acceptance under this Agreement. Each Borrower recognizes and agrees that all B/As signed and/or endorsed by the Lender on behalf of such Borrower shall bind such Borrower as fully and effectually as if signed in the handwriting of and duly issued by the proper signing officers of such Borrower. The Lender is hereby authorized (in accordance with a Borrowing Request relating to a B/A Borrowing) to issue such B/As endorsed in blank in such face amounts as may be determined by the Lender; provided that the aggregate amount thereof is equal to the aggregate amount of B/As required to be accepted and purchased by the Lender. The Lender shall not be liable for any damage, loss or other claim arising by reason of any loss or improper use of any such instrument except for the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of the Lender or its officers, employees, agents or representatives. The Lender shall maintain a record with respect to B/As (a) received by it in blank hereunder, (b) voided by it for any reason, (c) accepted or accepted and purchased by it hereunder, and (d) cancelled at their respective maturities. On request by or on behalf of any Borrower, the Lender shall cancel all forms of B/A which have been pre-signed or pre-endorsed on behalf of such Borrower and which are held by the Lender and are not required to be issued in accordance with such Borrower’s irrevocable notice. |
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2.5.4 | Drafts of a Borrower to be accepted as B/As hereunder shall be signed as set forth in this Section 2.5. Notwithstanding that any person whose signature appears on any B/A may no longer be an authorized signatory for the Lender or a Borrower at the date of issuance of a B/A, such signature shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes as if such authority had remained in force at the time of such issuance and any such B/A so signed shall be binding on a Borrower who requested such B/A. |
2.5.5 | In the case of B/A Borrowings, the face amount of each B/A to be accepted by the Lender shall be in a minimum aggregate amount of Cdn$500,000 and shall be a whole multiple of Cdn$50,000. |
2.5.6 | Upon acceptance of a B/A by the Lender, the Lender unless otherwise requested by a Borrower, shall purchase, or arrange for the purchase of, each B/A from the Borrower at the Discount Rate and shall pay the Discount Proceeds to the Borrower in respect thereof. An Acceptance Fee shall be payable by the Borrower to the Lender in respect of each B/A accepted by the Lender and such Acceptance Fee shall either be set off against the Discount Proceeds payable by the Lender under this Section 2.5.6 or paid to the Lender at the time of acceptance of such B/A by the Lender in the event that the Borrower does not request the Lender to purchase the accepted B/As. |
2.5.7 | The Lender may at any time and from time to time hold, sell, rediscount or otherwise dispose of any or all B/As accepted and purchased by it. |
2.5.8 | With respect to each B/A Borrowing, at or before 10:00 a.m. one Business Day before the last day of the Contract Period of such B/As, the Borrower that requested the B/A shall notify the Lender by irrevocable written notice, followed by a notice of rollover on the same day, if the Borrower intends to issue B/As on such last day of the Contract Period to provide for the payment of such maturing B/As. If the Borrower fails to so notify the Lender of its intention to issue B/As on such last day of the Contract Period, the Borrower shall provide payment to the Lender of an amount equal to the aggregate face amount of such B/As on the last day of the Contract Period of such B/As. If the Borrower fails to make such payment, such maturing B/As shall be deemed to have been converted on the last day of the Contract Period into a Canadian Prime Loan in an amount equal to the face amount of such B/As and the Borrower shall be deemed to have irrevocably requested such conversion without the execution of a Borrowing Request. |
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2.5.9 | The Borrowers waive presentment for payment and any other defence to payment of any amounts due to the Lender in respect of a B/A accepted and purchased by it pursuant to this Agreement which might exist solely by reason of such B/A being held, at the maturity thereof, by the Lender in its own right, and the Borrowers agree not to claim any days of grace if the Lender, as holder, sues the Borrowers on the B/A for payment of the amount payable by the Borrowers thereunder. On the last day of the Contract Period of a B/A, or such earlier date as may be required or permitted pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, the Borrower who requested such B/A shall pay the Lender that has accepted and purchased such B/A the full face amount of such B/A and, after such payment, the Borrowers shall have no further liability in respect of such B/A and the Lender shall be entitled to all benefits of, and be responsible for all payments due to third parties under, such B/A. |
2.5.10 | If any Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, the Borrowers shall deposit in an interest bearing account with the Lender, in the name of the Lender, an amount in cash equal to the face amount of all B/As then outstanding. Such deposit shall be held by the Lender as collateral for the payment and performance of the obligations of the Borrowers under this Agreement. The Lender shall have exclusive dominion and control, including the exclusive right of withdrawal, over such account. The deposit shall bear interest at the rate customarily offered by the Lender for deposits in similar circumstances and interest earned on the deposit or on the investment of such deposit, if mutually agreed, which investments shall be made at the Borrowers’ risk and expense shall accumulate in such account. Moneys in such account shall be applied by the Lender to reimburse the Lender for payments made under B/As for which it has not been reimbursed and, to the extent not so applied, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated, be applied to satisfy other obligations of the Borrowers under this Agreement. If the Borrowers are 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 Borrowers within three Business Days after all Events of Default have been cured or waived. |
2.6 | Evidence of Debt |
2.6.1 | The Lender shall maintain an account or accounts evidencing the Indebtedness of the Borrowers to the Lender resulting from each Loan made by the Lender hereunder, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to the Lender from time to time hereunder. |
2.6.2 | The Lender shall maintain accounts in which it shall record (i) the amount of each Loan made hereunder and the relevant Interest Periods or Contract Periods applicable thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrowers to the Lender hereunder, and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Lender hereunder. |
2.6.3 | The entries made in the accounts maintained pursuant to Sections 2.6.1 and 2.6.2 shall be prima facie evidence (absent manifest error) of the existence and amounts of the obligations recorded therein; provided that the failure of the Lender to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrowers to repay the Loans and all other amounts payable in connection therewith, including interest and fees, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. |
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2.7 | Termination and Reduction of Credit Commitment |
2.7.1 | Unless previously terminated, the commitment of the Lender with respect to the Credit Facility will terminate on the Maturity Date and the Borrowers must repay all amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility together with all interest and fees payable hereunder on the Maturity Date. |
2.7.2 | Any Borrower may, upon three Business Days prior written notice to the Lender, permanently cancel any unused portion of the Credit Facility without penalty. Any cancellation shall be in a minimum amount of $1,000,000. |
2.7.3 | Each notice delivered by a Borrower pursuant to Section 2.7.2 shall be irrevocable. |
2.8 | Repayment of Loans |
Each Borrower hereby unconditionally jointly and severally promises to pay to the Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Loan on the Maturity Date (or such earlier date that the Loans have been accelerated pursuant to the last paragraph of Section 7.1) together with all interest accrued thereon and other amounts outstanding under this Agreement.
2.9 | Mandatory Repayments |
If at any time the Lender determines that the U.S. Dollar Amount outstanding under the Credit Facility exceeds the Credit Facility Amount, then upon written notice from the Lender to such effect, the Borrowers will, within 24 hours, make a prepayment of the Credit Facility in an amount equal to such excess.
2.10 | Voluntary Prepayments and Cancellation |
Any Borrower may, from time to time at its option, prepay any Loan without premium or penalty or permanently reduce the Available Credit of the Credit Facility, provided that:
(a) | any prepayment is in an amount equal to a minimum of $100,000 depending upon the currency of repayment and any reduction is in a minimum amount of $100,000; |
(b) | the Borrower pays concurrently with any such prepayment all interest accrued on the amount prepaid together with breakage costs, if any, incurred by the Lender as a result of any such prepayment; |
(c) | the Lender receives written notice of such prepayment, at least three Business Days prior to the date of such prepayment and specifying the amount and date of such prepayment. Any such notice shall be irrevocable and the Borrowers shall be bound to prepay in accordance with such notice; |
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(d) | in the event that the notice provided to the Lender in accordance with (c) above, indicates that the prepaid amount is to permanently prepay the Credit Facility pursuant to this Section 2.10, then the amount prepaid may not be re-borrowed thereunder (otherwise, the Borrowers will retain the right to re-borrow amounts prepaid in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement); and |
(e) | outstanding B/As may not be prepaid but may be defeased by any Borrower cash collateralizing the face amounts of such B/As, in respect of which the provisions of Section 2.5.10 shall apply on a mutatis mutandis basis (provided that in the case of B/A Equivalent Loans, the Lender at its option may accept prepayment in cash of the face amount of such B/A Equivalent Loan in lieu of accepting cash collateral). |
2.11 | Automatic Renewal of Maturity Date |
This Agreement shall automatically renew for consecutive one (1) year terms on June 30, 2022 and June 30, 2023, unless the Lender provides the Borrowers with 10 Business Days’ written notice prior to the relevant renewal date of its intention to terminate this Agreement.
2.12 | Alternate Rate of Interest |
If prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a LIBOR Borrowing or any Contract Period for any B/A Borrowing:
(a) | the Lender determines that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining LIBOR or the CDOR Rate for such Interest Period or Contract Period; or |
(b) | the Lender determines that LIBOR or the CDOR Rate for such Interest Period or Contract Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to the Lender of making or maintaining LIBOR Loans or B/As (or B/A Equivalent Loans) included in such Borrowing for such Interest Period or Contract Period; |
then the Lender shall give notice thereof to the Borrowers by telephone or telecopy as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until the Lender notifies the Borrowers that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (i) any Borrowing Request that requests the continuation of any Borrowing as a LIBOR Borrowing or B/A Borrowing shall be deemed to request conversion to a U.S. Base Rate Borrowing or a Canadian Prime Borrowing (as applicable), and (ii) any Borrowing Request that requests a LIBOR Borrowing or B/A Borrowing shall be made as a U.S. Base Rate Borrowing or a Canadian Prime Borrowing (as applicable).
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2.13 | LIBOR Discontinuation |
2.13.1 | Benchmark Replacement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Financing Document, if a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred prior to the Reference Time in respect of any setting of the then-current Benchmark, then (x) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (a) or (b) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Financing 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 Financing Document and (y) if a Benchmark Replacement is determined in accordance with clause (c) of the definition of “Benchmark Replacement” for such Benchmark Replacement Date, such Benchmark Replacement will replace such Benchmark for all purposes hereunder and under any Financing Document in respect of any Benchmark setting at or after 5:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the tenth (10th) Business Day after the date on which notice of such Benchmark Replacement is provided to the Borrowers without any amendment to this Agreement or any other Financing Document, or further action or consent of the Borrowers, so long as the Lender has not received, by such time, written notice of objection to such Benchmark Replacement from any Borrower. |
2.13.2 | Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes. In connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, the Lender 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 Financing Document, any amendments implementing such Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes will become effective in accordance with the definition of “Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes”. |
2.13.3 | Notices; Standards for Decisions and Determinations. The Lender will promptly notify the Borrowers of (a) any occurrence of a Benchmark Transition Event or an Early Opt-in Election, as applicable, and its related Benchmark Replacement Date, (b) the implementation of any Benchmark Replacement, (c) the effectiveness of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes, (d) the removal or reinstatement of any tenor of a Benchmark pursuant to Section 2.13.4 below and (e) the commencement or conclusion of any Benchmark Unavailability Period. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by the Lender pursuant to this Section, as applicable, will be conclusive and binding absent manifest error and may be made in its sole discretion and without consent from any other party to this Agreement or any other Financing Document, except, in each case, as expressly required pursuant to this Section. |
2.13.4 | Unavailability of Tenor of Benchmark. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in any other Financing Document, at any time (including in connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement), (i) if the then-current Benchmark is a term rate (including Term SOFR or LIBOR) and either (A) any tenor for such Benchmark is not displayed on a screen or other information service that publishes such rate from time to time as selected by the Lender 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 Lender 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 Lender may modify the definition of “Interest Period” for all Benchmark settings at or after such time to reinstate such previously removed tenor. |
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2.13.5 | Benchmark Unavailability Period. Upon the Borrowers’ receipt of notice of the commencement of a Benchmark Unavailability Period, a Borrower may revoke any request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of LIBOR Loans to be made, converted or continued during any Benchmark Unavailability Period and, failing that, the Borrower will be deemed to have converted any such request into a request for a borrowing of or conversion to U.S. Base Rate Loans. |
2.14 | Increased Costs; Illegality |
2.14.1 | If any Change in Law shall: |
(a) | impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, additional capital, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended by, the Lender or any of its lenders; or |
(b) | impose on the Lender or any of its lenders or the London interbank market any other condition affecting this Agreement or any cost or charge directly or indirectly incurred by the Lender in connection with a Loan hereunder (including the imposition on the Lender or any of its lenders of, or any change to, any Tax other than an Excluded Tax or other charge with respect to its or their LIBOR Loans or B/As (or B/A Equivalent Loans) or participation therein, or its obligation to make LIBOR Loans or B/As (or B/A Equivalent Loans)); |
and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to the Lender of making, continuing, converting to or maintaining any Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan) or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by the Lender hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then the Borrowers will pay to the Lender, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate the Lender for such additional costs incurred or reduction suffered.
2.14.2 | If the Lender determines that any Change in Law regarding capital requirements has or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on the Lender’s capital as a consequence of this Agreement or the Loans made by the Lender to a level below that which the Lender would have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration the Lender’s policies with respect to return on capital) prior to the occurrence of such Change in Law, then from time to time the Borrowers will pay to the Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate the Lender for any such reduction suffered. |
2.14.3 | A certificate of the Lender setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate the Lender as specified in Sections 2.14.1 or 2.14.2 shall be delivered to the Borrowers, and any such certificate shall include a brief description of the Change in Law and a calculation of the amount or amounts necessary to compensate the Lender and shall, absent manifest error, be prima facie evidence of the amount of such compensation. In preparing any such certificate, the Lender shall be entitled to use averages and to make reasonable estimates, and shall not be required to “match contracts” or to isolate particular transactions. The Borrowers shall pay the Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 30 days after receipt thereof. |
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2.14.4 | Failure or delay on the part of the Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 2.14 shall not constitute a waiver of the Lender’s right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrowers shall not be obligated to pay any such amount demanded by the Lender which is attributable to periods prior to the date which is 90days preceding the date of such demand. |
2.14.5 | In the event that the Lender shall have determined (which determination shall be reasonably exercised and shall, absent manifest error, constitute prima facie evidence thereof) at any time that the making or continuance of any LIBOR Loan has become unlawful or materially restricted as a result of compliance by the Lender in good faith with any applicable Law, then, in any such event, the Lender shall give prompt notice (by telephone and confirmed in writing) to the Borrowers of such determination. Upon the giving of the notice to the Borrowers referred to in this Section 2.14.5, the Borrowers’ right to request (by continuation or otherwise), and the Lender’s obligation to make, LIBOR Loans shall be immediately suspended, and thereafter any requested Borrowing of LIBOR Loans shall be deemed to be a request for a U.S. Base Rate Loan and if the affected LIBOR Loans are then outstanding, the Borrowers shall immediately, or if permitted by applicable Law, no later than the date permitted thereby, upon at least one Business Day prior written notice to the Lender, convert each such affected LIBOR Loan into a U.S. Base Rate Loan. |
2.15 | Breakage Costs |
In the event of (a) the failure by a Borrower to borrow, convert or continue any Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered by the Borrower pursuant hereto, or (b) the payment or conversion of any principal of any LIBOR Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default or prepayment), then, in any such event, the Borrowers shall compensate the Lender for the loss, cost and expense attributable to such event.
In the case of a LIBOR Loan, such loss, cost or expense to the Lender shall be deemed to include an amount determined by the Lender to be the excess, if any, of (i) the amount of interest which would have accrued on the principal amount of such Loan had such event not occurred, at LIBOR plus the Applicable Margin 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 (ii) the amount of interest which would accrue on such principal amount for such period and the interest rate which the Lender would bid were it to bid, at the commencement of such period, for dollar deposits of a comparable amount and period from other banks in the eurodollar market. A certificate of the Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that the Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section 2.15 shall be delivered to the Borrowers and shall, absent manifest error, constitute prima facie evidence thereof. The Borrowers shall pay the Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 30 days after receipt thereof.
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2.16 | Withholding Tax Indemnity |
Any and all payments required to be made by or on behalf of the Borrowers under this Agreement will be made free and clear of, and without deduction or withholding for, or on account of, any present or future taxes or similar charges (collectively, the “Withholdings”) unless such Withholdings are required to be made under applicable law. If a Borrower is so required to deduct or withhold any Withholdings from any amount payable to the Lender and if such Withholdings are Indemnified Taxes:
2.16.1 | The amount payable to the Lender will be increased as may be necessary so that, after making all required Withholdings, the Lender receives an amount equal to the amount that it would have received had no such Withholdings been withheld or deducted. |
2.16.2 | The applicable Borrower will remit the Withholdings to the appropriate taxation authority following its deduction or withholding prior to the date on which penalties attach thereto. |
2.16.3 | Within 30 days after such Withholdings have been remitted, the applicable Borrower will deliver to the Lender evidence satisfactory to the Lender, acting reasonably, that the taxes or charges in respect of which such deduction or withholding was made have been remitted to the appropriate taxation authority. |
2.16.4 | The Borrowers will indemnify the Lender, within ten (10) days after written demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes paid by the Lender on or with respect to any payment by or on account of any obligation of the Borrowers hereunder (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) and any penalties, interest and reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant taxation authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability (setting forth in reasonable detail the basis and calculation of such amounts) delivered to the Borrowers by the Lender will be conclusive absent manifest error. |
2.16.5 | If Lender is entitled to an exemption from or reduction of withholding tax with respect to payments made under this Agreement, it shall deliver to the applicable Borrower, at the time or times reasonably requested in writing by such Borrower, such properly completed and executed documentation so requested as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding. In addition, the Lender, if reasonably requested in writing by any Borrower, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or so requested by such Borrower as will enable such Borrower to determine whether or not the 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 Sections 2.16.6 and 2.16.7 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 the Lender. |
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2.16.6 | Without limiting the generality of Section 2.16.5, in the event that any Borrower is a U.S. Borrower: |
(a) | if the Lender is a U.S. Person it shall deliver to such Borrower on or prior to the date on which the Lender becomes party to this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of such Borrower), executed originals of IRS Form W-9 certifying that the Lender is exempt from U.S. federal backup withholding tax; |
(b) | if the Lender is a Foreign Lender it shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to such Borrower (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes party to this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of such Borrower), whichever of the following is applicable: |
(i) | in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party (x) with respect to payments of interest under this Agreement, executed originals of IRS Form W-8BEN-E 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 this Agreement, IRS Form W-8BEN-E 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; |
(ii) | executed originals of IRS Form W-8ECI; |
(iii) | in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the IRC, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Appendix E-1 to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the IRC, a “10 percent shareholder” of BBP within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the IRC, or a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the IRC (a “U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”) and (y) executed originals of IRS Form W-8BEN-E; or |
to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, executed originals of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN-E, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit C-1 or Exhibit C-2, 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 Appendix E-4 on behalf of each such direct and indirect partner.
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Any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to such Borrower (in such number of copies as shall be requested) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes party to this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of such Borrower), 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 to determine the withholding or deduction required to be made.
2.16.7 | If a payment made to the Lender under this Agreement would be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax imposed by FATCA if the Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the IRC, as applicable), the Lender shall deliver to such Borrower at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by such Borrower such documentation prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the IRC) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by such Borrower as may be necessary for such Borrower to comply with its obligations under FATCA and to determine that the Lender has complied with the Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this Section 2.16.7, “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement. |
2.16.8 | The Lender agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered pursuant to this Section 2.16 expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify the applicable Borrower in writing of its legal inability to do so. |
2.16.9 | If, following the imposition of any Indemnified Taxes on any payment by the applicable Borrower to the Lender in respect of which such Borrower is required to make an additional payment pursuant to this Section 2.16, the Lender receives or is granted a credit against or remission for or deduction from or in respect of any taxes or charges paid by it or obtains any other relief which, in the Lender’s opinion, is both reasonably identifiable and quantifiable by it without imposing an unacceptable administrative burden on it (any of the foregoing being a “saving”), the Lender will reimburse such Borrower with such amount as the Lender will have concluded, in its absolute discretion but in good faith, to be the amount or value of the relevant saving but only to the extent of indemnity payments made or additional amounts paid, by such Borrower under this Section 2.16 with respect to Withholdings giving rise to such refund or reduction, net of all out-of-pocket expenses of the Lender and without interest (other than any net after-tax interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund). Nothing herein contained will interfere with the right of the Lender to arrange its affairs in whatever manner it thinks fit and, in particular, the Lender will not be under any obligation to claim relief for tax purposes on its corporate profits or otherwise, or to claim such relief in priority to any other claims, relief, credits or deductions available to it or to disclose details of its affairs. The Lender will notify the applicable Borrower promptly of the receipt by the Lender of any such saving and of the Lender’s opinion as to the amount or value thereof, and any reimbursement to be made by the Lender will be made promptly on the date of receipt of such saving by the Lender or, if later, on the last date on which the applicable taxation authority would be able in accordance with applicable law to reclaim or reduce such saving. The applicable Borrower, upon the request of the Lender, agrees to repay the amount paid over to such Borrower (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) to the Lender if the Lender is required to repay such refund or reduction to such Governmental Authority. This will not be construed to require the Lender to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to its taxes which it deems confidential) to any Borrower or any other Person. |
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2.17 | Payments Generally |
The Borrowers shall make each payment required to be made by them hereunder (whether of principal, interest or fees, amounts payable under any of Sections 2.14, 2.15 or 2.16, or otherwise) prior to 1:00 p.m., Toronto time, on the date when due, in immediately available funds, without set-off or counterclaim. Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Lender, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon. 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. The Borrowers shall make payments to the Lender in accordance with instructions provided by the Lender to the Borrowers.
2.18 | Currency Indemnity |
If, for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court in any jurisdiction with respect to this Agreement or any other Financing Document, it becomes necessary to convert into the currency of such jurisdiction (the “Judgment Currency”) any amount due under this Agreement or under any other Financing Document in any currency other than the Judgment Currency (the “Currency Due”), then conversion shall be made at the rate of exchange prevailing on the Business Day before the day on which judgment is given. For this purpose “rate of exchange” means the rate at which the Lender is able, on the relevant date, to purchase the Currency Due with the Judgment Currency in accordance with its normal practice. In the event that there is a change in the rate of exchange prevailing between the Business Day before the day on which the judgment is given and the date of receipt by the Lender of the amount due, the Borrowers will, on the date of receipt by the Lender, pay such additional amounts, if any, or be entitled to receive reimbursement of such amount, if any, as may be necessary to ensure that the amount received by the Lender on such date is the amount in the Judgment Currency which when converted at the rate of exchange prevailing on the date of receipt by the Lender is the amount then due under this Agreement or such other Financing Document in the Currency Due. If the amount of the Currency Due which the Lender is so able to purchase is less than the amount of the Currency Due originally due to it, the Borrowers shall indemnify and save the Lender harmless from and against all loss or damage arising as a result of such deficiency. This indemnity shall constitute an obligation separate and independent from the other obligations contained in this Agreement and the other Financing Documents, shall give rise to a separate and independent cause of action, shall apply irrespective of any indulgence granted by the Lender from time to time and shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding any judgment or order for a liquidated sum in respect of an amount due under this Agreement or any other Financing Document or under any judgment or order.
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2.19 | Addition of Borrowers |
BBP may elect from time to time to designate another Subsidiary as a Borrower hereunder subject to delivering to the Lender a signed accession agreement in the form required by the Lender and from and after the date of such designation, such Subsidiary shall for all purposes be a “Borrower” and “Obligor” hereunder.
Article 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Each Borrower and Guarantor represents and warrants to the Lender that:
3.1 | Organization; Powers |
It is organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all requisite power and authority and holds all requisite licences, permits, approvals and qualifications necessary to carry on its business as presently conducted, and is qualified to do business in, and is in good standing in, every jurisdiction where such qualification is required, except to the extent that the failure to be so qualified would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.2 | Authorization; Enforceability |
The Transactions are within its corporate power and have been authorized by all necessary corporate and other action. This Agreement and the other Financing Documents have been executed and delivered by it and constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of it, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganisation, moratorium or other Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.
3.3 | Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts |
The Transactions, except for matters that, individually or in the aggregate would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (a) do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, (b) do not violate any applicable Law or the constating or organizational documents of any Obligor or any order of any Governmental Authority, (c) do not violate in any material way or result in a default under any indenture, agreement or other instrument binding upon any Obligor or any of its assets, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment to be made by an Obligor, and (d) do not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset of an Obligor.
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3.4 | Financial Information |
3.4.1 | The consolidated financial statements of BBP furnished by the Borrowers to the Lender pursuant hereto have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied, and present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial condition of BBP and its consolidated subsidiaries covered thereby as at the dates thereof, and the results of their operations for the periods then ended subject, in the case of unaudited financials, to customary year-end audit adjustments and the absence of any footnotes in the case of statements for any Fiscal Quarter. |
3.4.2 | All written information (including that disclosed in all financial statements) pertaining to BBP (other than projections) (the “Information”) that has been made available to the Lender by the Borrowers or any authorized representative of the Borrowers, taken as a whole, was, when furnished, complete and correct in all material respects and did not, when furnished, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained therein not materially misleading in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made. |
3.5 | Litigation |
There are no actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to any Obligor’s actual knowledge, threatened against or affecting any BBP Group Member or any of their assets that would, if determined adversely, affect the legality or enforceability of any Financing Document or would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.6 | Compliance with Laws and Agreements |
Except for any matters that, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, the BBP Group Members are in compliance with all Laws applicable to them or their property (including all labour laws) and all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon them or their property (including all labour contracts). Except for any matters that, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, the BBP Group Members have not violated or failed to obtain any Authorization necessary to the ownership of their property or assets or the conduct of their businesses.
3.7 | Taxes |
The BBP Group Members have timely filed or caused to be filed all Tax returns and reports required to have been filed and have paid or caused to be paid all Taxes required to have been paid (including all instalments with respect to the current period) and have made adequate provision for Taxes for the current period, except Taxes (a) that are immaterial to BBP on a consolidated basis or that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which BBP, on a consolidated basis, has set aside on its books adequate reserves, or (b) which individually or in the aggregate would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.8 | Ownership of Property |
The BBP Group Members own or have valid rights to the extent required for the operation of their businesses, in all real and personal property that is material to the operation of their businesses, except where failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
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3.9 | Pension Plans |
All material obligations of the BBP Group Members (including fiduciary, funding, investment and administration obligations) required to be performed in connection with its or their pension and benefit plans and the funding agreements therefor have been performed on a timely basis and there are no unfunded or undisclosed liabilities thereunder, except to the extent that the same individually or in aggregate would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.10 | No Order or Judgments |
There are no orders, judgments, award or decrees outstanding against any BBP Group Member, or affecting their assets, that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.11 | No Material Adverse Effect |
Since the date of BBP’s most recent financial statements, there has been no change in the consolidated financial position or the consolidated results of the operations of BBP that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.12 | Defaults |
No Default has occurred and is continuing.
3.13 | Environmental Matters |
3.13.1 | Environmental Laws, etc.Neither the property of the BBP Group Members nor their operations conducted thereon violate any applicable order of any Governmental Authority made pursuant to Environmental Laws, where such violation would reasonably be expected to result in remedial obligations having a Material Adverse Effect. |
3.13.2 | Notices, Permits, etc.All notices, permits, licenses or similar authorizations, if any, required to be obtained or filed pursuant to Environmental Law by the BBP Group Members in connection with the operation or use of any and all of their property, including but not limited to treatment, transportation, storage, disposal or release of Hazardous Materials into the environment, have been duly obtained or filed, except to the extent the failure to obtain or file such notices, permits, licences or similar authorizations would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, or which would not reasonably be expected to result in remedial obligations having a Material Adverse Effect. |
3.13.3 | Hazardous Substances Carriers. All Hazardous Materials generated at any and all property of the BBP Group Members have been treated, transported, stored and disposed of only in accordance with Environmental Law, except to the extent the failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. |
3.13.4 | Hazardous Materials Disposal. No Hazardous Materials have been disposed of or otherwise released on or to any real property of the BBP Group Members other than in compliance with Environmental Laws, except for any such disposal or release that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. |
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3.13.5 | No Contingent Liability. The BBP Group Members have no material contingent liability in connection with any release or threatened release of any Hazardous Materials into the environment other than such contingent liabilities at any one time and from time to time which would reasonably be expected to not exceed applicable insurance coverage, or for which adequate reserves for the payment thereof as required by GAAP have been provided, except for any such contingent liabilities which, in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in remedial obligations having a Material Adverse Effect. |
3.14 | Fiscal Year |
As of the date of this Agreement, the Fiscal Year of BBP ends on December 31 of each calendar year, and BBP’s Fiscal Quarters end on the last day of each of March, June, September and December of each calendar year.
3.15 | Money Laundering Laws |
The operations of the Obligors are and have been conducted at all times in compliance with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the U.S. Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (Canada) and the other applicable money laundering Laws to which they are subject, including the rules and regulations thereunder (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”) and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental agency, authority or body involving any of them with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending, except as disclosed in writing to the Lender or as would not have a Material Adverse Effect.
3.16 | Office of Foreign Assets Control |
None of the Obligors and none of their respective directors, officers, Subsidiaries, or, to their knowledge, employees is (i) a person included in the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons Lists (the “OFAC Lists”), as published from time to time by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department (“OFAC”), or (ii) currently subject to any U.S. economic sanctions administered by OFAC.
3.17 | Survival of Representations and Warranties |
The representations and warranties set out in this Article 3 and in any certificate, notice, delivered pursuant to this Agreement will survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement notwithstanding any investigation or examination that may be made by the Lender.
3.18 | Deemed Repetition |
The above representations and warranties of the Borrowers contained in this Article 3 shall be deemed to be repeated on the date of the delivery of each Borrowing Request, each conversion or rollover of a Borrowing, and of each Compliance Certificate delivered pursuant to Section 5.1(c) as if made on each such date unless such representations and warranties expressly refer to a different date.
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Article 4
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
4.1 | Effective Date |
The obligations of the Lender to make Loans hereunder shall not become effective until the date on which the Lender confirms to the Borrowers that each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived by the Lender in accordance with Section 9.2), which, for clarity, were satisfied on the Original Closing Date (other than those noted in Section 4.1.1 and an officer’s certificate confirming that items in Sections 4.1.2(a) and 4.1.2(b) delivered on the Original Closing Date apply to this Agreement and have not been amended since the date thereof, except as otherwise noted):
4.1.1 | Credit Agreement. The Lender shall have received from the Obligors either (a) one or more counterparts of this Agreement signed on behalf of the Obligors, or (b) written evidence satisfactory to the Lender (which may include facsimile transmission of a signed signature page of this Agreement) that the Obligors have signed a counterpart of this Agreement. |
4.1.2 | Corporate Certificates. The Lender shall have received: |
(a) | certified copies of the resolutions of the directors and/or members of the Obligors, which certificate will be dated as of the Effective Date, and approving, as appropriate, this Agreement and evidencing the authorization with respect thereto; |
(b) | a certificate of a senior officer of each Obligor, dated as of the Effective Date, and certifying (A) the name, title and true signature of each officer of such Obligor authorized to provide the certifications required pursuant to this Agreement, including certifications required pursuant to Section 5.1 and Borrowing Requests, and (B) that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of the constating or organizational documents of such Obligor as amended to date; and |
(c) | a Compliance Certificate dated as of the Original Closing Date or such earlier date acceptable to the Lender. |
4.1.3 | Legal Opinions. The Lender shall have received favourable written opinions (addressed to the Lender and its counsel and dated the Effective Date) of counsel to the Obligors covering such matters relating to the Obligors and this Agreement as the Lender shall reasonably request (together with copies of all factual certificates and legal opinions delivered to such counsel in connection with such opinions upon which counsel has relied). |
4.1.4 | Expenses. The Lender shall have received payment of all reasonable legal fees and reasonable other out-of-pocket expenses required to be reimbursed or paid by the Borrowers hereunder or under any other Financing Document. |
4.1.5 | Subordination. The Lender shall have received any subordination and postponement agreement required for any applicable Subordinated Debt. |
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4.1.6 | Other Documentation. The Lender shall have received such other legal opinions, documents and instruments as are both customary for transactions of this type and as it may reasonably request. |
4.2 | Each Borrowing |
The obligation of the Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing (including on the occasion of the initial Borrowings hereunder), is subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions: it being understood that the conditions are included for the exclusive benefit of the Lender and may be waived in writing in whole or in part by the Lender at any time:
(a) | the representations and warranties of the Obligors set forth in this Agreement shall be true and correct on and as of the date of each such Borrowing, as if made on such date unless such representations and warranties expressly refer to a different date; |
(b) | at the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing; and |
(c) | the Lender shall have received a Borrowing Request in the manner and within the time period required by Section 2.3. |
Article 5
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS
From (and including) the Original Closing Date until the Credit Commitment has expired or been terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees payable hereunder shall have been paid in full, the Obligors covenant and agree with the Lender that:
5.1 | Financial Statements and Other Information |
The Borrowers will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Lender:
(a) | as soon as available and in any event within 120 days after the end of each Fiscal Year of BBP, BBP’s audited consolidated balance sheet and related statements of income, retained earnings and changes in cash flow as of the end of and for such Fiscal Year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous Fiscal Year, all reported on by independent auditors of recognized national standing without any qualification and to the effect that such consolidated financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of BBP on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied; |
(b) | as soon as available and in any event within 60 days after the end of each of the first three Fiscal Quarters of each Fiscal Year of BBP, its unaudited consolidated balance sheet and related statements of income, retained earnings and changes in cash flow as of the end of and for such Fiscal Quarter and the then elapsed portion of the Fiscal Year which includes such Fiscal Quarter, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or, in the case of the balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous Fiscal Year, all certified by a senior officer of BBP as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition and results of operations of BBP on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments; |
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(c) | concurrently with the financial statements required pursuant to Sections (a) and (b) above, a Compliance Certificate, signed by a senior officer of a Borrower, on behalf of all of the Borrowers, and containing or accompanied by such financial or other details, information and material as the Lender may reasonably request to evidence compliance with the financial covenant contained in Section 5.9; |
(d) | forthwith after a senior officer of a Borrower learns of the existence of a Default or Event of Default, the certificate of such Borrower, signed by a senior officer, specifying the event which constitutes a Default or Event of Default, together with a statement of the steps being taken to cure such Default or Event of Default; |
(e) | forthwith upon receipt thereof, notice to the Lender of any action, suit or proceeding affecting any Borrower or BBP or BBP Holding LP that would, if determined adversely, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect and will, from time to time, furnish the Lender with such information reasonably required by the Lender with respect to the status of any such action, suit or proceeding; and |
(f) | such other information as the Lender may from time to time reasonably request. |
5.2 | Existence; Conduct of Business |
The Obligors will maintain their existence in good standing and conduct their businesses in a prudent manner.
5.3 | Timely Payment |
The Borrowers will make due and timely payment, as provided for herein, of the principal of all Loans, all interest thereon and all fees and other amounts required to be paid hereunder.
5.4 | Books and Records |
The Obligors will at all times keep true and complete financial books and records and accounts in accordance with, to the extent applicable, GAAP.
5.5 | Compliance with Laws |
5.5.1 | The Obligors will, and will cause the Subsidiaries to, comply with all Laws applicable to them or their property, except where the occurrence of such non-compliance, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. |
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5.5.2 | The Obligors will not directly or indirectly (i) lend or contribute by way of equity the proceeds of the Loans to any Person on the OFAC Lists at the time of such loan or contribution or any Person that is known to the Obligors as being owned or controlled by a Person on the OFAC Lists at such time, or (ii) knowingly use or otherwise knowingly make available the proceeds of the Loans to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person in violation of any of the U.S. economic sanctions administered by OFAC. |
5.6 | Insurance |
The Obligors will, and will cause the Subsidiaries to, maintain or cause to be maintained, with financially sound and reputable insurers, insurance with respect to their respective properties and business against such liabilities, casualties, risks and contingencies and in such types (including business interruption insurance and, to the extent available at commercially reasonable rates, flood insurance) and amounts as is customary in the case of Persons engaged in the same or similar businesses, except where the occurrence of such non-compliance, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
5.7 | Operation of Business |
The Obligors will, and will cause the Subsidiaries to, maintain all necessary licences, approvals and permits and manage and operate their businesses (i) in accordance with their customary practice in all material respects, and (ii) in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws from time to time constituted with respect to the regulation, ownership, management and operation of such businesses, except where a failure to so maintain, manage and operate would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
5.8 | Maintenance of Assets |
The Obligors will cause their properties and the properties of the Subsidiaries, to be maintained and kept in good condition, repair and working order and supplied with all necessary equipment and will cause to be made all necessary repairs, renewals, replacements, betterments and improvements thereof, all as in their judgment may be necessary so that the business carried on in connection therewith may be properly and advantageously conducted at all times; provided, however, that nothing will prevent or restrict the sale, abandonment or other disposition of any of such properties or any failure to take any of the foregoing actions where such action or failure would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
5.9 | Financial Covenant |
BBP will maintain a Deconsolidated Net Worth in an amount equal to or greater than $1,000,000,000, provided that BBP will be entitled to make such adjustments to its Deconsolidated Net Worth as are necessary so that BBP’s consolidated Common Equity and preferred equity in any Person is not less than zero. The Borrowers agree that the Compliance Certificates delivered pursuant to Section 5.1(c) will include details of all such adjustments to the Deconsolidated Net Worth.
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5.10 | Payment of Taxes |
The Obligors and the Subsidiaries will, on or before the date for payment thereof, pay all Taxes imposed upon them or upon their assets, the non-payment of which would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, except any such Tax that is being contested in good faith and by proper proceedings and as to which appropriate reserves are maintained in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
5.11 | Use of Proceeds |
The Borrowers shall use Loans obtained under the Credit Facility only for the purposes set out in Section 2.1.2 of this Agreement.
5.12 | Pensions |
The Obligors will pay, when due, all payments required to be made in respect of any pension plan covering their employees and will perform all obligations required to maintain each such pension plan in good standing and fully funded, but only, in each case, if to do otherwise would cause or would be reasonably likely to cause them to have a liability that is material to the Obligors when considered as a whole.
Article 6
NEGATIVE COVENANTS
From (and including) the Original Closing Date until the Credit Commitment has expired or been terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees payable hereunder shall have been paid in full, the Obligors covenant and agree with the Lender that:
6.1 | Liens |
None of the Obligors will create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any property or asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it on a non-consolidated basis, except for:
(a) | Permitted Liens; |
(b) | Liens on assets to secure Indebtedness up to an aggregate amount outstanding at any time of $50,000,000; |
(c) | Liens to secure Indebtedness in excess of the amount referred to in (b); provided that the Lender is secured equally and rateably with such Indebtedness and all other Indebtedness which is required to be secured equally and rateably; and |
(d) | Cash collateral in an aggregate amount of up to $50,000,000 to secure Financial Instrument Obligations. |
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The Lender agrees to release the security obtained hereunder to the extent that such security was obtained as a result of an Obligor granting third party security and such third party security (and all other security provided for other Indebtedness that was required to be secured equally and rateably) is released; provided that at such time, there is no outstanding Default hereunder.
6.2 | Fundamental Changes |
None of the Obligors (in each case, a “Predecessor”) will enter into any transaction whereby all or substantially all of its assets would become the property of any other Person (a “Successor”) whether by way of reorganization, reconstruction, consolidation, amalgamation, merger, transfer, sale or otherwise, unless:
6.2.1 | no Default or Event of Default will have occurred and remain outstanding and such transaction will not result in the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default; |
6.2.2 | prior to or contemporaneously with the consummation of such transaction the Predecessor and/or the Successor have executed such instruments and delivered such legal opinions acceptable to the Lender acting reasonably and done such things as are necessary or advisable to establish that upon the consummation of such transaction; |
(a) | the Successor will have assumed all the covenants and obligations of the Predecessor under this Agreement; and |
(b) | this Agreement will be a valid and binding obligation of the Successor entitling the Lender, as against the Successor, to exercise all its rights under its Agreement |
(whereupon such Successor will become a Borrower or Guarantor hereunder (as applicable), entitled to exercise every right and power of the Predecessor hereunder with the same effect as if such Successor had been named as a Borrower or Guarantor hereunder (as applicable), whereupon the Predecessor will be released from all of its covenants and the Obligations); and
6.2.3 | the Lender, having received such information relating to such proposed transaction as the Lender may have reasonably requested, has confirmed in writing that such Successor is acceptable to the Lender, acting reasonably. |
6.3 | Financial Instrument Obligations |
The Obligors will not enter into any Financial Instrument Obligations other than in the ordinary course of their businesses.
6.4 | Limitation on Distributions |
BBP and Holding LP will not declare or make any Distributions during the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default provided, that if a Distribution has been declared in accordance with this Agreement and a Default (other than a payment Default or a Default under Section 5.9, Section 6.1 or Section 6.2) subsequently occurs, BBP and Holding LP shall be entitled to pay such Distribution as declared so long as at the time of such payment such Default has not become an Event of Default and no other Event of Default has then occurred and is continuing.
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6.5 | Acquisitions |
The Obligors will not use the proceeds of any Loan to fund all or any part of the purchase price of any acquisition of all or any part of the business of another Person, including any line of business or division and/or the assets comprised therein, in a single transaction or series of transactions, related or not, whether by acquisition of assets or Equity Securities of such Person or by way of amalgamation, arrangement, merger or other business combination, unless, at the time of making such acquisition and after giving pro forma effect thereto, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing.
Article 7
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
7.1 | Events of Default |
If any of the following events (“Events of Default”) shall occur:
(a) | any Borrower shall fail to pay the principal of any Loan when due and payable, including on the Maturity Date; |
(b) | any Borrower shall fail to pay interest or any other amount owing hereunder when due hereunder and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of three Business Days after written notice thereof from the Lender; |
(c) | any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on behalf of any Obligor hereunder or in any Financing Document, Compliance Certificate or Borrowing Request, shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed to be made; provided that if such incorrect representation or warranty can reasonably be expected to be cured within 15 Business Days, such incorrect representation or warranty is not remedied within 15 Business Days after notice thereof from the Lender to the Obligors; |
(d) | any Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Section 5.1(d); |
(e) | any failure by BBP to comply with the financial covenant in Section 5.9 and such failure remains unremedied for five Business Days after a senior officer of a BBP becomes aware of such failure; |
(f) | any Obligor shall fail to observe or perform any other covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement or any other Financing Document, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of 20 Business Days after the earlier of a senior officer of an Obligor becoming aware of such failure or written notice thereof from the Lender; |
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(g) | any Obligor shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief under any Debtor Relief Law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in clause (h) of this Article 7, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for such Obligor, as the case may be, or for a substantial part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding, (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (vi) take any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing. |
(h) | an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of any Obligor or its debts, or of a substantial part of its assets, under any Debtor Relief Law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for any Obligor or for a substantial part of its assets, and, in any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for 60 days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered; |
(i) | any other event occurs which, under the Laws of any applicable jurisdiction, has an effect equivalent to any of the events referred to in either of Section 7.1(g) or Section 7.1(h) and, if the event is equivalent to the event referred to in Section 7.1(h) (subject to the same provisos), the 60 day grace period will apply as set out in Section 7.1(h); |
(j) | one or more judgments for the payment of borrowed money in a cumulative amount in excess of $125,000,000 (or the equivalent thereof in any other currency) is rendered against an Obligor and the relevant party has not (y) provided for its discharge in accordance with its terms within 30 days from the date of entry thereof, or (z) procured a stay of execution thereof within 30 days from the date of entry thereof and within such period, or such longer period during which execution of such judgment continues to be stayed, appealed such judgment and caused the execution thereof to be stayed during such appeal, provided that if enforcement and/or realization proceedings or similar process are lawfully commenced in respect thereof in the interim, such grace period will cease to apply; |
(k) | any property of an Obligor having a fair market value in excess of $125,000,000 (or the equivalent thereof in any other currency) is seized (including by way of execution, attachment, garnishment, levy or distraint) or any Lien thereon securing Indebtedness is enforced against such property, or such property has become subject to any charging order or equitable execution of a Governmental Authority, or any writ of execution or distress warrant exists in respect of such property, or any sheriff or other Person becomes lawfully entitled by operation of law or otherwise to seize or distrain upon such property, and in any case such seizure, enforcement, execution, attachment, garnishment, distraint, charging order or equitable execution, or other seizure or right, continues in effect and is not released or discharged for more than 30 days or such longer period during which entitlement to the use of such property continues with the affected party, and the affected party is contesting the same in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, provided that if the property is removed from the use of the affected party, or is sold, in the interim, such grace period will cease to apply; provided that this provision only applies if the property in question is property, the loss of which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; |
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(l) | this Agreement or any other Financing Document, at any time for any reason, terminates or ceases to be in full force and effect and a legally valid, binding and enforceable obligation of the Obligors, is declared to be void or voidable or is repudiated, or the validity, binding effect, legality or enforceability hereof or thereof is at any time contested by any Obligor, or any Obligor denies that it has any or any further liability or obligation hereunder or thereunder, or any action or proceeding is commenced to enjoin or restrain the performance or observance by the Obligors of any material terms hereof or thereof or to question the validity or enforceability hereof or thereof; |
(m) | any event or condition occurs that results in any indebtedness for borrowed money (other than indebtedness owing hereunder) of any Obligor in a principal amount exceeding $125,000,000 (or the equivalent thereof in any other currency) becoming due prior to its scheduled maturity or that enables or permits (with or without the giving of notice, the lapse of time or both) the holders of such indebtedness for borrowed money to cause any such indebtedness to become due prior to its scheduled maturity (where all applicable grace or cure periods have expired), and, in either such case, such event or condition is not waived by the holders of such indebtedness; |
(n) | if there occurs any action, suit or proceeding affecting any BBP Group Members or any of their assets that would, if determined adversely, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; |
(o) | Brookfield Asset Management Inc. and its Affiliates collectively cease to directly and/or indirectly own at least 50.1% of the Voting Stock of BBP or Holding LP on a fully exchanged basis (where the exchange right is exercisable at the option of the holder without restriction or condition); or |
(p) | Brookfield Asset Management Inc. and its Affiliates cease to directly and/or indirectly own at least 20% of the limited partner units in Holding LP (or any successor entity that is the primary holding company for BBP’s assets) on a fully exchanged basis (where the exchange right is exercisable at the option of the holder without condition or restriction), |
then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to an Obligor described in clause (g), (h) or (i) above), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event or any other such event, the Lender may, by notice to the Borrowers, take either or both of the following actions, at the same or different times: (i) terminate the Credit Commitment, and thereupon the Credit Commitment shall terminate immediately, and (ii) declare the Loans then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part, in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), and thereupon the principal of the Loans so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrowers accrued hereunder, shall become due and payable immediately, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind except as set forth earlier in this paragraph, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrowers; and in the case of any event with respect to any Obligor described in clause (g), (h) or (i) above, the Credit Commitment shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrowers accrued hereunder, 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.
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7.2 | Legal Proceedings |
If any Event of Default occurs, the Lender may in its discretion, exercise any right or recourse and/or proceed by any action, suit, remedy or proceeding against the Borrowers authorized or permitted by Law for the recovery of all the indebtedness and liabilities of the Borrowers to the Lender and proceed to exercise any and all rights and remedies hereunder and no such remedy for the enforcement of the rights of the Lender will be exclusive of or dependent on any other remedy but any one or more of such remedies may from time to time be exercised independently or in combination.
7.3 | Non-Merger |
The taking of a judgment or judgments or any other action or dealing whatsoever by the Lender in respect of any Financing Document will not operate as a merger of any Indebtedness of the Borrowers to the Lender or in any way suspend payment or affect or prejudice the rights, remedies and powers, legal or equitable, which the Lender may have in connection with such liabilities and the surrender, cancellation or any other dealings with any security for such liabilities will not release or affect the liability of the Borrowers hereunder.
Article 8
GUARANTEES
8.1 | Guarantees |
To induce the Lender to execute and deliver this Agreement and to make or maintain the Credit Facility in favour of the Borrowers, and in consideration thereof, each Borrower and Guarantor hereby irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees (this “Obligor Guarantee”) to the Lender due and punctual payment and performance to the Lender upon demand made in accordance with the terms of this Agreement of all debts, liabilities and obligations of or owing by the Borrowers to the Lender at any time and from time to time, present and future, direct and indirect, absolute and contingent, matured or not, arising from this Agreement, and whether as principal or surety, and including without limitation, all liabilities of the Borrowers arising as a consequence of their failure to pay or fulfil any of such debts, liabilities and obligations (collectively, the “Guaranteed Obligations”).
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8.2 | Indemnity |
In addition to the guarantee specified in Section 8.1, each Obligor agrees to indemnify and save the Lender harmless from and against all reasonable costs, losses, expenses and damages it may suffer as a result or consequence of, any Borrower’s default in the performance of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, or any inability by the Lender to recover the ultimate balance due or remaining unpaid to the Lender in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations, including without limitation, reasonable legal fees incurred by or on behalf of the Lender resulting from any action instituted on the basis of this Obligor Guarantee.
8.3 | Payment and Performance |
8.3.1 | If any Borrower fails or refuses to punctually pay or perform the Guaranteed Obligations, each of the other Borrowers and the Guarantors will unconditionally render any such payment or performance upon demand in accordance with the terms of this Obligor Guarantee. |
8.3.2 | Nothing but payment and satisfaction in full of the Guaranteed Obligations will release a Borrower or Guarantor from its obligations under this Obligor Guarantee. |
8.4 | Continuing Obligation |
This Obligor Guarantee will be a continuing guarantee, will cover all the Guaranteed Obligations, and will apply to and secure any ultimate balance due or remaining unpaid to the Lender. This Obligor Guarantee will continue to be binding regardless of:
(a) | any amendment, restatement, replacement, renewal, extension, supplement, continuation or waiver of this Agreement or any provision or term hereof, |
(b) | whether any other Person or Persons (an “Additional Guarantor”) will become in any other way responsible to the Lender for, or in respect of all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations; |
(c) | whether any such Additional Guarantor will cease to be so liable; |
(d) | the validity or enforceability of any of the Guaranteed Obligations; or |
(e) | whether any payment of any of the Guaranteed Obligations has been made and where such payment is rescinded or must otherwise be returned upon the occurrence of any action or event, including the insolvency or bankruptcy of any Borrower or Guarantor or otherwise, all as though such payment had not been made. |
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8.5 | Obligor Guarantee Unaffected |
This Obligor Guarantee will not be determined or affected, nor will the Lender’s rights under this Obligor Guarantee be prejudiced by, the termination of any Guaranteed Obligations by operation of law or otherwise, including without limitation, the bankruptcy, insolvency, dissolution or liquidation of any Obligor, or any change in the name, business, powers, capital structure, constitution, objects, organization, directors or management of any Obligor, with respect to transactions occurring either before or after such change. This Obligor Guarantee is to extend to the liabilities of the Person or Persons for the time being and from time to time carrying on the business now carried on by any Obligor, notwithstanding any reorganization of any Obligor or any Additional Guarantor or the amalgamation of any Obligor or any Additional Guarantor with one or more other corporations (in this case, this Obligor Guarantee will extend to the liabilities of the resulting corporation and the terms “Borrower”, “Guarantor”, “Obligor” and “Additional Guarantor”, as applicable, will include such resulting corporation) or any sale or disposal of any Obligor or Additional Guarantor’s business in whole or in part to one or more other Persons and all of such liabilities will be included in the Guaranteed Obligations. Each Obligor agrees that the manner in which the Lender may now or subsequently deal with any other Obligor, any Additional Guarantor or any security (or any collateral subject to the security) or other guarantee in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations will have no effect on such Obligor’s continuing liability under this Obligor Guarantee and each Obligor irrevocably waives any rights it may have in respect of any of the above.
8.6 | Waivers |
Each Obligor waives each of the following, to the fullest extent permitted by Law:
(a) | any defence based upon: |
(i) | the unenforceability or invalidity of all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations, or any security or other guarantee for the Guaranteed Obligations or any failure of the Lender to take proper care or act in a commercially reasonable manner in respect of any security for the Guaranteed Obligations or any collateral subject to the security, including in respect of any disposition of the collateral or any set-off against the Guaranteed Obligations; |
(ii) | any act or omission of an Obligor or any other Person, including the Lender, that directly or indirectly results in the discharge or release of an Obligor or any other Person or any of the Guaranteed Obligations or any security for the Guaranteed Obligations; or |
(iii) | the Lender’s present or future method of dealing with any Obligor, Additional Guarantor or security (or any collateral subject to the security) or any other guarantee for the Guaranteed Obligations; |
(b) | any right (whether now or hereafter existing) to require the Lender, as a condition to the enforcement of this Obligor Guarantee: |
(i) | to accelerate any of the Guaranteed Obligations or proceed and exhaust any recourse against any Borrower or Guarantor or any other Person; |
(ii) | to realize on any security that it holds; |
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(iii) | to marshal the assets of any Borrower or Guarantor; or |
(iv) | to pursue any other remedy that a Borrower or Guarantor may not be able to pursue itself and that might limit or reduce a Borrower or Guarantor’s burden; |
(c) | presentment, demand, protest and notice of any kind including, without limitation, notices of default and notice of acceptance of this Obligor Guarantee; |
(d) | all suretyship defences and rights of every nature otherwise available under the laws of the Province of Ontario and the laws of any other jurisdiction; |
(e) | any rights of subrogation or indemnification which it may have, until the Obligations of the Borrowers under this Agreement have been paid in full; and |
(f) | all other rights and defences (legal or equitable) the assertion or exercise of which would in any way diminish the liability of an Obligor hereunder. |
8.7 | Lender’s Right to Act |
The Lender has the right to deal with any Obligor, the documents creating or evidencing the Guaranteed Obligations and the security (or any collateral subject to the security), if any, now or subsequently held by the Lender (including, without limitation, all modifications, extensions, replacements, amendments, renewals, restatements, and supplements to such documents or security) as the Lender may see fit, without notice to any Borrower, Guarantor or Additional Guarantor and without in any way affecting, relieving, limiting or lessening any Obligors liability under this Obligor Guarantee. Without limitation, the Lender may:
(a) | grant time, renewals, extensions, indulgences, releases and discharges to any Obligor; |
(b) | take new or additional security (including without limitation, other guarantees) from any Obligor; |
(c) | discharge or partially discharge any or all security; |
(d) | elect not to take security from any Obligor or not to perfect security; |
(e) | cease or refrain from, or continuing to, giving credit or making loans or advances to any Borrower; |
(f) | accept partial payment or performance from any Borrower or Guarantor or otherwise waive compliance by any Borrower or Guarantor with the terms of any of the documents or security; |
(g) | assign any such document or security to any Person or Persons; or |
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(h) | deal or dispose in any manner (whether commercially reasonably or not) with any security (or any collateral subject to the security) or other guarantee for the Guaranteed Obligations. |
8.8 | Action or Inaction |
Except as provided at Law, no action or omission on the part of the Lender in exercising or failing to exercise its rights under this Article 8 or in connection with or arising from all or part of the Guaranteed Obligations will make the Lender liable to any Obligor for any loss occasioned to such Obligor.
8.9 | Lender’s Rights |
The rights and remedies provided in this Article 8 are cumulative and may be exercised singly or concurrently, and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by Law.
8.10 | Demand |
The Lender may make demand in writing to any Obligor at any time and from time to time after the occurrence of and during the continuance of an Event of Default, each such written demand to be accepted by such Obligor as complete and satisfactory evidence of any default by an Obligor and the extent of such Event of Default, and of such Obligor’s obligations to make a payment under this Obligor Guarantee and the amount of such payment. Such Obligor will pay to the Lender such amount or amounts payable under this Obligor Guarantee immediately upon such written demand.
8.11 | General Limitations on Guarantee Obligations |
If as a result of any action or proceeding involving any corporate, limited partnership or limited liability company law, or any Debtor Relief Law, the obligations of an Obligor under Section 8.1 would otherwise be held or determined to be void, voidable, invalid or unenforceable, or subordinated to the claims of any other creditors, then, notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, the amount of such liability shall, without any further action by such Obligor or any other Person, be automatically limited and reduced to the highest amount after giving effect to any rights of contribution that are valid and enforceable and not subordinated to the claims of other creditors as determined in such action or proceeding.
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Article 9
MISCELLANEOUS
9.1 | Notices |
Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone, 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 facsimile in each case to the addressee, as follows:
9.1.1 | if to the Obligors: |
Brookfield Business Partners L.P., Brookfield Business L.P.
or Brookfield BBP Bermuda Holdings Limited
73 Front Street
Fifth Floor
Hamilton, HM 12 Bermuda
Attention: | Jane Sheere |
Facsimile: | +441-296-4475 |
E-mail: | Jane.Sheere@Brookfield.com |
Brookfield BBP Canada Holdings Inc., Brookfield BBB US Holdings
Corporation or BBUC Holdings Inc.
181 Bay Street, Suite 300
Toronto, ON M5J 2T3
Attention: | General Counsel |
Facsimile: | 416-369-2301 |
9.1.2 | if to the Lender: |
(a) | with respect to Borrowing Requests or notices under Section 2.7: |
BPEG US Inc.
181 Bay Street, Suite 300
Toronto, ON M5J 2T3
Attention: | Senior Vice President, Finance |
Facsimile: | 416-365-9642 |
(b) | with respect to all other notices and communications: |
BPEG US Inc.
181 Bay Street, Suite 300
Toronto, ON M5J 2T3
Attention: | Vice President, Legal |
Facsimile: | 416-365-9642 |
Any party hereto may change its address or facsimile number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. All notices and other communications given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given on the date of receipt.
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9.2 | Waivers |
No failure or delay by the Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder 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 Lender hereunder are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that it would otherwise have. Any waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by any Obligor therefrom 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 shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Lender may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.
9.3 | Expenses; Indemnity |
9.3.1 | The Borrowers shall pay (a) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Lender, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of external counsel for the Lender in connection with the negotiation and preparation of this Agreement and the other Financing Documents (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated) and the management and administration of Loans, this Agreement and the other Financing Documents (whether or not any Borrowings are made hereunder), (b) all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Lender, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of external counsel for the Lender, in connection with any amendments, modifications or waivers of the provisions hereof or of any of the other Financing Documents, and (c) all out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Lender, including the fees, charges and disbursements of counsel for the Lender, in connection with the collection, enforcement or protection of its rights in connection with this Agreement, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans. |
9.3.2 | Each Borrower shall indemnify the Lender, its directors, officers and employees (each such Person including the directors, officers and employees herein referred to as an “Indemnitee”) against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, cost recovery actions, damages, expenses and liabilities of whatsoever nature or kind asserted by third parties, and all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses to which any Indemnitee may become subject arising out of or in connection with (a) the execution or delivery of the Financing Documents or any agreement or instrument contemplated thereby, the performance by the parties thereto of their respective obligations thereunder, and the consummation of the Transactions or any other transactions thereunder, (b) any Loan or any actual or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom, (c) any actual or alleged presence or release of Hazardous Materials on or from any property owned or operated by the Borrowers or any of the Subsidiaries, or any Environmental Liability related to the Borrowers or any of the Subsidiaries, (d) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto, (e) any other aspect of this Agreement and the other Financing Documents, or (f) the enforcement of any Indemnitee’s rights hereunder and any related investigation, defence, preparation of defence, litigation and enquiries (the “Claim”); provided that such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses are determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and non- appealable judgment to have resulted from the gross negligence, wilful misconduct or wilful material breach of this Agreement by such Indemnitee. |
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9.4 | Successors and Assigns |
9.4.1 | The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that no Obligor may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Lender, except to a successor in connection with a transaction completed in accordance with Section 6.2. |
9.4.2 | The Lender may assign to one or more assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Financing Documents. It is understood and agreed that the Lender will be entitled, after consultation with the Borrowers, to change any or all of the structure, terms, or pricing of this Agreement and any Financing Document if the Lender determines that such changes are necessary or advisable in order to ensure the Successful Syndication of the Credit Commitment. A “Successful Syndication” means the Lender selling sufficient interests in the Credit Commitment to other lenders to reduce its share to no more than $100,000,000 of the Credit Commitment. |
9.5 | Survival |
All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Obligors herein and in the other Financing Documents and the Compliance Certificates shall be considered to have been relied upon by the Lender and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the making of any Loans, and all such covenants and agreements 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 is outstanding and unpaid and so long as the Credit Commitment has not expired or terminated other than these amounts claimed or capable of being claimed under sections of this Agreement which by the terms of this Agreement, survive termination of this Agreement. Sections 2.14.1, 2.15, 2.16.6, 9.3 and 9.5 shall survive and remain in full force and effect, regardless of the consummation of the Transactions, the repayment of the Loans, the expiration or termination of the Credit Commitment or the termination of this Agreement or any provision hereof.
9.6 | Senior Indebtedness |
The obligations hereunder are intended to (a) be “senior indebtedness” of the Obligors, (b) rank pari passu with other senior indebtedness of the Obligors, and (c) rank in priority to any obligations of the Obligors that are by their terms expressly subordinated. For clarity, it is the intention of the parties that any Financial Instrument Obligations owed to the Lender by a Borrower shall rank pari passu with the obligations of such Borrower hereunder.
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9.7 | Amendment and Restatement |
This Agreement amends and restates the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of August 26, 2019, between the Borrowers, Brookfield Business Partners L.P., as Guarantor, and the Lender, as amended by a first amendment dated as of October 27, 2021 (collectively, the “Original Credit Agreement”). All “Obligations” (as defined in the Original Credit Agreement) that were outstanding under the Original Credit Agreement shall be deemed to be Obligations hereunder.
9.8 | Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness |
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 Financing Documents and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Lender, 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 4.1, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Lender and when the Lender shall have received the counterpart hereof which, when taken together, bears the Obligors’ signatures, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Delivery of an executed original counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed original counterpart of this Agreement.
9.9 | Severability |
Any provision of this Agreement 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 hereof, and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.
9.10 | Right of Set Off |
If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Lender 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) at any time held and other obligations at any time owing by the Lender to or for the credit or the account of any Obligor against any of and all of the obligations of such Obligor now or hereafter existing under this Agreement held by the Lender, irrespective of whether or not the Lender shall have made any demand under this Agreement and although such obligations may be unmatured. The rights of the Lender under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of set off) which the Lender may have.
9.11 | Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process |
9.11.1 | This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the Laws of the Province of Ontario. |
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9.11.2 | Each of the Obligors hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of the Province of Ontario, and any appellate court thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, or any other Financing Document 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 be heard and determined in Ontario. 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 shall affect any right that the Lender, may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Financing Document against an Obligor or its properties in the courts of any other jurisdiction. |
9.11.3 | Each of the Obligors 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 in the Province of Ontario. Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, any forum non conveniens defence to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court. |
9.11.4 | Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9.1. Nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by Law. |
9.12 | 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 FINANCING 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, AGENT OR 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.
9.13 | 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.
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9.14 | Confidentiality |
9.14.1 | The Lender agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information (as defined below), except that Information may be disclosed (a) to each of its Affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors for the purposes of this Agreement (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, (c) to the extent required by Applicable Laws or regulations 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 under any Financing Document or any suit, action or proceeding relating to any Financing Document or the enforcement of rights thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions substantially the same as those of this Section, to any actual or prospective assignee of or participant in any participation of its rights or obligations under this Agreement, (g) with the consent of the Obligors, or (h) to the extent such Information (y) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section, or (z) becomes available to the Lender, on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Obligors and which source is not bound by similar confidentiality obligations. For the purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from the Obligors relating to the BBP Group Members or their respective businesses, other than any such information that is available to the Lender on a non-confidential basis prior to disclosure by an Obligor. The Lender shall be considered to have complied with its obligation hereunder if it has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as the Lender would accord to its own confidential information. |
9.15 | Patriot Act |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Patriot Act, the Lender hereby notifies the Obligors that it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies the Obligors, which information includes the name and address of the Obligors and other information that will allow the Lender to identify the Obligors in accordance with the Patriot Act.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
BORROWERS: | |||
BROOKFIELD BUSINESS L.P., by its managing general partner, BROOKFIELD BUSINESS PARTNERS L.P., by its general partner, BROOKFIELD BUSINESS PARTNERS LIMITED | |||
Per: | “James Bodi” | ||
Name: | James Bodi | ||
Title: | Vice President |
BROOKFIELD BBP CANADA HOLDINGS INC. | |||
Per: | “A.J. Silber” | ||
Name: | A.J. Silber | ||
Title: | Senior Vice President |
[Signature Page to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement]
BROOKFIELD BBP BERMUDA HOLDINGS LIMITED | |||
Per: | “James Bodi” | ||
Name: | James Bodi | ||
Title: | Vice President |
BROOKFIELD BBP US HOLDINGS LLC | |||
Per: | “Craig Laurie” | ||
Name: | Craig Laurie | ||
Title: | President |
GUARANTORS: | |||
BROOKFIELD BUSINESS PARTNERS L.P., by its general partner, BROOKFIELD BUSINESS PARTNERS LIMITED | |||
Per: | “James Bodi” | ||
Name: | James Bodi | ||
Title: Vice President | |||
BBUC HOLDINGS INC. | |||
Per: | “A.J. Silber” | ||
Name: | A.J. Silber | ||
Title: | Senior Vice President |
[Signature Page to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement]
LENDER: | |||
BPEG US INC. | |||
Per: | “A.J. Silber” | ||
Name: | A.J. Silber | ||
Title: | Senior Vice President |
[Signature Page to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement]
Exhibit A
Form of Borrowing Request
Date: | ■ |
BPEG US Inc.
181 Bay Street, Suite 300
Toronto, ON M5J 2T3
Attention: | Senior Vice President, Finance |
Facsimile: | 416-365-9642 |
The undersigned, ■ (a “Borrower”), refers to the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of ■, 2022, between Brookfield Business L.P., Brookfield BBP Canada Holdings Inc., Brookfield BBP Bermuda Holdings Limited, Brookfield BBP US Holdings LLC and such other persons as may become parties thereto as Borrowers from time to time, as Borrowers, Brookfield Business Partners L.P. and BBUC Holdings Inc., as Guarantors, and BPEG US Inc., as Lender, as may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time (the “Credit Agreement”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement.
The Borrower hereby gives you notice pursuant to Section 2.3 of the Credit Agreement that it requests a Borrowing under the Credit Agreement as follows:
(A) | Investment to be funded with proceeds of the Loan drawn under the Credit Facility: ■ |
(B) | Type of Loan, Loan Amount, Interest Period and Contract Period (as applicable): ■ |
(C) | Date of Borrowing: ■ |
(D) | Account of the Borrower to which the funds are to be disbursed: ■ |
The undersigned confirms having read the provisions of the Credit Agreement which are relevant to the furnishing of this Borrowing Request. The undersigned confirms that the Borrowers have complied with all conditions precedent for the requested Borrowing.
The Borrower hereby certifies that:
(a) | the representations and warranties of the Obligors set forth in the Credit Agreement are true and correct on and as of the date hereof as if made as of the date hereof unless such representations and warranties expressly refer to a different date; and |
(b) | at the time of and immediately after giving effect to the requested Borrowing, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing. |
■ | ||
Per: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement]
Exhibit B
Form of Compliance Certificate
TO: | BPEG US Inc. (the “Lender”) |
RE: | Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of ■, 2022, between Brookfield Business L.P., Brookfield BBP Canada Holdings Inc., Brookfield BBP Bermuda Holdings Limited, Brookfield BBP US Holdings LLC and such other persons as may become parties thereto as Borrowers from time to time, as Borrowers, Brookfield Business Partners L.P. and BBUC Holdings Inc., as Guarantors, and BPEG US Inc., as Lender, as may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time (the “Credit Agreement”). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement. |
The undersigned, the [Title] of [Name of Borrower], hereby certifies on behalf of the Borrowers, in that capacity and not personally and without personal liability, as follows:
1. | I have read and am familiar with the provisions of the Credit Agreement and I have made such examinations and investigations, including a review of the financial statements of BBP and the applicable books and records as I have deemed necessary, to enable me to express an informed opinion as to the matters set out herein. |
2. | The Deconsolidated Net Worth as at ■, is ■. Details of this calculation (including all adjustments to the Common Equity and preferred equity in any Person made in accordance with Section 5.9) are attached hereto. |
3. | Each of the representations and warranties of the Obligors contained in Article 3 of the Credit Agreement is true and correct on and as of the date hereof as if made as of the date hereof, unless such representations and warranties expressly refer to a different date. |
4. | No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. |
This certificate is delivered to you pursuant to Section 5.1(c) of the Credit Agreement. Initially capitalized terms used in this Compliance Certificate have the meanings given in the Credit Agreement.
DATED: ■ [Date to be within 60 days of the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of BBP and 120 days of the end of BBP’s fiscal year.]
[NAME OF BORROWER] | ||
Per: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: |
Exhibit C-1
Form of 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 Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of ■, 2022, between Brookfield Business L.P., Brookfield BBP Canada Holdings Inc., Brookfield BBP Bermuda Holdings Limited, Brookfield BBP US Holdings LLC, as borrowers, Brookfield Business Partners L.P. and BBUC Holdings Inc., as guarantors, and BPEG US Inc., as lender (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”).
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.16 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the 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 Lender and the Borrowers with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN-E. 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 Lender, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrowers and the 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 LENDER] | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
Date: | , 20[■] |
Exhibit C-2
Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate
(FOR FOREIGN LENDERS THAT ARE PARTNERSHIPS FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES)
Reference is hereby made to the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of ■, 2022, between Brookfield Business L.P., Brookfield BBP Canada Holdings Inc., Brookfield BBP Bermuda Holdings Limited, Brookfield BBP US Holdings LLC, as borrowers, Brookfield Business Partners L.P. and BBUC Holdings Inc., as guarantors, and BPEG US Inc., as lender (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”).
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.15 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the 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), (iii) with respect to the extension of credit pursuant to this Credit Agreement, 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 the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.
The undersigned has furnished the Lender 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-E or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN-E 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 Lender, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrowers and the 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 LENDER] | ||
By: | ||
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
Date: | , 20[■] |
Exhibit 99.9
EQUITY COMMITMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made as of the 15th day of March, 2022
B E T W E E N:
BROOKFIELD BBP CANADA HOLDINGS INC.
(“Canada HoldCo”), a corporation existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario
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BROOKFIELD BUSINESS CORPORATION
(“BBUC”), a corporation existing under the laws of the Province of British Columbia
RECITALS:
A. | WHEREAS Canada HoldCo will subscribe for, or cause one of its Affiliates (as defined below) to subscribe for, Class C Shares or Preferred Shares of BBUC, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Equity Commitment Agreement and, as applicable, the articles of incorporation of BBUC, as the same may be amended and/or restated from time to time; and |
B. | WHEREAS BBUC intends to call on Canada HoldCo’s Commitment, from time to time and as necessary, to fund growth capital investments and acquisitions, or for working capital purposes; |
NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained and other good and valuable consideration (the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged), the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. | Interpretation |
1.1 | Definitions. In this Equity Commitment Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings: |
1.1.1 | “Affiliate” means, with respect to a Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by such Person, or is under common Control of a third Person; |
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1.1.2 | “BBU Group” means the BBU Partnership, the Business Partnership, the Holding Entities, the Operating Entities and any other direct or indirect Subsidiary of a Holding Entity, other than any member of the BBUC Group; |
1.1.3 | “BBU Partnership” means Brookfield Business Partners L.P.; |
1.1.4 | “BBU Partnership Agreement” means Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of BBU Partnership, dated May 31, 2016, as thereafter amended; |
1.1.5 | “BBUC” has the meaning assigned thereto in the preamble; |
1.1.6 | “BBUC Group” means BBUC and any of its direct or indirect Subsidiaries; |
1.1.7 | “Business Day” means any day that the Principal Stock Exchange is open for trading, other than any legal holiday recognized as such in the Province of Ontario or the Province of British Columbia; |
1.1.8 | “Business Partnership” means Brookfield Business L.P.; |
1.1.9 | “Canada HoldCo” has the meaning assigned thereto in the preamble; |
1.1.10 | “Class A Shares” means the class A exchangeable subordinate voting shares in the capital of BBUC; |
1.1.11 | “Class C Shares” means the class C non-voting shares in the capital of BBUC; |
1.1.12 | “Commitment” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2.1; |
1.1.13 | “Commitment Period” means the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending on the tenth anniversary following the Effective Date; |
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1.1.14 | “Control” means the control of one Person of another Person in accordance with the following: a Person (“A”) controls another Person (“B”) where A has the power to determine the management and policies of B by contract or status (for example the status of A being the general partner of B) or by virtue of beneficial ownership of a majority of the voting interests in B; and for certainty and without limitation, if A owns shares to which more than 50% of the votes permitted to be cast in the election of directors to the board of B or A is the general partner of B, a limited partnership, then in each case A Controls B for this purpose; |
1.1.15 | “Draw-Down Notice” means a notice to Canada HoldCo of a draw-down on the Commitment; |
1.1.16 | “Effective Date” means the date hereof; |
1.1.17 | “Equity Commitment Agreement” means this equity commitment agreement as it may be amended or restated from time to time; |
1.1.18 | “Holding Entity” has the meaning assigned thereto in the BBU Partnership Agreement; |
1.1.19 | “Operating Entity” has the meaning assigned thereto in the BBU Partnership Agreement; |
1.1.20 | “Person” means any individual, partnership, limited partnership, joint venture, syndicate, sole proprietorship, company or corporation with or without share capital, unincorporated association, trust, trustee, executor, administrator or other legal personal representative, regulatory body or agency, government or governmental agency, authority or entity however designated or constituted; |
1.1.21 | “Preferred Shares” means the class A senior preferred shares and the class B junior preferred shares in the capital of BBUC; |
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1.1.22 | “Principal Stock Exchange” means the New York Stock Exchange or if the Class A Shares are not listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the principal stock exchange on which the Class A Shares are listed; |
1.1.23 | “Subscriber” means Canada HoldCo or any other member of the BBU Group that Canada HoldCo causes to subscribe for Class C Shares or Preferred Shares pursuant to this Equity Commitment Agreement; |
1.1.24 | “Subscription Payment” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2.3; |
1.1.25 | “Subscription Payment Date” means a date specified in a Draw-Down Notice on which a Subscription Payment is to be made to BBUC; |
1.1.26 | “Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, (i) any other Person that is directly or indirectly Controlled by such Person, (ii) any trust in which such Person holds all of the beneficial interests or (iii) any partnership, limited liability company or similar entity in which such Person holds all of the interests other than the interests of any general partner, managing member or similar Person; and |
1.1.27 | “US$” means United States dollars. |
1.2 | Headings. The inclusion of headings and a table of contents in this Equity Commitment Agreement are for convenience of reference only and will not affect the construction or interpretation hereof. |
1.3 | Gender and Number. In this Equity Commitment Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa, words importing gender include all genders or the neuter, and words importing the neuter include all genders. |
1.4 | Invalidity of Provisions. Each of the provisions contained in this Equity Commitment Agreement is distinct and severable and a declaration of invalidity or unenforceability of any such provision or part thereof by a court of competent jurisdiction will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties waive any provision of law which renders any provision of this Equity Commitment Agreement invalid or unenforceable in any respect. The parties will engage in good faith negotiations to replace any provision which is declared invalid or unenforceable with a valid and enforceable provision, the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid or unenforceable provision which it replaces. |
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1.5 | Currency. Except where otherwise expressly provided, all amounts in this Equity Commitment Agreement are stated and shall be paid in US$. BBUC shall call all Subscription Payments in US$. Canada HoldCo shall make all Subscription Payments in US$ or in the equivalent amount of Canadian Dollars on the basis of rates quoted by appropriate financial institutions of repute or by internationally recognized financial publications or news services. If it is necessary for any amounts to be converted from another currency into US$, then BBUC will convert the amount using rates quoted by appropriate financial institutions of repute or by internationally recognized financial publications or news services. |
1.6 | Waiver, Amendment. |
Except as expressly provided in this Equity Commitment Agreement, no amendment or waiver of this Equity Commitment Agreement will be binding unless executed in writing by the party to be bound thereby. No waiver of any provision of this Equity Commitment Agreement will constitute a waiver of any other provision nor will any waiver of any provision of this Equity Commitment Agreement constitute a continuing waiver unless otherwise expressly provided.
1.7 | Governing Law |
This Equity Commitment Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.
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2. | The Commitment |
2.1 | The aggregate commitment of Canada HoldCo to subscribe for Class C Shares and Preferred Shares of BBUC pursuant to this Equity Commitment Agreement is $2 billion (the “Commitment”). |
2.2 | Each draw-down shall not exceed $250,000,000, unless Canada HoldCo otherwise agrees, and each subsequent draw-down shall be made a minimum of 120 days after the receipt of the last Draw-Down Notice from BBUC. |
2.3 | Subject to Sections 3 and 4, on each Subscription Payment Date, the Subscriber shall pay to BBUC an amount of cash set out in a Draw-Down Notice (the “Subscription Payment”) in exchange for the issuance of Class C Shares and/or Preferred Shares pursuant to Section 6. |
2.4 | The amount of the Commitment shall be permanently reduced by the amount of any Subscription Payment made to BBUC. |
3. | Subscription Payments on Draw-Downs |
3.1 | Canada HoldCo shall cause one or more Subscribers to make a Subscription Payment to BBUC following receipt of a Draw-Down Notice from BBUC and in such amount as BBUC shall specify in the Draw-Down Notice; provided that no Subscription Payment shall be less than $10 million or in excess of the undrawn amount of the Commitment at the time the Subscription Payment is to be made. |
3.2 | BBUC shall give the Draw-Down Notice to Canada HoldCo in the manner specified in Section 10 hereof. The Draw-Down Notice shall: |
3.2.1 | specify (i) the place at which such Subscription Payment is to be made, including, if applicable, the account of BBUC or one or more of its subsidiaries to which such Subscription Payment should be made, (ii) the security to be issued, (iii) the amount of such Subscription Payment to be made, and (iv) the Subscription Payment Date and time at which such Subscription Payment is to be made, which shall not be earlier than 12:00 p.m., Toronto time, generally on the tenth Business Day, but in no event earlier than the fifth Business Day, after the giving of the Draw-Down Notice; and |
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3.2.2 | confirm that (i) BBUC is able to pay its liabilities as they become due; and (ii) there has been no material adverse effect with respect to BBUC or its affairs or financial condition. |
3.3 | If BBUC deems it advisable, BBUC may reduce the amount of or cancel any call for a Subscription Payment by giving notice to Canada HoldCo in accordance with Section 10, subject to Section 3.1. |
4. | Conditions Precedent |
Canada HoldCo’s obligations pursuant to Section 3.1 are subject to compliance, as of the Subscription Payment Date, with each of the following conditions precedent which are for the sole and exclusive benefit of Canada HoldCo and may be waived by Canada HoldCo in its sole discretion:
4.1 | a member of the BBU Group shall Control BBUC and a member of the BBU Group shall have the ability to elect a majority of the directors of BBUC; |
4.2 | a Draw-Down Notice shall have been provided to Canada HoldCo in accordance with Section 3.2; |
4.3 | a majority of the directors of BBUC shall have authorized the issuance of Class C Shares or Preferred Shares pursuant to Section 6; and |
4.4 | on each of the five Business Days immediately preceding the Subscription Payment Date, Class A Shares shall have traded on the Principal Stock Exchange. |
5. | Expiration of the Commitment Period and Termination |
Upon the earlier of (i) the expiration of the Commitment Period, subject to the ongoing obligation to satisfy a previously issued Draw-Down Notice, and (ii) the making of Subscription Payments equal to the full amount of the Commitment, no Subscriber shall be required to make Subscription Payments and this Equity Commitment Agreement shall terminate and no longer be of any effect.
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6. | Issuance of Class C Shares or Preferred Shares |
6.1 | Upon making a Subscription Payment to BBUC, BBUC, at BBUC’s election, shall: |
6.1.1 | issue a number of Class C Shares equal to the cash amount of the Subscription Payment divided by the volume-weighted average of the trading price for one Class A Share on the Principal Stock Exchange for the five trading days immediately preceding the Subscription Payment Date; |
6.1.2 | issue a number of Preferred Shares equal to the cash amount of the Subscription Payment divided by the issue price and redemption price for one Preferred Share (being $25.00); or |
6.1.3 | issue a number of any combination of Class C Shares and/or Preferred Shares with an aggregate issue price, as calculated in accordance with this Section 6.1, equal to the cash amount of the Subscription Payment. |
6.2 | Prior to the issuance of Preferred Shares to the Subscriber, BBUC shall deliver to Canada HoldCo the terms of the applicable Preferred Shares. If Canada HoldCo does not accept the terms of such Preferred Shares, BBUC shall issue Class C Shares to the Subscriber pursuant to this Section 6. |
7. | Representations and Warranties |
7.1 | Canada HoldCo hereby represents and warrants to BBUC that: |
7.1.1 | it is validly organized and existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario; |
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7.1.2 | it has the power, capacity and authority to enter into this Equity Commitment Agreement and to perform its duties and obligations hereunder; |
7.1.3 | it has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Equity Commitment Agreement; |
7.1.4 | the execution and delivery of this Equity Commitment Agreement by it and the performance by it of its obligations hereunder do not and will not contravene, breach or result in any default under its articles, by-laws, constituent documents or other organizational documents; |
7.1.5 | no authorization, consent or approval, or filing with or notice to any Person is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by it of this Equity Commitment Agreement; and |
7.1.6 | this Equity Commitment Agreement constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of it enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization and other laws of general application limiting the enforcement of creditors’ rights and remedies generally and (ii) general principles of equity, including standards of materiality, good faith, fair dealing and reasonableness, equitable defenses and limits as to the availability of equitable remedies, whether such principles are considered in a proceeding at law or in equity. |
7.2 | BBUC hereby represents and warrants to Canada HoldCo that: |
7.2.1 | it is validly organized and existing under the laws of the Province of British Columbia; |
7.2.2 | it has the power, capacity and authority to enter into this Equity Commitment Agreement and to perform its duties and obligations hereunder; |
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7.2.3 | it has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Equity Commitment Agreement; |
7.2.4 | the execution and delivery of this Equity Commitment Agreement by it and the performance by it of its obligations hereunder do not and will not contravene, breach or result in any default under its articles, by-laws, constituent documents or other organizational documents; |
7.2.5 | no authorization, consent or approval, or filing with or notice to any Person is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by it of this Equity Commitment Agreement; and |
7.2.6 | this Equity Commitment Agreement constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of it enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization and other laws of general application limiting the enforcement of creditors’ rights and remedies generally and (ii) general principles of equity, including standards of materiality, good faith, fair dealing and reasonableness, equitable defenses and limits as to the availability of equitable remedies, whether such principles are considered in a proceeding at law or in equity. |
8. | Further Assurances |
Each of the parties hereto shall promptly do, make, execute or deliver, or cause to be done, made, executed or delivered, all such further acts, documents and things as the other party hereto may reasonably require from time to time for the purpose of giving effect to this Equity Commitment Agreement and shall use reasonable efforts and take all such steps as may be reasonably within its power to implement to their full extent the provisions of this Equity Commitment Agreement.
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9. | Successors and Assigns |
No party may assign its right or benefits under this Equity Commitment Agreement without the prior written consent of the other parties hereto provided that Canada HoldCo may assign its rights and benefits under this Equity Commitment Agreement to any member of the BBU Group without obtaining the prior written consent of the other parties. This provision of this Equity Commitment Agreement shall enure to the benefit of and be binding on the parties to this Equity Commitment Agreement and their respective successors and assigns.
10. | Notice |
Any notice or other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by prepaid mail, by facsimile or other means of electronic communication or by delivery as hereafter provided. Any such notice or other communication, if mailed by prepaid mail at any time other than during a general discontinuance of postal service due to strike, lockout or otherwise, shall be deemed to have been received on the fourth Business Day after the post-marked date thereof, or if sent by facsimile or other means of electronic communication, shall be deemed to have been received on the Business Day following the sending, or if delivered by hand shall be deemed to have been received at the time it is delivered to the applicable address noted below either to the individual designated below or to an individual at such address having apparent authority to accept deliveries on behalf of the addressee. Notice of change of address shall also be governed by this section. In the event of a general discontinuance of postal service due to strike, lock-out or otherwise, notices or other communications shall be delivered by hand or sent by facsimile or other means of electronic communication and shall be deemed to have been received in accordance with this section. Notices and other communications shall be addressed as follows:
(a) | if to Canada HoldCo: Brookfield Place, Suite 300 181 Bay Street |
Toronto, ON M5J 2T3
(b) | if to BBUC: |
Brookfield Business Corporation
Brookfield Place
250 Vesey Street, 15th Floor
New York NY 10281
11. | Counterparts |
This Equity Commitment Agreement may be signed in counterparts and each of such counterparts shall constitute an original document and such counterparts, taken together, shall constitute one and the same instrument.
[NEXT PAGE IS THE SIGNATURE PAGE]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this agreement as of the date first written above.
BROOKFIELD BBP CANADA HOLDINGS INC. | |||
By: | “AJ Silber” | ||
Name: | A.J. Silber | ||
Title: | Senior Vice President | ||
BROOKFIELD BUSINESS CORPORATION | |||
By: | “AJ Silber” | ||
Name: | A.J. Silber | ||
Title: | Senior Vice President |
[Equity Commitment Agreement – Signature Page]
Exhibit 99.10
BROOKFIELD BUSINESS PARTNERS L.P.
FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE
AMENDED AND RESTATED MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDMENT (the “Amendment”) to the Amended and Restated Master Services Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2016 (the “Agreement”) among Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (“Brookfield”), Brookfield Business Partners L.P. (“BBU”) and others is made as of the 15th day of March, 2022 by the undersigned. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Agreement.
WHEREAS, on February 21st, 2022, the board of directors of the general partner of BBU approved a special distribution (the “Special Distribution”) of class A exchangeable subordinate voting shares (“Exchangeable Shares”) of Brookfield Business Corporation (“BBUC”) to the holders of limited partnership units of BBU (“Units”) and general partner units of BBU to be completed on the date hereof;
AND WHEREAS, the Exchangeable Shares will be structured with the intention of providing holders with an economic return equivalent to the Units, including identical distributions, and be exchangeable for Units on a one-for-one basis (subject to adjustment) (or for the cash equivalent, at the election of BBUC) in accordance with the terms of the Exchangeable Shares;
AND WHEREAS, the parties desire to amend the Agreement in connection with the Special Distribution to reflect the addition of BBUC as a Service Recipient and make certain other amendments to the terms and conditions of the Agreement as set out herein;
NOW THEREFORE,
1. | Amendments to Article 1 |
(a) | Section 1.1 is hereby amended by adding the following definitions: |
1.1.13.1 | “BBUC” means Brookfield Business Corporation; |
1.1.21 | “Exchangeable Shares” means Class A Exchangeable Subordinate Voting Shares of BBUC; |
1.1.53.1 | “Rights Agreement” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 7.6.3; |
1.1.66.1 | “Special Distribution” means the special distribution of Exchangeable Shares to unitholders of BBP completed on March 15, 2022; |
[Signature Page – Amendment to Master Services Agreement (BBUC)]
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(b) | Section 1.1.46 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“Operating Entities” means, from time to time, the Persons in which the Holding Entities, directly or indirectly, hold interests and that (i) directly hold BBP’s operations and assets, or (ii) indirectly hold BBP’s operations and assets but all of the interests of which are not held, directly or indirectly, by the Holding Entities, other than, in the case of each of (i) and (ii), BBUC, and any Person in which the Holding Entities, directly or indirectly, hold interests for investment purposes only of less than 5% of the outstanding equity interests of that Person;
(c) | Section 1.1.60 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“Service Recipients” means BBP, the Holding LP, the Holding Entities, BBUC and, at the option of the Holding Entities, any entity in which any of the foregoing or any combination of the foregoing holds, directly or indirectly, all of the common equity or equivalent interests, excluding, for greater certainty, any Operating Entities;
(d) | Section 1.1.71 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“Trading Price” means, for any Quarter, with respect to any Unit or Security that is listed on a stock exchange or public quotation system, the volume-weighted average trading price of such Unit or Security on the Principal Exchange for the days on which the Unit or Security traded during such Quarter, provided that (i) where the Trading Price of such Unit or Security is calculated in any currency other than U.S. dollars, such amount will be converted to U.S. dollars for purposes of this Agreement in accordance with the applicable exchange rate, as determined by the Service Providers acting reasonably, and (ii) for the first Quarter of 2022, the trading price of the Units for the days on which the Units traded prior to the date of the Special Distribution shall be divided by 1.5 in order to account for the dilution resulting from the distribution ratio of one Exchangeable Shares for every Unit pursuant to the Special Distribution, to the extent not already accounted for in the official trading data of the relevant Principal Exchange;
2. | Amendments to Article 7 |
Article 7 is hereby amended by adding the following provision after Section 7.6.2:
7.6.3 BBP will reimburse Brookfield for any and all amounts actually paid to the rights agent (i) pursuant to the Rights Agreement between Brookfield and Wilmington Trust, National Association, dated as of March 15, 2022 (the “Rights Agreement”), including, but not limited to, in respect of services rendered, out-of-pocket expenses, counsel fees and other disbursements incurred in the administration and execution of the Rights Agreement and the exercise and performance of the rights agent’s duties thereunder, and (ii) in respect of any indemnification provided to the rights agent pursuant to the Rights Agreement.
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ARTICLE 8
BROOKFIELD’S OBLIGATION AND CONSENT RIGHT
3. | Amendments to Article 8 |
Article 8 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:
8.1 Provision of Services to the Service Recipients
Brookfield’s sole obligation pursuant to this Agreement shall be to use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause its Subsidiaries (other than any member of the BBP Group) to provide Services to the Service Recipients, as applicable, in accordance with the direction of the Service Providers. Brookfield’s obligations pursuant to this Article 8 shall terminate at such time that all of the Service Providers cease to be Affiliates of Brookfield.
8.2 Consent to Issuance of Exchangeable Shares
Prior to the issuance by BBUC of any Exchangeable Shares, BBUC shall obtain the written consent of Brookfield, which consent shall be provided or withheld in Brookfield’s sole discretion, provided that Brookfield shall deliver its written decision on whether or not to provide such consent within 10 Business Days of receiving a written request from BBUC, in respect of such issuance. Brookfield shall be entitled to such consent right for as long as Brookfield is a party to the Rights Agreement.
4. | Amendments to Article 12 |
Article 12 is hereby amended by adding the following provision after Section 12.5.5:
12.5.5.1 if to BBUC:
Brookfield Business Corporation
Brookfield Place
250 Vesey Street, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10281-1023
USA
Attention: Secretary
Fax number: 212-417-7196
5. | Effective Date |
This Amendment shall be effective upon the date first written above.
6. | Governing Law |
This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.
7. | General |
(a) | Except as modified herein, all terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. |
(b) | This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which shall be construed together as one agreement. |
[Remainder of this page left blank intentionally.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment as of the date first above written.
BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC. | ||
By: | “Kathy Sarpash” | |
Name: Kathy Sarpash Title: Senior Vice President |
BROOKFIELD BUSINESS PARTNERS L.P., by its general partner BROOKFIELD BUSINESS PARTNERS LIMITED | ||
By: | “James Bodi” | |
Name: James Bodi Title: Vice President |
BROOKFIELD BUSINESS L.P., by its managing general partner, BROOKFIELD BUSINESS PARTNERS L.P., by its general partner, BROOKFIELD BUSINESS PARTNERS LIMITED | ||
By: | “James Bodi” | |
Name: James Bodi Title: Vice President |
BROOKFIELD BBP CANADA HOLDINGS INC. | ||
By: | “A.J. Silber” | |
Name: A.J. Silber Title: Senior Vice President |
[Signature Page – Amendment to Master Services Agreement (BBUC)]
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BROOKFIELD BBP US HOLDINGS LLC | ||
By: | “Craig Laurie” | |
Name: Craig Laurie Title: President |
BROOKFIELD BBP BERMUDA HOLDINGS LIMITED | ||
By: | “James Bodi” | |
Name: James Bodi Title: Vice President |
BROOKFIELD BUSINESS CORPORATION | ||
By: | “A.J. Silber” | |
Name: A.J. Silber Title: Senior Vice President |
BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT PRIVATE INSTITUTIONAL CAPITAL ADVISER (PRIVATE EQUITY), L.P. by its general partner, BROOKFIELD CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD. | ||
By: | “A.J. Silber” | |
Name: A.J. Silber Title: Director |
[Signature Page – Amendment to Master Services Agreement (BBUC)]
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BROOKFIELD CANADIAN BUSINESS ADVISOR L.P. by its general partner, BROOKFIELD PRIVATE EQUITY INC. | ||
By: | “A.J. Silber” | |
Name: A.J. Silber Title: Senior Vice President |
BROOKFIELD BBP CANADIAN GP L.P. by its general partner, BROOKFIELD CANGP LIMITED | ||
By: | “A.J. Silber” | |
Name: A.J. Silber Title: Senior Vice President |
BROOKFIELD INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS INC. | ||
By: | “Greg McConnie” | |
Name: Greg McConnie Title: Authorized Signatory |
BROOKFIELD GLOBAL BUSINESS ADVISOR LIMITED | ||
By: | “Philippa Elder” | |
Name: Philippa Elder Title: Director |
[Signature Page – Amendment to Master Services Agreement (BBUC)]
Exhibit 99.11
COMMITMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made as of the 4th day of February, 2022.
B E T W E E N:
BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC.
(“BAM”), a corporation existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario
– and –
BROOKFIELD BUSINESS PARTNERS L.P.
(“BBU”), a limited partnership existing under the laws of Bermuda
RECITALS:
A. | WHEREAS BAM has agreed to subscribe for, or cause one or more members of the BAM Group to subscribe for, Preferred Securities of one or more of the BBU Subsidiary Issuers, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Commitment Agreement; and |
B. | WHEREAS BBU intends to call on BAM’s Commitment from time to time and as necessary in order to fund future investments and for general corporate purposes; |
NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained and other good and valuable consideration (the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged), the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. | Interpretation |
1.1 | Definitions. In this Commitment Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings: |
1.1.1 | “Affiliate” means, with respect to a Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by such Person, or is under common Control of a third Person; |
1.1.2 | “Available Cash” means, in respect of any Triggering Event, the aggregate cash proceeds that are actually received by and are available to the BBU Group from or pursuant to or in connection with such Triggering Event, which cash proceeds will be determined without duplication and will be determined net of (i) all payments made or reasonably expected to be made and all fees and expenses incurred by the BBU Group in connection with such Triggering Event, (ii) provisions for all liabilities and/or taxes payable by the BBU Group in connection with such Triggering Event, and (iii) provisions for all other ordinary course obligations of the BBU Group consistent with past practice, and for all ordinary course distributions payable by BBU, Holding LP and BBUC, but before the repayment of principal in respect of any indebtedness of any member of the BBU Group; |
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1.1.3 | “BAM” has the meaning assigned thereto in the preamble; |
1.1.4 | “BAM Group” means, collectively, BAM and its Affiliates, other than any member of the BBU Group or any Subsidiary of any member of the BBU Group; |
1.1.5 | “BBU” has the meaning assigned thereto in the preamble; |
1.1.6 | “BBU Group” means, collectively, BBU, Holding LP, BBUC and each of the direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiaries of BBU, Holding LP or BBUC; |
1.1.1 | “BBU Subsidiary Issuers” means, collectively, the Persons set forth in Schedule B and any other direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of BBU, BBUC or Holding LP selected by BBU, and “BBU Subsidiary Issuer” means any of them; |
1.1.2 | “BBUC” means Brookfield Business Corporation; |
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1.1.3 | “Business Day” means any day, other than a Saturday, a Sunday or any legal holiday recognized as such by the government of any of Bermuda or the Province of Ontario; |
1.1.4 | “Commitment” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2.1; |
1.1.5 | “Commitment Agreement” means this commitment agreement as it may be amended or restated from time to time; |
1.1.6 | “Commitment Period” means the period commencing on the date hereof and ending on the date that is three years from the date hereof; |
1.1.7 | “Common Equity” means, at any given time, in respect of any BBU Subsidiary Issuer, the fair market value of the assets of such BBU Subsidiary Issuer less the aggregate of all indebtedness and other liabilities of such BBU Subsidiary Issuer as of the date of the most recently available quarterly financial statements of such BBU Subsidiary Issuer as determined by BBU acting reasonably and in good faith and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
1.1.8 | “Control” means the control of one Person of another Person in accordance with the following: a Person (“A”) controls another Person (“B”) where A has the power to determine the management and policies of B by contract or status (for example the status of A being the general partner of B) or by virtue of beneficial ownership of a majority of the voting interests in B; and for certainty and without limitation, if A owns shares to which more than 50% of the votes permitted to be cast in the election of directors to the governing body of B or A is the general partner of B, a limited partnership, then in each case A Controls B for this purpose; |
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1.1.9 | “Draw-Down Notice” means a notice to BAM of a draw-down on the Commitment that is issued during the Commitment Period; |
1.1.10 | “General Partner” means Brookfield Business Partners Limited, the general partner of BBU; |
1.1.11 | “Holding LP” means Brookfield Business L.P.; |
1.1.12 | “Person” means any natural person, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, joint venture, syndicate, sole proprietorship, company or corporation (with or without share capital), limited liability corporation, unlimited liability company, joint stock company, unincorporated association, trust, trustee, executor, administrator or other legal personal representative, governmental authority or other entity however designated or constituted and pronouns have a similarly extended meaning; |
1.1.13 | “Preferred Securities” means preferred shares or preferred units, as applicable, of any BBU Subsidiary Issuer, in each case carrying the rights, preferences, privileges, restrictions and conditions set forth in Schedule A, with such modifications thereto as reasonably required to take into account the then applicable constating documents (including all partnership agreements, as applicable) and authorized share and unit capital of the applicable BBU Subsidiary Issuer, and such other rights, preferences, privileges, restrictions and conditions that are consistent with prevailing market practice for an issuance of Preferred Securities of such BBU Subsidiary Issuer as at the time of issuance; |
1.1.14 | “Redemption Price” has the meaning assigned thereto in Schedule A. |
1.1.15 | “Subscriber(s)” means BAM or any other member(s) of the BAM Group selected by BAM in its sole discretion that BAM causes to subscribe for Preferred Securities pursuant to this Commitment Agreement; |
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1.1.16 | “Subscription Payment” has the meaning assigned thereto in Section 2.2; |
1.1.17 | “Subscription Payment Date” means a date specified in a Draw-Down Notice on which a Subscription Payment is to be made to the relevant BBU Subsidiary Issuer; |
1.1.18 | “Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, (i) any other Person that is directly or indirectly Controlled by such Person, (ii) any trust in which such Person holds the majority of the beneficial interests, or (iii) any partnership, limited liability company or similar entity in which such Person holds the majority of the interests other than the interests of any general partner, managing member or similar Person; |
1.1.19 | “Triggering Event” means (i) the occurrence of any of the following events (or series of related events) by any members of the BBU Group, any Subsidiaries of any members of the BBU Group or any Persons in whom any of the foregoing has a direct or indirect ownership or economic interest or investment: (A) the issuance of any equity, including any common or preferred equity, partnership interests or securities convertible into common equity or preferred equity or partnership interests, except for any such issuances to any member of the BBU Group or any Subsidiary of the BBU Group, (B) the incurrence of any indebtedness, or (C) the sale of any property or assets, or (ii) the receipt by any member of the BBU Group of any dividend or distribution from any Subsidiary of the BBU Group or any other Person in whom the BBU Group has a direct or indirect ownership or economic interest or investment (other than a special dividend or special distribution paid by another member of the BBU Group); and |
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1.1.20 | “wholly-owned” means, with reference to any Subsidiary of BBU, Holding LP or BBUC, a Subsidiary in respect of which BBU, Holding LP or BBUC directly or indirectly owns all of the interests except for (i) any preferred securities (including Preferred Securities acquired by the BAM Group pursuant to this Agreement) and (ii) in the case of any partnership, limited liability company or similar entity, any interests held by any general partner, managing member or similar Person. |
1.2 | Headings. The inclusion of headings and a table of contents in this Commitment Agreement are for convenience of reference only and will not affect the construction or interpretation hereof. |
1.3 | Gender and Number. In this Commitment Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa, words importing gender include all genders or the neuter, and words importing the neuter include all genders. |
1.4 | Invalidity of Provisions. Each of the provisions contained in this Commitment Agreement is distinct and severable and a declaration of invalidity or unenforceability of any such provision or part thereof by a court of competent jurisdiction will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the parties waive any provision of law which renders any provision of this Commitment Agreement invalid or unenforceable in any respect. The parties will engage in good faith negotiations to replace any provision which is declared invalid or unenforceable with a valid and enforceable provision, the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that of the invalid or unenforceable provision which it replaces. |
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1.5 | Currency. Except where otherwise expressly provided, all amounts in this Commitment Agreement are stated and shall be paid in United States dollars and BBU shall call all Draw-Downs in United States dollars. |
1.6 | Waiver, Amendment. Except as expressly provided in this Commitment Agreement, no amendment or waiver of this Commitment Agreement will be binding unless executed in writing by the party to be bound thereby. No waiver of any provision of this Commitment Agreement will constitute a waiver of any other provision nor will any waiver of any provision of this Commitment Agreement constitute a continuing waiver unless otherwise expressly provided. |
1.7 | Governing Law. This Commitment Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein. |
2. | The Commitment |
2.1 | During the Commitment Period, BAM hereby commits to BBU to subscribe for, or to cause one or more members of the BAM Group to subscribe for, on and subject to the terms and conditions of this Commitment Agreement, Preferred Securities of BBU Subsidiary Issuers for an aggregate cash purchase price of up to one billion dollars ($1,000,000,000) (the “Commitment”). |
2.2 | Subject to Sections 3 and 4, on each Subscription Payment Date, BAM shall cause the Subscriber(s) to pay to the relevant BBU Subsidiary Issuer an amount of cash set out in a Draw-Down Notice (the “Subscription Payment”) in exchange for the issuance by such BBU Subsidiary Issuer of Preferred Securities to such Subscriber(s) pursuant to Section 6. |
2.3 | The amount of the Commitment shall be permanently reduced by the amount of any Subscription Payment made to any BBU Subsidiary Issuer. |
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3. | Subscription Payments on Draw-Downs |
3.1 | Following receipt of a Draw-Down Notice from BBU issued during the Commitment Period, and subject to the satisfaction of each of the conditions precedent in Section 4.1, BAM shall cause one or more Subscribers to make Subscription Payment(s) in such amounts and to such BBU Subsidiary Issuer(s) as BBU shall specify in the Draw-Down Notice; provided that (i) BAM shall not be required to make any Subscription Payments to any BBU Subsidiary Issuer that exceed 65% of the Common Equity of such BBU Subsidiary Issuer (as adjusted by BBU acting reasonably to reflect the pro forma impact of any acquisitions, investments or other transactions expected to occur in connection with the Subscription Payment to be made) or that exceed two hundred million dollars ($200,000,000) in the aggregate to any one BBU Subsidiary Issuer, and (ii) no Subscription Payment shall be less than seventy-five million dollars ($75,000,000) (unless the undrawn amount of the Commitment at the time the Subscription Payment is to be made is less than seventy-five million dollars ($75,000,000), in which case no Subscription Payment shall be less than such undrawn amount) or in excess of the undrawn amount of the Commitment at the time the Subscription Payment is to be made. |
3.2 | BBU shall deliver the Draw-Down Notice to BAM in the manner specified in Section 12 hereof. The Draw-Down Notice shall, in respect of each Subscription Payment, specify (i) the aggregate dollar amount of such Subscription Payment, (ii) the BBU Subsidiary Issuer to which such Subscription Payment shall be made and that will be issuing Preferred Securities to the Subscriber(s) designated by BAM, (iii) the Common Equity of such BBU Subsidiary Issuer (and which shall also include reasonable supporting calculations and such information as BAM may reasonably request in respect thereof), (iv) the account to which such Subscription Payment is to be made, (v) the number and designation of Preferred Securities to be issued together with copies of the constating documents (including the partnership agreement, as applicable) of the BBU Subsidiary Issuer, and (vi) the Subscription Payment Date and time at which such Subscription Payment is to be made, which shall not be earlier than 12:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on the third Business Day and not later than 12:00 p.m. (Toronto time) on the twentieth Business Day after the giving of the Draw-Down Notice. |
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3.3 | If BBU deems it advisable, BBU may reduce the amount of or cancel any call for a Subscription Payment by giving notice to BAM in accordance with Section 12, and the amount of any reduction to any Subscription Payment or cancelled Subscription Payment shall remain available to be drawn by BBU during the Commitment Period. |
4. | Conditions Precedent |
4.1 | BAM’s obligations pursuant to Section 3.1 are subject to compliance, as of the applicable Subscription Payment Date, with each of the following conditions precedent which are for the sole and exclusive benefit of BAM and may be waived by BAM in its sole discretion: |
4.1.1 | a Draw-Down Notice shall have been provided to BAM in accordance with Section 3.1; |
4.1.2 | a majority of the directors of the board of directors of the applicable BBU Subsidiary Issuer(s) (or in the case of a BBU Subsidiary Issuer that is a limited partnership, the board of directors of the general partner of such limited partnership) shall have authorized the issuance of the Preferred Securities pursuant to Section 6; |
4.1.3 | the constating documents (including the partnership agreement, as applicable) of the applicable BBU Subsidiary Issuer shall be amended in form and substance satisfactory to BAM, acting reasonably, to create the Preferred Securities with rights, preferences, privileges, restrictions and conditions consistent the rights, preferences, privileges, restrictions and conditions set forth in Schedule A; |
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4.1.4 | there shall not have occurred any material adverse change in the business, financial condition, assets, liabilities (contingent or otherwise) or results of operations of the applicable BBU Subsidiary Issuer and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, since the date of the most recently available quarterly financial statements of such BBU Subsidiary Issuer (or if such BBU Subsidiary Issuer does not prepare quarterly financial statements, the date of the most recently available quarterly financial statements of any direct or indirect parent of such BBU Subsidiary Issuer that consolidates such BBU Subsidiary Issuer); |
4.1.5 | the execution of definitive subscription documentation in respect of the Preferred Securities to be issued on such Subscription Payment Date in form and substance satisfactory to BAM, acting reasonably, which subscription documentation shall include customary representations and warranties of the applicable BBU Subsidiary Issuer, including without limitation “organization and corporate/partnership power”, “due authorization and enforceability”, “no conflicts” and “no insolvency” representations and warranties, and representations and warranties that the applicable BBU Subsidiary Issuer is in compliance with its constating documents and that all required consents in order to issue the Preferred Securities have been obtained; and |
4.1.6 | the recording of the Subscriber as the registered holder of the Preferred Securities in the unit or share register of the BBU Subsidiary Issuer, as applicable, and if the Preferred Securities are to be certificated, delivery of unit or share certificates representing the Preferred Securities to the Subscriber. |
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5. | Expiration of the Commitment Period and Termination |
Upon the earlier of (i) expiration of the Commitment Period, subject to the ongoing obligation to satisfy a previously issued Draw-Down Notice, and (ii) the making of Subscription Payments equal to the full amount of the Commitment (the “Commitment Termination Date”), neither BAM nor any Subscriber shall be required to make Subscription Payments and the commitment of BAM pursuant to Section 2 and Section 3 shall terminate and no longer be of any effect. This Agreement and all other obligations of the parties hereunder shall terminate and no longer be of any effect at such time following the Commitment Termination Date that all Preferred Securities issued pursuant to this Commitment Agreement have been fully redeemed.
6. | Issuance of Preferred Securities |
Upon any Subscriber making a Subscription Payment to a BBU Subsidiary Issuer, BBU shall cause such BBU Subsidiary Issuer to issue to such Subscriber such number of Preferred Securities of such BBU Subsidiary Issuer as is equal to the cash amount of the Subscription Payment funded by such Subscriber divided by the issue price of the Preferred Securities.
7. | Representations and Warranties |
7.1 | BAM hereby represents and warrants to BBU that: |
7.1.1 | it is validly organized and existing under the laws of the Province of Ontario; |
7.1.2 | it has the power, capacity and authority to enter into this Commitment Agreement and to perform its duties and obligations hereunder; |
7.1.3 | it has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Commitment Agreement; |
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7.1.4 | the execution and delivery of this Commitment Agreement by it and the performance by it of its obligations hereunder do not and will not contravene, breach or result in any default under its articles, by-laws, constituent documents or other organizational documents; and |
7.1.5 | no authorization, consent or approval, or filing with or notice to any Person is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by it of this Commitment Agreement; and this Commitment Agreement constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of it enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization and other laws of general application limiting the enforcement of creditors’ rights and remedies generally and (ii) general principles of equity, including standards of materiality, good faith, fair dealing and reasonableness, equitable defenses and limits as to the availability of equitable remedies, whether such principles are considered in a proceeding at law or in equity. |
7.2 | The General Partner, in its capacity as the general partner of BBU, hereby represents and warrants to BAM that: |
7.2.1 | each of BBU and the General Partner is validly organized and existing under the relevant laws governing its formation and existence; |
7.2.2 | the General Partner has the power, capacity and authority to enter into this Commitment Agreement and to perform its duties and obligations hereunder on behalf of BBU; |
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7.2.3 | the General Partner has taken all necessary action to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of this Commitment Agreement on behalf of BBU; |
7.2.4 | the execution and delivery of this Commitment Agreement by the General Partner on behalf of BBU and the performance by BBU of its obligations hereunder do not and will not contravene, breach or result in any default under the organizational documents of the General Partner or BBU, as applicable; |
7.2.5 | no authorization, consent or approval, or filing with or notice to any Person is required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the General Partner on behalf of BBU of this Commitment Agreement; and |
7.2.6 | this Commitment Agreement constitutes a valid and legally binding obligation of BBU enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to: (i) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization and other laws of general application limiting the enforcement of creditors’ rights and remedies generally; and (ii) general principles of equity, including standards of materiality, good faith, fair dealing and reasonableness, equitable defenses and limits as to the availability of equitable remedies, whether such principles are considered in a proceeding at law or in equity. |
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8. | Triggering Event |
Upon, prior to or within five (5) Business Days of the occurrence of a Triggering Event that results in or is expected to result in any Available Cash, BBU shall provide written notice to BAM that includes a description of the Triggering Event and the Available Cash that has been actually received and are reasonably expected to be received in respect thereof (a “Triggering Event Notice”). BAM shall have the right, within five (5) Business Days of receipt of a Triggering Event Notice, to provide written notice to BBU (a “Redemption Notice”) specifying the aggregate Redemption Price of Preferred Securities issued pursuant to this Commitment Letter to be redeemed (the “Aggregate Redemption Amount”), provided that the Aggregate Redemption Amount shall not exceed the Available Cash resulting from such Triggering Event. Upon receipt of a Redemption Notice in accordance with this Section 8 and after the BBU Group actually receives all or any part of the Available Cash from such Triggering Event in respect of which a Redemption Notice was issued, BBU shall cause one or more BBU Subsidiary Issuers selected by BBU to redeem such number of Preferred Securities issued pursuant to this Commitment Letter with an aggregate Redemption Price equal to the Aggregate Redemption Amount as soon as practicable (and which redemptions, for greater certainty, may be completed in separate transactions as necessary as and when the corresponding Available Cash from such Triggering Event are actually received by the BBU Group); provided, however, that if at the time of redemption there are any BBU Subsidiary Issuers with Preferred Securities issued pursuant to this Commitment Agreement and outstanding that exceed 65% of the Common Equity of such BBU Subsidiary Issuers (“Excess Preferred Securities”), BBU shall first select Excess Preferred Securities for redemption unless otherwise agreed to by BAM. BBU shall not be required to deliver more than one Triggering Event Notice with respect any Triggering Event.
BBU acknowledges that BAM is relying upon this Commitment Agreement in subscribing for Preferred Securities pursuant to the Commitment and acknowledges BBU’s obligation to cause the redemption of any such Preferred Securities issued by any BBU Subsidiary Issuers in connection with any Redemption Notice delivered by BAM in accordance with this Section 8.
9. | Limited Liability of Limited Partners of BBU |
The parties acknowledge that BBU is a limited partnership formed under the laws of Bermuda, a limited partner of which is liable for any liabilities or losses of the relevant partnership only to the extent of the amount that such limited partner has contributed, or agreed to contribute, to the capital of the relevant partnership and such limited partner’s pro rata share of any undistributed income.
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10. | Further Assurances |
Each of the parties hereto shall promptly do, make, execute or deliver, or cause to be done, made, executed or delivered, all such further acts, documents and things as the other party hereto may reasonably require from time to time for the purpose of giving effect to this Commitment Agreement and shall use reasonable efforts and take all such steps as may be reasonably within its power to implement to their full extent the provisions of this Commitment Agreement.
11. | Successors and Assigns |
No party may assign its right or benefits under this Commitment Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party hereto, which consent may be withheld in the sole and absolute discretion of such party; provided that BAM may assign its rights and benefits under this Commitment Agreement to any member of the BAM Group without obtaining the prior written consent of the other parties, but provided that BAM will remain subject to the obligations under this Commitment Agreement notwithstanding such assignment. The provisions of this Commitment Agreement shall enure to the benefit of and be binding on the parties to this Commitment Agreement and their respective successors and assigns.
12. | Notice |
Any notice or other communication required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by prepaid mail or by other means of electronic communication or by delivery as hereafter provided. Any such notice or other communication, if mailed by prepaid mail at any time other than during a general discontinuance of postal service due to strike, lockout or otherwise, shall be deemed to have been received on the fourth Business Day after the post-marked date thereof, or if sent by means of electronic communication, shall be deemed to have been received on the Business Day following the sending, or if delivered by hand shall be deemed to have been received at the time it is delivered to the applicable address noted below either to the individual designated below or to an individual at such address having apparent authority to accept deliveries on behalf of the addressee. Any notice of change of address shall also be governed by this section. In the event of a general discontinuance of postal service due to strike, lock-out or otherwise, notices or other communications shall be delivered by hand or sent by means of electronic communication and shall be deemed to have been received in accordance with this section. Notices and other communications shall be addressed as follows:
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(a) | if to BAM: |
Brookfield Asset Management Inc.
Brookfield Place
181 Bay Street, Suite 300
Toronto, ON M5J 2T3
Attention: | Justin Beber |
Email: | Justin.Beber@brookfield.com |
(b) | if to BBU: |
c/o Brookfield Asset Management Inc. Brookfield Place
181 Bay Street Suite 300
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3
Attention: | AJ Silber |
Email: | AJ.Silber@brookfield.com |
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13. | Third Party Beneficiaries. |
The parties hereto intend that this Commitment Agreement shall not benefit or create any right or cause of action in, or on behalf of, any Person other than the parties hereto to this Commitment Agreement and no Person, other than the parties hereto shall be entitled to rely on the provisions of this Commitment Agreement. For greater certainty, this Commitment Agreement shall not create any right or cause of action in any BBU Subsidiary Issuer, and no BBU Subsidiary Issuer may call on the Commitment or otherwise exercise any rights of BBU set forth herein.
14. | Counterparts |
This Commitment Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each of such counterparts shall constitute an original document and such counterparts, taken together, shall constitute one and the same instrument.
[NEXT PAGE IS THE SIGNATURE PAGE]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this Commitment Agreement as of the date first written above.
BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC. | ||
By: | “Kathy Sarpash” | |
Name: Kathy Sarpash | ||
Title: Senior Vice President | ||
BROOKFIELD BUSINESS PARTNERS L.P. by its general partner BROOKFIELD BUSINESS PARTNERS LIMITED | ||
By: | “James Bodi” | |
Name: James Bodi | ||
Title: Vice President |
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Schedule A
Rights, Preferences, Privileges, Restrictions and Conditions of Preferred Securities
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Liquidation: | On liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the BBU Subsidiary Issuer or any other distribution of its assets among its holders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, holders of the Preferred Securities are entitled to receive an amount equal to the Redemption Price of the Preferred Securities, before any amounts shall be paid or any assets of the BBU Subsidiary Issuer distributed to the holders of any common shares or units. Upon payment of such amounts, holders of Preferred Securities shall not be entitled to share in any further distribution of the assets of the BBU Subsidiary Issuer. |
Voting Rights: | Except as required by law or the constating documents of the BBU Subsidiary Issuer, holders of Preferred Securities shall not have any right to receive notice of, to attend, and to vote at, any meeting of shareholders or unitholders of the BBU Subsidiary Issuer. |
Transfer Restrictions: |
Transfers to members of the BAM Group are permitted with prior notice to the BBU Subsidiary Issuer. Each Subscriber shall also be permitted to pledge its Preferred Securities in favour of any lender to such Subscriber and such lender shall be permitted to transfer such Preferred Securities upon any enforcement of its security. All other transfers require the prior consent of the BBU Subsidiary Issuer acting reasonably. |
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Schedule B
BBU Subsidiary Issuers
BBU Falcon Holdco LP
Brookfield BBP (Canada) L.P.
BCP IV AIV L.P.
Brookfield BBP Bermuda Holdings V Limited
Brookfield BBP Bermuda Holdings VI Limited
Brookfield BBP Bermuda Holdings VII Limited
Brookfield BBP Bermuda Holdings IX Limited
Brookfield BBP Bermuda Holdings X Limited
Brookfield BBP Bermuda Holdings XI Limited
BRK Holdco Limited
Exhibit 99.12
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
March 2021
SUMMARY OF THE CODE’S PRINCIPLES1
PROTECTING THE COMPANY’S ASSETS, RESOURCES AND DATA
· | We often have sensitive confidential information about Brookfield, about other companies, about our Clients (as defined herein) and investors, and about our directors, officers and employees; preserving the integrity of this information is vital to our business and reputation and is necessary to meet our obligations under data protection laws. |
ACCURACY OF BOOKS AND RECORDS AND PUBLIC DISCLOSURES
· | We should take care that our books and records are accurate and that all of our business transactions are properly authorized. |
· | As a public company, we have duties to our shareholders and must ensure that our communications and other disclosures to the market are true and accurate. |
DUTIES TO STAKEHOLDERS
· | In asset management, one’s reputation is everything and we should act responsibly in dealings with our securityholders, customers, Clients, investors, suppliers, other stakeholders and competitors. |
· | We have obligations to our Clients and must manage their capital as though it were our own. |
COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA
· | In this digital era in which we operate, be careful in your written communications made over company information systems, such as email, as this is a permanent record. |
· | You must ensure that any of your online activities, including your use of online social media, are appropriate and reflect well on Brookfield. |
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND PERSONAL BEHAVIOR
· | Brookfield is a global brand and as a representative of the company your personal behavior must be consistent with our values. |
· | As a steward of third-party capital, be cognizant that we face a heightened risk that one’s personal interests may conflict with or appear to conflict with the interests of the company. |
POSITIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT
· | For everyone to do their best work on behalf of the company, we should all do our part to maintain our respectful work environment where everyone feels safe and productive. |
· | Our success is dependent on establishing a workplace culture free from discrimination, violence, harassment and other negative influences. |
COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, RULES, REGULATIONS AND POLICIES
· | We operate in many jurisdictions and are subject to different laws, rules and regulations; you need to be aware of the laws that apply to your activities so that you can comply with them; ignorance of the law is no excuse. |
· | The company has corporate policies that you must be familiar with, as they govern your trading activities, business practices and other conduct while at Brookfield. |
1 These principles are for summary purposes only. For more detailed information on each of these items consult the Code attached. |
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics – March 2021 | 1 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY DO WE HAVE A CODE?
The Code serves as a guide for how you should conduct yourself as a member of the Brookfield team. Preserving our corporate culture and ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory and fiduciary duties is vital to the organization and following the Code helps us do that.
WHO MUST FOLLOW THE CODE?
All directors, officers, employees and temporary workers of Brookfield Asset Management Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and certain publicly-traded controlled affiliates who have not adopted their own Code of Conduct or other policies that are consistent with the provisions of this Code.
WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES?
You have two responsibilities. First, you must follow every aspect of the Code and certify your commitment each year. Second, if you suspect someone may be violating the Code or the policies referred to herein, you have an obligation to report it. To make a report, follow the section of the Code: “Reporting Potential Code Violations.”
HOW WILL I KNOW IF THERE IS A PROBLEM?
The Code attempts to deal with the most common issues that you may encounter, but it cannot address every question that may arise. When you’re not sure what to do, ask yourself the following questions:
· | Is it illegal? |
· | Does it feel like the wrong thing to do? |
· | Would you feel uncomfortable if others knew about it? |
· | Will it have the potential to create a negative perception of you or the company? |
· | Do you have a personal interest that has the potential to conflict with the company’s interest? |
If you answer “yes” to any of these questions your proposed conduct may violate the Code and you should ask for help.
HOW SHOULD I ASK FOR HELP?
If you have questions about the Code, any policies or guidelines referred to herein, or about the best course of action to take in a particular situation, you should seek guidance from your supervisor or a member of Brookfield’s Legal & Regulatory Group (a list of these members and their contact information is set forth on Schedule A).
WHAT IF I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE AN ANONYMOUS REPORT?
You may make an anonymous report by contacting the company’s reporting hotline, which is operated by an independent third-party and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Reporting Hotline phone numbers by jurisdiction are set forth on Schedule A. If you choose to make an anonymous report, your anonymity will be protected to the fullest extent possible as permitted by law. Keep in mind, however, that maintaining your anonymity may limit the company’s ability to investigate your concerns.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics – March 2021 | 2 |
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATING THE CODE?
Violations of the Code or the policies and guidelines incorporated by reference herein, can vary in its consequences. If you’re an employee, it could result in a reprimand or other disciplinary action, including the termination of your employment at the company for cause. If you’re a director, a violation may necessitate your resignation. Certain violations of the Code also contravene applicable laws and therefore can have severe consequences outside of Brookfield. Depending on your actions, failing to comply with the Code could lead to civil or criminal prosecution, which could result in substantial fines, penalties and/or imprisonment.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics – March 2021 | 3 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS | Page | |
INTRODUCTION | 5 | |
STANDARDS OF BUSINESS CONDUCT | 5 | |
PROTECTING THE COMPANY’S ASSETS, RESOURCES AND DATA | 6 | |
ACCURACY OF BOOKS AND RECORDS AND PUBLIC DISCLOSURES | 8 | |
DUTIES TO STAKEHOLDERS | 9 | |
COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA | 9 | |
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND PERSONAL BEHAVIOR | 10 | |
POSITIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT | 11 | |
COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, RULES, REGULATIONS AND POLICIES | 13 | |
REPORTING POTENTIAL CODE VIOLATIONS | 16 | |
DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR CODE VIOLATIONS | 17 | |
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE | 17 | |
WAIVERS | 18 | |
AMENDMENTS | 18 |
SCHEDULE A – Contact Information
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics – March 2021 | 4 |
INTRODUCTION
This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (“the Code”) applies to all directors, officers, employees and temporary workers2 (collectively, “you”) of (i) Brookfield Asset Management Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“Brookfield Asset Management”); (ii) certain publicly-traded controlled affiliates (Brookfield Business Partners LP, Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP, Brookfield Property Partners LP and Brookfield Renewable Partners LP) (“Listed Entities”); and (iii) any other controlled affiliate of Brookfield Asset Management (together with the Listed Entities, the “Controlled Affiliates,” and collectively with Brookfield Asset Management, “we,” “us,” “our,” “Brookfield” or the “company”), unless such Controlled Affiliate has adopted its own Code of Conduct and/or other policies that are consistent with the provisions of this Code.3
STANDARDS OF BUSINESS CONDUCT
Brookfield seeks to foster and maintain a reputation for honesty, openness, trust, integrity and professionalism. The confidence and trust placed in Brookfield by our Clients and investors is something we value greatly and endeavor to protect. In many respects, our reputation is our most vital business asset. Accordingly, all of our activities should be conducted with honesty and integrity and in compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
We have adopted the Code and related policies and procedures in order to preserve our culture and to ensure compliance with legal, regulatory and fiduciary requirements applicable to our activities. We expect and require that you meet the letter and spirit of the Code (and related policies and procedures). This Code incorporates by reference the following corporate policies and programs which should be read in conjunction with the Code:
· | Advisory Records Retention Policy;4 |
· | Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy; |
· | Anti-Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy; |
· | Data Protection Policy and Data Protection Program; |
· | Disclosure Policy; |
· | Enterprise Information Security Policy; |
· | Personal Trading Policy; |
2 For purposes of the Code, “temporary workers” include non-full-time employees and consultants and contractors etc. that work on our premises. The business group retaining a temporary worker is responsible for ensuring that the temporary worker certifies their commitment to comply with the Code.
3 Where a Controlled Affiliate has adopted its own Code of Conduct and/or policies that are consistent with the provisions of this Code, the Controlled Affiliate’s directors, officers, employees and temporary workers follow those policies, and, in case of a conflict, the terms of that Code control. Where a Controlled Affiliate has not adopted their own Code of Conduct and/or other policies that are consistent with the provisions of this Code, the Controlled Affiliate must review the Code and the policies in the context of their business to ensure that the Code and such policies are appropriate and address all legal and regulatory requirements and risks applicable to their business.
4 For Access Persons and Investment Access Persons (each as defined in the Personal Trading Policy) only.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics – March 2021 | 5 |
· | Positive Work Environment Policy; |
· | Signing Authority and Approval Thresholds Policy; |
· | Travel and Entertainment Expense Policy; |
· | Regional Political Contributions Policies; and |
· | Whistleblowing Policy. |
PROTECTING THE COMPANY’S ASSETS, RESOURCES AND DATA
The company’s assets are to be used for legitimate business purposes only.
The company’s assets are for business, not personal use. The company’s assets span many categories. Assets can be physical, tangible goods, such as office supplies, furniture, computers or intangible items, such as intellectual property. You have a responsibility to safeguard the company’s assets from loss, damage, theft, misuse and waste. If you become aware of loss, damage, theft, misuse or waste of our assets, or have questions about your proper use of them, you should speak with your supervisor. The company’s name (including its corporate letterhead and logo), facilities and relationships are valuable assets and must only be used for authorized company business.
If you use the company’s assets for personal benefit or are otherwise wasteful with the company’s assets, you may be in breach of your duty to the company. You have a responsibility not to abuse company resources for reimbursement. Any requests for reimbursement for authorized company expenses must be for legitimate business expenses. If you are unsure whether a certain expense is legitimate, you should speak with your supervisor or refer to the company’s Travel and Entertainment Expense Policy.
Confidential information must be protected at all times.
We must protect confidential information in our possession - both information about us and information about other companies, and our Clients and investors. Confidential information includes, but is not limited to, material non-public information, all confidential memos, notes, lists, records and other documents in your possession, in hard and soft copy. All of these are to be delivered to the company promptly after your employment ceases or at any time upon the company’s request, and your obligation to protect this information continues after you leave the company. You must protect hard and soft copies of confidential information that are removed from the office (e.g., to be worked with at home or at external meetings).
It is important to use discretion when discussing company business. This includes respecting information barrier protocols and discussing company business only with those individuals at the company that have a “need to know” the information. Additionally, be careful not to discuss company business in public places such as elevators, restaurants, and public transportation or when using your phone or email outside of the office. You should also be careful not to leave confidential information in unattended conference rooms or in public places where others can access it. While at Brookfield, if you become aware of confidential information about the company or another entity that you know or suspect has been inadvertently disclosed, seek guidance from a member of the Legal & Regulatory Group before using or acting upon this information.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics – March 2021 | 6 |
Personal data held by or on behalf of the company must be used in compliance with data protection laws.
The company collects personal data regarding individuals both inside and outside the organization where we have the lawful basis for doing so. This is necessary to effectively and efficiently administer and manage the operation of our business. Personal data includes, among other things, sensitive personal, medical and financial information. We should take all reasonable steps to only hold personal data for as long as we have a need to retain it.
Collection and use of personal data are subject to various legal and regulatory requirements. You must take all reasonable steps to ensure that personal data is kept confidential and accessed only by those individuals at the company that have a need to know this information to carry out their duties. In addition, if it is necessary to the conduct of business to disclose personal data to a third-party (e.g., so that a third-party may provide services to the company or acquire an asset or business of the company) then you must ensure that such transfer complies with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. This may include ensuring the third-party is subject to a written agreement which contains confidentiality obligations and, where relevant, other obligations which must be included under the data protection laws of certain jurisdictions in which we operate or have Clients or investors. In all other cases, you may only disclose personal data pursuant to a legal or regulatory requirement.
In the ordinary course, the company transfers personal data between jurisdictions in which the company operates, including outside the European Economic Area (“EEA”), United Kingdom, the Dubai International Financial Centre (“DIFC”) and Singapore. If you transfer personal data outside the EEA, United Kingdom, the DIFC or Singapore, then you must ensure that it is permissible for you to do so (e.g., consent has been given by the individual or an appropriate data transfer agreement has been signed). In addition, you should ensure that the personal data is protected in a manner that is consistent with how personal data is protected by the company within these jurisdictions, and in any event in compliance with all applicable data protection laws.
You are responsible for ensuring that you understand and comply with our data protection/privacy policies. For more information about compliance with data protection laws, refer to the company’s Data Protection Policy and related policies referred to in the Data Protection Program.
Intellectual property belongs to the company.
During the course of your employment, you may be involved in the creation, development or invention of intellectual property such as concepts, methods, processes, inventions, confidential information and trade secrets, know-how, physical products, ideas, plans, programs, software, applications, code, works of authorship, trademarks, service marks and designs, alone or jointly with others, including but not limited to the improvement of existing intellectual property belonging to the company. All such intellectual property and the rights therein shall be owned by the company and your moral rights to such intellectual property, if any, will be waived. You are responsible for cooperating with the company and providing all necessary assistance, including the preparation and execution of any necessary documentation such as assignments and applications to register rights before relevant government authorities on behalf of the company, to ensure that all intellectual property and related rights become or are recognized as the exclusive property of the company.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics – March 2021 | 7 |
The documents of the company must be preserved.
It is critical that you help preserve our business records, follow the guidelines set forth in any document retention policies and comply with related legal and regulatory requirements. Investment Access Persons and Access Persons should refer to the company’s Advisory Records Retention Policy for further details on the appropriate preservation of advisory records. If you are notified that your documents are relevant to an anticipated or pending litigation, investigation or audit, you must follow the guidance set forth in the notification you receive from legal counsel regarding retention of documents.
ACCURACY OF BOOKS AND RECORDS AND PUBLIC DISCLOSURES
Ensure that the books and records of the company are complete and accurate and that all business transactions are properly authorized.
The books and records of the company must reflect all its transactions in order to permit the preparation of accurate financial statements. Employees must never conceal information from (i) an external auditor; (ii) an internal auditor; or (iii) an audit committee of the company. In addition, it is unlawful for any person to fraudulently influence, coerce, manipulate or mislead an external auditor of the company.
The company’s contracts and agreements govern our business relationships. Because the laws governing contracts and agreements are numerous and complicated we have put in place policies and procedures to ensure that any contract entered into by the company has the appropriate level of approval. As a result, employees who enter into contracts or agreements on behalf of the company must have proper authorization to do so and, prior to their execution, these documents must be reviewed by legal counsel where required by policy or practice. If you are unsure whether you have proper authorization to enter into a contract on behalf of the company, refer to the company’s Signing Authority and Approval Thresholds Policy.
Ensure that the company provides full, true and plain public disclosure.
All employees who are responsible for the preparation of the company’s public disclosures, or who provide information as part of this process, must ensure that public disclosures of information are made honestly and accurately. Employees must be aware of and report any of the following: (a) fraud or deliberate errors in the preparation, maintenance, evaluation, review or audit of any financial statement or financial record; (b) deficiencies in, or noncompliance with, internal accounting controls; (c) misrepresentations or false statements in any public disclosure document, such as annual and quarterly reports, prospectuses, information/proxy circulars and press releases; or (d) deviations from full, true and plain reporting of the company’s financial condition.
Additionally, in accordance with the company’s Disclosure Policy, each person who is in a financial reporting oversight role, and their Family Members,5 are prohibited from obtaining any tax or other services from the external auditor, irrespective of whether the company or such person pays for the services.
5 For the purposes of this Code, “Family Members” are your spouse, partner or other family members who live in the same dwelling as you.
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DUTIES TO STAKEHOLDERS
Deal fairly with the company’s stakeholders.
You must deal fairly with the company’s security holders, customers, Clients, suppliers, other stakeholders and competitors. To preserve our reputation and relationship with stakeholders, do not engage in any illegal or unethical conduct when dealing with stakeholders or competitors.
Manage Client capital as though it were your own.
As a global asset manager, the company has fiduciary responsibilities in managing the assets of its Clients, which include among others, private funds, listed issuers and separate accounts (collectively, “Clients”). You must be careful to avoid even the appearance of impropriety when dealing with Clients and prospective Clients, and investors (and prospective investors) in Client accounts, or in performing any related activities. In this regard, you must avoid engaging in any activity that could result in an actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest and avoid any action that may be perceived as a breach of trust, unless such activity is resolved in accordance with a framework that was fully and fairly disclosed to and approved by the relevant stakeholders in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. A “conflict of interest” for this purpose occurs when the company’s interest inclines the company, consciously or unconsciously, or appears to incline the company to render advice that is not disinterested to our Clients or investors in Client accounts.
COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA
Use the company’s various forms of communication properly and appropriately.
All business matters that involve electronic, written communication must be conducted by employees on the company’s email system or through other systems provided and approved by the company). You must at all times use our e-mail, Internet, telephones and other forms of communication appropriately and professionally. Employees must comply with our Enterprise Information Security Policy and all applicable policies. While we appreciate the need for limited use of these tools for personal purposes, your use should not be excessive or detract from your work. Employees should not email business information to their personal email accounts or maintain a copy of business information on their personal computers or other non-work electronic devices. When using company-provided technologies, such as computers, cell phones and voicemail, you should not expect that the information you send or receive is private. Your activity may be monitored to ensure these resources are used appropriately; please refer to the Employee Data Protection and Privacy Notice.
Be cautious in your use of social media.
The company’s social media policy is that, unless you are expressly authorized, you are strictly prohibited from commenting, or posting about, or otherwise discussing the company, its customers and Clients, its (and its Clients’) investors, its employees, and its securities, investments and other business matters on all social media forums, including, but not limited to, social networks, chat rooms, wikis, virtual worlds and blogs (collectively, “social media”). You are a representative of Brookfield when engaging in online activities and you must ensure that your behavior online, including on social media, is appropriate and consistent with our values. For further details on the appropriate use of social media, you should refer to the company’s Enterprise Information Security Policy.
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Do not speak on behalf of the company unless authorized to do so.
As a public company, it is important to ensure our communications to the investing public are: (a) timely; (b) full, true and plain; and (c) consistent and broadly disseminated in accordance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements. You may not make public statements on Brookfield Asset Management’s behalf unless you have been designated as a “Spokesperson” under its Disclosure Policy. Each Controlled Affiliate has its own policy regarding public disclosures, and if you are a director, officer or employee at one of these entities (or are acting on their behalf) you should comply with such policy.
If a shareholder, financial analyst, member of the media or other third-party contacts you to request information, even if the request is informal, do not respond to it unless you are authorized to do so. In this event, refer the request to your supervisor or forward the request to an individual at the company employed in investor relations or communications. For further information, you should refer to the Disclosure Policy of Brookfield Asset Management or a Controlled Affiliate, as applicable.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND PERSONAL BEHAVIOR
Exhibit personal behavior that reinforces a positive image of you and the company.
Your personal behavior, both inside and outside work, should reinforce a positive image of you, the company and its business activities. It is essential to use good judgment in all your personal and business dealings. You should refrain from engaging in activities that could hurt the company’s reputation, or yours, and that could undermine the relationship of trust between you and the company or the company and its Clients. Employees who have acted inappropriately may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination for cause.
Remember your duties to Brookfield when participating in outside personal interests; obtain permission before pursuing business activities outside the scope of your role with the company
The company encourages directors and employees to be active participants in their community. While pursuing personal, political, not-for-profit activities or other like activities, be mindful that your participation in any outside interest must not prevent you from adequately discharging your duties to Brookfield and should not conflict with or otherwise be adverse to the company’s interests. In addition, ensure that when you are involved in these activities you are not seen to be speaking or acting on behalf of the company without express authority.
“Outside Business Activities,” otherwise known as “OBAs” include any business activities outside the scope of one’s role with the company, including any activity as an employee, independent contractor, sole proprietor, officer, director, or partner of another business organization, regardless of whether compensation is involved. Employees must receive approval from their business unit and a member of the Legal & Regulatory Group prior to accepting an OBA Directors of the company must advise the Chair of their Board of Directors prior to taking on any OBAs. Prior approval is not required to serve on boards of charities or small, private family holding companies that have no relation to the company. For greater clarity, approval is not needed to serve on the board of a family holding company which is an extension of one’s personal business affairs; however, it is needed to serve on the board of a private operating business with significant operations. When in doubt whether you need to obtain permission, consult with a member of the Legal & Regulatory Group.
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Avoid situations in which your personal interests conflict with the interests of the company, its Clients or investors in Client accounts.
A “conflict of interest” for this purpose occurs when a person’s private interest inclines the person, consciously or unconsciously, or appears to incline the person to act in a manner which is not in the interests of the company. You may have a conflict of interest if you are involved in any activity that prevents you from performing your duties to the company properly, or that may create a situation that could affect your ability to act objectively, effectively and in the best interests of the company, including due to among other things, personal interests or receipt of benefits from our relationships with companies, business partners, counterparties, investment banks, brokerage firms, service providers, and other constituencies. Accordingly, you must place the company’s interest in any business matter ahead of any personal interest. Remember that the company’s interest includes the company’s obligations to its Clients.
The best way to judge whether you may have a conflict of interest is to ask yourself whether a well-informed person would reasonably conclude that your interest could in any way influence your decision or performance in carrying out a duty on behalf of the company. To avoid conflicts of interest, identify potential conflicts when they arise and contact the Legal & Regulatory Group if you are unsure whether a conflict exists. Directors should consult with the Chair of their Board of Directors on conflicts matters. In addition, if you become aware of any conflict or potential conflict of another director, officer or employee, you should consult with Legal & Regulatory Group or the Chair of your Board of Directors, as appropriate.
Do not take corporate opportunities as your own personal opportunities.
You are prohibited from taking personal advantage of a business or investment opportunity that you become aware of through your work at Brookfield. You owe a duty to the company to advance its interests when the opportunity arises, and you must not compete with the company in any way. Additionally, your personal trading activities must comply with the company’s Personal Trading Policy.
POSITIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT
Be committed to our respectful work environment free from discrimination,6 violence7 and harassment.8
The company does not tolerate workplace discrimination, violence or harassment. All directors, officers and employees must work to ensure that the company is a safe and respectful environment where high value is placed on integrity, fairness and respect. For more information on the company’s commitment to its positive work environment, refer to the company’s Positive Work Environment Policy.
6 “Discrimination” means the differential treatment of an individual or group based on prescribed characteristics protected by law. Prescribed characteristics generally include age, color, race, religion, sex, gender, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, disability. It does not matter whether the discrimination is intentional; it is the effect of the behavior that matters.
7 “Violence” means an action (oral, written or physical) which causes, is intended to cause, could reasonably be interpreted as a threat to cause, or is capable of causing death or bodily injury to oneself or others, or property damage.
8 “Harassment” means conduct which is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome and includes conduct (e.g., comments and actions) which would be perceived by a reasonable person as being hostile, humiliating or abusive or cause him/her torment. Harassment covers a wide range of conduct and includes sexual harassment, bullying and psychological harassment. Harassment may occur in a variety of ways and may, in some circumstances, be unintentional, but regardless of intent, all harassment negatively affects individual work performance and our workplace as a whole.
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You have a duty to report discrimination, violence and harassment.
If you experience or become aware of what you believe to be discrimination, violence or harassment, you are expected to report it in accordance with the “Reporting Potential Code Violations” section of the Code and/or in accordance with the Positive Work Environment Policy. Reports of discrimination, violence or harassment will be taken seriously and investigated. If you are found to be discriminating against, acting or threatening to act violently towards, or harassing any individual at Brookfield, or if you knowingly condone the discrimination of, violence towards, or harassment of another individual, you will face corrective action up to and including termination without notice and for cause.
We want to create a culture of reporting when it comes to discrimination, violence and harassment, as reporting is essential for us as a company to stamp out these behaviors. While we reserve the right to take corrective action if you knowingly make a false accusation about an innocent party, you will not face retaliation for making a good faith report or assisting in the investigation of a report.
Be committed to ensuring the health and safety of fellow directors, officers and employees.
We all have the right to work in an environment that is safe and healthy. In this regard, you must:
a. | comply strictly with all occupational, health and safety laws and internal procedures; |
b. | not engage in illegal or dangerous behavior, including any acts or threats of violence; |
c. | not possess, distribute or be under the influence of drugs while on company premises or when conducting company business; and |
d. | not possess or use weapons or firearms or any type of combustible material in the company’s facilities, or at company-sponsored functions. |
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of serious bodily harm, first call local law enforcement authorities and then report the incident in accordance with the “Reporting Potential Code Violations” section of the Code and/or in accordance with the Positive Work Environment Policy.
Human Rights and Modern Day Slavery
We are committed to conducting business in an ethical and responsible manner, including by carrying out our activities in a manner that respects and supports the protection of human rights through:
a. | the elimination of discrimination in employment; |
b. | the prohibition of child and forced labour; and |
c. | the eradication of harassment and physical or mental abuse in the workplace. |
We strive to embed these standards into all of our core business activities, including training, communications, contracts and due diligence processes as appropriate. These practices extend to our interactions with our key suppliers and other business partners. For more information about our business practices and systems and controls to safeguard against modern slavery and human trafficking, please refer to the company’s Anti-Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Policy.
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Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Management
Our ESG principles are embedded throughout our operations and help us ensure that our business model will be sustainable well into the future. These include:
1. | Ensure the well-being and safety of employees; |
2. | Be good stewards in the communities in which we operate; |
3. | Mitigate the impact of our operations on the environment; and |
4. | Conduct business according to the highest ethical and legal/regulatory standards. |
Investment teams are required to incorporate ESG matters into due diligence, including anti-bribery and corruption, health and safety, and other ESG considerations. Investment teams are required to use the ESG Due Diligence Guideline to ensure consideration of material ESG risks and opportunities, and potential mitigation strategies.
COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, RULES, REGULATIONS AND POLICIES
Know and comply with all laws, rules, regulations and policies applicable to your position.
Our business is highly regulated, and the company is committed to compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations and policies. Each of us must recognize our personal obligations as individuals, to understand and comply with the laws, rules, regulations and policies that apply to us in the conduct of our duties, including those that apply specifically to public companies, asset managers and investment advisers, as well as laws with broader applicability such as prohibitions on insider trading and other forms of market abuse.
Many of the company’s activities are governed by laws, rules, regulations and policies that are subject to change. If you have questions about the applicability or interpretation of certain laws, rules, regulations or policies relevant to your duties at Brookfield, you should consult with a member of the Legal & Regulatory Group. In the event a local law, custom or practice conflicts with the Code you must adhere to whichever is most stringent. If you know of any of our practices that may be illegal, you have a duty to report it. Ignorance of the law is not, in general, a defense to breaking the law. We expect you to make every reasonable effort to become familiar with the laws, rules, regulations and policies affecting your activities and to comply with them. If you have any doubts as to the applicability or interpretation of any of the above, you should obtain advice from the company’s Legal & Regulatory Group.
Do not trade in the company’s securities and in any other publicly-traded securities if you possess material non-public information.
While at Brookfield, you may have access to or become aware of material non-public information,9 either about Brookfield Asset Management, a Controlled Affiliate or a related or unrelated publicly-traded entity. You must not use this information to gain a financial advantage for yourself or others, either by way of making a trade for yourself, “tipping” others on the information (i.e., disclosing the information to others such as relatives or friends), or otherwise. Doing so is not only a violation of the Code that will result in immediate termination for cause but is also a serious violation of securities laws and will expose any individuals involved to potential civil and criminal prosecution.
9 Information about an entity is “material” if there is a substantial likelihood that a reasonable investor would consider the information important when deciding to buy, sell or hold that entity’s securities or if the information would reasonably be expected to result in a change in the market price or value of the securities. Information is “non-public” until it has been generally disclosed to the public and adequate time has passed for the securities markets to analyze the information. If you are not sure whether information is material or non-public, consult with Brookfield’s Legal & Regulatory Compliance Group (New York) for guidance.
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Prohibitions on trading in Brookfield securities may apply when a Brookfield entity is in a quarterly blackout period relating to the release of its earnings or when it is in a special blackout period. Information on blackout periods can be obtained via the company’s intranet.
If you have questions about securities laws or the company’s internal trading policies and procedures, contact a member of the company’s Legal & Regulatory Group or refer to the Personal Trading Policy.
Depending on your role at the company, you may have to pre-clear trades or avoid trading altogether.
There are certain categories of employees under Brookfield’s Personal Trading Policy – Investment Access Persons, Access Persons and Insiders. Investment Access Persons are employees who are actively involved at Brookfield in the investments process or have regular and ongoing access to this process and/or input thereto. Access Persons are others at Brookfield who are involved in our investment advisory business. Both Investment Access Persons and Access Persons are designated by Brookfield’s compliance group. A third category includes all employees who are physically situated in a Brookfield corporate office with investment advisory activities, as designated by the company’s Legal & Regulatory Group from time to time, who are not Investment Access Persons or Access Persons. These individuals are known as “Insiders.”
Insiders along with Access Persons must pre-clear their trades (and those of family members who live in the same dwelling) in both Brookfield and non-Brookfield securities (i.e., all tradeable securities). All non-employee directors must pre-clear trades in Brookfield securities only.
Investment Access Persons, and their family members who live in the same dwelling, are generally prohibited from making personal trades in all non-Brookfield securities. Such persons must delegate their trades in non-Brookfield securities to a blind trust or a third-party financial advisor who has full discretion over investment decisions. As a general matter, these types of accounts over which you have no discretion should be managed by arm’s length third-parties that are not your family members.
For more information about trading preclearance and trading activities in third-party discretionary accounts, refer to the company’s Personal Trading Policy.
Do not give or receive bribes, including “facilitation payments.”
We value our reputation for conducting business with honesty and integrity. It is vital for us to maintain this reputation as it generates confidence in our business by our stakeholders, which ultimately means it is good for business. We do not pay bribes in furtherance of our business, either directly or indirectly, and you are not permitted to pay bribes on our behalf or authorize others to pay bribes on our behalf. This commitment comes from the highest levels of management and you must meet this standard. A bribe is anything of value that is offered, promised, given or received to improperly influence a decision or to gain an improper or unfair advantage in promoting, enhancing, obtaining or retaining business. Bribery may not always be in the form of cash payments and may take many other forms, including gifts, travel, hospitality, political contributions, charitable donations, employment opportunities, internships, and secondments. Facilitation payments10 are also a form of bribe and are therefore not permitted. For further details, refer to company’s Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy.
10 Facilitation payments are small payments made to secure or speed up routine actions or otherwise induce public officials or other third-parties to perform routine functions they are otherwise obligated to perform, such as issuing permits, approving immigration documents or releasing goods held in customs. This does not include legally required administrative fees or fees to fast-track services.
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Giving or receiving gifts/entertainment should be reasonable, and in certain cases prohibited.
Gifts and entertainment given to or received from persons who have a business relationship with the company are generally acceptable, if the gift or entertainment is modest in value, appropriate to the business relationship, and does not create an appearance of impropriety. No cash or cash equivalent payments should be given or received. Employees who do not comply with these requirements may be required to reimburse the company for the value of any gifts or benefits they make or receive on behalf of the company. For further details, refer to company’s Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy.
There may be restrictions on your political donations to candidates and political parties.
In certain jurisdictions, political donations made on behalf of the company are prohibited. Political donations made by individuals on their own behalf should comply with local laws and regulations. In Canada, political donations made on behalf of the company are prohibited. In the U.S., various federal, state, and municipal laws and regulations impose specific restrictions and rules with respect to political contributions, both those made on behalf of the company or made by individuals on their own behalf, which can carry significant penalties for the company for violations. To ensure that we do not breach the law regarding political donations in any country, all political donations, no matter how small, made on behalf of the company (directly or indirectly) must be approved in advance by the applicable regional head. The company’s regional political contributions policies should be consulted and adhered to before making any political contributions on behalf of the company or by individuals and/or their Family Members on their own behalf.
We must prevent the use of our operations for money laundering or any activity that facilitates money laundering, the financing of terrorism, or other criminal activities.
The company is strongly committed to preventing the use of its operations for money laundering, the financing of terrorism, or other criminal activities, and will take appropriate actions to comply with applicable anti-money laundering laws. In this respect, each of the company’s business units, with its Legal & Regulatory Group, is responsible for developing and implementing an anti-money laundering and economic sanctions compliance program, with a view to appropriately managing the risks of their business in this area. Among other thing, the company will maintain programs for ensuring that investors in Brookfield-managed vehicles are adequately screened and verified and that the company’s other business activities are in compliance with applicable anti-money laundering laws and related requirements.
You should consider your rights and obligations when providing information to governmental authorities.
Either during or following your employment or directorship at Brookfield you may be contacted by governmental authorities (e.g., law enforcement, securities regulators, etc.) who are seeking confidential information from you which you obtained through your association with Brookfield. Whether you are able to respond to these questions or not, we strongly recommend that, for your own protection, you do not speak with authorities without first seeking legal advice on your rights and obligations. In this situation, you may contact the company’s Legal & Regulatory Group who can help you retain counsel that can assist you.
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Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in the Code prohibits or restricts you in any way from providing information to a government authority pursuant to applicable whistleblowing regulations. For further information, refer to the Whistleblowing Policy.
You have internal reporting obligations in the event you are convicted of a felony or misdemeanor.
We are only as good as our people, and therefore our reputation as a leading global alternative asset manager depends on the reputation of the individuals who serve the company as a director, officer or employee. Our screening process at Brookfield is rigorous and includes background checks so that we have the best information possible about our prospective directors, officers and employees. Once at Brookfield, we expect you to continue to adhere to these principles of openness, honesty and transparency. If at any time while you are associated with the company you are convicted of a felony or misdemeanor (or been subject of any similar conviction in any jurisdiction) or are involved in any conduct that you think may be relevant to your reputation, you have an obligation to report this information to the company’s Legal & Regulatory Group or your supervisor so that it may be appropriately documented internally.
REPORTING POTENTIAL CODE VIOLATIONS
You are expected to make good faith reports.
Internal reporting is critical to the company’s success, and it is both expected and valued. You are required to be proactive and promptly report any suspected violations of the Code, or any illegal or unethical behavior or misconduct that you become aware of or are involved with. When making a report, please include specific details and back-up documentation where feasible in order to permit adequate investigation of the concern or conduct reported. Vague, nonspecific or unsupported allegations are inherently more difficult to pursue.
Employees are expected to report actual or potential misconduct or violations of the Code to their supervisor in the first instance, since their supervisor is generally in the best position to resolve the issue. Alternatively, you may contact the Human Resources (“HR”) Department or the company’s Legal & Regulatory Group to report any actual or potential misconduct or Code violations, or if you have any specific or general questions. Directors should promptly report violations to the Chair of their Board of Directors.
If you have questions about securities laws or the company’s whistleblowing policy, contact the company’s internal legal counsel or refer to the Whistleblowing Policy.
In the event you do not want to report violations to your supervisor, HR, or internal legal counsel, you can always make a report through the company’s reporting hotline.
Our reporting hotline (the “Reporting Hotline”) is managed by an independent third-party. The Reporting Hotline allows anyone to call anonymously (if they so choose) to report suspected unethical, illegal or unsafe behavior in English and other languages. The Reporting Hotline is available toll-free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Refer to the “Contact Information” section of the Code for the Reporting Hotline phone numbers by jurisdiction. If you choose to make an anonymous report, your anonymity will be protected to the fullest extent possible as permitted by law.
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Reports will be kept confidential and will be dealt with appropriately.
The confidentiality of reported violations will be maintained to the fullest extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate review and subject to applicable law. You may wish to identify yourself to facilitate our investigation of any report; however, you can make an anonymous report by calling the Reporting Hotline. The party receiving the initial report must record its receipt, document how the situation was dealt with and file a report with internal audit, which will be retained for the record. The Chief Internal Auditor will report all illegal and unethical conduct in violation of the Code to the appropriate Brookfield Board of Directors, or a committee thereof as appropriate, and externally in accordance with applicable laws.
Brookfield prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports suspected violations of the Code or any law or regulation.
No retribution or retaliation will be taken against any person who has filed a report based on the reasonable good faith belief that a violation of the Code or any law or regulation has occurred or may in the future occur; however, making a report does not necessarily absolve you (if you are involved) or anyone else of the breach or suspected breach of the Code. The company reserves the right to discipline you if you provide false information or make an accusation you know to be untrue. This does not mean that the information that you provide has to be correct, but it does mean that you must reasonably believe that the information is truthful and demonstrates at least a possible violation of the Code. If you believe that you have been unfairly or unlawfully retaliated against, you may file a report with your supervisor, the HR team, or the company’s Legal & Regulatory Group, or by calling the Reporting Hotline.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION FOR CODE VIOLATIONS
Please note that we reserve the right to take disciplinary action for Code violations that fits the nature and particular facts of the violation. This could include immediate termination for cause and, if warranted, legal proceedings may be brought against you.
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
Upon starting at Brookfield, each director, officer, employee and temporary worker who is subject to this Code will be provided with a copy of the Code and policies referred to herein and is required to sign an acknowledgement. The acknowledgement is maintained by the company’s Legal and Regulatory Group. On an annual basis, each director, officer, employee and temporary worker who is subject to this Code will be required to re-certify compliance with the Code. Annual execution of a Statement of Compliance with the Code and policies referred to herein or an annual certification of the Code shall be a condition of your continued directorship, employment or engagement with the company.
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WAIVERS
A waiver of the Code will be granted only in very exceptional circumstances. A Code waiver for Brookfield Asset Management’s employees, other than Brookfield Asset Management’s executive officers, must be approved by the CEO. A Code waiver for Brookfield Asset Management’s Board of Directors or executive officers must be approved by the Chair of the Board. A Code waiver for a director, officer or employee of a Controlled Affiliate may be granted in accordance with the policies of the Controlled Affiliate, as consistent with the Code.
Amendments
Brookfield Asset Management’s Board of Directors reviews and approves the Code on at least an annual basis and is ultimately responsible for monitoring compliance with the Code.
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SCHEDULE A
CONTACT INFORMATION
REPORTING HOTLINE
North America - 800-665-0831 | Japan – 012-099-3307 |
Australia - 1800-152-863 | Luxembourg – 800 85 269 |
Barbados - 1833-388-0834 | Mexico – 01800-436-0065 |
Bermuda - 1833-388-0833 | New Zealand – 0800-443-938 |
Brazil - 0800-891-3867 | Portugal – 0800-78-4717 |
Canada – 1800-665-0831 | Qatar – 800-0249 |
Chile – 1230-020-0517 | Singapore – 1800-622-7248 |
China – 400-880-1042 | South Korea – 0809-080-895 |
Colombia – 01800-011-0149 | Spain – 900-810-305 |
France - 0800-91-2964 | Switzerland – 0800-225-163 |
Germany – 0800-000-6649 | United Kingdom - 0808-234-2210 |
Hong Kong – 800-960-631 | United States – 1770-613-6339 |
Ireland – 1800-946-551
India - 000 800 0502 237
Two-Stage Dialing:
Peru –0-800-50-000 or 0-800-50-288, then 800-795-2716
United Arab Emirates - 8000-021, 8000-061, then 800-795-2716
Worldwide – 770-613-6339
Online –www.brookfield.ethicspoint.com
OFFICER AND DIRECTOR CONTACTS – BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT
Head of Corporate Strategy, Chief Legal Officer | Chief Executive Officer |
Justin B. Beber | J. Bruce Flatt |
Brookfield Place, Suite 181 Bay Street, Suite 300 | Brookfield Place, Suite 181 Bay Street, Suite 300 |
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3 | Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3 |
Email: justin.beber@brookfield.com | Email: bflatt@brookfield.com |
Telephone: (416) 956-5242 | Telephone: (416) 363-9491 |
Chief Internal Auditor | Chair of the Board |
Richard Maingot | The Hon. Frank J. McKenna |
Brookfield Place, Suite 181 Bay Street, Suite 300 | Brookfield Place, Suite 181 Bay Street, Suite 300 |
Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3 | Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3 |
Email: richard.maingot@brookfield.com | Telephone: (416) 363-9491 |
Telephone: (416) 369-2741
Legal And Regulatory Contacts
Brookfield Asset Management | Brookfield Business Partners |
Kathy Sarpash | A.J Silber |
Senior Vice President, Legal & Regulatory | Vice President, Legal & Regulatory |
Email: Kathy.sarpash@brookfield.com | Email: Aj.silber@brookfield.com |
Telephone: (416) 369-2621 | Telephone: (416) 359-8598 |
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics – March 2021
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners | Brookfield Property Partners |
Michael Ryan | Michelle Campbell |
Managing Director and Counsel | Senior Vice President, Legal & Regulatory |
Email: Michael.ryan@brookfield.com | Email: Michelle.campbell@brookfield.com |
Telephone: +61 2 9692 2810 | Telephone: (212) 417-7514 |
Brookfield Renewable Partners
Jennifer Mazin
Managing Partner, Legal & Regulatory
Email: Jennifer.mazin@brookfield.com
Telephone: (416) 369-3369
Regulatory Compliance (New York)
Ronald Fisher-Dayn
Managing Director, Legal & Regulatory
Email: Ronald.fisher-dayn@brookfield.com
Telephone: (212) 978-1763
LEGAL NOTICE
The company reserves the right to modify, suspend or revoke the Code and any related policies, procedures, and programs at any time. The company also reserves the right to interpret and amend the Code and these policies in its sole discretion. Any amendments to the Code will be disclosed and reported as required by applicable law.
The company employs unionized employees. If the Code conflicts with a collective bargaining agreement governing the wages and/or conditions of employment for unionized employees, the collective bargaining agreement will prevail; if a collective bargaining agreement is silent with respect to an area addressed in the Code, or if the Code supplements a collective bargaining agreement, unionized employees are expected to abide by the Code.
Neither the Code, nor any of the policies referred to herein, confer any rights, privileges or benefits on any employee, create an entitlement to continued employment at the company, establish conditions of employment for the employee, or create an express or implied contract of any kind between employees and the company. In addition, the Code does not modify the employment relationship between employees and the company.
The Code is posted on our website and intranet. The version of the Code on our website and intranet may be more current and supersedes any paper copies, should there be any discrepancy between paper copies and what is posted online.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics – March 2021
Exhibit 99.13
BROOKFIELD BUSINESS PARTNERS L.P.
FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE
RELATIONSHIP AGREEMENT
THIS AMENDMENT (the “Amendment”) to the Relationship Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2016 (the “Agreement”) among Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (“Brookfield”), Brookfield Business Partners L.P. (“BBU”) and others is made as of the 15th day of March, 2022 by the undersigned. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Agreement.
WHEREAS, on February 21, 2022, the board of directors of the general partner of BBU approved a special distribution (the “Special Distribution”) of class A subordinate voting shares (“BBUC Shares”) of Brookfield Business Corporation (“BBUC”) to the holders of limited partnership units of BBU (“Units”) and general partner units of BBU to be completed on the date hereof;
AND WHEREAS, the BBUC Shares will be structured with the intention of providing holders with an economic return equivalent to the Units, including identical distributions, and be exchangeable for Units on a one-for-one basis (subject to adjustment) (or for the cash equivalent, at the election of BBUC and BBU) in accordance with the terms of the BBUC Shares;
AND WHEREAS, the Amended and Restated Master Services Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2016, as may be hereafter amended (the “Master Services Agreement”) among Brookfield, BBU and others in connection with the Special Distribution to reflect the addition of BBUC as a Service Recipient and make certain other amendments to the terms and conditions of the Master Services Agreement;
AND WHEREAS the parties desire to amend the Relationship Agreement to reflect the amendments made to the Master Services Agreement;
NOW THEREFORE,
1. | Amendments to Article 1 |
(a) | Section 1.1.18 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“Holding Entities” has the meaning assigned thereto in the Master Services Agreement;
(b) | Section 1.1.22 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“Operating Entities” has the meaning assigned thereto in the Master Services Agreement;
(c) | Section 1.1.25 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“Service Providers” has the meaning assigned thereto in the Master Services Agreement;
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(d) | Section 1.1.26 is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: |
“Service Recipients” has the meaning assigned thereto in the Master Services Agreement;
2. | Effective Date |
This Amendment shall be effective upon the date first written above.
3. | Governing Law |
This Amendment shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.
4. | General |
(a) | Except as modified herein, all terms and conditions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. |
(b) | This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which shall be construed together as one agreement. |
[Remainder of this page left blank intentionally.]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Amendment as of the date first above written.
BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC. | |||
By: | “Kathy Sarpash” | ||
Name: | Kathy Sarpash | ||
Title: | Senior Vice President |
BROOKFIELD BUSINESS PARTNERS L.P., by its general partner, BROOKFIELD BUSINESS PARTNERS LIMITED | |||
By: | “James Bodi” | ||
Name: | James Bodi | ||
Title: | Vice President |
BROOKFIELD BUSINESS L.P., by its managing general partner, BROOKFIELD BUSINESS PARTNERS L.P., by its general partner, BROOKFIELD BUSINESS PARTNERS LIMITED | |||
By: | “James Bodi” | ||
Name: | James Bodi | ||
Title: | Vice President |
BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT PRIVATE INSTITUTIONAL CAPITAL ADVISER (PRIVATE EQUITY), L.P., by its general partner, BROOKFIELD CAPITAL PARTNERS LTD. | |||
By: | “A.J. Silber” | ||
Name: | AJ Silber | ||
Title: | Director |
[Signature Page – Amendment to Relationship Agreement (BBUC)]
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BROOKFIELD CANADIAN BUSINESS ADVISOR L.P., by its general partner, BROOKFIELD PRIVATE EQUITY INC. | |||
By: | “A.J. Silber” | ||
Name: | AJ Silber | ||
Title: | Senior Vice President |
BROOKFIELD BBP CANADIAN GP L.P., by its general partners, BROOKFIELD CANGP LIMITED | |||
By: | “A.J. Silber” | ||
Name: | AJ Silber | ||
Title: | Senior Vice President |
BROOKFIELD INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS INC. | |||
By: | “Greg McConnie” | ||
Name: | Greg McConnie | ||
Title: | Authorized Signatory |
BROOKFIELD GLOBAL BUSINESS ADVISOR LIMITED | |||
By: | “Philippa Elder” | ||
Name: | Philippa Elder | ||
Title: | Director |
[Signature Page – Amendment to Relationship Agreement (BBUC)]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Holding Entities have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first written above.
BROOKFIELD BBP CANADA HOLDINGS INC. | |||
By: | “A.J. Silber” | ||
Name: | AJ Silber | ||
Title: | Senior Vice President |
BROOKFIELD BBP BERMUDA HOLDINGS LIMITED | |||
By: | “James Bodi” | ||
Name: | James Bodi | ||
Title: | Vice President |
BROOKFIELD BBP US HOLDINGS LLC | |||
By: | “Craig Laurie” | ||
Name: | Craig Laurie | ||
Title: | President |
[Signature Page – Amendment to Relationship Agreement (BBUC)]