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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported):

October 1, 2020

 

FIRST MID BANCSHARES, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Delaware 0-13368 37-1103704
(State of Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation)
(Commission File Number) (IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

1421 CHARLESTON AVENUE
MATTOON, IL
61938
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

 

(217) 234-7454

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

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

 

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

Emerging growth company

 

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

 

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

Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock FMBH Nasdaq Global Market

 

   

Item 1.01.   Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement

 

On October 1, 2020, First Mid Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) and First Mid Bank & Trust, N.A., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into an underwriting agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) with Piper Sandler & Co., as the representative of the several underwriters named therein (the “Underwriters”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue and sell to the Underwriters and the Underwriters agreed to purchase, subject to and upon the terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement, $96.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 3.95% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2030 (the “Notes”). The Underwriting Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants and includes the terms and conditions for the sale of the Notes, indemnification and contribution obligations and other terms and conditions customary in agreements of this type.

 

The information set forth above does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Underwriting Agreement, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 1.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

The Notes were issued pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of October 6, 2020 (the “Base Indenture”), between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”), as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 6, 2020 (the “Supplemental Indenture”), between the Company and the Trustee. The Base Indenture, as amended and supplemented by the Supplemental Indenture, governs the terms of the Notes and provides that the Notes are unsecured, subordinated debt obligations of the Company and will mature on October 15, 2030. From and including the date of issuance to, but excluding October 15, 2025, the Notes will bear interest at an initial rate of 3.95% per annum. From and including October 15, 2025 to, but excluding the maturity date or earlier redemption, the Notes will bear interest at a floating rate equal to three-month Term SOFR plus a spread of 383 basis points, or such other rate as determined pursuant to the Supplemental Indenture, provided that in no event shall the applicable floating interest rate be less than zero per annum.

 

The Company may, beginning with the interest payment date of October 15, 2025, and on any interest payment date thereafter, redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the date of redemption. The Company may also redeem the Notes at any time, including prior to October 15, 2025, at the Company’s option, in whole but not in part, if: (i) a change or prospective change in law occurs that could prevent the Company from deducting interest payable on the Notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes; (ii) a subsequent event occurs that could preclude the Notes from being recognized as Tier 2 capital for regulatory capital purposes; or (iii) the Company is required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; in each case, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the redemption date.

 

The information set forth above does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Base Indenture, the Supplemental Indenture and the form of Note, which are filed as Exhibits 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

The offer and sale of the Notes is being made pursuant to the Company’s shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (333-227595) dated October 9, 2018, as amended and supplemented by the registration statement filed on Form S-3MEF (File No. 333-249176) dated September 30, 2020.

 

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

 

The information set forth in Item 1.01 above and the full text of the Base Indenture, the Supplemental Indenture and the Notes, which are attached hereto as Exhibits 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3, respectively, are incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03.

 

   

Forward Looking Statements

 

This document may contain certain forward-looking statements about First Mid Bancshares, Inc. (“First Mid”) and LINCO Bancshares, Inc., a Missouri corporation (“LINCO”), such as discussions of First Mid's and LINCO's pricing and fee trends, credit quality and outlook, liquidity, new business results, expansion plans, anticipated expenses and planned schedules. First Mid and LINCO intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1955. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe future plans, strategies and expectations of First Mid and LINCO, are identified by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” or similar expressions. Actual results could differ materially from the results indicated by these statements because the realization of those results is subject to many risks and uncertainties, including, among other things, the possibility that any of the anticipated benefits of the proposed transactions between First Mid and LINCO will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period; the risk that integration of the operations of LINCO with First Mid will be materially delayed or will be more costly or difficult than expected; the inability to complete the proposed transactions due to the failure to obtain the required stockholder approval; the failure to satisfy other conditions to completion of the proposed transactions, including receipt of required regulatory and other approvals; the failure of the proposed transactions to close for any other reason; the effect of the announcement of the transaction on customer relationships and operating results; the possibility that the transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; changes in interest rates; general economic conditions and those in the market areas of First Mid and LINCO; legislative/regulatory changes; monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. Government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board; the quality or composition of First Mid's and LINCO's loan or investment portfolios and the valuation of those investment portfolios; demand for loan products; deposit flows; competition, demand for financial services in the market areas of First Mid and LINCO; accounting principles, policies and guidelines; the severity, magnitude and duration of COVID-19 pandemic, the direct and indirect impact of such pandemic, including responses to the pandemic by the government, businesses customers' businesses, the disruption of global, national, state and local economies associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, which could affect First Mid's and LINCO's liquidity and capital positions, impair the ability of First Mid's and LINCO's borrowers to repay outstanding loans, impair collateral values, and further increase the allowance for credit losses, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on First Mid's and LINCO's financial results, including possible lost revenue and increased expenses (including cost of capital), as well as possible goodwill impairment charges. Additional information concerning First Mid, including additional factors and risks that could materially affect First Mid's financial results, are included in First Mid's filings with the SEC, including its Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required under the federal securities laws or the rules and regulations of the SEC, we do not undertake any obligation to update or review any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d)       Exhibits.

 

Exhibit Index

 

Exhibit No. Description
   
1.1 Underwriting Agreement, dated October 1, 2020, between First Mid Bancshares, Inc., First Mid Bank & Trust, N.A., and Piper Sandler & Co., as representative of the several underwriters named therein.
   
4.1 Indenture, dated as of October 6, 2020, between First Mid Bancshares, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee.
   
4.2 First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 6, 2020, between First Mid Bancshares, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (including the form of Note attached as an exhibit thereto).
   
4.3 Form of 3.95% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Note due 2030 (included in Exhibit 4.2).
   
5.1 Opinion of Schiff Hardin LLP
   
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

   

 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

  FIRST MID BANCSHARES, INC.  
     
     
Dated: October 6, 2020    
  By: /s/ Joseph R. Dively  
  Joseph R. Dively  
  Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 1.1

Execution Version

 

 

$96.0 Million Aggregate Principal Amount
of
3.95% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2030

First Mid Bancshares, Inc.

 

 

 

UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT

 

October 1, 2020

 

Piper Sandler & Co.
As Representative of the several
Underwriters named in Schedule A hereto

 

c/o Piper Sandler & Co.
1251 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor
New York, New York 10020

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

First Mid Bancshares, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), proposes to (i) issue and sell to the several underwriters named in Schedule A (the “Underwriters” or “you”) $96.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 3.95% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2030 (the “Securities”). Piper Sandler & Co. (“Piper”) has agreed to act as representative of the several Underwriters (in such capacity, the “Representative”) in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities. The Securities are to be issued pursuant to an Indenture between the Company, as issuer, and U.S. Bank National Association, as the trustee (the “Trustee”), dated as of October 6, 2020 (“Base Indenture”), as amended and supplemented by a supplemental indenture between the Company and the Trustee, dated as of October 6, 2020 (Supplemental Indenture” and together with the Base Indenture, the “Indenture”).

 

The Company has prepared and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-227595), including a base prospectus (the “Base Prospectus”), to be used in connection with the public offering and sale from time to time of certain securities of the Company, including the Securities, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively, the “Securities Act”), which registration statement has been declared effective by the Commission. Such registration statement, as amended, including the financial statements, exhibits and schedules thereto, in the form in which it became effective under the Securities Act, including the exhibits thereto and all documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference therein and any information deemed to be a part thereof at the time of effectiveness pursuant to Rule 430B under the Securities Act, is called the “Registration Statement.” From and after the date and time of filing of any registration statement increasing the size of the offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act (“Rule 462(b)”), including the Company’s registration statement on Form S-3MEF filed with the Commission on September 30, 2020 (File No. 333-249176), (such registration statement, a “Rule 462(b) Registration Statement”), the term “Registration Statement” shall include the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement. The preliminary prospectus supplement, dated September 28, 2020, describing the Securities and the offering thereof (the “Preliminary Prospectus Supplement”), together with the Base Prospectus, and including the documents incorporated or deemed incorporated therein by reference is called the “Preliminary Prospectus,” and the Preliminary Prospectus and any other prospectus supplement to the Base Prospectus in preliminary form that describes the Securities and the offering thereof and is used prior to the filing of the Prospectus (as defined below), together with the Base Prospectus, is called a “preliminary prospectus.” As used herein, the term “Prospectus” shall mean the final prospectus supplement to the Base Prospectus that describes the Securities and the offering thereof (the “Final Prospectus Supplement”), together with the Base Prospectus, in the form first used by the Underwriters to confirm sales of the Securities or in the form first made available to the Underwriters by the Company to meet requests of purchasers pursuant to Rule 173 under the Securities Act. References herein to the Preliminary Prospectus, any preliminary prospectus and the Prospectus shall refer to both the prospectus supplement and the Base Prospectus components of such prospectus. As used herein, “Applicable Time” is 2:00 p.m. (New York City time) on October 1, 2020. As used herein, “free writing prospectus” has the meaning set forth in Rule 405 under the Securities Act, and “Time of Sale Prospectus” means the Preliminary Prospectus, as amended or supplemented immediately prior to the Applicable Time, together with the free writing prospectuses, if any, and other documents identified in Schedule B hereto. As used herein, “Road Show” means a “road show” (as defined in Rule 433 under the Securities Act) relating to the offering of the Securities contemplated hereby that is a “written communication” (as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act). This Agreement, the Indenture and the Securities are collectively referred to herein as the “Transaction Documents,” and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby are collectively referred to herein as the “Transactions.”

 

 

 

 

All references in this Agreement to the Registration Statement, the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus, any preliminary prospectus, the Base Prospectus and the Prospectus shall include the documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference therein. All references in this Agreement to financial statements and schedules and other information which are “contained,” “included” or “stated” in, or “part of” the Registration Statement, the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus, any preliminary prospectus, the Base Prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus, and all other references of like import, shall be deemed to mean and include all such financial statements and schedules and other information which is incorporated or is deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus, any preliminary prospectus, the Base Prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus, as the case may be. All references in this Agreement to amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement, the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus, any preliminary prospectus, the Base Prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus shall be deemed to mean and include the filing of any document under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively, the “Exchange Act”) that is incorporated or is deemed to be incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus, any preliminary prospectus, the Base Prospectus, or the Prospectus, as the case may be. All references in this Agreement to (i) the Registration Statement, the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, the Preliminary Prospectus, any preliminary prospectus, the Base Prospectus or the Prospectus, any amendments or supplements to any of the foregoing, or any free writing prospectus, shall include any copy thereof filed with the Commission pursuant to its Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System (“EDGAR”) and (ii) the Prospectus shall be deemed to include any “electronic Prospectus” provided for use in connection with the offering of the Securities as contemplated by Section 4(l) of this Agreement.

 

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The Company and First Mid Bank & Trust, National Association (the “Principal Banking Subsidiary”) hereby confirm their agreements with the Underwriters as follows:

 

Section 1                 Representations and Warranties of the Company.

 

The Company hereby represents, warrants and covenants to each Underwriter, as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date (as hereinafter defined), as follows:

 

(a)               Compliance with Registration Requirements. The Company meets the requirements for use of Form S-3 under the Securities Act. The Registration Statement is a shelf registration statement, and the offer and sale of the Securities is registered by the Company on such shelf registration statement. Each of the Registration Statement, any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto has been declared effective by the Commission under the Securities Act, and the initial effective date of the Registration Statement is not more than three years before the date of this Agreement. No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement and any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto has been issued under the Securities Act, no notice of objection of the Commission to the use of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto pursuant to Rule 401(g) under the Securities Act has been received by the Company, no order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto has been issued and no proceedings for any of those purposes have been instituted or are pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, are contemplated or threatened by the Commission. The Company has complied, to the Commission’s satisfaction, with each request (if any) of the Commission for additional or supplemental information, if any. The Company meets the requirements for use of Form S-3 under the Securities Act specified in Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) Rule 5110(h)(1)(C) and is an “experienced issuer” as such term is defined in FINRA Rule 5110(j)(6).

 

(b)              Disclosure. Each preliminary prospectus and the Prospectus when filed complied in all material respects with the Securities Act and was identical (except as may be permitted by Regulation S-T under the Securities Act) to the copy thereof delivered to the Underwriters for use in connection with the offer and sale of the Securities. The documents incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, any Rule 462(b) Registration statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus, when they were filed with the Commission, as of the date hereof and on the Closing Date, complied and will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Exchange Act. Each of the Registration Statement, any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement and any post-effective amendment thereto, at the time it was declared or becomes effective, as of each deemed effective date with respect to Rule 430B, and at the Closing Date, complied and will comply in all material respects with the Securities Act and the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder (collectively, the “Trust Indenture Act”) and did not and will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. As of the Applicable Time, the Time of Sale Prospectus did not, and at the Closing Date, will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

 

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The Prospectus, as of its date, did not, and at the Closing Date, will not, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The representations and warranties set forth in this subsection do not apply to statements in, or omissions from, the Registration Statement, any Rule 462(b) Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto, or the Prospectus or the Time of Sale Prospectus, or any amendments or supplements thereto, made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company in writing by the Underwriters expressly for use therein, it being understood and agreed that such information consists only of the information described in Section 10(b) below. There are no contracts, off-balance sheet transactions or other documents required to be described in the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus or to be filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement which have not been described or filed as required.

 

(c)               Free Writing Prospectuses; Road Show. As of the determination date referenced in Rule 164(h) under the Securities Act and as of the Applicable Time, the Company was not, is not or will not be (as applicable) an “ineligible issuer” in connection with the offering of the Securities pursuant to Rules 164, 405 and 433 under the Securities Act. Each free writing prospectus that the Company is required to file pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act has been, or will be, filed with the Commission in accordance with the requirements of the Securities Act. Each free writing prospectus that the Company has filed, or is required to file, pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act or that was prepared by or on behalf of or used or referred to by the Company complies or will comply in all material respects with the requirements of Rule 433 under the Securities Act, including timely filing with the Commission or retention where required and legending, and each such free writing prospectus, as of its issue date and at all subsequent times through the completion of the public offer and sale of the Securities did not, does not and will not include any information that conflicted, conflicts or will conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or any preliminary prospectus and not superseded or modified. Except for the free writing prospectuses, if any, and other documents identified in Schedule B, and electronic road shows, if any, furnished to you before first use, the Company has not prepared, used or referred to, and will not, without your prior written consent, prepare, use or refer to, any free writing prospectus. Each Road Show, when considered together with the Time of Sale Prospectus, did not, as of the Applicable Time, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

 

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(d)              Distribution of Offering Material by the Company. Prior to the completion of the Underwriters’ distribution of the Securities, the Company has not distributed and will not distribute any offering material in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities other than the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus or any free writing prospectus reviewed and consented to by the Representative, if any, and other documents identified in Schedule B hereto.

 

(e)               The Underwriting Agreement. This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and when duly executed by the Principal Banking Subsidiary and the Representative on behalf of the Underwriters, will constitute the valid and legally binding agreement of the Company, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to, or affecting, the rights of creditors of corporations or commercial banks, including laws relating to conservatorship and receivership of insured depository institutions, and to general equity principles, and except as rights to indemnity or contribution, including but not limited to, indemnification provisions set forth in this Agreement, may be limited by federal or state securities law or the public policy underlying such laws.

 

(f)                Authorization, Execution, and Delivery of the Securities and the Indenture. The Securities have been duly authorized by the Company and, when duly completed, executed, authenticated, issued and delivered against payment of the consideration therefor in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture and this Agreement, will be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and constitute the valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to, or affecting, the rights of creditors of corporations or commercial banks, including laws relating to conservatorship and receivership of insured depository institutions, and to general equity principles, rights of first refusal or other similar rights, and entitled to the benefits of the Indenture. The Securities and the Indenture conform in all material respects to the summary descriptions thereof in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus and such summary descriptions conform in all material respects to the rights set forth in and applicable to the instruments defining the same and the Indenture is qualified under, and will conform in all material respects to the requirements of, the Trust Indenture Act. The Indenture has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company and constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to, or affecting, the rights of creditors of corporations or commercial banks, including laws relating to conservatorship and receivership of insured depository institutions, and to general equity principles, rights of first refusal or other similar rights, and except as rights to indemnity or contribution may be limited by federal or state securities law or the public policy underlying such laws.

 

(g)               No Applicable Registration or Other Similar Rights. There are no persons with registration or other similar rights to have any equity or debt securities registered for sale under the Registration Statement or included in the offering contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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(h)              No Prohibition on Dividends. No subsidiary of the Company is currently prohibited, directly or indirectly, from paying any dividends to the Company, from making any other distribution on such subsidiary’s capital stock or other ownership interests, from repaying to the Company any loans or advances to such subsidiary from the Company or from transferring any of such subsidiary’s property or assets to the Company or any other subsidiary of the Company, except as proscribed by applicable laws, rules and regulations, which are generally described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus.

 

(i)                 No Material Adverse Change. Except as otherwise disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus: (i) there has been no material adverse change, or any development that would reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse change, in the condition, financial or otherwise, or in the earnings, business, properties, stockholders’ equity, consolidated results of operations, assets, liabilities or prospects, whether or not arising from transactions in the ordinary course of business, of the Company and its subsidiaries, considered as one entity (any such change being referred to herein as a “Material Adverse Change”); (ii) the Company and its subsidiaries, considered as one entity, have not incurred any material liability or obligation, indirect, direct or contingent including without limitation any losses or interference with its business from fire, explosion, flood, tornados, earthquakes, accident, civil unrest or protest, natural disaster or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or from any strike, labor dispute or court or governmental action, order or decree, that are material, individually or in the aggregate, to the Company and its subsidiaries, considered as one entity, or has entered into any material transactions not in the ordinary course of business; and (iii) there has not been any material decrease in the capital stock or any material increase in any long-term indebtedness of the Company or its subsidiaries and there has been no dividend or distribution of any kind declared, paid or made by the Company (other than regular cash dividends on the Company’s common stock consistent with past practice), except for dividends paid to the Company or its subsidiaries by any of the Company’s subsidiaries on any class of capital stock, or any repurchase or redemption by the Company or any of its subsidiaries of any class of their respective capital stock.

 

(j)                Independent Accountants of the Company. BKD LLP, which has expressed its opinion with respect to the financial statements (which term as used in this Agreement includes the related notes thereto) of the Company and its subsidiaries incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, is (i) an independent registered public accounting firm as required by the Securities Act and the rules of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”), and (ii) a registered public accounting firm as defined by the PCAOB whose registration has not been suspended or revoked and who has not requested such registration to be withdrawn. With respect to the Company, BKD LLP is not and has not been in violation of the auditor independence requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the related rules and regulations of the Commission.

 

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(k)              Financial Statements of the Company. The financial statements, together with the supporting schedules, if any, of the Company and its subsidiaries incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries as of the dates indicated and the results of their operations, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the periods specified. Such financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) as applied in the United States on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved, except as may be expressly stated in the related notes thereto. The interactive data in eXtensible Business Reporting Language incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus fairly presents in all material respects the information called for and has been prepared in accordance with the Commission’s rules and guidelines applicable thereto. No other financial statements or supporting schedules are required to be included in the Registration Statement, the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus under the Securities Act. The financial data set forth in each of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus under the captions “Summary Historical Financial Data” and “Capitalization” fairly present the information set forth therein on a basis consistent with that of the audited financial statements included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, in each case as set forth therein. All disclosures contained in the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus and any free writing prospectus that constitute non-GAAP financial measures (as defined by the rules and regulations under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act) comply, in all material respects, with Regulation G under the Exchange Act and Item 10 of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act, to the extent applicable. To the Company’s knowledge, no person who has been suspended or barred from being associated with a registered public accounting firm, or who has failed to comply with any sanction pursuant to Rule 5300 promulgated by the PCAOB, has participated in or otherwise aided the preparation of, or audited, the financial statements, supporting schedules or other financial data included and/or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus.

 

(l)                 No Undisclosed Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. Except as described in each of the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, there are no material off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations (including contingent obligations) or any other relationships with unconsolidated entities or other persons, which have a material current, or may have a material future, effect on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, capital position or resources, or significant components of revenues or expenses.

 

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(m)            Company’s Accounting System. The Company and each of its subsidiaries make and keep accurate books and records and maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that: (i) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP as applied in the United States and to maintain accountability for assets; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences; and (v) the interactive data in eXtensible Business Reporting Language incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus fairly presents the information called for in all material respects and is prepared in accordance with the Commission’s rules and guidelines applicable thereto. The Company and each of its subsidiaries maintain a system of internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act), that has been designed by, or under the supervision of, its principal executive officer and its principal financial officer, to provide reasonable assurance that (A) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; (B) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain accountability for assets; (C) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (D) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.

 

(n)              Disclosure Controls and Procedures; Deficiencies in or Changes to Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. The Company has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act), which (i) are designed to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to the Company’s principal executive officer and its principal financial officer by others within those entities, particularly during the periods in which the periodic reports required under the Exchange Act are being prepared; (ii) have been evaluated by management of the Company for effectiveness as of the end of the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter; and (iii) are effective in all material respects to perform the functions for which they were established. Since the end of the Company’s most recent audited fiscal year, there has been (A) no significant deficiencies or material weakness in the internal control over financial reporting (whether or not remediated) of the Company or any of its subsidiaries of which the Company or the Company’s Board of Directors is aware, (B) no fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the internal control over financial reporting of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (C) no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, or (D) no material violation of or failure to comply in all material respects with United States federal securities laws.

 

(o)               Incorporation and Good Standing of the Company. The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation, is duly registered as a bank holding company that has elected to be a financial holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and has the corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus and to enter into and perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents. The Company is duly qualified as a foreign corporation to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is required, whether by reason of the ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of business, except where the failure to be so qualified or in good standing would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect (as defined below).

 

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(p)              Subsidiaries. Each of the Company’s “significant subsidiaries” (for purposes of this Agreement, as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act) has been duly incorporated or organized, as the case may be, and is validly existing as a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, statutory trust or other entity, as applicable, in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization and has the power and authority (corporate or other) to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus. Each of the Company’s significant subsidiaries is duly qualified as a foreign corporation, partnership, limited liability company, statutory trust or other entity, as applicable, to transact business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is required, whether by reason of the ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of business, except where the failure to so qualify or to be in good standing would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the condition (financial or other), earnings, business, properties, operations, assets or liabilities of the Company and its subsidiaries, considered as one entity (a “Material Adverse Effect”). All of the issued and outstanding capital stock or other equity or ownership interests of each of the Company’s significant subsidiaries have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and are owned by the Company, directly or through subsidiaries, free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance or adverse claim, except for that certain pledge of the capital stock of the Principal Banking Subsidiary to The Northern Trust Company pursuant to the terms of that certain Sixth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 12, 2019, as amended (the “Northern Trust Pledge”). The Company does not own or control, directly or indirectly, any corporation, association or other entity other than the subsidiaries listed in Exhibit 21.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 (other than any corporations, associations or other entities that, in the aggregate, do not constitute a “significant subsidiary” as defined in Rule 1-02 of Regulation S-X).

 

(q)              Capitalization and Other Capital Stock Matters. The authorized, issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company is as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus under the caption “Capitalization” (other than for subsequent repurchases or for issuances, if any, pursuant to employee benefit plans, or upon the exercise of outstanding options or warrants, in each case described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus). All of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and have been issued in compliance with all federal and state securities laws.

 

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(r)               Non-Contravention of Existing Instruments; No Further Authorizations or Approvals Required. Neither the Company nor any of its significant subsidiaries is in violation of its charter or by-laws, partnership agreement or operating agreement or similar organizational documents, as applicable, or is in default (or, with the giving of notice or lapse of time, would be in default) (“Default”) under any indenture, loan, credit agreement, note, lease, license agreement, contract, franchise or other instrument (including, without limitation, any pledge agreement, security agreement, mortgage or other instrument or agreement evidencing, guaranteeing, securing or relating to indebtedness) to which the Company or any of its significant subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of them may be bound, or to which any of their respective properties or assets are subject (each, an “Existing Instrument”), except for such Defaults as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company’s execution, delivery and performance of each of the Transaction Documents and the consummation of the Transactions and the issuance and sale of the Securities (including the use of proceeds from the sale of the Securities as described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus under the caption “Use of Proceeds”) (i) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and will not result in any violation of the provisions of the charter or by-laws, partnership agreement or operating agreement or similar organizational documents, as applicable, of the Company or any significant subsidiary, (ii) will not conflict with or constitute a breach of, or Default or a Debt Repayment Triggering Event (as defined below) under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company or any of its significant subsidiaries pursuant to, or require the consent of any other party to, any Existing Instrument, and (iii) will not result in any violation of any law, administrative regulation or administrative or court decree applicable to the Company or any of its significant subsidiaries, except in the case of clauses (ii) and (iii) such as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect. No consent, approval, authorization or other order of, or registration or filing with, any court or other governmental or regulatory authority or agency, is required for the Company’s execution, delivery and performance of each of the Transaction Documents and consummation of the Transactions and by the Registration Statement, the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, except such as have been obtained or made by the Company, or received from any Regulatory Agency (as defined below) and are in full force and effect under the Securities Act and such as may be required under applicable state securities or blue sky laws or FINRA. As used herein, a “Debt Repayment Triggering Event” means any event or condition which gives, or with the giving of notice or lapse of time would give, the holder of any note, debenture or other evidence of indebtedness (or any person acting on such holder’s behalf) the right to require the repurchase, redemption or repayment of all or a portion of such indebtedness by the Company or any of its significant subsidiaries.

 

(s)                No Acquisitions, Dispositions, or Transfers. Except pursuant to the terms of that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among the Company, Eval Sub Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, LINCO Bancshares, Inc., and the sellers identified therein, dated as of September 25, 2020, as it may be amended from time to time (the “Merger Agreement”), neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is a party to an agreement (whether or not fully binding) obligating the Company or such subsidiary to an acquisition, disposition, or other business combination, or a transfer or sale of the assets (as a going concern) or capital stock of the Company or any such subsidiary, which transaction would be material to the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole.

 

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(t)                Compliance with Laws. The Company and its subsidiaries have been and are in compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, except where failure to be so in compliance would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(u)              No Material Actions or Proceedings. Except as otherwise disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, there is no action, suit, proceeding, inquiry or investigation brought by or before any governmental entity or Regulatory Agency (as defined below) now pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened, against or affecting the Company or any of its subsidiaries, which would reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect or materially and adversely affect the consummation of the Transactions, or the performance by the Company of its obligations under the Transaction Documents; and the aggregate of all pending legal or governmental proceedings to which the Company or any such subsidiary is a party or of which any of their respective properties or assets is the subject, including ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business, if determined adversely to the Company, would not be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No material labor dispute with the employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or with the employees of any principal supplier, manufacturer, customer or contractor of the Company, exists or, to the knowledge of the Company, is threatened or imminent.

 

(v)               Absence of Enforcement Actions. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is subject or is party to, or has received any written notice that any of them may become subject or party to, any suspension or cease-and-desist order, agreement, consent agreement, memorandum of understanding or other regulatory enforcement action, proceeding or order with or by, or is a party to any commitment letter or similar undertaking to, or is subject to any directive by, or has been a recipient of any supervisory letter from, or has adopted any board resolutions at the request of, any Regulatory Agency (as defined below) that currently relates to or restricts in any material respect the conduct of their business or that in any manner relates to their capital adequacy, credit policies or management (each, a “Regulatory Agreement”), nor has the Company or any of its subsidiaries been advised by any Regulatory Agency that it is considering issuing or requesting any such Regulatory Agreement or that any such Regulatory Agreement is pending or threatened. As used herein, the term “Regulatory Agency” means any governmental entity having supervisory or regulatory authority with respect to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, including, but not limited to, any federal or state securities or banking authorities or agency charged with the supervision or regulation of depositary institutions or holding companies of depositary institutions, or engaged in the insurance of depositary institution deposits.

 

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(w)             Intellectual Property Rights. Each of the Company and its subsidiaries owns or possesses all necessary and adequate patents, patent rights, licenses, inventions, copyrights, know-how (including trade secrets and other unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary or confidential information, systems or procedures), trademarks, service marks, trade names or other intellectual property (collectively, “Intellectual Property”) presently employed by it in connection with the business now operated by it or necessary in order to conduct such business, and none of the Company or any of its subsidiaries has received any notice or is otherwise aware of any infringement of or conflict with asserted rights of others with respect to any Intellectual Property or any facts or circumstances which would render any Intellectual Property invalid or inadequate to protect the interest of the Company or any of its subsidiaries therein, except where the failure to possess such Intellectual Property or where such infringement or conflict (if the subject of any unfavorable decision, ruling or finding) or invalidity or inadequacy, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(x)               All Necessary Permits, etc. The Company and its subsidiaries possess such valid and current certificates, authorizations or permits required by state, federal or foreign regulatory agencies or bodies to conduct their respective businesses, including, without limitation, any such permits necessary to conduct insurance, broker-dealer, mortgage origination and servicing (or sub-servicing, as applicable) and banking business, as currently being conducted and as described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus (“Permits”), except for such certificates, authorizations or permits which failure to obtain would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is in violation of, or in default under, any of the Permits (except for such violations or defaults that would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect) or has received any notice of proceedings relating to the revocation or modification of, or non-compliance with, any such certificate, authorization or permit that, if determined adversely to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, would reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has failed to file with or submit to any applicable regulatory authorities any statement, report, information or form required by any applicable law, rule, regulation or order, except where the failure to be so in compliance with such filing requirement would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect; all such filings and submissions were in compliance in all material respects with applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders when filed or submitted; and no material deficiencies have been asserted by any Regulatory Agency with respect to any such filings or submissions.

 

(y)               Title to Properties. The Company and its significant subsidiaries have good and marketable title to all of the real and personal property and other assets reflected as owned in the consolidated financial statements referred to in Section 1(k) above (or elsewhere in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus), in each case free and clear of any security interests, mortgages, liens, encumbrances, equities, adverse claims and other defects except (i) for any properties or assets the absence of good and marketable title to which would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) as otherwise disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus. The real property, improvements, equipment and personal property held under lease by the Company or any of its significant subsidiaries are held under valid and enforceable leases, with such exceptions as are not material and do not materially interfere with the use made or proposed to be made of such real property, improvements, equipment or personal property by the Company or such significant subsidiary.

 

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(z)               Tax Law Compliance. The Company and its subsidiaries have filed all federal, state and foreign income and franchise tax returns, information returns, and similar reports that are required to be filed or have properly requested extensions thereof (except in any case in which the failure so to file would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to cause a Material Adverse Effect), and all such returns and reports are true, correct, and complete in all material respects. The Company and its subsidiaries have paid in full all taxes required to be paid by any of them and, if due and payable, any related or similar assessment, fine or penalty with respect to taxes levied against any of them except as may be being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings or would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to cause a Material Adverse Effect. The Company has made adequate charges, accruals and reserves in its audited and other financial statements referred to in Section 1(k) above in respect of all federal, state and foreign income and franchise taxes for all periods as to which the tax liability of the Company or any of its subsidiaries has not been finally determined.

 

(aa)           Insurance. Each of the Company and its subsidiaries is insured by recognized, financially sound and reputable institutions with policies in such amounts and with such deductibles and covering such risks as are generally deemed adequate and customary for their businesses including, but not limited to, policies covering real and personal property owned or leased by the Company and its subsidiaries against theft, damage, destruction, acts of vandalism and natural disasters, including but not limited to floods, earthquakes and tornados. The Company has no reason to believe that it or any of its subsidiaries will not be able (i) to renew its existing insurance coverage as and when such policies expire or (ii) to obtain comparable coverage from similar institutions as may be necessary or appropriate to conduct its business as now conducted. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has been denied any insurance coverage which it has sought or for which it has applied.

 

(bb)          Compliance with Environmental Laws. Except as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect: (i) neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is in violation of any federal, state, local or foreign statute, law, rule, regulation, ordinance, code, policy or rule of common law or any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, including any judicial or administrative order, consent, decree or judgment, relating to pollution or protection of human health, the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water, groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata) or wildlife, including, without limitation, laws and regulations relating to the release or threatened release of chemicals, pollutants, contaminants, wastes, toxic substances, hazardous substances, petroleum or petroleum products (collectively, “Hazardous Materials”) or to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of Hazardous Materials (collectively, “Environmental Laws”); (ii) the Company and its subsidiaries have all permits, authorizations and approvals required under any applicable Environmental Laws and are each in compliance with their requirements; (iii) there are no pending or, to the Company’s knowledge, threatened administrative, regulatory or judicial actions, suits, demands, demand letters, claims, liens, notices of noncompliance or violation, investigation or proceedings relating to any Environmental Law against the Company or any of its subsidiaries; and (iv) there are no events or circumstances that might reasonably be expected to form the basis of an order for clean-up or remediation, or an action, suit or proceeding by any private party or governmental body or agency, against or affecting the Company or any of its subsidiaries relating to Hazardous Materials or any Environmental Laws.

 

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(cc)            ERISA Compliance. The Company and its subsidiaries and any “employee benefit plan” (as defined under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder (collectively, “ERISA”)) established or maintained by the Company, its subsidiaries or their “ERISA Affiliates” (as defined below) are in compliance in all material respects with ERISA. “ERISA Affiliate” means, with respect to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, any member of any group of organizations described in Sections 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder (the “Code”) of which the Company or such subsidiary is a member. No “reportable event” (as defined under ERISA) has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur with respect to any “employee benefit plan” established or maintained by the Company, its subsidiaries or any of their ERISA Affiliates for which the Company would have any liability that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No “employee benefit plan” established or maintained by the Company, its subsidiaries or any of their ERISA Affiliates, if such “employee benefit plan” were terminated, would have any “amount of unfunded benefit liabilities” (as defined under ERISA). Neither the Company, its subsidiaries nor any of their ERISA Affiliates has incurred or reasonably expects to incur any liability under (i) Title IV of ERISA with respect to termination of, or withdrawal from, any “employee benefit plan” or (ii) Sections 412, 4971, 4975 or 4980B of the Code, in each case except as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. Each employee benefit plan established or maintained by the Company, its subsidiaries or any of their ERISA Affiliates for which the Company could have any liability that would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code is so qualified in all material respects and nothing has occurred, whether by action or failure to act, which would cause the loss of such qualification.

 

(dd)          Company Not an “Investment Company.” The Company is not, and will not be, either after receipt of payment for the Securities or after the application of the proceeds therefrom as described under “Use of Proceeds” in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus, required to register as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”).

 

(ee)            No Price Stabilization or Manipulation. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries has taken, directly or indirectly, and neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries will take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that might cause or result in, or which could reasonably be expected to cause or result in, stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Securities, whether to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities or otherwise.

 

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(ff)              Related-Party Transactions. There are no business relationships or related-person transactions involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries or any other person required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus that have not been described as required.

 

(gg)           FINRA Matters. All of the information provided to the Underwriters or to counsel for the Underwriters by the Company, its counsel, its officers and directors in connection with the offering of the Securities is true, complete, correct and compliant with FINRA’s rules and any letters, filings or other supplemental information provided to FINRA pursuant to FINRA Rules or NASD Conduct Rules is true, complete and correct.

 

(hh)          Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Company, its subsidiaries and the Company’s Board of Directors and officers are in compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder in all material respects, in each case to the extent applicable.

 

(ii)              Statistical and Market-Related Data. All statistical, demographic and market-related data included in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus are based on or derived from sources that the Company believes, after reasonable inquiry, to be reliable and accurate. To the extent required, the Company has obtained the written consent to the use of such data from such sources.

 

(jj)              No Unlawful Contributions or Other Payments. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries nor, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, any employee or agent of the Company or any subsidiary, has made any contribution or other payment to any official of, or candidate for, any federal, state or foreign office in violation of any law or of the character required to be disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus.

 

(kk)          Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries nor, to the knowledge of the Company, any director or officer, employee, agent, affiliate (as such term is defined in Rule 501(b) of the Securities Act) or other person acting on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries has, in the course of its actions for, or on behalf of, the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (i) used any funds for any unlawful contribution, gift, entertainment or other unlawful expense relating to political activity; (ii) made or taken an act in furtherance of an offer, promise or authorization of any direct or indirect unlawful payment or benefit to any foreign or domestic government or regulatory official or employee, including of any government-owned or controlled entity or of a public international organization, or any person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of any of the foregoing, or any political party or party official or candidate for political office; (iii) violated or is in violation of any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, or any applicable law or regulation implementing the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, or committed an offence under the Bribery Act 2010 of the United Kingdom, or any other applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption laws; or (iv) made, offered, agreed, requested or taken an act in furtherance of any unlawful bribe or other unlawful benefit, including, without limitation, any rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other unlawful payment or benefit. The Company and its subsidiaries have instituted, and maintain and enforce, policies and procedures designed to promote and ensure compliance with all applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws.

 

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(ll)              Money Laundering Laws. The operations of the Company and its subsidiaries are and have been conducted at all times in compliance in all material respects with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements, including those of the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the applicable money laundering statutes of all jurisdictions where the Company or any of its subsidiaries conducts business, the rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar applicable rules, regulations or guidelines issued, administered or enforced by any governmental or regulatory agency (collectively, the “Money Laundering Laws”) and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or governmental or regulatory agency, authority or body or any arbitrator involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened.

 

(mm)      OFAC. Neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, after due inquiry, any directors or officers, employees, agents, or affiliates (as such term is defined in Rule 501(b) of the Securities Act) or other person acting on behalf of the Company or any of its subsidiaries is currently the subject or the target of any sanctions administered or enforced by the U.S. Government, (including, without limitation, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“OFAC”) or the U.S. Department of State and including, without limitation, the designation as a “specially designated national” or “blocked person”), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, Her Majesty’s Treasury (“HMT”), or other applicable sanctions authority (collectively, “Sanctions”), nor is the Company or any of its subsidiaries located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject or the target of Sanctions (each, a “Sanctioned Country”); and the Company will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the offering of the Securities hereunder, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person or entity (i) to fund or facilitate any activities of, or business with, any person that, at the time of such funding or facilitation, is the subject or the target of Sanctions, (ii) to fund or facilitate any activities of, or business in, any Sanctioned Country or (iii) in any other manner that will result in a violation by any person (including any person participating in the transaction, whether as underwriter, advisor, investor or otherwise) of Sanctions. For the past five years, the Company and its subsidiaries have not knowingly engaged in and are not now knowingly engaged in any dealings or transactions with any person that at the time of the dealing or transaction is or was the subject or the target of Sanctions or with any Sanctioned Country.

 

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(nn)          Brokers. Except pursuant to this Agreement, there is no broker, finder or other party that is entitled to receive from the Company any brokerage or finder’s fee or other fee or commission as a result of any transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

(oo)           Forward-Looking Statements. Each financial or operational projection or other “forward-looking statement” (as defined by Section 27A of the Securities Act or Section 21E of the Exchange Act) contained in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus (i) was so included by the Company in good faith and with reasonable basis after due consideration by the Company of the underlying assumptions, estimates and other applicable facts and circumstances and (ii) is accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying those factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statement. No such statement was made with the knowledge of an executive officer or director of the Company that it was false or misleading.

 

(pp)          Bank Regulatory Matters. The Company and each subsidiary has been and is in compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations of (including, without limitation, all applicable regulations and orders of, or agreements with), the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve”), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”), and any other federal or state bank regulatory authority with jurisdiction over the Company or its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Bank Regulatory Authorities”) except where failure to be so in compliance would not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(qq)          Community Reinvestment Act. The Company and the Principal Banking Subsidiary have no knowledge of any facts and circumstances, and have no reason to believe that any facts or circumstances exist, that would cause the Principal Banking Subsidiary to be deemed not to be in satisfactory compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder or to be assigned a CRA rating by federal or state banking regulators of lower than “satisfactory.”

 

(rr)            FDIC. The deposit accounts of the Principal Banking Subsidiary are insured by the FDIC up to the legal maximum, the Principal Banking Subsidiary has paid all premiums and assessments required by the FDIC and the regulations thereunder, and no proceeding for the termination or revocation of such insurance is pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened.

 

(ss)             IT Systems. (i) The Company is not aware of any security breach or other compromise relating to the Company’s or its subsidiaries’ information technology and computer systems, networks, hardware, software, data and databases (including the data and information of their respective customers, employees, suppliers, vendors and any third party data maintained by or on behalf of them), equipment or technology (collectively, “IT Systems and Data”) except that have been remedied without material cost or liability; (ii) neither the Company nor its subsidiaries have been notified of, and have no knowledge of any event or condition that would reasonably be expected to result in, any material security breach or other material compromise to their IT Systems and Data; and (iii) the Company and its subsidiaries have implemented appropriate controls, policies, procedures and technological safeguards to maintain and protect the integrity, continuous operation, redundancy and security of their IT Systems and Data reasonably consistent with industry standards and practices, or as required by applicable regulatory standards. The Company and its subsidiaries are presently in material compliance with all applicable laws or statutes and all judgments, orders, rules and regulations of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority and internal policies relating to the privacy and security of IT Systems and Data and to the reasonable protection of such IT Systems and Data from unauthorized use, access, misappropriation or modification.

 

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(tt)              Absence of Further Requirements. No filing with, or authorization, approval, consent, license, order, registration, qualification or decree of, any Regulatory Agency is necessary or required for the performance by the Company of its obligations under this Agreement, in connection with the offering, issuance or sale of the Securities or the consummation of the transactions contemplated in this Agreement, except as have been already obtained or as may be required under the Securities Act, the securities laws of any state or non-U.S. jurisdiction or the rules of FINRA.

 

(uu)          Accuracy of Exhibits. There are no contracts or documents which are required to be described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus or the documents incorporated by reference therein or to be filed as exhibits thereto which have not been so described and filed as required.

 

(vv)           Summaries of Legal Matters. The statements set forth in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus under the captions “Description of the Subordinated Notes” and “Certain ERISA Considerations”, and under the captions “Business—Supervision and Regulation” and “Legal Proceedings” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, insofar as they purport to describe legal matters or provisions of the laws and regulations or documents referred to therein, are accurate, complete and fair in all material respects; and the statements set forth in the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus under the caption “U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations”, insofar as they purport to summarize certain federal income tax laws of the United States, fairly summarize in all material respects the matters therein described, subject to the qualifications contained therein.

 

Any certificate signed by any officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries and delivered to the Underwriters or to counsel for the Underwriters in connection with the offering, or the purchase and sale, of the Securities shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company to the Underwriters as to the matters covered thereby.

 

The Company has a reasonable basis for making each of the representations set forth in this Section 1. The Company acknowledges that the Underwriters and, for purposes of the opinions to be delivered pursuant to Section 7 hereof, counsel to the Company and counsel to the Underwriters, will rely upon the accuracy and truthfulness of the foregoing representations and hereby consents to such reliance.

 

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Section 2                 Representations and Warranties of the Principal Banking Subsidiary.

 

The Principal Banking Subsidiary hereby represents and warrants to the Underwriters as of the date of this Agreement and as of the Closing Date, as follows:

 

(a)               Incorporation and Good Standing of the Principal Banking Subsidiary. The Principal Banking Subsidiary has been duly organized and is validly existing as a national bank regulated by the OCC, is in good standing under the laws of the State of Illinois and its charter is in full force and effect; the Principal Banking Subsidiary has corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus; all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Principal Banking Subsidiary has been duly authorized and validly issued and is fully paid and non-assessable; and 100% of the capital stock of the Principal Banking Subsidiary is owned directly by the Company, free and clear of any mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance, claim or equity, except pursuant to the Northern Trust Pledge. There are no outstanding rights, warrants or options to acquire or instruments convertible into or exchangeable for any capital stock or equity securities of the Principal Banking Subsidiary. The Principal Banking Subsidiary is the only depository institution subsidiary of the Company and the Principal Banking Subsidiary is a member in good standing of the Federal Home Loan Bank System. The Principal Banking Subsidiary is “well capitalized” (as that term is defined at 12 C.F.R. 6.4(b)(1)) and neither the Company nor the Principal Banking Subsidiary has been informed by any Bank Regulatory Authority that its status as “well-capitalized” will change within one year.

 

(b)              The Underwriting Agreement. This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Principal Banking Subsidiary and, when duly executed by the Underwriters, will constitute the valid and legally binding agreement of the Principal Banking Subsidiary, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to, or affecting, the rights of creditors of corporations or commercial banks, including laws relating to conservatorship and receivership of insured depository institutions, and to general equity principles, and except as rights to indemnity or contribution, including but not limited to, indemnification provisions set forth in this Agreement, may be limited by federal or state securities law or the public policy underlying such laws.

 

(c)               Non-Contravention of Constituent Documents. Neither the Principal Banking Subsidiary nor any of its subsidiaries is in violation of its charter or by-laws, partnership agreement or operating agreement or similar organizational documents, as applicable, or is in Default under any indenture, loan, credit agreement, note, lease, license agreement, contract, franchise or other instrument (including, without limitation, any pledge agreement, security agreement, mortgage or other instrument or agreement evidencing, guaranteeing, securing or relating to indebtedness) to which the Principal Banking Subsidiary or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which it or any of them may be bound, or to which any of their respective properties or assets are subject, except for such Defaults as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

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(d)              Principal Banking Subsidiary not an “Investment Company.” The Principal Banking Subsidiary is not, and will not be after consummation of the Transactions, required to register as an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act.

 

(e)               Compliance with Banking Laws. The Principal Banking Subsidiary and each subsidiary of the Principal Banking Subsidiary has been and is in compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations of (including, without limitation, all applicable regulations and orders of, or agreements with), the OCC, the FDIC, and any other Bank Regulatory Authorities, except where failure to be so in compliance would not be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(f)                FDIC. The deposit accounts of the Principal Banking Subsidiary are insured by the FDIC up to the legal maximum, the Principal Banking Subsidiary has paid all premiums and assessments required by the FDIC and the regulations thereunder, and no proceeding for the termination or revocation of such insurance is pending or, to the knowledge of the Principal Banking Subsidiary, threatened.

 

(g)               Compliance with Privacy Laws. The Principal Banking Subsidiary (i) complies in all material respects with the Privacy Statements (as defined below) that apply to any given set of personal information collected by the Principal Banking Subsidiary from Individuals (as defined below), (ii) complies in all material respects with all applicable federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations regarding the collection, retention, use, transfer or disclosure of personal information, and (iii) takes reasonable measures as are customary in the business in which the Principal Banking Subsidiary and its subsidiaries are engaged to protect and maintain the confidential nature of the personal information provided to the Principal Banking Subsidiary by Individuals in accordance with the terms of the applicable Privacy Statements. To the Company’s knowledge, no material claim or controversy has arisen or been threatened regarding the Privacy Statements or the implementation thereof. As used herein, “Privacy Statements” means, collectively, any and all of the Principal Banking Subsidiary’s privacy statements and policies published on websites or products or otherwise made available by the Principal Banking Subsidiary regarding the collection, retention, use and distribution of the personal information of an individual, including, without limitation, from visitors or users of any websites or products of the Principal Banking Subsidiary (“Individuals”).

 

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(h)              Compliance with Mortgage Operations. Except as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect: (i) The Principal Banking Subsidiary has complied with, and all documentation in connection with the origination, processing, underwriting and credit approval of any mortgage loan originated, purchased or serviced by the Principal Banking Subsidiary satisfied, (A) all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations with respect to the origination, insuring, purchase, sale, pooling, servicing, subservicing, or filing of claims in connection with mortgage loans, including all laws relating to real estate settlement procedures, consumer credit protection, truth in lending laws, usury limitations, fair housing, transfers of servicing, collection practices, equal credit opportunity and adjustable rate mortgages, (B) the responsibilities and obligations relating to mortgage loans set forth in any agreement between the Principal Banking Subsidiary and any Agency, Loan Investor or Insurer (each as defined herein), (C) the applicable rules, regulations, guidelines, handbooks and other requirements of any Agency, Loan Investor or Insurer and (D) the terms and provisions of any mortgage or other collateral documents and other loan documents with respect to each mortgage loan; and (ii) no Agency, Loan Investor or Insurer has (A) claimed in writing that the Principal Banking Subsidiary or any of its subsidiaries has violated or has not complied with the applicable underwriting standards with respect to mortgage loans sold by the Principal Banking Subsidiary or any of its subsidiaries to a Loan Investor or Agency, or with respect to any sale of mortgage servicing rights to a Loan Investor, (B) imposed in writing restrictions on the activities (including commitment authority) of the Principal Banking Subsidiary or any of its subsidiaries or (C) indicated in writing to the Principal Banking Subsidiary or any of its subsidiaries that it has terminated or intends to terminate its relationship with the Principal Banking Subsidiary or any of its subsidiaries for poor performance, poor loan quality or concern with respect to the Principal Banking Subsidiary’s or any of its subsidiaries’ compliance with laws. For purposes hereof (X) “Agency” means the Federal Housing Administration, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Farmers Home Administration (now known as Rural Housing and Community Development Services), the Federal National Mortgage Association, the United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Rural Housing Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or any other federal or state agency with authority to (1) determine any investment, origination, lending or servicing requirements with regard to mortgage loans originated, purchased or serviced by the Company, the Principal Banking Subsidiary or any of their subsidiaries or (2) originate, purchase, or service mortgage loans, or otherwise promote mortgage lending, including state and local housing finance authorities; (Y) “Loan Investor” means any person (including an Agency) having a beneficial interest in any mortgage loan originated, purchased or serviced by the Company, the Principal Banking Subsidiary or any of their subsidiaries or a security backed by or representing an interest in any such mortgage loan; and (X) “Insurer” means a person who insures or guarantees for the benefit of the mortgagee all or any portion of the risk of loss upon borrower default on any of the mortgage loans originated, purchased or serviced by the Company, the Principal Banking Subsidiary or any of their subsidiaries, including the Federal Housing Administration, the United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Rural Housing Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and any private mortgage insurer, and providers of hazard, title or other insurance with respect to such mortgage loans or the related collateral.

 

Any certificate signed by any officer of the Principal Banking Subsidiary or any of its subsidiaries and delivered to the Underwriters or to counsel for the Underwriters in connection with the offering, or the purchase and sale, of the Securities shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Principal Banking Subsidiary to the Underwriters as to the matters covered thereby.

 

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The Principal Banking Subsidiary has a reasonable basis for making each of the representations set forth in this Section 2. The Principal Banking Subsidiary acknowledges that the Underwriters and, for purposes of the opinions to be delivered pursuant to Section 7 hereof, counsel to the Company and counsel to the Underwriters, will rely upon the accuracy and truthfulness of the foregoing representations and hereby consents to such reliance.

 

Section 3                 Purchase, Sale and Delivery of the Securities.

 

(a)               The Securities. Upon the terms herein set forth, the Company agrees to issue and sell to the several Underwriters the Securities. On the basis of the representations, warranties and agreements herein contained, and upon the terms but subject to the conditions herein set forth, the Underwriters agree, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Company, the principal amount of the Securities set forth opposite their names on Schedule A at a purchase price equal to 98.5% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued interest, if any, from October 6, 2020 to the Closing Date.

 

(b)              Closing Date. Delivery of the Securities to be purchased by the Underwriters by electronic book entry through the facilities of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”) to the account specified by the Representative, on behalf of the Underwriters, and payment therefor shall be made via the offices of Vedder Price P.C. (or such other place as may be agreed to by the Company and the Representative) at 9:00 a.m. New York City time, on October 6, 2020, or such other time and date as the Representative shall designate by notice to the Company (the time and date of such closing are called the “Closing Date”). The Company hereby acknowledges that circumstances under which the Representative may provide notice to postpone the Closing Date as originally scheduled include, but are not limited to, any determination by the Company or the Representative to recirculate to the public copies of an amended or supplemented Prospectus, or a delay as contemplated by the provisions of Section 12.

 

(c)               Public Offering of the Securities. The Underwriters hereby advise the Company that they intend to offer for sale to the public, initially on the terms set forth in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus, their respective portions of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities as soon after this Agreement has been executed as the Representative, in its sole judgment, has determined is advisable and practicable.

 

(d)              Payment for the Securities. Payment for the Securities shall be made at the Closing Date by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the order of the Company. It is understood that the Representative has been authorized, for their own accounts and the accounts of the several Underwriters, to accept delivery of and receipt for, and make payment of the purchase price for, the Securities the Underwriters have agreed to purchase. Piper, individually and not as Representative of the Underwriters, may (but shall not be obligated to) make payment for any Securities to be purchased by any Underwriter whose funds shall not have been received by the Representative by the Closing Date for the account of such Underwriter, but any such payment shall not relieve such Underwriter from any of its obligations under this Agreement.

 

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(e)               Delivery of the Securities. The Company shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, by electronic book entry through the facilities of DTC, to the account specified by the Representative, the Securities at the Closing Date against release of a wire transfer of immediately available funds for the amount of the purchase price therefor. The global certificate for the Securities shall be registered in the name of Cede & Co., or such other nominee as may be designated by DTC, at least two full business days prior to the Closing Date at a location in New York City as the Representative may designate. Time shall be of the essence, and delivery at the time and place specified in this Agreement is a further condition to the obligations of the Underwriters.

 

Section 4                 Additional Covenants.

 

The Company further covenants and agrees with each Underwriter as follows:

 

(a)               Delivery of Registration Statement, Time of Sale Prospectus and Prospectus. The Company shall furnish to you in New York City, without charge, prior to 10:00 a.m. New York City time on the business day next succeeding the date of this Agreement and during the period when a prospectus relating to the Securities is required by the Securities Act to be delivered (whether physically or through compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act or any similar rule) in connection with sales of the Securities, as many copies of the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus and any supplements and amendments thereto or to the Registration Statement as you may reasonably request.

 

(b)              Representative’s Review of Proposed Amendments and Supplements. During the period when a prospectus relating to the Securities is required by the Securities Act to be delivered (whether physically or through compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act or any similar rule) (the “Prospectus Delivery Period”), the Company (i) will furnish to the Representative for review, a reasonable period of time prior to the proposed time of filing of any proposed amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement, a copy of each such amendment or supplement and (ii) will not file any amendment or supplement to the Registration Statement (including any amendment or supplement through incorporation of any report filed under the Exchange Act) without the Representative’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. During the Prospectus Delivery Period, prior to amending or supplementing any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus (including any amendment or supplement through incorporation of any report filed under the Exchange Act), the Company shall furnish to the Representative for review, a reasonable amount of time prior to the time of filing or use of the proposed amendment or supplement, a copy of each such proposed amendment or supplement. During the Prospectus Delivery Period, the Company shall not file or use any such proposed amendment or supplement without the Representative’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Company shall file with the Commission within the applicable period specified in Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act any prospectus required to be filed pursuant to such Rule.

 

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(c)               Free Writing Prospectuses. The Company shall furnish to the Representative for review, a reasonable amount of time prior to the proposed time of filing or use thereof, a copy of each proposed free writing prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto prepared by or on behalf of, used by, or referred to by the Company, and the Company shall not file, use or refer to any proposed free writing prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto without the Representative’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Company shall furnish to the Underwriters, without charge, as many copies of any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of, used by or referred to by the Company as the Underwriters may reasonably request. If at any time when a prospectus is required by the Securities Act to be delivered (whether physically or through compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act or any similar rule) in connection with sales of the Securities (but in any event if at any time through and including the Closing Date) there occurred or occurs an event or development as a result of which any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of, used by, or referred to by the Company conflicted or would conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement or included or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances prevailing at such time, not misleading, the Company shall promptly amend or supplement such free writing prospectus to eliminate or correct such conflict so that the statements in such free writing prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances prevailing at such time, not misleading, as the case may be; provided, however, that prior to amending or supplementing any such free writing prospectus, the Company shall furnish to the Representative for review, a reasonable amount of time prior to the proposed time of filing or use thereof, a copy of such proposed amended or supplemented free writing prospectus, and the Company shall not file, use or refer to any such amended or supplemented free writing prospectus without the Representative’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

 

(d)              Filing of Underwriter Free Writing Prospectuses. The Company shall not take any action that would result in any Underwriter or the Company being required to file with the Commission pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act a free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of such Underwriter that such Underwriter otherwise would not have been required to file thereunder.

 

(e)               Amendments and Supplements to Time of Sale Prospectus. If, during the Prospectus Delivery Period, the Time of Sale Prospectus is being used to solicit offers to buy the Securities at a time when the Prospectus is not yet available to prospective purchasers, and any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Time of Sale Prospectus so that the Time of Sale Prospectus does not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances when delivered to a prospective purchaser, not misleading, or if any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which the Time of Sale Prospectus conflicts with the information contained in the Registration Statement, or if, in the opinion of counsel for the Underwriters, it is necessary to amend or supplement the Time of Sale Prospectus to comply with applicable law, the Company shall (subject to Section 4(b) and Section 4(c) hereof) promptly prepare, file with the Commission and furnish, at its own expense, to the Underwriters and to any dealer upon request, either amendments or supplements to the Time of Sale Prospectus so that the statements in the Time of Sale Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances when delivered to a prospective purchaser, not misleading or so that the Time of Sale Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will no longer conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement, or so that the Time of Sale Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will comply with applicable law.

 

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(f)                Certain Notifications and Required Actions. During the Prospectus Delivery Period, the Company shall promptly advise the Representative in writing of: (i) the receipt of any comments of, or requests for additional or supplemental information from, the Commission; (ii) the time and date of any filing of any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement or any amendment or supplement to any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, any free writing prospectus or the Prospectus; (iii) the time and date that any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement becomes effective; and (iv) the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment thereto or any amendment or supplement to any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus or of any order preventing or suspending the use of any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, any free writing prospectus or the Prospectus. If the Commission shall enter any such stop order at any time, the Company will use its reasonable efforts to obtain the lifting of such order as promptly as practicable. Additionally, the Company agrees that it shall comply with all applicable provisions of Rule 424(b), Rule 433 and Rule 430B under the Securities Act and will use its reasonable efforts to confirm that any filings made by the Company under Rule 424(b) or Rule 433 were received in a timely manner by the Commission.

 

(g)               Amendments and Supplements to the Prospectus and Other Securities Act Matters. During the Prospectus Delivery Period, if any event shall occur or condition exist as a result of which it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus so that the Prospectus does not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances when the Prospectus is delivered (whether physically or through compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act or any similar rule) to a purchaser, not misleading, or if in the opinion of the Representative or counsel for the Underwriters it is otherwise necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus to comply with applicable law, the Company agrees (subject to Section 4(b) and Section 4(c)) hereof to promptly prepare, file with the Commission and furnish, at its own expense, to the Underwriters and to any dealer upon request, amendments or supplements to the Prospectus so that the statements in the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances when the Prospectus is delivered (whether physically or through compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act or any similar rule) to a purchaser, not misleading or so that the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, will comply with applicable law. Neither the Representative’s consent to, nor delivery of, any such amendment or supplement shall constitute a waiver of any of the Company’s obligations under Section 4(b) or Section 4(c).

 

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(h)              Blue Sky Compliance. The Company shall cooperate with the Underwriters and counsel for the Underwriters to qualify or register the Securities for sale under (or obtain exemptions from the application of) the applicable state securities or blue sky laws or the securities laws of such other jurisdictions designated by the Underwriters, and shall comply with such laws and continue such qualifications, registrations and exemptions in effect so long as required for the distribution of the Securities. The Company shall not be required to qualify as a foreign corporation or as a dealer in securities or to take any action that would subject it to general service of process in any such jurisdiction where it is not presently qualified or where it would be subject to taxation as a foreign corporation. The Company will advise the Underwriters promptly of the suspension of the qualification or registration of (or any such exemption relating to) the Securities for offering, sale or trading in any jurisdiction or any initiation or threat of any proceeding for any such purpose, and in the event of the issuance of any order suspending such qualification, registration or exemption, the Company shall use its reasonable efforts to obtain the withdrawal thereof as promptly as practicable.

 

(i)                 Use of Proceeds. The Company shall apply the net proceeds from the sale of the Securities sold by it in the manner described under the caption “Use of Proceeds” in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus.

 

(j)                Earnings Statement. The Company will make generally available to its security holders and to the Underwriters as soon as practicable an earnings statement (which need not be audited) covering a period of at least twelve months beginning with the first fiscal quarter of the Company commencing after the date of this Agreement that will satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder; provided, however, that the requirements of this Section 4(j) shall be satisfied to the extent that such reports, statements, communications, financial statements or other documents are available on EDGAR.

 

(k)              Continued Compliance with Securities Laws. The Company will comply with the Securities Act and the Exchange Act so as to permit the completion of the distribution of the Securities as contemplated by this Agreement, the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company will, during the period when a prospectus relating to the Securities is required by the Securities Act to be delivered (whether physically or through compliance with Rule 172 under the Securities Act or any similar rule), file on a timely basis with the Commission and the Nasdaq Stock Market (“NASDAQ”) all reports and documents required to be filed under the Exchange Act.

 

(l)                 Company to Provide Copy of the Prospectus in Form That May be Downloaded from the Internet. If requested by the Underwriters, the Company shall cause to be prepared and delivered, at its expense, within one business day from the effective date of this Agreement, to the Underwriters, an “electronic Prospectus” to be used by the Underwriters in connection with the offering and sale of the Securities. As used herein, the term “electronic Prospectus” means a form of Time of Sale Prospectus, and any amendment or supplement thereto, that meets each of the following conditions: (i) it shall be encoded in an electronic format, satisfactory to the Underwriters, that may be transmitted electronically by the Underwriters to offerees and purchasers of the Securities; (ii) it shall disclose the same information as the paper Time of Sale Prospectus, except to the extent that graphic and image material cannot be disseminated electronically, in which case such graphic and image material shall be replaced in the electronic Prospectus with a fair and accurate narrative description or tabular representation of such material, as appropriate; and (iii) it shall be in or convertible into a paper format or an electronic format, satisfactory to the Underwriters, that will allow investors to store and have continuously ready access to the Time of Sale Prospectus at any future time, without charge to investors (other than any fee charged for subscription to the Internet as a whole and for on-line time).

 

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(m)            Restriction on Sale of Securities. Except as otherwise disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Pricing Disclosure Package and the Prospectus, the Company will not, without the prior written consent of the Representative, offer, sell, contract to sell, or otherwise dispose of, directly or indirectly, including the filing (or participation in the filing) of a registration statement with the Commission in respect of, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, any debt securities issued or guaranteed by the Company (other than the Securities) or publicly announce an intention to effect any such transaction, for a period of 45 days after the date of this Agreement.

 

(n)              Future Reports to the Underwriters. During the period of two years hereafter, the Company will furnish to the Underwriters: (i) as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year, copies of the Annual Report of the Company containing the balance sheet of the Company as of the close of such fiscal year and statements of income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the year then ended and the opinion thereon of the Company’s independent public or certified public accountants; (ii) as soon as practicable after the filing thereof, copies of each proxy statement, Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, Current Report on Form 8-K or other report filed by the Company with the Commission or any securities exchange; and (iii) as soon as available, copies of any report or communication of the Company furnished or made available generally to holders of its capital stock; provided, however, that the requirements of this Section 4(n) shall be satisfied to the extent that such reports, statements, communications, financial statements or other documents are available on EDGAR.

 

(o)               Investment Limitation. The Company shall not invest or otherwise use the proceeds received by the Company from its sale of the Securities in such a manner as would require the Company or any of its subsidiaries to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.

 

(p)              No Stabilization or Manipulation. The Company will not take, and will ensure that no affiliate of the Company will take, directly or indirectly, any action designed to or that might cause or result in stabilization or manipulation of the price of the Securities or any reference security with respect to the Securities, whether to facilitate the sale or resale of the Securities or otherwise.

 

(q)              Company to Provide Interim Financial Statements. Prior to the Closing Date, the Company will furnish the Underwriters, as soon as they have been prepared by, or are available to, the Company, a copy of any unaudited interim financial statements of the Company for any period subsequent to the period covered by the most recent financial statements appearing in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.

 

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(r)               Final Term Sheet. The Company shall prepare a final term sheet (the “Final Term Sheet”) reflecting the final terms of the Securities and the offering thereof, in the form of Schedule C hereto (and containing such other information as the Company and the Representative may agree), and file such Final Term Sheet as an “issuer free writing prospectus” pursuant to Rule 433 prior to the close of business two business days after the date hereof; provided that the Company shall furnish the Underwriters with copies of such Final Term Sheet a reasonable amount of time prior to such proposed filing and will not use or file any such document to which the Representative or counsel to the Underwriters shall reasonably object.

 

(s)                NRSRO Rating. The Company will use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain a rating by a “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” as defined in Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act (“NRSRO”) while any Securities remain outstanding.

 

(t)                DTC. The Company will cooperate with the Underwriters and use its reasonable efforts to permit the Securities to be eligible for clearance, settlement and trading in book-entry-only form through the facilities of DTC.

 

Section 5                 Payment of Expenses.

 

The Company agrees to pay all costs, fees and expenses incurred in connection with the performance of its obligations hereunder and in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including without limitation (i) all expenses incident to the issuance and delivery of the Securities (including any fees and expenses related to the use of book-entry notes and all printing and engraving costs), (ii) all fees and expenses of the Trustee of the Securities, (iii) all necessary issue, transfer and other stamp taxes in connection with the issuance and sale of the Securities to the Underwriters, (iv) all fees and expenses of the Company’s counsel, independent public or certified public accountants and other advisors, (v) all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, printing, filing, shipping and distribution of the Registration Statement (including financial statements, exhibits, schedules, consents and certificates of experts), the Time of Sale Prospectus, the Prospectus, each free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of, used by, or referred to by the Company, and each preliminary prospectus, and all amendments and supplements thereto, and each of the Transaction Documents, (vi) all filing fees, attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses incurred by the Company or reasonably incurred by the Underwriters in connection with qualifying or registering (or obtaining exemptions from the qualification or registration of) all or any part of the Securities for offer and sale under the state securities or blue sky laws, and, if requested by the Underwriters, preparing and printing a “Blue Sky Survey” or memorandum and any supplements thereto, advising the Underwriters of such qualifications, registrations and exemptions, (vii) up to $150,000 of the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of the Underwriters incurred in connection with the Transactions, upon request made from time to time, including without limitation, the reasonable legal fees, costs and expenses of Vedder Price P.C., counsel to the Underwriters, and all marketing, syndication and travel expenses, (viii) the costs, fees and expenses incurred by the Underwriters in connection with determining its compliance with the rules and regulations of FINRA related to the Underwriters’ participation in the offering and distribution of the Securities, including any related filing fees and the legal fees of, and disbursements by, counsel to the Underwriters, (ix) the fees, costs and expenses of the Company relating to investor presentations on any “road show,” including, without limitation, expenses associated with the preparation or dissemination of any electronic road show, expenses associated with the production of road show slides and graphics, fees and expenses of any consultants engaged in connection with the road show presentations with the prior approval of the Company, travel and lodging expenses of the representatives, employees and officers of the Company and any such consultants, and the cost of any aircraft chartered in connection with the road show, (x) the cost of preparing and providing any CUSIP or other identification numbers for the Securities, (xi) any fees charged by rating agencies for rating the Securities, and (xii) all other fees, costs and expenses of the nature referred to in Item 14 of Part II of the Registration Statement. In the event any Underwriter incurs any such costs, fees and expenses on behalf of the Company, the Company will reimburse such Underwriter for such reasonable costs, fees and expenses whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated. Except as specifically provided in this Section 5 or Section 8, or in Section 10 or Section 11 hereof, the Underwriters shall pay their own expenses.

 

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Section 6                 Covenant of the Underwriters.

 

Each Underwriter, severally and not jointly, covenants with the Company not to take any action that would result in the Company being required to file with the Commission pursuant to Rule 433(d) under the Securities Act a free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of such Underwriter that otherwise would not, but for such actions, be required to be filed by the Company under Rule 433(d).

 

Section 7                 Conditions of the Obligations of the Underwriters.

 

The respective obligations of the Underwriters hereunder to purchase and pay for the Securities as provided herein on the Closing Date, shall be subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties on the part of the Company set forth in Section 1 hereof as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, as though then made, the accuracy of the representations and warranties on the part of the Principal Banking Subsidiary set forth in Section 2 hereof as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, as though then made, to the timely performance by the Company of its covenants and other obligations hereunder, and to each of the following additional conditions:

 

(a)               Comfort Letters. On the date hereof, the Representative shall have received from BKD LLP, independent registered public accountants for the Company, a letter dated the date hereof addressed to the Underwriters, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representative, containing statements and information of the type ordinarily included in accountant’s “comfort letters” to underwriters, delivered according to the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) Auditing Standards 6101 (or any successor bulletin), with respect to the audited and unaudited financial statements and certain financial information contained in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus, and each free writing prospectus, if any.

 

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(b)              Compliance with Registration Requirements; No Stop Order; No Objection from FINRA.

 

(i)                 The Company shall have filed the Prospectus with the Commission (including the information previously omitted from the Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 430B under the Securities Act) in the manner and within the time period required by Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act:

 

(ii)              no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or any post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement shall be in effect, and no proceedings for such purpose shall have been instituted or threatened by the Commission; and

 

(iii)            if a filing has been made with FINRA, FINRA shall have raised no objection to the fairness and reasonableness of the underwriting terms and arrangements.

 

(c)               No Material Adverse Change or Ratings Agency Change. For the period from and after the date of this Agreement and through and including the Closing Date:

 

(i)                 in the judgment of the Representative, there shall not have occurred any Material Adverse Change;

 

(ii)              there shall not have occurred any downgrading, nor shall any notice have been given of any intended or potential downgrading or of any review for a possible change that does not indicate the direction of the possible change, in the rating accorded any securities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries by any NRSRO; and

 

(iii)            the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus and the Prospectus shall not be subject to any proceeding by any federal bank or securities regulatory authority.

 

(d)              Opinion and Negative Assurance Letter of Counsel for the Company. On the Closing Date, the Underwriters shall have received the opinion and negative assurance letter of Schiff Hardin LLP, counsel for the Company, dated as of such date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Representative.

 

(e)               Opinion and Negative Assurance Letter of Counsel for the Underwriters. On the Closing Date, the Underwriters shall have received the opinion and negative assurance letter of Vedder Price P.C., counsel for the Underwriters in connection with the offer and sale of the Securities, in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters, dated as of such date.

 

(f)                Officers’ Certificate. On the Closing Date, the Underwriters shall have received a certificate executed by the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, dated as of such date, to the effect set forth in Section 7(b)(ii) and further to the effect that:

 

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(i)                 for the period from and including the date of this Agreement through and including such date, there has not occurred any Material Adverse Change;

 

(ii)              the representations, warranties and covenants of the Company set forth in Section 1 of this Agreement are true and correct with the same force and effect as though expressly made on and as of such date; and

 

(iii)            the Company has complied with all the agreements hereunder and satisfied all the conditions on its part to be performed or satisfied hereunder at or prior to such date.

 

(g)               Chief Financial Officer’s Certificate. On the date hereof and the Closing Date, the Underwriters shall have received a certificate executed by the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, dated the date hereof and the Closing Date, respectively, with respect to certain financial data contained in the Registration Statement, the Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus, providing “management comfort” with respect to such information, in form and substance satisfactory to the Representative, dated the date hereof and the Closing Date, respectively.

 

(h)              Bring-down Comfort Letter. On the Closing Date, the Underwriters shall have received from BKD LLP, independent registered public accountants for the Company, a letter dated such date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Underwriters, which letter shall: (i) reaffirm the statements made in the letter furnished pursuant to Section 7(a), except that the specified date referred to therein for the carrying out of procedures shall be no more than three business days prior to the Closing Date; and (ii) cover certain financial information contained in the Prospectus.

 

(i)                 Ratings. The Securities shall have been rated investment grade by Kroll Bond Rating Agency, Inc.

 

(j)                Additional Documents. On or before the Closing Date, the Underwriters and counsel for the Underwriters shall have received such information, documents and opinions as they may reasonably request for the purposes of enabling them to pass upon the issuance and sale of the Securities as contemplated herein, or in order to evidence the accuracy of any of the representations and warranties, or the satisfaction of any of the conditions or agreements, herein contained; and all proceedings taken by the Company in connection with the issuance and sale of the Securities as contemplated herein shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Underwriters and counsel for the Underwriters.

 

(k)              Indenture. The Indenture shall have been executed and delivered by each party thereto and an executed copy thereof shall have been provided to the Underwriters.

 

(l)                 DTC. The Securities shall be eligible for clearance and settlement through DTC.

 

If any condition specified in this Section 7 is not satisfied when and as required to be satisfied, this Agreement may be terminated by the Underwriters by notice from the Representative to the Company at any time on or prior to the Closing Date, which termination shall be without liability on the part of any party to any other party, except that Section 5, Section 8, Section 10 and Section 11 shall at all times be effective and shall survive such termination.

 

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Section 8                 Reimbursement of Underwriters’ Expenses.

 

If this Agreement is terminated by the Underwriters pursuant to Section 7 or Section 13, or if the sale to the Underwriters of the Securities on the Closing Date is not consummated because of any refusal, inability or failure on the part of the Company to perform any agreement herein or to comply with any provision hereof, the Company agrees to reimburse the Representative and the other Underwriters (or such Underwriters as have terminated this Agreement with respect to themselves), severally, upon demand for all documented out-of-pocket expenses that shall have been reasonably incurred by the Representative and the Underwriters in connection with the proposed purchase and the offering and sale of the Securities, including, but not limited to, fees and disbursements of counsel, printing expenses, travel expenses, postage, facsimile and telephone charges, subject to the provisions of Section 5.

 

Section 9                 Effectiveness of this Agreement.

 

This Agreement shall become effective upon the execution and delivery hereof by the parties hereto.

 

Section 10             Indemnification.

 

(a)               Indemnification of the Underwriters. The Company and the Principal Banking Subsidiary, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Underwriter, their respective affiliates, directors, officers, employees, partners and agents, and each person, if any, who controls each Underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act (a “controlling person”) against any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense, as incurred, to which such Underwriters or such affiliate, director, officer, employee, partner, agent or controlling person may become subject, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or any federal or state statutory law or regulation, or the laws or regulations of foreign jurisdictions where Securities have been offered or sold or at common law or otherwise (including in settlement of any litigation, if such settlement is effected with the written consent of the Company), insofar as such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense (or actions in respect thereof as contemplated below) arises out of or is based upon (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, or any amendment thereto, or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; or (ii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact included in any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, any free writing prospectus that the Company has used, referred to or filed, or is required to file, pursuant to Rule 433 of the Securities Act, any materials provided to investors by, or with the approval of, the Company in connection with the marketing of the offering of the Securities, including any roadshow or written investor presentations provided to investors by the Company (whether in person or electronically) (“marketing material”), or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement to the foregoing), or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact necessary in order to make the statements, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; and to reimburse such Underwriter and each such affiliate, director, officer, employee, agent, partner and controlling person for any and all expenses (including the fees and disbursements of counsel) as such expenses are reasonably incurred by such Underwriter or such affiliate, director, officer, employee, agent, partner or controlling person in connection with investigating, defending, settling, compromising or paying any such loss, claim, damage, liability, expense or action; provided, however, that the foregoing indemnity agreement shall not apply to any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense to the extent, but only to the extent, arising out of, or based upon, any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to any Underwriter furnished to the Company by the Representative in writing expressly for use in the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, any such free writing prospectus, any marketing material or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), it being understood and agreed that such information only consists of the information described in Section 10(b) below; and provided further, that the Principal Banking Subsidiary shall not be liable in any such case to the extent such indemnification, or contribution pursuant to Section 11 of this Agreement, is found to constitute a covered transaction pursuant to Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act, as amended. The indemnity agreement set forth in this Section 10(a) shall be in addition to any liabilities that the Company may otherwise have.

 

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(b)              Indemnification of the Company, the Principal Banking Subsidiary, its Directors and Officers. Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and the Principal Banking Subsidiary, their affiliates, directors, employees, partners and agents and each controlling person of the Company and the Principal Banking Subsidiary, if any, against any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense, as incurred, to which the Company or the Principal Banking Subsidiary, or any such director, officer or controlling person may become subject, under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or other federal or state statutory law or regulation, or at common law or otherwise (including in settlement of any litigation, if such settlement is effected with the written consent of such Underwriter), insofar as such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense (or actions in respect thereof as contemplated below) arises out of or is based upon (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, or any amendment thereto, or any omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or (ii) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact included in any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, any free writing prospectus that the Company has used, referred to or filed, or is required to file, pursuant to Rule 433 of the Securities Act, or the Prospectus (or any such amendment or supplement) or the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact necessary in order to make the statements, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission was made in the Registration Statement, such preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, such free writing prospectus or the Prospectus (or any such amendment or supplement), in reliance upon and in conformity with information relating to such Underwriter furnished to the Company by the Representative in writing expressly for use therein; and to reimburse the Company and the Principal Banking Subsidiary and each such director, officer and controlling person for any and all expenses (including the fees and disbursements of counsel) as such expenses are reasonably incurred by the Company and the Principal Banking Subsidiary or such director, officer or controlling person in connection with investigating, defending, settling, compromising or paying any such loss, claim, damage, liability, expense or action. The Company and the Principal Banking Subsidiary hereby acknowledge that the only information that the Representative has furnished to the Company expressly for use in the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, any free writing prospectus that the Company has filed, or is required to file, pursuant to Rule 433 of the Securities Act, or the Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement to the foregoing) are the statements set forth in the second paragraph in the section entitled “Underwriting–Discounts” and the third sentence in the section entitled “Underwriting– No Public Trading Market” in the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement and the Final Prospectus Supplement. The indemnity agreement set forth in this Section 10(b) shall be in addition to any liabilities that each Underwriter may otherwise have.

 

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(c)               Notifications and Other Indemnification Procedures. Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party under this Section 10 of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party will, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against an indemnifying party under this Section 10, notify the indemnifying party in writing of the commencement thereof, but the omission so to notify the indemnifying party will not relieve the indemnifying party from any liability which it may have to any indemnified party to the extent the indemnifying party is not materially prejudiced as a proximate result of such failure and shall not in any event relieve the indemnifying party from any liability that it may have otherwise than on account of this indemnity agreement. In case any such action is brought against any indemnified party and such indemnified party seeks or intends to seek indemnity from an indemnifying party, the indemnifying party will be entitled to participate in, and, to the extent that it shall elect, jointly with all other indemnifying parties similarly notified, by written notice delivered to the indemnified party promptly after receiving the aforesaid notice from such indemnified party, to assume the defense thereof with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party; provided, however, that if the defendants in any such action include both the indemnified party and the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that a conflict may arise between the positions of the indemnifying party and the indemnified party in conducting the defense of any such action or that there may be legal defenses available to it and/or other indemnified parties which are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party, the indemnified party or parties shall have the right to select separate counsel to assume such legal defenses and to otherwise participate in the defense of such action on behalf of such indemnified party or parties. Upon receipt of notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of such indemnifying party’s election so to assume the defense of such action and approval by the indemnified party of counsel, the indemnifying party will not be liable to such indemnified party under this Section 10 for any legal or other expenses subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof unless (i) the indemnified party shall have employed separate counsel in accordance with the proviso to the preceding sentence (it being understood, however, that the indemnifying party shall not be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one separate counsel (together with local counsel), representing the indemnified parties who are parties to such action), which counsel (together with any local counsel) for the indemnified parties shall be selected by the Representative (in the case of counsel for the indemnified parties referred to in Section 10(a) above) or by the Company (in the case of counsel for the indemnified parties referred to in Section 10(b) above)) or (ii) the indemnifying party shall not have employed counsel satisfactory to the indemnified party to represent the indemnified party within a reasonable time after notice of commencement of the action or (iii) the indemnifying party has authorized in writing the employment of counsel for the indemnified party at the expense of the indemnifying party, in each of which cases the fees and expenses of counsel shall be at the expense of the indemnifying party and shall be paid as they are reasonably incurred.

 

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(d)              Settlements. The indemnifying party under this Section 10 shall not be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent, but if settled with such consent or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff, the indemnifying party agrees to indemnify the indemnified party against any loss, claim, damage, liability or expense by reason of such settlement or judgment. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, if at any time an indemnified party shall have requested an indemnifying party to reimburse the indemnified party for fees and expenses of counsel as contemplated by Section 10(c) hereof, the indemnifying party shall be liable for any settlement of any proceeding effected without its written consent if (i) such settlement is entered into more than 30 days after receipt by such indemnifying party of the aforesaid request and (ii) such indemnifying party shall not have reimbursed the indemnified party in accordance with such request prior to the date of such settlement. No indemnifying party shall, without the prior written consent of the indemnified party, effect any settlement, compromise or consent to the entry of judgment in any pending or threatened action, suit or proceeding in respect of which any indemnified party is or could have been a party and indemnity was or could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party, unless such settlement, compromise or consent includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such action, suit or proceeding and does not include an admission of fault or culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of such indemnified party.

 

Section 11             Contribution.

 

If the indemnification provided for in Section 10 is for any reason held to be unavailable to or otherwise insufficient to hold harmless an indemnified party in respect of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses referred to therein, then each indemnifying party shall contribute to the aggregate amount paid or payable by such indemnified party, as incurred, as a result of any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses referred to therein (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company and the Principal Banking Subsidiary, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, from the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement or (ii) if the allocation provided by clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Company and the Principal Banking Subsidiary, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, in connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits received by the Company and the Principal Banking Subsidiary, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, in connection with the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to be in the same respective proportions as the total proceeds from the offering of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement (before deducting expenses) received by the Company, and the total underwriting discounts and commissions received by the Underwriters, in each case as set forth on the front cover page of the Prospectus, bear to the aggregate initial public offering price of the Securities as set forth on such cover. The relative fault of the Company and the Principal Banking Subsidiary, on the one hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any such untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the Company and the Principal Banking Subsidiary, on the one hand, or the Underwriters, on the other hand (it being understood and agreed that such information supplied by the Underwriters only consists of the information described in Section 10(b) above), and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission.

 

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The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in Section 10(c), any legal or other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with investigating or defending any action or claim. The provisions set forth in Section 10(c) with respect to notice of commencement of any action shall apply if a claim for contribution is to be made under this Section 10; provided, however, that no additional notice shall be required with respect to any action for which notice has been given under Section 10(c) for purposes of indemnification.

 

The Company, the Principal Banking Subsidiary and the Underwriters agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section 11 were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to in this Section 11.

 

Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 11, no Underwriter shall be required to contribute any amount in excess of the underwriting discounts and commissions received by such Underwriter in connection with the Securities underwritten by it and distributed to the public. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. The Underwriters’ obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 11 are several, and not joint, in proportion to their respective underwriting commitments as set forth opposite their respective names on Schedule A. For purposes of this Section 11, each affiliate, director, officer, employee, partner and agent of an Underwriter and each controlling person, if any, who controls an Underwriter, shall have the same rights to contribution as such Underwriter, and each director of the Company, each officer of the Company who signed the Registration Statement, and each controlling person, if any, of the Company, shall have the same rights to contribution as the Company.

 

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Section 12             Default of One or More of the Several Underwriters.

 

If, on the Closing Date, any one or more of the several Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase Securities that it or they have agreed to purchase hereunder on such date, and the aggregate principal amount of the Securities which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase does not exceed 10% of the aggregate principal amount of the Securities to be purchased on such date, the Representatives may make arrangements satisfactory to the Company for the purchase of such Securities by other persons, including any of the Underwriters, but if no such arrangements are made by such date, the other Underwriters shall be obligated, severally and not jointly, in the proportions that the principal amount of Securities set forth opposite their respective names on Schedule A bears to the aggregate principal amount of Securities set forth opposite the names of all such non-defaulting Underwriters, or in such other proportions as may be specified by the Representatives with the consent of the non-defaulting Underwriters, to purchase the Securities which such defaulting Underwriter or Underwriters agreed but failed or refused to purchase on such date. If, on the Closing Date, any one or more of the Underwriters shall fail or refuse to purchase the Securities and the aggregate principal amount of Securities with respect to which such default occurs exceeds 10% of the aggregate principal amount of Securities to be purchased on such date, and arrangements satisfactory to the Representatives and the Company for the purchase of such Securities are not made within 48 hours after such default, and unless the Closing Date is postponed pursuant to this Section 12, this Agreement shall terminate without liability of any party to any other party except that the provisions of Section 5, Section 8, Section 10 and Section 11 shall at all times be effective and shall survive such termination. In any such case either the Representatives or the Company shall have the right to postpone the Closing Date, but in no event for longer than seven days in order that the required changes, if any, to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus or any other documents or arrangements may be effected.

 

As used in this Agreement, the term “Underwriter” shall be deemed to include any person substituted for a defaulting Underwriter under this Section 12. Any action taken under this Section 12 shall not relieve any defaulting Underwriter from liability in respect of any default of such Underwriter under this Agreement.

 

Section 13             Termination of this Agreement.

 

The Underwriters may terminate this Agreement, by notice to the Company, at any time at or prior to the Closing Date, if, in the reasonable judgement of the Representative, since the time of execution of this Agreement or since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, Time of Sale Prospectus or the Prospectus, (i) there has occurred any Material Adverse Effect, (ii) there has occurred any material adverse change in the financial markets in the United States, any outbreak of hostilities or escalation thereof or any other calamity or crisis, including a widespread outbreak of epidemic illnesses (including the novel coronavirus COVID-19 to the extent that there is a material worsening of such outbreak that actually occurs after the date hereof in the markets in which the Company operates) or any change or development involving a prospective change in national political, financial or economic conditions, in each case the effect of which is such as to make it, in the judgment of the Representative, impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with the completion of the offering of the Securities on the terms and in the manner contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the Time of Sale Prospectus or to enforce contracts for the sale of the Securities, (iii) trading or quotation in any securities of the Company has been suspended or limited by the Commission or by NASDAQ, or if trading generally on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or NASDAQ has been suspended or limited, or minimum or maximum prices for trading have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices have been required, by any of said exchanges or by such system or by order of the Commission, FINRA or any other governmental authority, (iv) there has occurred a downgrading in or withdrawal of the rating assigned to the Securities or any other securities of the Company by any NRSRO, or any NRSRO has publicly announced that it has under surveillance or review, or has changed its outlook with respect to, its rating of the Securities or any other securities of the Company, or (v) a banking moratorium has been declared by the United States, New York or Illinois authorities or a material restriction on banking activities or operations by such regulatory authorities or a material disruption has occurred in commercial banking or securities settlement and clearances services in the United States. Any termination pursuant to this Section 13 shall be without liability on the part of (a) the Company to the Underwriters, except that the Company shall be obligated to reimburse the expenses of the Underwriters pursuant to Section 5 or Section 8 hereof or (b) the Underwriters to the Company; provided, however, that the provisions of Section 10 and Section 11 shall at all times be effective and shall survive such termination.

 

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Section 14             No Advisory or Fiduciary Relationship.

 

The Company acknowledges and agrees that (a) the purchase and sale of the Securities pursuant to this Agreement, including the determination of the interest rate, terms and public offering price of the Securities and any related discounts and commissions, is an arm’s-length commercial transaction between the Company, on the one hand, and the several Underwriters, on the other hand, (b) in connection with the offering contemplated hereby and the process leading to such transaction, each Underwriter is and has been acting solely as a principal and is not the agent or fiduciary of the Company, or its stockholders, or its creditors, employees or any other party, (c) no Underwriter has assumed or will assume an advisory or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Company with respect to the offering contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto (irrespective of whether such Underwriter has advised or is currently advising the Company on other matters) and no Underwriter has any obligation to the Company with respect to the offering contemplated hereby except the obligations expressly set forth in this Agreement, (d) the Underwriters and their respective affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Company, and (e) the Underwriters have not provided any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice with respect to the offering contemplated hereby and the Company has consulted its own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent it deemed appropriate.

 

Section 15             Representations and Indemnities to Survive Delivery.

 

The respective indemnities, agreements, representations, warranties and other statements of the Company, of its officers and of the several Underwriters set forth in or made pursuant to this Agreement will remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of any Underwriter or, the Company or any of its or their respective partners, officers or directors or any controlling person, as the case may be, and, anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, will survive delivery of and payment for the Securities sold hereunder and any termination of this Agreement.

 

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Section 16             Notices.

 

All communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be mailed (including electronic mail), hand delivered or telecopied and confirmed to the parties hereto as follows:

 

If to the Representative:

 

Piper Sandler & Co.
1251 Avenue of the Americas, 6th Floor
New York, New York 10020
Facsimile: (212) 466-7796
E-mail: jennifer.docherty@psc.com
Attention: General Counsel

 

with a copy to:

 

Vedder Price P.C.
222 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2600
Chicago, Illinois 60601
Facsimile: (312) 609-5005
E-mail: jking@vedderprice.com
Attention: Jennifer D. King

 

If to the Company:

 

First Mid Bancshares, Inc.
1421 Charleston Ave.
Mattoon, Illinois 61938
Facsimile: (217) 351-6552
E-mail: msmith@firstmid.com
Attention: Matthew K. Smith
Chief Financial Officer

 

with a copy to:

 

Schiff Hardin LLP
233 South Wacker Drive, Suite 7100
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Facsimile: (312) 258-5500
E-mail: jzgliniec@schiffhardin.com
Attention: Jason L. Zgliniec

 

Any party hereto may change the address for receipt of communications by giving written notice to the others.

 

  39  

 

 

Section 17             Successors.

 

This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto, including any substitute Underwriters pursuant to Section 12 hereof and to the benefit of the affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, partners and controlling persons referred to in Section 10 and Section 11, and in each case their respective successors, and no other person will have any right or obligation hereunder. The term “successors” shall not include any purchaser of the Securities as such from any of the Underwriters merely by reason of such purchase.

 

Section 18             Partial Unenforceability.

 

The invalidity or unenforceability of any section, paragraph or provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other section, paragraph or provision hereof. If any section, paragraph or provision of this Agreement is for any reason determined to be invalid or unenforceable, there shall be deemed to be made such minor changes (and only such minor changes) as are necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

 

Section 19             Recognition of the U.S. Special Resolution Regimes.

 

(a)               In the event that any Underwriter that is a covered entity becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, the transfer from such Underwriter of this Agreement, and any interest and obligation in or under this Agreement, will be effective to the same extent as the transfer would be effective under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement, and any such interest and obligation, were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.

 

(b)              In the event that any Underwriter that is a covered entity or a BHC Act Affiliate of such Underwriter becomes subject to a proceeding under a U.S. Special Resolution Regime, Default Rights under this Agreement that may be exercised against such Underwriter are permitted to be exercised to no greater extent than such Default Rights could be exercised under the U.S. Special Resolution Regime if this Agreement were governed by the laws of the United States or a state of the United States.

 

For purposes of this Agreement, (A) “BHC Act Affiliate” has the meaning assigned to the term “affiliate” in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 U.S.C. § 1841(k); (B) “Covered Entity” means any of the following: (i) a “covered entity” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 252.82(b); (ii) a “covered bank” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 47.3(b); or (iii) a “covered FSI” as that term is defined in, and interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. § 382.2(b); (C) “Default Right” has the meaning assigned to that term in, and shall be interpreted in accordance with, 12 C.F.R. §§ 252.81, 47.2 or 382.1, as applicable; and (D) “U.S. Special Resolution Regime” means each of (i) the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder and (ii) Title II of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

  40  

 

 

Section 20             Governing Law Provisions.

 

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made and to be performed in such state. Any legal suit, action or proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby may be instituted in the federal courts of the United States of America located in the Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York or the courts of the State of New York in each case located in the Borough of Manhattan in the City of New York (collectively, the “Specified Courts”), and each party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction (except for proceedings instituted in regard to the enforcement of a judgment of any such court, as to which such jurisdiction is non-exclusive) of such courts in any such suit, action or proceeding. Service of any process, summons, notice or document by mail to such party’s address set forth above shall be effective service of process for any suit, action or other proceeding brought in any such court. The parties irrevocably and unconditionally waive any objection to the laying of venue of any suit, action or other proceeding in the Specified Courts and irrevocably and unconditionally waive and agree not to plead or claim in any such court that any such suit, action or other proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

 

Section 21             General Provisions.

 

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties to this Agreement and supersedes all prior written or oral and all contemporaneous oral agreements, understandings and negotiations with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each one of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument. This Agreement may not be amended or modified unless in writing by all of the parties hereto, and no condition herein (express or implied) may be waived unless waived in writing by each party whom the condition is meant to benefit. The section headings herein are for the convenience of the parties only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

Each of the parties hereto acknowledges that it is a sophisticated business person who was adequately represented by counsel during negotiations regarding the provisions hereof, including, without limitation, the indemnification provisions of Section 10 and the contribution provisions of Section 11, and is fully informed regarding said provisions. Each of the parties hereto further acknowledges that the provisions of Section 10 and Section 11 hereof fairly allocate the risks in light of the ability of the parties to investigate the Company, its affairs and its business in order to assure that adequate disclosure has been made in the Registration Statement, any preliminary prospectus, the Time of Sale Prospectus, each free writing prospectus and the Prospectus (and any amendments and supplements to the foregoing), as contemplated by the Securities Act and the Exchange Act.

 

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

  41  

 

 

If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, kindly sign and return to the Company and the Principal Banking Subsidiary the enclosed copies hereof, whereupon this instrument, along with all counterparts hereof, shall become a binding agreement in accordance with its terms.

 

 

  Very truly yours,  
     
  FIRST MID BANCSHARES, INC.  
     
  By: /s/ Matthew K. Smith  
  Name:  Matthew K. Smith  
  Title:  Chief Financial Officer
     
     
  FIRST MID BANK & TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
   
  By: /s/ Matthew K. Smith  
  Name: Matthew K. Smith  
  Title:  Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]

 

 

The foregoing Underwriting Agreement is hereby confirmed and accepted by the Underwriters in New York, New York as of the date first above written.

 

 

  PIPER SANDLER & CO.  
     
  By: /s/ Jennifer Docherty  
  Name:  Jennifer Docherty  
  Title: Managing Director  
     
  Acting individually and as Representative of the several Underwriters named in the attached Schedule A hereto

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Signature Page to Underwriting Agreement]

 

 

SCHEDULE A

 

 

 

Underwriters   Principal Amount of Notes
to be Purchased
Piper Sandler & Co.   $ 67,200,000  
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC     14,400,000  
Stephens Inc.     14,400,000  
Total   $ 96,000,000  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule A - Page 1

 

 

Schedule b

 

Free Writing Prospectuses

 

1.       Pricing Term Sheet, dated October 1, 2020, in the form attached hereto as Schedule C

 

2.       Investor Presentation, filed with the Commission on September 28, 2020, in the form attached hereto as Schedule D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule B - Page 1

 

 

Schedule c

 

Pricing Term Sheet

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule C - Page 1

 

 

 Filed Pursuant to Rule 433

Registration Statement Nos. 333-227595 and 333-249176

October 1, 2020

 

 

 

First Mid Bancshares, Inc.

$96,000,000

3.95% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2030 Term Sheet

 

October 1, 2020

 

The following information relates only to First Mid’s offering (the “Offering”) of its 3.95% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2030 and should be read together with the preliminary prospectus supplement dated September 28, 2020 relating to the Offering including the documents incorporated and deemed to be incorporated by reference therein.

 

Issuer: First Mid Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”)
   
Security: 3.95% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2030 (the “Notes”)
   
Aggregate Principal Amount: $96,000,000
   
Ratings:

BBB by Kroll Bond Rating Agency, Inc.

 

A rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. Ratings may be subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.

   
Trade Date: October 1, 2020
   
Settlement Date: October 6, 2020 (T+3)
   
Final Maturity Date (if not previously redeemed): October 15, 2030
   
Coupon: From and including the Settlement Date to, but excluding, October 15, 2025 or the date of earlier redemption (the “fixed rate period”) 3.95% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears.  From and including October 15, 2025 to, but excluding, the Maturity Date or the date of earlier redemption (the “floating rate period”), a floating rate per annum equal to the Benchmark rate (which is expected to be Three-Month Term SOFR) (each as defined in the prospectus supplement under “Description of Subordinated Notes — Payment of Principal and Interest”), plus a spread of 383 basis points for each quarterly interest period during the floating rate period, payable quarterly in arrears; provided, however, that if the Benchmark rate is less than zero, the Benchmark rate shall be deemed to be zero.

 

Schedule C - Page 2

 

 

Interest Payment Dates:

Fixed rate period: April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing on April 15, 2021. The last interest payment date for the fixed rate period will be October 15, 2025.

Floating rate period: January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing on January 15, 2026.

 

Record Dates: The 15th calendar day immediately preceding the applicable interest payment date.
   
Day Count Convention:

Fixed rate period: 30/360.

Floating rate period: 360-day year and the number of days actually elapsed.

   
Redemption: The Company may, beginning with the interest payment date of October 15, 2025, and on any interest payment date thereafter, redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, from time to time, subject to obtaining the prior approval of the Federal Reserve (or, if applicable, the rules of any appropriate successor bank regulatory agency) to the extent such approval is then required under the rules of the Federal Reserve (or such successor bank regulatory agency), at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption.
   
  The Company may also redeem the Notes at any time, including prior to October 15, 2025, at its option, in whole but not in part, subject to obtaining the prior approval of the Federal Reserve (or, if applicable, the rules of any appropriate successor bank regulatory agency) to the extent such approval is then required under the rules of the Federal Reserve (or such successor bank regulatory agency), if: (a) a change or prospective change in law occurs that could prevent the Company from deducting interest payable on the Notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes; (b) a subsequent event occurs that could preclude the Notes from being recognized as Tier 2 capital for regulatory capital purposes; or (c) the Company is required to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended; in each case, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. For more information, see “Description of the Notes—Optional Redemption and Redemption Upon Special Event” in the prospectus supplement.

 

Schedule C - Page 3

 

 

Denominations: $1,000 minimum denominations and $1,000 integral multiples thereof.
     
Use of Proceeds: The Company intends to use the net proceeds of this for general corporate purposes, including additions to working capital and to support organic growth or possible additional future acquisitions of other financial institutions, including the proposed LINCO merger. Except for the proposed merger with LINCO, the Company has no current agreement to acquire any other financial institutions. The Company has not identified the amounts we will spend on any specific purposes. Accordingly, the Company retains broad discretion over the use of the net proceeds.
     
Price to Public: 100.00% of principal amount
     
Underwriter’s Discount: 1.50% of principal amount
     
Proceeds to Issuer (after underwriter’s discount, but before expenses): $94,560,000
     
Ranking: The Notes will be unsecured, subordinated obligations of the Company and:
   • will rank junior in right of payment and upon the Company’s liquidation to any of the Company’s existing and all future Senior Indebtedness (as defined and discussed under “Description of the Notes—Ranking” in the prospectus supplement);
   • will rank junior in right of payment and upon the Company’s liquidation to any of its existing and all of its future general creditors;
   • will rank equal in right of payment and upon the Company’s liquidation with any of its existing and all of its future indebtedness the terms of which provide that such indebtedness ranks equally with the Notes;
   • will rank senior in right of payment and upon the Company’s liquidation to any of its indebtedness the terms of which provide that such indebtedness ranks junior in right of payment to note indebtedness such as the Notes, including the approximately $18.942 million aggregate principal amount of junior subordinated debentures outstanding as of June 30, 2020; and
   • will be effectively subordinated to the Company’s future secured indebtedness to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness, and structurally subordinated to the existing and future indebtedness of its subsidiaries, including without limitation the Bank’s depositors, liabilities to general creditors and liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business or otherwise.

 

 

Schedule C - Page 4

 

 

  As of June 30, 2020, the Bank and the Company’s other subsidiaries had outstanding indebtedness, total deposits and other liabilities of approximately $3.9 billion, excluding intercompany liabilities, to which the Notes will be structurally subordinated. As of June 30, 2020, the Company, at the holding company level, had no Senior Indebtedness ranking senior to the Notes and approximately $18.9 million of junior subordinated debt securities ranking junior to the Notes. For more information, see “Description of the Notes—Ranking” in the prospectus supplement.
     
CUSIP/ISIN: 320866 AA4 / US320866AA45
   
Joint Book-Running Managers: Piper Sandler, Janney Montgomery Scott, Stephens Inc.  
     

 

We expect that delivery of the Notes will be made against payment for the Notes on or about Settlement Date indicated above, which will be the third business day following the trade date of October 1, 2020 (this settlement cycle being referred to as “T+3”). Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, trades in the secondary market generally will be required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the Notes on any date prior to the second business day preceding the Settlement Date will be required, by virtue of the fact that the notes will initially settle in three business days (T+3), to specify alternative settlement arrangements to prevent a failed settlement and should consult their own investment advisor.

 

The Issuer has filed a shelf registration statement (File Nos. 333-227595 and 333-249176) (including a base prospectus) and a related preliminary prospectus supplement dated September 28, 2020 (the “Preliminary Prospectus Supplement”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the Offering to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus in that registration statement, the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement, the final prospectus supplement (when available) and other documents the Issuer has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the Issuer and the Offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the Issuer, the underwriter or any dealer participating in the Offering will arrange to send you the prospectus, the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement, and the final prospectus supplement (when available) relating to the Offering if you request them by emailing Piper Sandler & Co. at fsg-dcm@psc.com.

 

Schedule C - Page 5

 

 

This Pricing Term Sheet is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement. The information in this Pricing Term Sheet supplements the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement and supersedes the information in the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement to the extent it is inconsistent with the information in the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement. Other information (including other financial information) presented in the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement is deemed to have changed to the extent affected by the information contained herein. Capitalized terms used in this Pricing Term Sheet but not defined have the meanings given them in the Preliminary Prospectus Supplement.

 

ANY DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES THAT MAY APPEAR BELOW ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS COMMUNICATION AND SHOULD BE DISREGARDED. SUCH DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES WERE AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED AS A RESULT OF THIS COMMUNICATION BEING SENT VIA BLOOMBERG OR ANOTHER EMAIL SYSTEM.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule C - Page 6

 

 

Schedule D

 

Investor Presentation

 

Investor Presentation, filed with the Commission on September 28, 2020.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule D - Page 1
 

Exhibit 4.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIRST MID BANCSHARES, INC.

 

TO

 

U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee

 

 

INDENTURE

 

Dated as of October 6, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIRST MID BANCSHARES, INC.
Reconciliation and tie between Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, and
Indenture, dated as of October 6, 2020

 

Trust Indenture
Act Section
  Indenture
Sections
§ 310(a)(1)   609
(a)(2)   609
(a)(3)   Not Applicable     
(a)(4)   Not Applicable
(a)(5)   609
(b)   608
    610
§ 311(a)   613(a)
(b)   613(b)
(b)(2)   703(a)(2)
    703(b)
§ 312(a)   701
    702(a)
(b)   702(b)
(c)   702(c)
§ 313(a)   703(a)
(b)   703(b)
(c)   703(a), 703(b)
(d)   703(c)
§ 314(a)   704, 1004
(b)   Not Applicable
(c)(1)   102
(c)(2)   102
(c)(3)   Not Applicable
(d)   Not Applicable
(e)   102
§ 315(a)   601(a)
(b)   602
    703(a)(7)
(c)   601(b)
(d)   601(c)
(d)(l)   601(a)(1)
(d)(2)   601(c)(2)
(d)(3)   601(c)(3)
(e)   514
§ 316(a)   101
(a)(1)(A)   502
    512
(a)(1)(B)   513
(a)(2)   Not Applicable
(b)   508
(c)   104(e)
§ 317(a)(l)   503
(a)(2)   504
(b)   1003
§ 318(a)   107

 

Note: This reconciliation and tie shall not, for any purpose, be deemed to be a part of the Indenture.

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  Page
ARTICLE One
DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION
1
Section 101.   Definitions 1
Section 102.   Compliance Certificates and Opinions 8
Section 103.   Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee 9
Section 104.   Acts of Holders 9
Section 105.   Notices, Etc 10
Section 106.   Notice to Holders; Waiver 11
Section 107.   Conflict With Trust Indenture Act 12
Section 108.   Effect of Headings and Table of Contents 12
Section 109.   Successors and Assigns 12
Section 110.   Separability Clause 12
Section 111.   Benefits of Indenture 12
Section 112.   Governing Law 12
Section 113.   Legal Holidays 12
Section 114.   Rules by Trustee and Agents 13
Section 115.   No Recourse Against Others 13
Section 116.   Waiver of Jury Trial 13
Section 117.   Certain Anti-Money Laundering Matters 13
Section 118.   Force Majeure 13
Section 119.   Certain Tax Matters 13
ARTICLE Two
SECURITY FORMS
14
Section 201.   Forms Generally 14
Section 202.   Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication 14
ARTICLE Three
THE SECURITIES
14
Section 301.   Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series 14
Section 302.   Denominations 18
Section 303.   Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating 18
Section 304.   Temporary Securities 19
Section 305.   Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange 20
Section 306.   Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities 21
Section 307.   Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved 21
Section 308.   Persons Deemed Owners 23
Section 309.   Cancellation 23
Section 310.   Computation of Interest 23
Section 311.   Global Securities; Exchanges; Registration and Registration of Transfer 23

 

  - i -  

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)

 

  Page
Section 312.   Extension of Interest Payment 24
ARTICLE Four
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE; DEFEASANCE
25
Section 401.   Termination of Company’s Obligations 25
Section 402.   Defeasance and Discharge of Indenture 26
Section 403.   Defeasance of Certain Obligations 27
Section 404.   Conditions to Defeasance 27
Section 405.   Application of Trust Money 28
Section 406.   Reinstatement 29
ARTICLE Five
REMEDIES
29
Section 501.   Events of Default 29
Section 502.   Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment 31
Section 503.   Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee 32
Section 504.   Trustee May File Proofs of Claim 32
Section 505.   Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities or Coupons 33
Section 506.   Application of Money Collected 33
Section 507.   Limitation on Suits 33
Section 508.   Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest 34
Section 509.   Restoration of Rights and Remedies 34
Section 510.   Rights and Remedies Cumulative 34
Section 511.   Delay or Omission Not Waiver 34
Section 512.   Control by Holders 35
Section 513.   Waiver of Past Defaults 35
Section 514.   Undertaking for Costs 35
Section 515.   Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws 36
ARTICLE Six
THE TRUSTEE
36
Section 601.   Certain Duties and Responsibilities 36
Section 602.   Notice of Defaults 37
Section 603.   Certain Rights of Trustee 37
Section 604.   Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities 39
Section 605.   May Hold Securities 39
Section 606.   Money Held in Trust 39
Section 607.   Compensation and Reimbursement 39

 

  - ii -  

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)

 

  Page
Section 608.   Disqualification; Conflicting Interests 40
Section 609.   Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility 40
Section 610.   Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor 40
Section 611.   Acceptance of Appointment by Successor 42
Section 612.   Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business 43
Section 613.   Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company 43
Section 614.   Appointment of Authenticating Agent 43
ARTICLE Seven
HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY
45
Section 701.   Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders 45
Section 702.   Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders 46
Section 703.   Reports by Trustee 47
Section 704.   Reports by Company 47
ARTICLE Eight
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE OR TRANSFER
47
Section 801.   Company May Consolidate, Etc 48
Section 802.   Successor Substituted for the Company 48
ARTICLE Nine
SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES
49
Section 901.   Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders 49
Section 902.   Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Holders 51
Section 903.   Execution of Supplemental Indentures 52
Section 904.   Effect of Supplemental Indentures 52
Section 905.   Conformity With Trust Indenture Act 52
Section 906.   Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures 52
Section 907.   Revocation and Effect of Consents 53
Section 908.   Modification Without Supplemental Indenture 53
ARTICLE Ten
COVENANTS
53
Section 1001.   Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest 53
Section 1002.   Maintenance of Office or Agency 54
Section 1003.   Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust 55
Section 1004.   Statement as to Compliance 56
Section 1005.   Corporate Existence 56
Section 1006.   Waiver of Certain Covenants 56

 

  - iii -  

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)

 

  Page
ARTICLE Eleven
REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES
57
Section 1101.   Applicability of Article 57
Section 1102.   Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee 57
Section 1103.   Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed 57
Section 1104.   Notice of Redemption 58
Section 1105.   Securities Payable on Redemption Date 59
Section 1106.   Securities Redeemed in Part 59
ARTICLE Twelve
REPAYMENT OF SECURITIES AT OPTION OF HOLDERS
60
Section 1201.   Applicability of Article 60
Section 1202.   Notice of Repayment Date 60
Section 1203.   Securities Payable on Repayment Date 61
Section 1204.   Securities Repaid in Part 61

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  - iv -  

 

 

INDENTURE, dated as of October 6, 2020, between First Mid Bancshares, Inc., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of Delaware (herein called the “Company”), having its principal office at 1421 Charleston Avenue, Mattoon, Illinois 61938, and U.S. Bank National Association, a national banking association duly organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”).

 

RECITALS OF THE COMPANY

 

The Company has duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture to provide for the issuance from time to time of its unsecured debentures, notes or other evidences of indebtedness (each herein called a “Security” or, collectively, the “Securities”), in an unlimited aggregate principal amount to be issued in one or more series as in this Indenture provided.

 

All things necessary to make this Indenture a valid agreement of the Company, in accordance with its terms, have been done.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, THIS INDENTURE WITNESSETH:

 

For and in consideration of the premises and the purchase of the Securities by the Holders thereof, it is mutually covenanted and agreed, for the equal and proportionate benefit of all Holders of the Securities or of any series thereof, as follows:

 

ARTICLE One

DEFINITIONS AND OTHER PROVISIONS OF GENERAL APPLICATION

 

Section 101.          Definitions. For all purposes of this Indenture, except as otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires;

 

(a)               the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to them in this Article and include the plural as well as the singular;

 

(b)               all other terms used herein that are defined in the Trust Indenture Act, either directly or by reference therein, have the meanings assigned to them therein;

 

(c)               all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and, except as otherwise herein expressly provided, the term “generally accepted accounting principles” with respect to any computation required or permitted hereunder shall mean such accounting principles as are generally accepted in the United States at the date of such computation or, at the election of the Company from time to time, at the date of the execution and delivery of this Indenture;

 

(d)               the word “or” is not exclusive; and

 

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

 

Certain terms, used principally in Article Six, are defined in that Article.

 

 

 

 

Act”, when used with respect to any Holder, has the meaning specified in Section 104.

 

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

 

Authenticating Agent” means any Person authorized by the Trustee to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities.

 

Authorized Newspaper” means a newspaper in an official language of the country of publication or in the English language, customarily published on each Business Day, whether or not published on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays, and of general circulation in the place in connection with which the term is used. Whenever successive publications are required to be made in Authorized Newspapers, the successive publications may be made in the same or in different newspapers in the same city meeting the foregoing requirements and in each case on any Business Day. If it shall be impossible or impractical to make any publication of any notice required by this Indenture in the manner herein provided, any publication or other notice in lieu thereof that is made or given by the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient publication of such notice.

 

Authorized Officer” means any person (whether designated by name or the persons for the time being holding a designated office) appointed by or pursuant to a Board Resolution for the purpose, or a particular purpose, of this Indenture, provided that written notice of such appointment shall have been given to the Trustee.

 

Board of Directors” means either the board of directors of the Company or any duly authorized committee of that board.

 

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

 

Business Day”, when used with respect to any Place of Payment or any other particular location specified in the Securities or this Indenture, means each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday that is not a day on which banking institutions in that Place of Payment, such other location or the city in which the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee is located, are authorized or obligated by law to close, except as may be otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301(b).

 

Commission” means the Securities and Exchange Commission, as from time to time constituted, created under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or, if at any time after the execution of this indenture such Commission is not existing and performing the duties now assigned to it under the Trust Indenture Act, then the body performing such duties at such time.

 

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Company” means the Person named as the “Company” in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Person has become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Company” shall mean such successor Person.

 

Company Request” or “Company Order” means a written request or order signed in the name of the Company by an Authorized Officer and delivered to the Trustee.

 

Corporate Trust Office” means the office of the Trustee at which at any particular time its corporate trust business shall be principally administered and which at the date hereof is located at U.S. Bank National Association, 190 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60603 Attn: Linda Garcia; Facsimile: (312) 332-8008.

 

corporation” means a corporation, association, joint stock company, limited liability company or business trust.

 

Defaulted Interest” has the meaning specified in Section 307.

 

Depositary” means, with respect to the Securities of any series issuable or issued in the form of a Global Security, the Person designated as Depositary by the Company in Section 301(b) until a successor Depositary shall have become such pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Depositary” shall mean or include each Person who is then a Depositary hereunder, and if at any time there is more than one such Person, “Depositary” as used with respect to the Securities of any such series shall mean the Depositary with respect to the Securities of that series.

 

Dollar” or “$” means a dollar or other equivalent unit in such coin or currency of the United States of America that is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts at the time of payment.

 

“Eligible Obligations” means:

 

(a)       with respect to Securities denominated in Dollars, U.S. Government Obligations; or

 

(b)       with respect to Securities denominated in a currency other than Dollars or in a composite currency, such other obligations or instruments as shall be specified with respect to such Securities, as contemplated by Section 301(b).

 

Event of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 501.

 

Global Security” means a Security, if any, issued to evidence all or a part of a series of Securities in accordance with Section 301.

 

Hedging Obligations” means, with respect to any Person, the obligations of such Person under (i) interest rate swap agreements, interest rate cap agreements and interest rate collar agreements and (ii) other agreements or arrangements designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in interest rates.

 

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Holder” means, with respect to a Registered Security, a Person in whose name such Registered Security is registered in the Security Register and, with respect to an Unregistered Security or coupon appertaining thereto, the bearer thereof.

 

Indenture” means this instrument as originally executed and as it may from time to time be supplemented or amended by one or more indentures supplemental hereto entered into pursuant to the applicable provisions hereof and shall include the form and terms of particular series of Securities established as contemplated by Section 301.

 

Indexed Security” means a Security the terms of which provide that the principal amount thereof payable at Stated Maturity may be more or less than the principal face amount thereof at original issuance.

 

interest”, when used with respect to an Original Issue Discount Security that by its terms bears interest only after Maturity, means interest payable after Maturity.

 

Interest Payment Date”, when used with respect to any Security, means the Stated Maturity of an installment of interest on such Security.

 

Maturity”, when used with respect to any Security, means the date on which the principal of such Security or an installment of principal becomes due and payable as therein or herein provided, whether at the Stated Maturity or by declaration of acceleration, upon call for redemption, exercise of repayment option or otherwise.

 

Officer’s Certificate” means a certificate signed by an Authorized Officer and delivered to the Trustee.

 

Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion of counsel, who may be an employee of, or counsel for, the Company or an Affiliate of the Company, and who shall be reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

 

Original Issue Discount Security” means any Security that provides for an amount less than the principal amount thereof to be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502.

 

Outstanding”, when used with respect to Securities of any series, means, as of the date of determination, all Securities theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:

 

(a)       Securities theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;

 

(b)       Securities or portions thereof for whose payment or redemption money or Eligible Obligations (or any combination of money and Eligible Obligations) in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent (other than the Company or any other obligor on such Security) in trust or set aside and segregated in trust by the Company or any other obligor on such Security (if the Company or any other obligor on such Security acts as its own Paying Agent) for the Holders of such Securities; provided, however, that if such Securities, or portions thereof, are to be redeemed prior to the Stated Maturity thereof, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor satisfactory to the Trustee has been made;

 

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(c)       Securities as to which the Company has effected defeasance as provided in Section 402;

 

(d)       Securities that have been paid pursuant to Section 306 or in exchange for or in lieu of which other Securities have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture, other than any such Securities in respect of which there have been presented to the Trustee proof satisfactory to it and the Company that such Securities are held by a bona fide purchaser in whose hands such Securities are valid obligations of the Company; provided, however, that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of the Outstanding Securities have given, made or taken any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action hereunder,

 

(i)       Securities owned by the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor (unless the Company, such Affiliate or such obligor owns (x) all Securities Outstanding under this Indenture or (y) except for the purposes of actions to be taken by Holders of more than one series or Tranche voting as a class, all Outstanding Securities of each such series and each such Tranche, as the case may be, determined without regard to this clause) shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, in determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying upon any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Securities that the Trustee knows to be so owned shall be so disregarded. Securities so owned that have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right so to act with respect to such Securities and that the pledgee is not the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or any Affiliate of the Company or of such other obligor;

 

(ii)       in determining whether the Holders of the requisite principal amount of Securities of any series or Tranche have concurred in any direction, waiver or consent, the principal amount of Original Issue Discount Securities that shall be deemed to be outstanding shall be the amount of the principal thereof that would be due and payable as of the date of such determination upon acceleration of the maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502;

 

(iii)       in the case of any Security the principal of that is payable from time to time without presentment or surrender, the principal amount of such Security that shall be deemed to be Outstanding at any time for all purposes of this Indenture shall be the original principal amount thereof less the aggregate amount of principal thereof theretofore paid; and

 

(iv)       in the case of Securities having been denominated in a currency other than Dollars and remaining outstanding contemporaneously with Securities denominated in Dollars, the principal amount of any Security that is denominated in a currency other than Dollars or in a composite currency that shall be deemed to be Outstanding for such purposes shall be determined as contemplated by Section 301(b).

 

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Paying Agent” means any Person, including the Company, authorized by the Company to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any Securities on behalf of the Company.

 

Periodic Offering” means an offering of Securities of a series from time to time any or all of the specific terms of which Securities, including without limitation the rate or rates of interest, if any, thereon, the Stated Maturity or Maturities thereof and the redemption provisions, if any, with respect thereto, are to be determined by the Company or its agents from time to time subsequent to the initial request for the authentication and delivery of such Securities by the Trustee, all as contemplated in Sections 301 and 303.

 

Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

Place of Payment”, when used with respect to the Securities of any series, or any Tranche thereof, means the place or places where the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on the Securities of that series or Tranche are payable as specified as contemplated by Section 301(b).

 

Predecessor Security” of any particular Security means every previous Security evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Security, and, for the purposes of this definition, any Security authenticated and delivered under Section 306 in exchange for or in lieu of a mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security.

 

Redemption Date”, when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the date fixed for such redemption by or pursuant to this Indenture.

 

Redemption Price”, when used with respect to any Security to be redeemed, means the price at which it is to be redeemed pursuant to this Indenture, exclusive of accrued and unpaid interest, if any.

 

Registered Security” means any Security issued hereunder and registered by the Security Registrar or any recorded interest in a Global Security issued hereunder.

 

Regular Record Date” for the interest payable on any Interest Payment Date on the Securities of any series means the date specified for that purpose as contemplated by Section 301(b).

 

Repayment Date”, when used with respect to any Security of any series to be repaid or repurchased, means the date, if any, fixed for such repayment or for such repurchase (whether at the option of the Holders or otherwise) pursuant to this Indenture.

 

Repayment Price”, when used with respect to any Security of any series to be repaid, means the price, if any, at which it is to be repaid pursuant to Section 301(b).

 

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

 

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Security” or “Securities” has the meaning stated in the first recital of this Indenture and, more particularly, means any Security or Securities authenticated and delivered under this Indenture.

 

Security Register” and “Security Registrar” have the respective meanings specified in Section 305.

 

series” or “series of Securities” means a series of Securities issued under this Indenture as determined by Board Resolution or as otherwise determined under this Indenture.

 

Special Record Date” for the payment of any Defaulted Interest means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 307.

 

Stated Maturity”, when used with respect to any Security or any installment of principal thereof or interest thereon, means the date specified in such Security as the fixed date on which the principal of such Security or such installment of principal or interest is due and payable.

 

Subsidiary” of any Person means (a) any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the outstanding total voting power ordinarily entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers, trustees or other voting members of the governing body thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Company or by one or more other Subsidiaries, or by the Company and one or more other Subsidiaries or (b) any partnership the sole general partner or the managing general partner of which is the Company or a Subsidiary of the Company or the only general partners of which are the Company or of one or more Subsidiaries of the Company (or any combination thereof).

 

Tranche” means a group of Securities which (a) are of the same series and (b) have identical terms to other Tranches of such series except as to principal amount, date of issuance or first interest payment date, each of which may vary among Tranches of any one series.

 

Trustee” means the Person named as the “Trustee” in the first paragraph of this instrument until a successor Trustee shall have been appointed with respect to one or more series of Securities pursuant to the applicable provisions of this Indenture, and thereafter “Trustee” shall mean or include each Person who is then a Trustee hereunder, and if at any time there is more than one such Person, “Trustee” as used with respect to the Securities of any series shall mean the Trustee with respect to Securities of that series.

 

Trust Indenture Act” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 as in force at the date as of which this instrument was executed, except as provided in Section 905.

 

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U.S. Government Obligations” means (x) any security that is (i) a direct obligation of the United States of America for the payment of which the full faith and credit of the United States of America are pledged or (ii) an obligation of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America, and (y) any depositary receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933) as custodian with respect to any U.S. Government Obligation that is specified in clause (x) above and held by such bank for the account of the holder of such depositary receipt, or with respect to any specific payment of principal of or interest on any U.S. Government Obligation which is so specified and held, provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depositary receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment of principal of or interest on the U.S. Government Obligation evidenced by such depositary receipt.

 

Vice President”, when used with respect to the Company or the Trustee, means any vice president, whether or not designated by a number or a word or words added before or after the title “vice president”.

 

Section 102.          Compliance Certificates and Opinions. (a) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Indenture, upon any application or request by the Company to the Trustee to take any action under any provision of this Indenture, the Company shall, if requested by the Trustee, furnish to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with and an Opinion of Counsel stating that in the opinion of such counsel all such conditions precedent, if any, have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or request as to which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Indenture relating to such particular application or request, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.

 

(b)               Every certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a condition or covenant provided for in this Indenture (except for certificates provided for in Section 1004) shall include:

 

(1)               a statement that each individual signing such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition and the definitions herein relating thereto;

 

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

 

(3)               a statement that, in the opinion of each such individual, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and

 

(4)               a statement as to whether, in the opinion of each such individual, such condition or covenant has been complied with.

 

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Section 103.          Form of Documents Delivered to Trustee. (a) In any case where several matters are required to be certified by, or covered by an opinion of, any specified Person, it is not necessary that all such matters be certified by, or covered by the opinion of, only one such Person, or that they be so certified or covered by only one document, but one such Person may certify or give an opinion with respect to some matters and one or more other such Persons as to other matters, and any such Person may certify or give an opinion as to such matters in one or several documents.

 

(b)               Any certificate, statement or opinion of an officer of the Company may be based, insofar as it relates to legal matters, upon a certificate or an Opinion of Counsel, or representations by counsel. Any such certificate, statement or Opinion of Counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to factual matters, upon a certificate, statement or opinion of, or representations by, an officer or officers of the Company stating that the information with respect to such factual matters is in the possession of the Company. Any certificate, statement or opinion of an officer of the Company or of counsel may be based, insofar as it relates to accounting matters, upon a certificate, statement or opinion of, or representations by, an accountant or firm of accountants in the employ of the Company. Any certificate, statement or opinion of, or representations by, any independent firm of public accountants filed with the Trustee shall contain a statement that such firm is independent.

 

(c)               Where any Person is required to make, give or execute two or more applications, requests, consents, certificates, statements, opinions or other instruments under this Indenture, they may, but need not, be consolidated and form one instrument.

 

Section 104.          Acts of Holders. (a) Any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made, given or taken by Holders may be embodied in and evidenced by one or more instruments of substantially similar tenor signed by such Holders in person or by an agent duly appointed in writing; and, except as herein otherwise expressly provided, such action shall become effective when such instrument or instruments are delivered to the Trustee and, where it is hereby expressly required, to the Company. Such instrument or instruments (and the action embodied therein and evidenced thereby) are herein sometimes referred to as the “Act” of the Holders signing such instrument or instruments. Proof of execution of any such instrument or of a writing appointing any such agent shall be sufficient for any purpose of this Indenture and (subject to Section 601) conclusive in favor of the Trustee and the Company, if made in the manner provided in this Section.

 

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

 

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(c)               The principal amount (except as otherwise contemplated in clause (ii) of the proviso to the definition of “Outstanding”) and serial numbers of Securities held by any Person, and the date of holding the same, shall be proved by the Security Register.

 

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

 

(e)               The Company may set a record date for purposes of determining the identity of Holders of any Outstanding Securities of any series entitled to vote or consent to any action by vote or consent authorized or permitted by Section 512 or 513. Such record date shall be not less than 10 nor more than 60 days prior to the first solicitation of such consent or the date of the most recent list of Holders of such Securities furnished to the Trustee pursuant to Section 701 prior to such solicitation.

 

(f)                If the Company solicits from Holders any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, election, waiver or other Act, the Company may, at its option, fix in advance a record date for the determination of Holders entitled to give such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, election, waiver or other Act, but the Company shall have no obligation to do so. If such a record date is fixed, such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, election, waiver or other Act may be given before or after such record date, but only the Holders of record at the close of business on the record date shall be deemed to be Holders for the purposes of determining whether Holders of the requisite proportion of the Outstanding Securities have authorized or agreed or consented to such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, election, waiver or other Act, and for that purpose the Outstanding Securities shall be computed as of the record date.

 

Section 105.          Notices, Etc. to Trustee and Company. Except as otherwise provided herein, any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, election, waiver or Act of Holders or other document provided or permitted by this Indenture to be made upon, given or furnished to, or filed with,

 

(a)               the Trustee by any Holder or by the Company shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder if made, given, furnished or filed in writing to or with the Trustee at its Corporate Trust Office c/o U.S. Bank National Association, 190 S. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60603 Attn: Linda Garcia; Facsimile: (312) 332-8008, or

 

(b)               the Company by the Trustee or by any Holder shall be sufficient for every purpose hereunder (unless otherwise herein expressly provided) if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to the Company addressed to it at the address of its principal office specified in the first paragraph of this instrument or at any other address furnished in writing to the Trustee by the Company prior to such mailing.

 

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(c)               All notices, approvals, consents, requests and any communications hereunder must be in writing (provided that any communications sent to the Trustee hereunder must be in the form of a document that is signed manually or by way of a digital signature provided by DocuSign (or such other digital signature provider as specified in writing to the Trustee by the authorized representative), in English. The Trustee shall have the right to accept and act upon instructions or directions pursuant to this Indenture sent in the form of a manually signed document or a document sent by way of a digital signature by unsecured e-mail, facsimile transmission or other similar unsecured electronic methods, provided, however, that the Company shall provide to the Trustee an incumbency certificate listing designated persons with the authority to provide such instructions and containing specimen signatures of such designated persons, which incumbency certificate shall be amended whenever a person is to be added or deleted from the listing. If the Company elects to give the Trustee e-mail or facsimile instructions (or instructions by a similar electronic method) and the Trustee in its discretion elects to act upon such instructions, the Trustee’s understanding of such instructions shall be deemed controlling. The Trustee shall not be liable for any losses, costs or expenses arising directly or indirectly from the Trustee’s reliance upon and compliance with such instructions notwithstanding that such instructions conflict or are inconsistent with a subsequent written instruction. Company agrees to assume all risks arising out of the use of using digital signatures and electronic methods to submit communications to the Trustee, including without limitation the risk of Trustee acting on unauthorized instructions, and the risk of interception and misuse by third parties.

 

Section 106.          Notice to Holders; Waiver. (a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, where this Indenture provides for notice of any event or reports to Holders, such notice or report shall be sufficiently given if in writing and mailed, first-class postage prepaid, or sent by other electronic means of transmission to each Holder of Registered Securities affected by such event, at the address of such Holder as it appears in the Security Register and to addresses filed with the Trustee or preserved on the Trustee’s list pursuant to Section 702(a) for other Holders (and to such other addressees as may be required in the case of such notice or report under Section 313(c) of the Trust Indenture Act), not later than the latest date, and not earlier than the earliest date, prescribed for the giving of such notice or report.

 

(b)               In any case where notice to Holders is given by mail, neither the failure to mail such notice, nor any defect in any notice so mailed, to any particular Holder shall affect the sufficiency of such notice with respect to other Holders.

 

(c)               Where this Indenture provides for notice in any manner, such notice may be waived in writing by the Person entitled to receive such notice, either before or after the event, and such waiver shall be the equivalent of such notice. Waivers of notice by Holders shall be filed with the Trustee, but such filing shall not be a condition precedent to the validity of any action taken in reliance upon such waiver.

 

(d)               In case by reason of the suspension of regular mail service or by reason of any other cause it is impracticable to give such notice by mail, then such notification as shall be made at the direction of the Company and with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient notification for every purpose hereunder.

 

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(e)               If it is impractical in the opinion of the Trustee or the Company to make any publication of any notice required hereby in an Authorized Newspaper, any publication or other notice in lieu thereof that is made or given with the approval of the Trustee shall constitute a sufficient publication of such notice.

 

Section 107.          Conflict With Trust Indenture Act. If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with a provision of the Trust Indenture Act that is required under the Trust Indenture Act to be a part of and govern this Indenture, the latter provision shall control. If any provision of this Indenture modifies or excludes any provision of the Trust Indenture Act that may be so modified or excluded, the latter provision shall be deemed to apply to this Indenture as so modified or to be excluded, as the case may be.

 

Section 108.          Effect of Headings and Table of Contents. The Article and Section headings herein and the Table of Contents are for convenience only and shall not affect the construction hereof.

 

Section 109.          Successors and Assigns. All covenants and agreements in this Indenture by the Company shall bind its successors and assigns, whether so expressed or not.

 

Section 110.          Separability Clause. In case any provision in this Indenture or in the Securities is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

 

Section 111.          Benefits of Indenture. Nothing in this Indenture or in the Securities, express or implied, shall give to any Person, other than the parties hereto (including any Paying Agent appointed pursuant to Section 1002 and Authenticating Agent appointed pursuant to Section 614 to the extent provided herein) and their successors hereunder and the Holders, any benefit or any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under this Indenture.

 

Section 112.          Governing Law. This Indenture and the Securities shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York in the United States, but without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof.

 

Section 113.          Legal Holidays. In any case where any Interest Payment Date, Redemption Date, Repayment Date or Stated Maturity of any Security is not a Business Day at any Place of Payment or the city in which the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee is located, then (notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or of the Securities, other than a provision in Securities of any series, or in the Board Resolution, Supplemental Indenture or Officer’s Certificate that establishes the terms of such Securities, that specifically states that such provision shall apply in lieu of this Section) payment of interest or principal (and premium, if any) need not be made at such Place of Payment on such date, but may be made on the next succeeding Business Day at such Place of Payment with the same force and effect as if made on the Interest Payment Date or Redemption Date, Repayment Date, or at the Stated Maturity, and such extension of time shall in such case be (1) excluded in the computation of interest, if any, accruing on such Security at a fixed rate and (2) included in the computation of interest, if any, accruing on such Security at a floating rate; provided, however, that if such extension would cause payment of interest at a floating rate to be made in the next following calendar month, such payment shall be made on the next preceding Business Day.

 

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Section 114.          Rules by Trustee and Agents. The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by or at a meeting of Holders of one or more series. The Paying Agent or Security Registrar may make reasonable rules and set reasonable requirements for its functions.

 

Section 115.          No Recourse Against Others. No past, present or future director, officer, stockholder or employee, as such, of the Company or any of its Affiliates or any successor corporation shall have any liability for any obligation, covenant or agreement of the Company under this Indenture or any indenture supplemental hereto, or in the Securities or any coupon appertaining thereto, or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligations, covenants or agreements or their creation. Each Holder by accepting a Security waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the execution and delivery of this Indenture and the issue of the Securities.

 

Section 116.          Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE COMPANY, THE HOLDERS AND THE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE SECURITIES OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY

 

Section 117.          Certain Anti-Money Laundering Matters. In order to comply with laws, rules, regulations and executive orders in effect from time to time applicable to banking institutions relating to the funding of terrorist activities and money laundering (“Applicable Law”), the Trustee may be required to obtain, verify, record and update certain information relating to individuals and entities which maintain a business relationship with the Trustee; accordingly, the Company agrees to provide to the Trustee upon the reasonable request of the Trustee from time to time such identifying information and documentation as may be available to the Company in order to enable the Trustee, as applicable, to comply with Applicable Law.

 

Section 118.          Force Majeure. In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services; and the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as possible.

 

Section 119.          Certain Tax Matters. In order to facilitate compliance with applicable tax laws (inclusive of rules, regulations and interpretations promulgated by competent authorities) related to this Indenture in effect from time to time, the Company agrees (i) to provide to the Trustee upon the reasonable request of the Trustee from time to time such information about the Company, the Holders or the transactions contemplated by this Indenture as may be available to the Company and (ii) the Company agrees that the Trustee shall be entitled to make any withholding or deduction from payments under this Agreement to the extent necessary to comply with applicable law for which the Trustee shall not have any liability.

 

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ARTICLE Two

SECURITY FORMS

 

Section 201.          Forms Generally. (a) The Securities of each series and related coupons, if any, shall be in substantially such form as shall be established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and set forth in an Officer’s Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in each case with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as are required or permitted by this Indenture and may have such letters, numbers or other marks of identification and such legends or endorsements placed thereon as may be required to comply with law or with any rules or regulations pursuant thereto, or with any rules of any securities exchange or to conform with general usage, all as may, consistently herewith, be determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of the Securities. When the form of Securities of any series is established by action taken pursuant to a Board Resolution, a copy of an appropriate record of such action shall be delivered to the Trustee at or prior to the delivery of the Company Order contemplated by Section 303 for the authentication and delivery of such Securities.

 

(b)               The definitive Securities shall be produced in such manner or combination of manners, all as determined by the officers executing such Securities, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities.

 

Section 202.          Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication. The Trustee’s certificate of authentication shall be in substantially the following form:

 

This is one of the Securities of the series designated herein, referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

  [            ]  
  as Trustee  
         
         
    By    
      Authorized Officer  

 

 

 

ARTICLE Three

THE SECURITIES

 

Section 301.          Amount Unlimited; Issuable in Series. (a) The aggregate principal amount of Securities that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture is unlimited.

 

(b)               The Securities may be issued in one or more series. There shall be established in or pursuant to a Board Resolution, and set forth in an Officer’s Certificate, or established in one or more indentures supplemental hereto, prior to the issuance of Securities of any series,

 

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(1)               the title of the Securities of the series (which shall distinguish the Securities of the series from all other Securities);

 

(2)               any limit upon the aggregate principal amount of the Securities of the series that may be authenticated and delivered under this Indenture (except for Securities authenticated and delivered upon registration of transfer of, or in exchange for, or in lieu of, other Securities of the series pursuant to Section 304, 305, 306, 906, 1107 or 1204 and except for any Securities that, pursuant to Section 303, are deemed never to have been authenticated and delivered hereunder);

 

(3)               the date or dates on which the principal and premium, if any, of the Securities of such series, or any Tranche thereof, is payable or any formula or other method or other means by which such date or dates shall be determined, by reference to an index or other fact or event ascertainable outside of this Indenture or otherwise (without regard to any provisions for redemption, prepayment, acceleration, purchase or extension);

 

(4)               the rate or rates at which the Securities of such series, or any Tranche thereof, shall bear interest, if any (including the rate or rates at which overdue principal shall bear interest, if different from the rate or rates at which such Securities shall bear interest prior to Maturity, and, if applicable, the rate or rates at which overdue premium or interest shall bear interest, if any), or any formula or other method or other means by which such rate or rates shall be determined, by reference to an index or other fact or event ascertainable outside of this Indenture or otherwise; the date or dates from which such interest shall accrue; the Interest Payment Dates on which such interest shall be payable and the Regular Record Date, if any, for the interest payable on such Securities on any Interest Payment Date; the right of the Company, if any, to extend the interest payment periods and the duration of any such extension as contemplated by Section 312; and the basis of computation of interest, if other than as provided in Section 310;

 

(5)               the place or places where the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on Securities of the series, or any Tranche thereof, shall be payable, any Registered Securities of the series, or any Tranche thereof, may be surrendered for registration of transfer, Securities of the series, or any Tranche thereof, may be surrendered for exchange, and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of the series, or any Tranche thereof, and this Indenture may be served and notices to Holders pursuant to Section 106 will be published; the Security Registrar and any Paying Agent or Agents for such series or Tranche; and if such is the case, that the principal of such Securities shall be payable without presentment or surrender thereof;

 

(6)               if applicable, the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series, or any Tranche thereof, may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company and, if other than by a Board Resolution, the manner in which any election by the Company to redeem the Securities shall be evidenced;

 

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(7)               the obligation, if any, of the Company to redeem or purchase Securities of the series, or any Tranche thereof, pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of the Holder thereof and the period or periods within which, the price or prices at which and the terms and conditions upon which Securities of the series, or any Tranche thereof, shall be redeemed or purchased, in whole or in part, pursuant to such obligation;

 

(8)               the terms, if any, on which the Securities of such series will be subordinate in right and priority of payment to other debt of the Company;

 

(9)               the denominations in which any Registered Securities of the series shall be issuable, if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof;

 

(10)           if other than the principal amount thereof, the portion of the principal amount of Securities of the series that shall be payable upon declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502;

 

(11)           whether Securities of the series are to be issuable in whole or in part as Registered Securities, whether any Securities of the series are to be issuable in whole or in part in the form of a Global Security or Securities and, such case, the Depositary for such Global Security or Securities;

 

(12)           if other than the currency of the United States of America, the currency or currencies, including composite currencies, in which the principal of or any premium or interest on the Securities of the series shall be payable and the manner of determining the equivalent of any such amount in Dollars is to be determined for any purpose, including for the purpose of determining the principal amount of such Securities deemed to be Outstanding at any time;

 

(13)           if the principal of or any premium or interest on the Securities of such series is to be payable, or is to be payable at the election of the Company or a Holder thereof, in securities or other property, the type and amount of such securities or other property, or the manner of determining such amount shall be determined, and the period or periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, any such election may be made;

 

(14)           the Person to whom any interest on any Registered Security of the series shall be payable, if other than the Person in whose name that Security is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, and the extent to which, or the manner in which, any interest payable on a temporary or permanent Global Security on an interest payment date will be paid;

 

(15)           any addition to or change in the Events of Default, with respect to the Securities of such series, and any addition to or change in the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of such series in addition to those set forth in Article Ten;

 

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(16)           the terms and conditions, if any, pursuant to which the Securities of such series may be converted into or exchanged for securities of the Company;

 

(17)           the terms and conditions, if any, pursuant to which the Company’s obligations under this Indenture may be terminated through the deposit of money or Eligible Instruments as provided in Article Four;

 

(18)           any exceptions to Section 113, or variation in the definition of Business Day, with respect to the Securities of such series;

 

(19)           any collateral security, assurance or guaranty for the Securities of such series;

 

(20)           the non-applicability of Section 608 to the Securities of such series or any exceptions or modifications of Section 608 with respect to the Securities of such series;

 

(21)           any rights or duties of another Person to assume the obligations of the Company with respect to the Securities of such series (whether as joint obligor, primary obligor, secondary obligor or substitute obligor) and any rights or duties to discharge and release any obligor with respect to the Securities of such series or this Indenture to the extent related to such series; and

 

(22)           any other terms, conditions and rights of the series (which terms, conditions and rights shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of this Indenture, except as permitted by Section 901(a)(5)).

 

(c)               All Securities of any one series (other than Securities offered in a Periodic Offering) shall be substantially identical except in the case of Registered Securities as to denomination and except as may otherwise be provided in or pursuant to such Board Resolution and set forth in such Officer’s Certificate or in any such indenture supplemental hereto and as reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. Securities of different series may differ in any respect.

 

(d)               If the terms and form or forms of any series of Securities are established by or pursuant to a Board Resolution, the Company shall deliver a copy of such Board Resolution to the Trustee at or prior to the issuance of such series with (1) the form or forms of Security that have been approved attached thereto, or (2) if such Board Resolution authorizes a specific officer or officers to approve the terms and form or forms of the Securities, a certificate of such officer or officers approving the terms and form or forms of Security with such form or forms of Securities attached thereto. Such Board Resolution or certificate may provide general terms or parameters for Securities of any series and may provide that the specific terms of particular Securities of a series may be determined in accordance with or pursuant to the Company Order referred to in Section 303.

 

(e)               With respect to Securities of a series subject to a Periodic Offering, the indenture supplemental hereto or the Board Resolution that establishes such series, or the Officer’s Certificate pursuant to such supplemental indenture or Board Resolution, as the case may be, may provide general terms or parameters for Securities of such series and provide either that the specific terms of Securities of such series shall be specified in a Company Order or that such terms shall be determined by the Company or its agents in accordance with procedures specified in a Company Order as contemplated by Section 303(c).

 

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(f)                Unless otherwise specified with respect to a series of Securities pursuant to paragraph (2) of Section 301(b), such series of Securities may be issued in one or more Tranches with various principal amounts without the consent of any Holders and additional Tranches of such series may be authenticated and delivered pursuant to Section 303.

 

Section 302.          Denominations. The Securities of each series shall be issuable in registered or unregistered form with or without coupons in such denominations as shall be specified as contemplated by Section 301(b). In the absence of any such provisions with respect to the Securities of any series, the Registered Securities of such series shall be issuable in denominations of $1,000.

 

Section 303.          Execution, Authentication, Delivery and Dating. (a) The Securities shall be signed on behalf of the Company by its chairman of its Board of Directors, its Chief Executive Officer, its President, any Vice President, its Treasurer, or any Assistant Treasurer, under its corporate seal and attested by its Secretary or any Assistant Secretary. The signature of any of these officers on the Securities may be manual or facsimile. The seal of the Company may be in the form of a facsimile thereof and may be impressed, affixed, imprinted or otherwise reproduced on the Securities. Typographical and other minor errors or defects in any such reproduction of the seal or any such signature shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any Security that has been duly authenticated and delivered by the Trustee.

 

(b)               Securities bearing the manual or facsimile signatures of individuals who were at any time the proper officers of the Company shall bind the Company notwithstanding that such individuals or any of them have ceased to hold such offices prior to the authentication and delivery of such Securities or did not hold such offices at the date of such Securities.

 

(c)               At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Company may deliver Securities of any series (or any Tranche thereof) executed by the Company to the Trustee for authentication, together with a Company Order for the authentication and delivery of such Securities (or such Tranche), and the Trustee in accordance with the Company Order shall authenticate and deliver such Securities (or such Tranche); provided, however, that with respect to Securities of a series subject to a Periodic Offering, (i) such Company Order may be delivered by the Company to the Trustee prior to the delivery to the Trustee of such Securities for authentication and delivery, (ii) the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver Securities of such series for original issue from time to time, in an aggregate principal amount not exceeding the aggregate principal amount established for such series, all pursuant to a Company Order or pursuant to such procedures acceptable to the Trustee as may be specified from time to time by a Company Order, (iii) the maturity date or dates, original issue date or dates, interest rate or rates and any other terms of Securities of such series shall be determined by Company Order or pursuant to such procedures and (iv) if provided for in such procedures, such Company Order may authorize authentication and delivery pursuant to oral or electronic instructions from the Company or its duly authorized agent or agents, which oral instructions shall be promptly confirmed in writing.

 

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(d)               In authenticating such Securities and accepting the additional responsibilities under this Indenture in relation to such Securities, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 601) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating:

 

(i)                 that such form of Securities has been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture;

 

(ii)              that the terms of such Securities have been established in conformity with the provisions of this Indenture; and

 

(iii)            that such Securities, when authenticated and delivered by the Trustee and issued by the Company in the manner and subject to any conditions specified in such Opinion of Counsel, will constitute valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, enforceable in accordance with their terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general principles of equity.

 

(e)               Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 301 and of the preceding paragraphs of Sections 303(c) and 303(d) in connection with a Periodic Offering, if all Securities of a series are not to be originally issued at one time, it shall not be necessary to deliver an Officer’s Certificate or execute a supplemental indenture otherwise required pursuant to Section 301(b) or the Company Order and Opinion of Counsel otherwise required pursuant to such preceding paragraphs at or prior to the time of authentication of each Security of such series if such documents are delivered at or prior to the authentication upon original issuance of the first Security of such series to be issued.

 

(f)                If such form or terms have been so established, the Trustee shall not be required to authenticate such Securities if the issuance of such Securities pursuant to this Indenture will affect the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under the Securities and this Indenture or otherwise in a manner that is not reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.

 

(g)               Each Registered Security shall be dated the date of its authentication.

 

(h)               No Security shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose unless there appears on such Security a certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein executed by the Trustee by manual, electronic or facsimile signature and no coupon shall be valid until the Security to which it appertains has been so authenticated, and such certificate upon any Security shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Security has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder and is entitled to the benefits of this Indenture.

 

Section 304.          Temporary Securities. (a) Until definitive Securities of any series (including Global Securities) are ready for delivery, the Company may execute, and upon Company Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver one or more temporary Securities that are produced in any authorized denomination, substantially of the tenor of the definitive Securities in lieu of which they are issued and with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and other variations as the officers executing such Securities may determine, as evidenced by their execution of such Securities. Every temporary Security shall be executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee (and Registered Securities shall be registered by the Security Registrar) upon the same conditions, and with like effect, as a definitive Security.

 

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(b)               If temporary Securities of any series are issued, the Company will cause definitive Securities of that series to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Securities of such series, the temporary Securities of such series shall be exchangeable for definitive Securities of such series upon surrender of the temporary Securities of such series at the office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that series, without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Securities of any series the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a like principal amount of definitive Securities of the same series of authorized denominations. Until so exchanged the temporary Securities of any series shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Securities of such series.

 

Section 305.          Registration, Registration of Transfer and Exchange. (a) The Company shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee a register (the register maintained in such office and in any other office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment being herein sometimes collectively referred to as the “Security Register”) in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Company shall provide for the registration of Securities and of transfers of Securities. The Trustee is hereby appointed “Security Registrar” for the purpose of registering Securities and transfers of Securities as herein provided.

 

(b)               Except in the case of Securities issued in the form of a Global Security, upon surrender for registration of transfer of any Registered Security of any series at the office or agency of the Company in a Place of Payment for that series, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Registered Securities of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount.

 

(c)               All Securities issued upon any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities shall be the valid obligations of the Company, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Securities surrendered upon such registration of transfer or exchange.

 

(d)               Every Security presented or surrendered for registration of transfer or for exchange shall (if so required by the Company or the Trustee) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Security Registrar duly executed by the Holder thereof or such Holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing.

 

(e)               Unless otherwise provided in a Board Resolution or an Officer’s Certificate pursuant to a Board Resolution, or in an indenture supplemental hereto, with respect to Securities of any series, no service charge shall be made to the Holder for any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection with any registration of transfer or exchange of Securities, other than exchanges pursuant to Section 304, 906, 1106 or 1204 not involving any transfer.

 

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(f)                The Company shall not be required (i) to issue, register the transfer of or exchange Securities of any series during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the day of the mailing of a notice of redemption of Securities of that series selected for redemption under Section 1103 and ending at the close of business on the day of such mailing, or (ii) to register the transfer of or exchange any Security so selected for redemption in whole or in part, except the unredeemed portion of any Security being redeemed in part.

 

Section 306.          Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Securities. (a) If any mutilated Security or a Security with a mutilated coupon or coupons appertaining to it is surrendered to the Trustee, the Company shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a replacement Registered Security.

 

(b)               If there has been delivered to the Company and the Trustee (i) evidence to their satisfaction of the destruction, loss or theft of any Security or any coupon or coupons appertaining thereto, and (ii) such bond, security or indemnity as may be required by them to save each of them and any agent of either of them harmless, then, in the absence of actual notice to the Company or the Trustee that such Security or any coupon or coupons appertaining thereto has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser, the Company shall execute and upon its request the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, a replacement Registered Security.

 

(c)               In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Security or any coupon or coupons appertaining thereto has become or is about to become due and payable, the Company in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Security, pay such Security or any coupon or coupons appertaining thereto.

 

(d)               Upon the issuance of any new Security under this Section or any coupon or coupons appertaining thereto, the Company may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.

 

(e)               Every new Security or any coupon or coupons appertaining thereto of any series issued pursuant to this Section in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Security or any coupon or coupons appertaining thereto shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Company, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Security or any coupon or coupons appertaining thereto is at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and proportionately with any and all other Securities or any coupon or coupons appertaining thereto of that series duly issued hereunder.

 

(f)                The provisions of this Section are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities or any coupon or coupons appertaining thereto.

 

Section 307.          Payment of Interest; Interest Rights Preserved. (a) Unless otherwise provided as contemplated by Section 301(b) with respect to the Securities of any series, interest on any Registered Security that is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name that Registered Security (or one or more Predecessor Securities) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest; provided, however, that interest payable at Maturity will be paid to the Person to whom principal is payable.

 

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(b)               Any interest on any Registered Security of any series that is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date (herein called “Defaulted Interest”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the Holder on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder, and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Company, at its election in each case, as provided in clause (i) or (ii) below:

 

(i)                 The Company may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Registered Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Company shall notify the Trustee in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Registered Security of such series and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Company shall deposit with the Trustee an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as in this clause provided. Thereupon the Company shall fix a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 days and not less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee of the notice of the proposed payment. The Company shall promptly notify the Trustee of such Special Record Date and, in the name and at the expense of the Company, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder of Registered Securities of such series at the address of such Holder as it appears in the Security Register, not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor having been so mailed, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Registered Securities of such series (or their respective Predecessor Securities) are registered at the close of business on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following clause (ii).

 

(ii)              The Company may make payment of any Defaulted Interest on the Registered Securities of any series in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which such Securities may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after notice given by the Company to the Trustee of the proposed payment pursuant to this clause (ii), such manner of payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.

 

(c)               Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section, each Registered Security delivered under this Indenture upon registration of transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Registered Security shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, which were carried by such other Registered Security.

 

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Section 308.          Persons Deemed Owners. Prior to due presentment of a Registered Security for registration of transfer, the Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name such Registered Security is registered as the owner of such Registered Security for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of (and any premium) and (subject to Section 301 and Section 307) any interest on such Registered Security and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Registered Security be overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

 

Ownership of Registered Securities of a series shall be proved by the computerized book-entry system of the Depositary in the case of Registered Securities issued in the form of a Global Security.

 

None of the Company, the Trustee, any Paying Agent or the Security Registrar shall have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests of a Global Security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

 

Section 309.          Cancellation. Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301(b) for Securities of any series, all Securities and coupons surrendered for payment, redemption, registration of transfer or exchange or for credit against any sinking fund payment shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee and, if not theretofore cancelled, shall be promptly cancelled by it. Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301(b) for Securities of any series, the Company may at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Securities or coupons previously authenticated and delivered hereunder that the Company may have acquired in any manner whatsoever or that the Company has not issued and sold, and all Securities or coupons so delivered shall be promptly cancelled by the Trustee. No Securities or coupons shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Securities or coupons cancelled as provided in this Section, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. All cancelled Securities or coupons held by the Trustee shall be destroyed and the Trustee shall furnish an affidavit to the Company (setting forth the serial numbers of such Securities) attesting to such destruction unless by a Company Order the Company shall direct that the cancelled Securities or coupons be returned to it.

 

Section 310.          Computation of Interest. Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301(b) for Securities of any series, interest on the Securities of each series shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

 

Section 311.          Global Securities; Exchanges; Registration and Registration of Transfer. If specified as contemplated by Section 301(b) for Securities of any series, the Securities of such series may be issued in the form of one or more Global Securities, which shall be deposited with the Depositary, and, unless otherwise specified in the form of Global Security adopted pursuant to Section 301, be registered in the name of the Depository’s nominee.

 

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Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301(b) for Securities of any series, any permanent Global Security shall be exchangeable only as provided in this paragraph. If the beneficial owners of interests in a permanent Global Security are entitled to exchange such interests for Securities of such series of like tenor and principal amount of another authorized form, as specified as contemplated by Section 301(b), then without unnecessary delay but in any event not later than the earliest date on which such interests may be so exchanged, the Company shall deliver to the Trustee definitive Securities of that series in aggregate principal amount equal to the principal amount of such permanent Global Security, executed by the Company. On or after the earliest date on which such interests may be so exchanged, such permanent Global Security shall be surrendered from time to time in accordance with instructions given to the Trustee and the Depositary (which instructions shall be in writing but need not comply with Section 102 or be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel) by the Depositary or such other depositary as shall be specified in the Company Order with respect thereto to the Trustee, as the Company’s agent for such purpose, to be exchanged, in whole or in part, for definitive Securities of the same series without charge and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in exchange for each portion of such permanent Global Security, a like aggregate principal amount of definitive Securities of the same series of authorized denominations and of like tenor as the portion of such permanent Global Security to be exchanged provided, however, that no such exchanges may occur during the periods specified by Section 305. Promptly following any such exchange in part, such permanent Global Security shall be returned by the Trustee, to the Depositary or such other depositary referred to above, in accordance with the instructions of the Company referred to above.

 

The Global Security may be transferred to another nominee of the Depositary, or to a successor Depositary selected by the Company, and upon surrender for registration of transfer of the Global Security to the Trustee, the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee, a new Global Security in the same aggregate principal amount. If at any time the Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary and a successor Depositary satisfactory to the Company is not appointed within 90 days after the Company receives such notice, the Company will execute, and the Trustee will authenticate and deliver, Securities in definitive form to the Depositary in exchange for the Global Security. In addition, if at any time the Company determines that it is not in the best interest of the Company or the beneficial owners of Securities to continue to have a Global Security representing all of the Securities held by a Depositary, the Company may, at its option, execute, and the Trustee will authenticate and deliver, Securities in definitive form to the Depositary in exchange for all or a portion of the Global Security. Promptly after any such exchange of Securities in definitive form for all or a portion of the Global Security pursuant to this paragraph, the Company shall promulgate regulations governing registration of transfers and exchanges of Securities in definitive form, which regulations shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee and shall thereafter bind every Holder of such Securities.

 

Section 312.          Extension of Interest Payment. The Company shall have the right at any time, so long as the Company is not in default in the payment of interest on the Securities of any series hereunder, to extend interest payment periods on all Securities of one or more series, if so specified as contemplated by Section 301(b) with respect to such Securities and upon such terms as may be specified as contemplated by Section 301(b) with respect to such Securities. If the Company ever so extends any such interest payment period, the Company shall promptly notify the Trustee.

 

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ARTICLE Four

SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE; DEFEASANCE

 

Section 401.          Termination of Company’s Obligations. (a) This Indenture shall upon Company Request cease to be of further effect with respect to the Securities of any series (except as to any surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Securities herein expressly provided for), and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall execute instruments in form and substance satisfactory to the Trustee and the Company acknowledging termination of the Company’s obligations under the Securities of such series and this Indenture, when

 

(1)               either

 

(A)             all Securities of such series previously authenticated and delivered (other than (i) Securities of such series that have been destroyed, lost or stolen and that have been replaced or paid as provided in Section 306 and (ii) Securities of such series that are deemed paid and discharged pursuant to Section 402) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation; or

 

(B)              all such Securities of such series not previously delivered to the Trustee for cancellation

 

(i)                 have become due and payable (whether at Stated Maturity, early redemption or otherwise), or

 

(ii)              will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year, or

 

(iii)            are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Company,

 

and the Company in the case of (i), (ii) or (iii) above has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee as funds in trust solely for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of such series an amount in cash in the currency or composite currency in which the Securities of such series are denominated, Eligible Obligations or any combination thereof, together (if necessary in the case of a series of Securities not bearing interest at a fixed rate) with any Hedging Obligation, so that such funds in each case are sufficient to pay principal of, and any premium and interest on, all Outstanding Securities of such series;

 

(2)               the Company has paid or caused to be paid all other sums payable hereunder by the Company; and

 

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(3)               the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with.

 

(b)               Notwithstanding the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture, the obligations of the Company to the Trustee under Section 607, the obligations of the Trustee to any Authenticating Agent under Section 614 and, if money has been deposited with the Trustee pursuant to subclause (B) of clause (1) of this Section, the obligations of the Trustee under Section 405 and Section 1003(e) shall survive.

 

(c)               Upon satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture as provided in this Section 401, the Trustee shall assign, transfer and turn over to the Company, subject to the claim provided by Section 607, any and all money, securities and other property then held by the Trustee for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities.

 

The Company may elect, at its option at any time, to have Section 402 or Section 403 applied to the Outstanding Securities of any series in accordance with any applicable requirements provided pursuant to Section 301 and upon compliance with the conditions set forth below in this Article. Any such election shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution or in another manner specified as contemplated by Section 301(b) for such Securities.

 

Section 402.          Defeasance and Discharge of Indenture. Upon the Company’s exercise of its option (if any) to have this Section applied to all the Outstanding Securities of any series or Tranche, or any portion of the principal amount thereof, and subject to the conditions set forth in Section 404 being satisfied, the Company shall be deemed to have paid and discharged the entire indebtedness on such Outstanding Securities of such series or Tranche on the 91st day after the date of the deposit referred to in subparagraph (i) of Section 404, and the provisions of this Indenture, as it relates to such Outstanding Securities of such series or Tranche, shall be satisfied and discharged and shall no longer be in effect (and the Trustee, at the expense of the Company, shall at Company Request execute proper instruments acknowledging the same), except as to:

 

(a)               the rights of Holders of Securities of such series to receive, solely from the trust funds described in Section 405, (x) payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and each installment of principal of (and premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the Outstanding Securities of such series, or portions thereof, on the Stated Maturity of such principal or installment of principal or interest to and including the Redemption Date designated by the Company pursuant to subparagraph (viii) of Section 404 and (y) the benefit of any mandatory sinking fund payments applicable to the Securities of such series or Tranche on the day on which such payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and the Securities of such series or Tranche;

 

(b)               the obligations of the Company and the Trustee with respect to such Securities of such series or Tranche under Sections 304, 305, 306, 614, 1002 and 1003 and, if the Company shall have designated a Redemption Date pursuant to subparagraph (x) of Section 404, Sections 1104 and 1106; and

 

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(c)               the Company’s obligations with respect to the Trustee under Section 607.

 

Section 403.          Defeasance of Certain Obligations. The Company may omit to comply with its obligations under the covenants contained in Sections 801, 1006 and 1007 with respect to any Security or Securities of any series (and in respect of any term, provision or condition set forth in the covenants or restrictions specified for such Securities pursuant to Section 301(b), in any supplemental indenture, Board Resolution or Officer’s Certificate establishing such Security), and the failure to comply with any such provisions shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default under Section 501(4), provided that the conditions set forth in Section 404 have been satisfied.

 

Section 404.          Conditions to Defeasance. The following conditions shall be the conditions to the application of Section 402 and Section 403:

 

(i)                 the Company has deposited or caused to be deposited irrevocably with the Trustee as trust funds in trust, specifically pledged as security for, and dedicated solely to, the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of such series, (x) cash in Dollars (or such other currency or composite currency in which such Securities are denominated) in an amount sufficient, or (y) Eligible Obligations which through the payment of interest and principal in respect thereof in accordance with their terms will provide on or before the due date of any payment referred to in clause (1) or (2) of this subparagraph (i) money in an amount sufficient or (z) a combination of such cash and Eligible Obligations, together (if necessary in the case of a series of Securities not bearing interest at a fixed rate) with any Hedging Obligation so that such funds are sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent certified public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, to pay and discharge (1) the principal of (and premium, if any) and each installment of principal (and premium, if any) and interest, if any, on such Securities on the Stated Maturity of such principal or installment of principal or interest or to and including the Redemption Date designated by the Company in accordance with Section 404(a)(1)(B)(iii) and (2) any mandatory sinking fund payments applicable to the Securities of such series on the day on which such payments are due and payable in accordance with the terms of this Indenture and of the Securities of such series;

 

(ii)              in the event of an election to have Section 402 apply, the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that (x) the Company has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling or (y) there has been a change in law or regulation occurring after the date hereof, to the effect that Holders of the Securities of such series will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit, defeasance and discharge and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times, as would have been the case if such deposit, defeasance and discharge had not occurred;

 

(iii)            in the event of an election to have Section 403 apply, the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that Holders of the Securities of such series will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times, as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred;

 

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(iv)             such deposit will not result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, this Indenture or any other agreement or instrument to which the Company is a party or by which it is bound;

 

(v)               such provision would not cause any Outstanding Securities of such series then listed on a securities exchange to be delisted as a result thereof;

 

(vi)             no Event of Default or event that with notice or lapse of time would become an Event of Default with respect to the Securities of such series has occurred and is continuing on the date of such deposit or during the period ending on the 91st day after such date;

 

(vii)          the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that the deposit was not made by the Company with the intent of preferring the holders of the Securities of such series over any other creditors of the Company or with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding any other creditors of the Company;

 

(viii)        such deposit shall not, as specified in an Opinion of Counsel, cause the Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series to have a conflicting interest as defined in Section 608 and for purposes of the Trust Indenture Act with respect to the Securities of such series;

 

(ix)             the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for relating to the defeasance contemplated by this Section have been complied with; and

 

(x)               if the Company has deposited or caused to be deposited money or Eligible Obligations to pay or discharge the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Outstanding Securities of a series to and including a Redemption Date pursuant to clause (i) of this Section 404, such Redemption Date shall be irrevocably designated by a Board Resolution delivered to the Trustee on or prior to the date of deposit of such money or Eligible Obligations, and such Board Resolution shall be accompanied by an irrevocable Company Request that the Trustee give notice of such redemption in the name and at the expense of the Company not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to such Redemption Date in accordance with Section 1104.

 

Section 405.          Application of Trust Money. (a) Neither the Eligible Obligations nor the funds deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Sections 401, 402 or 403, nor the principal or interest payments on any such Eligible Obligations, shall be withdrawn or used for any purpose other than, and shall be held in trust for, the payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on the Securities or portions of principal amount thereof in respect of which such deposit was made, all subject, however, to the provisions of Section 606; provided, however, that, so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, any cash received from such principal or interest payments on such Eligible Obligations deposited with the Trustee, if not then needed for such purpose, shall, to the extent practicable, be invested by the Trustee pursuant to the written directions of the Company in Eligible Obligations of the type described in Sections 401 and 402(d)(2)(A) maturing at such times and in such amounts as shall be sufficient to pay when due the principal of and any premium and interest due and to become due on such Securities or portions thereof on and prior to the Maturity thereof, and interest earned from such reinvestment shall be paid over to the Company as received by the Trustee, free and clear of any trust, lien or pledge under this Indenture except the claim provided by Section 607; and provided, further, that, so long as there shall not have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default, any moneys held by the Trustee in accordance with this Section on the Maturity of all such Securities in excess of the amount required to pay the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, then due on such Securities shall be paid over to the Company free and clear of any trust, lien or pledge under this Indenture except the claim provided by Section 607.

 

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(b)               The Company shall pay and shall indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against Eligible Obligations deposited pursuant to Section 401, 402 or 403 or the principal and any premium and interest received in respect of such obligations other than any payable by or on behalf of Holders.

 

(c)               The Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Company from time to time upon Company Request any Eligible Obligations or money held by it as provided in Section 401, 402 or 403 that, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent certified public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, are then in excess of the amount thereof that then would have been required to be deposited for the purpose for which such Eligible Obligations or money was deposited or received. This provision shall not authorize the sale by the Trustee of any Eligible Obligations held under this Indenture.

 

Section 406.          Reinstatement. If the Trustee or the Paying Agent is unable to apply any money in accordance with this Article with respect to any Securities by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, then the obligations under this Indenture and such Securities from which the Company has been discharged or released pursuant to Section 402 or Section 403 shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article with respect to such Securities, until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all money held in trust pursuant to Section 405 with respect to such Securities in accordance with this Article; provided, however, that if the Company makes any payment of principal of or any premium or interest on any such Security following such reinstatement of its obligations, the Company shall be subrogated to the rights (if any) of the Holders of such Securities to receive such payment from the money so held in trust.

 

ARTICLE Five

REMEDIES

 

Section 501.          Events of Default. “Event of Default”, wherever used herein with respect to Securities of any series, means any one of the following events, unless such event is either inapplicable to a particular series or its is specifically deleted or modified in the applicable Board Resolution or supplemental indenture under which such series of Securities is issued, as the case may be, as contemplated by Section 301:

 

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(1)               default in the payment of any interest upon any Security of that series when it becomes due and payable, and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; provided, however, that a valid extension of the interest payment period by the Company as contemplated in Section 312 shall not constitute a failure to pay interest for this purpose; or

 

(2)               default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any Security of that series at its Maturity; or

 

(3)               default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment, when and as due by the terms of a Security of that series and continuance of such default for a period of 30 days; or

 

(4)               default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or warranty of the Company in this Indenture (other than a covenant or warranty a default in whose performance or whose breach is elsewhere in this Section specifically dealt with or which has expressly been included in this Indenture solely for the benefit of one or more series of Securities other than that series), and continuance of such default or breach for a period of 60 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to the Company by the Trustee or to the Company and the Trustee by the Holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder; or

 

(5)               the entry by a court having jurisdiction in the premises of (A) a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or (B) a decree or order adjudging the Company a bankrupt or insolvent, or approving as properly filed a petition seeking reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of or in respect of the Company under any applicable federal or state law, or appointing a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or other similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or ordering the winding up or liquidation of its affairs, and the continuance of any such decree or order for relief or any such other decree or order unstayed and in effect for a period of 90 consecutive days; or

 

(6)               the commencement by the Company of a voluntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or of any other case or proceeding to be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent, or the consent by it to the entry of a decree or order for relief in respect of the Company in an involuntary case or proceeding under any applicable federal or state bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other similar law or to the commencement of any bankruptcy or insolvency case or proceeding against it, or the filing by it of a petition or answer or consent seeking reorganization or relief under any applicable federal or state law, or the consent by it to the filing of such petition or to the appointment of or taking possession by a custodian, receiver, liquidator, assignee, trustee, sequestrator or similar official of the Company or of any substantial part of its property, or the making by it of an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the admission by it in writing of its inability to pay its debts generally as they become due, or the taking of corporate action by the Company in furtherance of any such action; or

 

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(7)               any other Event of Default provided with respect to Securities of such series pursuant to Section 301(b).

 

Section 502.          Acceleration of Maturity; Rescission and Annulment. If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series at the time Outstanding occurs and is continuing, then in every such case the Trustee or the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series, by a notice in writing to the Company (and to the Trustee if given by such Holders), may declare the principal amount (or, if the Securities of such series are Original Issue Discount Securities or Indexed Securities, such portion of the principal amount of such Securities as may be specified in the terms thereof) to be due and payable immediately and upon any such declaration such principal amount (or specified amount) shall become immediately due and payable. If an Event of Default specified in Section 501(5) or (6) occurs, the principal of all the Securities then Outstanding (or if any such Securities are Original Issue Discount Securities or Indexed Securities, such portion of the principal amount of such Securities as may be specified in the terms thereof) shall automatically become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act or notice on the part of the Trustee or any Holders of the Securities.

 

At any time after such a declaration of acceleration with respect to Securities of one or more series has been made and before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the Trustee as hereinafter in this Article provided, the Event or Events of Default giving rise to such declaration of acceleration shall, without further act, be deemed to have been waived, and such declaration and its consequences shall, without further act, be deemed to have been rescinded and annulled, if

 

(1)               the Company has paid or deposited irrevocably with the Trustee a sum sufficient to pay

 

(A)             all overdue interest on all Securities of any such series,

 

(B)              the principal of (and premium, if any, on) any Securities of such series that have become due otherwise than by such declaration of acceleration and interest thereon at the rate or rates prescribed therefor in such Securities,

 

(C)              to the extent that payment of such interest is lawful, interest upon overdue interest at the rate or rates borne by such Securities, unless another rate is provided in such Securities, and

 

(D)             all amounts due to the Trustee under Section 607;

 

and

 

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(2)               all Events of Default with respect to Securities of that series, other than the non-payment of the principal of Securities of that series that have become due solely by such declaration of acceleration, have been cured or waived as provided in Section 513.

 

No such rescission shall affect any subsequent Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

Section 503.          Collection of Indebtedness and Suits for Enforcement by Trustee. If an Event of Default described in clause (1) or (2) of Section 501 has occurred and is continuing, the Company shall, upon demand of the Trustee, pay to the Trustee, for the benefit of the Holders of the Securities of the series with respect to which such Event of Default has occurred, the whole amount then due and payable on such Securities for principal and any premium or interest and, to the extent that payment of such interest shall be legally enforceable, interest on any overdue principal and premium and on any overdue interest, at the rate or rates borne by such Securities, unless another rate is provided in such Securities, and, in addition thereto, such further amount as shall be sufficient to cover any amounts due to the Trustee under Section 607.

 

If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may in its discretion proceed to protect and enforce its rights and the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series by such appropriate judicial proceedings as the Trustee deems most effectual to protect and enforce any such rights, whether for the specific enforcement of any covenant or agreement in this Indenture or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, or to enforce any other proper remedy.

 

Section 504.          Trustee May File Proofs of Claim. In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to the Company or any other obligor upon the Securities or the property of the Company or of such other obligor or their creditors, the Trustee (irrespective of whether the principal of the Securities shall then be due and payable as therein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Trustee shall have made any demand on the Company for the payment of overdue principal or interest) shall be entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise,

 

(i)                 to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of principal and premium or interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Securities and to file such other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for amounts due to the Trustee under Section 607) and of the Holders allowed in such judicial proceeding, and

 

(ii)              to collect and receive any moneys or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

 

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make such payments to the Trustee and, if the Trustee consents to the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it under Section 607.

 

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

 

Section 505.          Trustee May Enforce Claims Without Possession of Securities or Coupons. All rights of action and claims under this Indenture or the Securities or coupons may be prosecuted and enforced by the Trustee without the possession of any of the Securities or coupons or the production thereof in any proceeding relating thereto, and any such proceeding instituted by the Trustee shall be brought in its own name as trustee of an express trust, and any recovery of judgment shall, after provision for the payment of the amounts due to the Trustee under Section 607, be for the ratable benefit of the Holders of the Securities and coupons in respect of which such judgment has been recovered.

 

Section 506.          Application of Money Collected. Any money collected by the Trustee pursuant to this Article shall be applied in the following order, at the date or dates fixed by the Trustee, and, in case of the distribution of such money on account of principal and any premium and interest, upon presentation of the Securities in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money shall have been collected and the notation thereon of the payment if only partially paid and upon surrender thereof if fully paid:

 

FIRST: To the payment of all amounts due the Trustee under Section 607;

 

SECOND: To the payment of the amounts then due and unpaid for principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities in respect of which or for the benefit of which such money has been collected, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on such Securities for principal and any premium and interest, respectively; and

 

THIRD: The balance, if any, to the Company.

 

The Trustee may fix a record date (with respect to Registered Securities) and payment date for any such payment to Holders of Securities.

 

Section 507.          Limitation on Suits. No Holder of any Security of any series shall have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to this Indenture, or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any other remedy hereunder, unless

 

(1)               such Holder has previously given written notice to the Trustee of a continuing Event of Default with respect to the Securities of that series;

 

(2)               the Holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series shall have made written request to the Trustee to institute proceedings in respect of such Event of Default in its own name as Trustee hereunder;

 

(3)               such Holder or Holders have offered to the Trustee indemnity against the reasonable costs, expenses and liabilities to be incurred in compliance with such request;

 

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(4)               the Trustee for 60 days after its receipt of such notice, request and offer of indemnity has failed to institute any such proceeding; and

 

(5)               no direction inconsistent with such written request has been given to the Trustee during such 60-day period by the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series;

 

it being understood and intended that no one or more of such Holders shall have any right in any manner whatever by virtue of, or by availing of, any provision of this Indenture to affect, disturb or prejudice the rights of any other of such Holders, or to obtain or to seek to obtain priority or preference over any other of such Holders or to enforce any right under this Indenture, except in the manner herein provided and for the equal and ratable benefit of all of such Holders.

 

Section 508.          Unconditional Right of Holders to Receive Principal, Premium and Interest. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Indenture, the Holder of any Security shall have the right, which is absolute and unconditional, to receive payment of the principal of and premium and (subject to Section 307) interest on such Security on the Stated Maturity or Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on the Redemption Date, or, in the case of repayment at the option of the Holder, on the Repayment Date) and to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment, and such rights shall not be impaired without the consent of such Holder.

 

Section 509.          Restoration of Rights and Remedies. If the Trustee or any Holder has instituted any proceeding to enforce any right or remedy under this Indenture and such proceeding has been discontinued or abandoned for any reason, or has been determined adversely to the Trustee or to such Holder, then and in every such case, subject to any determination in such proceeding, the Company, the Trustee and such Holder shall be restored severally and respectively to their former positions hereunder and thereafter all rights and remedies of the Trustee and such Holder shall continue as though no such proceeding had been instituted.

 

Section 510.          Rights and Remedies Cumulative. Except as otherwise provided with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Securities in the last paragraph of Section 306, no right or remedy herein conferred upon or reserved to the Trustee or to the Holders is intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy, and every right and remedy shall, to the extent permitted by law, be cumulative and in addition to every other right and remedy given hereunder or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity or otherwise. The assertion or employment of any right or remedy hereunder, or otherwise, shall not prevent the concurrent assertion or employment of any other appropriate right or remedy.

 

Section 511.          Delay or Omission Not Waiver. No delay or omission of the Trustee or of any Holder of any Securities to exercise any right or remedy accruing upon any Event of Default shall impair any such right or remedy or constitute a waiver of any such Event of Default or an acquiescence therein. Every right and remedy given by this Article or by law to the Trustee or to the Holders may be exercised from time to time, and as often as may be deemed expedient, by the Trustee or by the Holders, as the case may be.

 

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Section 512.          Control by Holders. If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing in respect of a series of Securities, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of that series shall have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee, with respect to the Securities of such series or Tranche; provided, however, that if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing with respect to more than one series of Securities of equal ranking, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of all such series of equal ranking, considered as one class, shall have the right to make such direction, and not the Holders of the Securities of any one of such series of equal ranking; provided, further that

 

(1)               such direction shall not be in conflict with any rule of law or with this Indenture, and

 

(2)               the Trustee may take any other action deemed proper by the Trustee which is not inconsistent with such direction.

 

Section 513.          Waiver of Past Defaults. The Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series may on behalf of the Holders of all the Securities of such series waive any past default hereunder with respect to such series and its consequences; provided that if any such past default has occurred with respect to more than one series of Securities of equal ranking, the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of all such series of equal ranking, considered as one class, may make such waiver, and not the Holders of the Securities of any one of such series of equal ranking, in each case, except a default

 

(1)               in the payment of the principal of or premium or interest on any Security of such series, or

 

(2)               in respect of a covenant or provision hereof that under Section 902 cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security of such series affected.

 

Upon any such waiver, such default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured, for every purpose of this Indenture, but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other default or impair any right consequent thereon.

 

Section 514.          Undertaking for Costs. All parties to this Indenture agree, and each Holder of any Security by such Holder’s acceptance thereof shall be deemed to have agreed, that any court may in its discretion require, in any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture, or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it as Trustee, the filing by any party litigant in such suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of such suit, and that such court may in its discretion assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, against any party litigant in such suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by such party litigant; but the provisions of this Section shall not apply to any suit instituted by the Company, to any suit instituted by the Trustee, to any suit instituted by any Holder, or group of Holders, holding in the aggregate more than 10% in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of all series in respect of which such suit may be brought, considered as one class, or to any suit instituted by any Holder for the enforcement of the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Security on or after the Stated Maturity or Maturities expressed in such Security (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date, or, in the case of repayment at the option of the Holder, on or after the Repayment Date).

 

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Section 515.          Waiver of Stay or Extension Laws. The Company covenants (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) that it will not at any time insist upon, or plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or advantage of, any stay or extension law wherever enacted, now or at any time hereafter in force, which may affect the covenants or the performance of this Indenture; and the Company (to the extent that it may lawfully do so) hereby expressly waives all benefit or advantage of any such law and covenants that it will not hinder, delay or impede the execution of any power herein granted to the Trustee, but will suffer and permit the execution of every such power as though no such law had been enacted.

 

ARTICLE Six

THE TRUSTEE

 

Section 601.          Certain Duties and Responsibilities. (a) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series,

 

(1)               the Trustee undertakes to perform, with respect to Securities of such series, such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture, and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and

 

(2)               in the absence of bad faith on its part, the Trustee may, with respect to Securities of such series, conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee and conforming to the requirements of this Indenture; but in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provision hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall be under a duty to examine the same to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture.

 

(b)               If an Event of Default with respect to Securities of any series has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise, with respect to Securities of such series, such of the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture, and use the same degree of care and skill in their exercise, as a prudent man would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of his own affairs.

 

(c)               No provision of this Indenture shall be construed to relieve the Trustee from liability for its own negligent action, its own negligent failure to act, or its own willful misconduct, except that

 

(1)               this subsection shall not be construed to limit the effect of sub-section (a) of this Section;

 

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

 

(3)               the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action taken or omitted to be taken by it in good faith in accordance with the direction of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any one or more series, as provided herein, relating to the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon the Trustee, under this Indenture with respect to the Securities of such series; and

 

(4)               no provision of this Indenture shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder, or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it has reasonable grounds for believing that repayment of such funds or adequate indemnity against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

 

(d)               Whether or not therein expressly so provided, every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section.

 

Section 602.          Notice of Defaults. Within 90 days after a Responsible Officer of the Trustee’s receipt of written notice of the occurrence of any default hereunder with respect to the Securities of any series, the Trustee shall transmit by mail to all Holders of Securities of such series entitled to receive reports pursuant to Section 704(3) notice of such default hereunder known to the Trustee, unless such default shall have been cured or waived; provided, however, that, except in the case of a default in the payment of the principal of or any premium or interest on any Security of such series or in the payment of any sinking fund installment with respect to Securities of such series, the Trustee shall be protected in withholding such notice if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee or a trust committee of directors or Responsible Officers of the Trustee in good faith determine that the withholding of such notice is in the interest of the Holders of Securities of such series; and provided, further, that in the case of any default of the character specified in Section 501(4) with respect to Securities of such series, no such notice to Holders shall be given until at least 75 days after the occurrence thereof. For the purpose of this Section, the term “default” means any event that is, or after notice or lapse of time or both would become, an Event of Default with respect to Securities of such series.

 

Section 603.          Certain Rights of Trustee. Subject to the provisions of Section 601 and to the applicable provisions of the Trust Indenture Act:

 

(a)               the Trustee may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties;

 

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(b)               any request or direction of the Company mentioned herein shall be sufficiently evidenced by a Company Request or Company Order, or as otherwise expressly provided herein, and any resolution of the Board of Directors may be sufficiently evidenced by a Board Resolution;

 

(c)               whenever in the administration of this Indenture the Trustee shall deem it desirable that a matter be proved or established prior to taking, suffering or omitting any action hereunder, the Trustee (unless other evidence be herein specifically prescribed) may, in the absence of bad faith on its part, rely upon an Officer’s Certificate and such Officer’s Certificate, in the absence of negligence or bad faith on the part of the Trustee, shall be full warrant to the Trustee for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it under the provisions of this Indenture upon the faith thereof;

 

(d)               the Trustee may consult with counsel and the advice of such counsel or any Opinion of Counsel shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by it hereunder in good faith and in reliance thereon;

 

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

 

(f)                the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond, debenture, note, other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit;

 

(g)               the Trustee may execute any of the trusts or powers hereunder or perform any duties hereunder either directly or by or through agents or attorneys and the Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent or attorney appointed with due care by it hereunder;

 

(h)               the Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered or omitted to be taken by it in good faith and reasonably believed by it to be authorized or within the discretion or rights or powers conferred upon it by this Indenture;

 

(i)                 the Trustee shall not be deemed to have knowledge of any default or Event of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have (x) received written notice of such event, referencing the Securities and this Indenture, at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee or (y) obtained actual knowledge of such event;

 

(j)                 the rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including its rights to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder;

 

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(k)               the Trustee may, from time to time, request that the Company deliver a certificate (upon which the Trustee may conclusively rely) setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture together with a specimen signature of such authorized officers; provided, however, that from time to time, the Company may, by delivering to the Trustee a revised certificate, change the information previously provided by it pursuant to this Section 603(k), but the Trustee shall be entitled to conclusively rely on the then-current certificate until receipt of a superseding certificate;

 

(l)                 the right of the Trustee to perform any discretionary act enumerated in this Indenture shall not be construed as a duty; and

 

(m)             the Trustee shall not be responsible or liable for punitive, special, indirect, or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of actions.

 

Section 604.          Not Responsible for Recitals or Issuance of Securities. The recitals contained herein and in the Securities, except the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, shall be taken as the statements of the Company, and the Trustee or any Authenticating Agent assumes no responsibility for their correctness. The Trustee makes no representations as to the validity or sufficiency of this Indenture or of the Securities of any series or any coupons. The Trustee or any Authenticating Agent shall not be accountable for the use or application by the Company of Securities or the proceeds thereof.

 

Section 605.          May Hold Securities. The Trustee, any Authenticating Agent, any Paying Agent, any Security Registrar or any other agent of the Company or the Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Securities and, subject to Sections 608 and 613, may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee, Authenticating Agent, Paying Agent, Security Registrar or such other agent.

 

Section 606.          Money Held in Trust. Money held by the Trustee or by any Paying Agent (other than the Company if the Company shall act as Paying Agent) in trust hereunder need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law. Neither the Trustee nor any Paying Agent shall be liable for interest on any money received by it hereunder except as expressly provided herein or otherwise agreed with the Company.

 

Section 607.          Compensation and Reimbursement. The Company agrees

 

(1)               to pay to the Trustee from time to time reasonable compensation for all services rendered by it hereunder (which compensation shall not be limited by any provision of law in regard to the compensation of a trustee of an express trust);

 

(2)               except as otherwise expressly provided herein, to reimburse the Trustee upon its request for all reasonable expenses, disbursements and advances incurred or made by the Trustee in accordance with any provision of this Indenture (including the reasonable compensation and the expenses and disbursements of its agents and counsel), except any such expense, disbursement or advance as may be attributable to its negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith; and

 

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(3)               to indemnify the Trustee and its officers, directors, employees and agents for, and to hold it harmless against, any loss, liability or expense reasonably incurred without negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith on its part, arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of the trust or trusts hereunder or performance of its duties hereunder, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties hereunder.

 

As security for the performance of the obligations of the Company under this Section, the Trustee shall have a claim prior to the Securities and any coupons upon all property and funds held or collected by the Trustee as such, except property and funds held in trust for the payment of principal of and any premium and interest on particular Securities or any coupons. The provisions of this Section 607 shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of the Indenture and the earlier resignation or removal of the Trustee.

 

Section 608.          Disqualification; Conflicting Interests. If the Trustee has or acquires any conflicting interest within the meaning of the Trust Indenture Act with respect to the Securities of any series, it shall either eliminate such conflicting interest or resign to the extent, in the manner and with the effect, and subject to the conditions, provided in the Trust Indenture Act and this Indenture. For purposes of Section 310(b)(1) of the Trust Indenture Act and to the extent permitted thereby, the Trustee, in its capacity as trustee in respect of the equally ranked and unsecured Securities of any series, shall not be deemed to have a conflicting interest arising from its capacity as trustee in respect of the equally ranked and unsecured Securities of any other series under this Indenture.

 

Section 609.          Corporate Trustee Required; Eligibility. There shall at all times be a Trustee hereunder that shall be a Person that is eligible pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act to act as such, having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000, subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authority and qualified and eligible under this Article, provided that, neither the Company nor any Affiliate of the Company or any obligor on the Securities may serve as Trustee of any Securities. If such corporation publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such corporation shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time the Trustee ceases to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, it shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect hereinafter specified in this Article.

 

Section 610.          Resignation and Removal; Appointment of Successor. (a) No resignation or removal of the Trustee and no appointment of a successor Trustee pursuant to this Article shall become effective until the acceptance of appointment by the successor Trustee in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 611.

 

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(b)               The Trustee may resign at any time with respect to the Securities of one or more series by giving written notice thereof to the Company. If the instrument of acceptance by a successor Trustee required by Section 611 has not been delivered to the Trustee within 30 days after the giving of such notice of resignation, the resigning Trustee may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

 

(c)               The Company may at any time by a Board Resolution remove the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any or all series.

 

(d)               The Trustee may be removed at any time with respect to the Securities of any series by Act of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series, delivered to the Trustee and to the Company.

 

(e)               If at any time:

 

(1)               the Trustee fails to comply with Section 608 with respect to the Securities of any series, after written request therefor by the Company or by any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security of such series for at least six months, or

 

(2)               the Trustee ceases to be eligible under Section 609 and fails to resign after written request therefor by the Company or by any such Holder, or

 

(3)               the Trustee becomes incapable of acting or becomes adjudged a bankrupt or insolvent or a receiver of the Trustee or of its property is appointed or any public officer takes charge or control of the Trustee or of its property or affairs for the purpose of rehabilitation, conservation or liquidation,

 

then, in any such case, subject to Section 514, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security for at least six months may, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee with respect to all Securities and the appointment of a successor Trustee or Trustees.

 

(f)                If the Trustee resigns, is removed or becomes incapable of acting, or if a vacancy shall occur in the office of Trustee for any cause, with respect to the Securities of one or more series, the Company, by a Board Resolution, shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee or Trustees with respect to the Securities of that or those series (it being understood that any such successor Trustee may be appointed with respect to the Securities of one or more or all of such series and that at any time there shall be only one Trustee with respect to the Securities of any particular series) and shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 611. If, within one year after such resignation, removal or incapability, or the occurrence of such vacancy, a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series is appointed by Act of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of such series delivered to the Company and the retiring Trustee, the successor Trustee so appointed shall, forthwith upon its acceptance of such appointment in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 611, become the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and to that extent supersede the successor Trustee appointed by the Company. If no successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series has been so appointed by the Company or the Holders and accepted appointment in the manner required by Section 611, any Holder who has been a bona fide Holder of a Security of such series for at least six months may, subject to Section 514, on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated, petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series.

 

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(g)               The Company shall give notice of each resignation and each removal of the Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series and each appointment of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of any series by mailing written notice of such event by first-class mail, postage prepaid, to all Holders of Securities of such series entitled to receive reports pursuant to Section 704(3). Each notice shall include the name of the successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of such series and the address of its Corporate Trust Office.

 

(h)               All provisions of this Section except subparagraph (d) and Section 611(b) (except for the last clause, after omitting the words “after deducting all amounts owed to the retiring Trustee pursuant to Section 607,” which shall apply) shall apply also to any Paying Agent located outside the United States and its possessions.

 

Section 611.          Acceptance of Appointment by Successor. (a) In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of all series, every such successor Trustee so appointed shall execute, acknowledge and deliver to the Company and to the retiring Trustee an instrument accepting such appointment, and thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective and such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee; but, on the request of the Company or the successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall, upon payment of its charges, execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor Trustee all the rights, powers and trusts of the retiring Trustee and shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder.

 

(b)               In case of the appointment hereunder of a successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more (but not all) series, the Company, the retiring Trustee and each successor Trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series shall execute and deliver an indenture supplemental hereto wherein each successor Trustee shall accept such appointment and which (1) shall contain such provisions as shall be necessary or desirable to transfer and confirm to, and to vest in, each successor Trustee all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates, (2) if the retiring Trustee is not retiring with respect to all Securities, shall contain such provisions as shall be deemed necessary or desirable to confirm that all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series as to which the retiring Trustee is not retiring shall continue to be vested in the retiring Trustee, and (3) shall add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, it being understood that nothing herein or in such supplemental indenture shall constitute such Trustees co-trustees of the same trust and that each such Trustee shall be trustee of a trust or trusts hereunder separate and apart from any trust or trusts hereunder administered by any other such Trustee; and upon the execution and delivery of such supplemental indenture the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective to the extent provided therein and each such successor Trustee, without any further act, deed or conveyance, shall become vested with all the rights, powers, trusts and duties of the retiring Trustee with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates; but, on request of the Company or any successor Trustee, such retiring Trustee shall duly assign, transfer and deliver to such successor Trustee, all property and money held by such retiring Trustee hereunder with respect to the Securities of that or those series to which the appointment of such successor Trustee relates.

 

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(c)               Upon request of any such successor Trustee, the Company shall execute any and all instruments for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to such successor Trustee all such rights, powers and trusts referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section, as the case may be.

 

(d)               No successor Trustee shall accept its appointment unless at the time of such acceptance such successor Trustee shall be qualified and eligible under this Article.

 

Section 612.          Merger, Conversion, Consolidation or Succession to Business. Any corporation into which the Trustee may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Trustee shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to all or substantially all the corporate trust business of the Trustee, shall be the successor of the Trustee hereunder, provided such corporation shall be otherwise qualified and eligible under this Article, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of any of the parties hereto. In case any Securities shall have been authenticated, but not delivered, by the Trustee then in office, any successor by merger, conversion or consolidation to such authenticating Trustee may adopt such authentication and deliver the Securities so authenticated with the same effect as if such successor Trustee had itself authenticated such Securities. In case any Securities shall not have been authenticated by such predecessor Trustee, any such successor Trustee may authenticate and deliver such Securities, in either its own name or that of its predecessor Trustee, with the full force and effect which this Indenture provides for the certificate of authentication of the Trustee.

 

Section 613.          Preferential Collection of Claims Against Company. The Trustee shall comply with Trust Indenture Act § 311(a), excluding any creditor relationship listed in Trust Indenture Act § 311(b). A Trustee who has resigned or been removed shall be subject to Trust Indenture Act § 311(a) to the extent indicated therein.

 

Section 614.          Appointment of Authenticating Agent. (a) At any time when any of the Securities remain Outstanding the Trustee may appoint an Authenticating Agent or Agents (which may include any Person that owns, directly or indirectly, all of the capital stock of the Trustee or a corporation that is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Trustee or of such other Person) with respect to one or more series of Securities, or any Tranche thereof, that shall be authorized to act on behalf of the Trustee to authenticate Securities of such series or Tranche issued upon original issuance, exchange, registration of transfer or partial redemption thereof or pursuant to Section 306, and Securities so authenticated shall be entitled to the benefits of this Indenture and shall be valid and obligatory for all purposes as if authenticated by the Trustee hereunder. Wherever reference is made in this Indenture to the authentication and delivery of Securities by the Trustee or the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, such reference shall be deemed to include authentication and delivery on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent and a certificate of authentication executed on behalf of the Trustee by an Authenticating Agent. Each Authenticating Agent shall be acceptable to the Company and shall at all times be a corporation organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, authorized under such laws to act as Authenticating Agent, having a combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000 and subject to supervision or examination by federal or state authority in the United States. If such Authenticating Agent publishes reports of condition at least annually, pursuant to law or to the requirements of said supervising or examining authority, then for the purposes of this Section, the combined capital and surplus of such Authenticating Agent shall be deemed to be its combined capital and surplus as set forth in its most recent report of condition so published. If at any time an Authenticating Agent ceases to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, such Authenticating Agent shall resign immediately in the manner and with the effect specified in this Section.

 

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(b)               Any corporation into which an Authenticating Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any corporation resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which such Authenticating Agent shall be a party, or any corporation succeeding to the corporate agency or corporate trust business of an Authenticating Agent, shall continue to be an Authenticating Agent, provided such corporation shall be otherwise eligible under this Section, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the part of the Trustee or the Authenticating Agent.

 

(c)               An Authenticating Agent may resign with respect to one or more series of Securities at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Trustee and to the Company. The Trustee may at any time terminate the agency of an Authenticating Agent with respect to one or more series of Securities by giving written notice thereof to such Authenticating Agent and to the Company. Upon receiving such a notice of resignation or upon such a termination, or in case at any time such Authenticating Agent ceases to be eligible in accordance with the provisions of this Section, the Trustee may appoint a successor Authenticating Agent that is acceptable to the Company and shall provide notice of such appointment to all Holders of Securities of the series or Tranche with respect to which such Authenticating Agent will serve, as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section. Any successor Authenticating Agent upon acceptance of its appointment hereunder shall become vested with all the rights, powers and duties of its predecessor hereunder, with like effect as if originally named as an Authenticating Agent. No successor Authenticating Agent shall be appointed unless eligible under the provisions of this Section. An Authenticating Agent appointed pursuant to this Section shall be entitled to rely on Sections 111, 308, 604 and 605 hereunder.

 

(d)               The Trustee agrees to pay to each Authenticating Agent from time to time reasonable compensation for its services under this Section, and the Trustee shall be entitled to be reimbursed for such payments, subject to the provisions of Section 607.

 

(e)               If an appointment with respect to the Securities of one or more series, or any Tranche thereof, is made pursuant to this Section, the Securities of such series or Tranche may have endorsed thereon, in addition to the Trustee’s certificate of authentication, an alternate certificate of authentication in the following form:

 

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This is one of the Securities of the series designated pursuant to and issued under the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

 

  [            ]  
  as Trustee  
         
         
    By    
      As Authenticating Agent on behalf of the Trustee  
         
         
    By    
      Authorized Officer of Authenticating Agent  

 

 

Dated:                                           

 

(f)                If all of the Securities of a series may not be originally issued at one time, and if the Trustee does not have an office capable of authenticating Securities upon original issuance located in a Place of Payment where the Company wishes to have Securities of such series authenticated upon original issuance, the Trustee, if so requested by the Company in writing (which writing need not comply with Section 102 and need not be accompanied by an Opinion of Counsel), shall appoint, in accordance with this Section and in accordance with such procedures as shall be acceptable to the Trustee, an Authenticating Agent (which, if so requested by the Company, may be an Affiliate of the Company) having an office in a Place of Payment designated by the Company with respect to such series of Securities.

 

ARTICLE Seven

HOLDERS’ LISTS AND REPORTS BY TRUSTEE AND COMPANY

 

Section 701.          Company to Furnish Trustee Names and Addresses of Holders. The Company will furnish or cause to be furnished to the Trustee

 

(a)               semi-annually, not later than the 15th day after each Regular Record Date for each series of Registered Securities at the time Outstanding or on June 30 and December 31 of each year with respect to each series of Securities for which there are no Regular Record Dates, a list, in such form as the Trustee may reasonably require, containing all the information in the possession or control of the Company, or any of its Paying Agents other than the Trustee, of the names and addresses of the Holders of Registered Securities of such series, including Holders of interests in Global Securities, as of such preceding Regular Record Date or on June 15 or December 15, as the case may be, or, in the case of a series of non-interest bearing Securities, on a date to be determined as contemplated pursuant to Section 301(b), and

 

(b)               at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing, within 30 days after the receipt by the Company of any such request, a list of similar form and content as of a date not more than 15 days prior to the time such list is furnished; excluding from any such list names and addresses received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar for Registered Securities other than Global Securities.

 

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Section 702.          Preservation of Information; Communications to Holders. (a)  The Trustee shall preserve, in as current a form as is reasonably practicable, the names and addresses of Holders of Registered Securities contained in the most recent list furnished to the Trustee as provided in Section 701 and the names and addresses of Holders of Registered Securities received by the Trustee in its capacity as Security Registrar or Paying Agent. The Trustee may destroy any list furnished to it as provided in Section 701 upon receipt of a new list so furnished.

 

(b)               If three or more Holders (herein referred to as “applicants”) apply in writing to the Trustee, and furnish to the Trustee reasonable proof that each such applicant has owned a Security for a period of at least six months preceding the date of such application, and such application states that the applicants desire to communicate with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Securities and is accompanied by a copy of the form of proxy or other communication that such applicants propose to transmit, then the Trustee shall, within five business days after the receipt of such application, at its election, either

 

(i)                 afford such applicants access to the information preserved at the time by the Trustee in accordance with Section 702(a), or

 

(ii)              inform such applicants as to the approximate number of Holders whose names and addresses appear in the information preserved at the time by the Trustee in accordance with Section 702(a), and as to the approximate cost of mailing to such Holders the form of proxy or other communication, if any, specified in such application.

 

If the Trustee elects not to afford such applicants access to such information, the Trustee shall, upon the written request of such applicants, mail to each Holder whose name and address appear in the information preserved at the time by the Trustee in accordance with Section 702(a) a copy of the form of proxy or other communication that is specified in such request, with reasonable promptness after a tender to the Trustee by the applicants of the material to be mailed and of payment, or provision for the payment, of the reasonable expenses of mailing, unless within five days after such tender the Trustee shall mail to such applicants and file with the Commission, together with a copy of the material to be mailed, a written statement to the effect that, in the opinion of the Trustee, such mailing would be contrary to the best interest of the Holders or would be in violation of applicable law. Such written statement shall specify the basis of such opinion. If the Commission, after opportunity for a hearing upon the objections specified in the written statement so filed, enters an order refusing to sustain any of such objections or if, after the entry of an order sustaining one or more of such objections, the Commission finds, after notice and opportunity for hearing, that all the objections so sustained have been met and enters an order so declaring, the Trustee shall mail copies of such material to all such Holders with reasonable promptness after the entry of such order and the renewal of such tender by such applicants; otherwise the Trustee shall be relieved of any obligation or duty to such applicants respecting their application.

 

(c)               Every Holder of Securities or coupons, by receiving and holding the same, agrees with the Company and the Trustee that neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any agent of either of them shall be held accountable by reason of the disclosure of any such information as to the names and addresses of the Holders in accordance with Section 702(b), regardless of the source from which such information was derived, and that the Trustee shall not be held accountable by reason of mailing any material pursuant to a request made under Section 702(b).

 

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Section 703.          Reports by Trustee. (a) The Trustee shall transmit to Holders such reports concerning the Trustee the Trustee and its actions under this Indenture as may be required pursuant to the Trust Indenture Act at the times and in the manner provided pursuant thereto.

 

(b)               Reports so required to be transmitted at stated intervals of not more than 12 months shall be transmitted no later than July 1 in each calendar year, commencing with the first July 1 after the first issuance of Securities pursuant to this Indenture.

 

(c)               A copy of each such report shall, at the time of such transmission to Holders, be filed by the Trustee with each securities exchange upon which any Securities are listed, with the Commission and with the Company. The Company will notify the Trustee in writing when any Securities are listed on any securities exchange.

 

Section 704.          Reports by Company. The Company shall:

 

(1)               file with the Trustee, within 15 days after the Company files the same with the Commission, copies of the annual reports and of the information, documents and other reports (or copies of such portions of any of the foregoing as the Commission may from time to time by rules and regulations prescribe) that the Company may be required to file with the Commission pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934; or, if the Company is not required to file information, documents or reports pursuant to either of said Sections, then it shall file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission, such of the supplementary and periodic information, documents and reports that may be required pursuant to Section 13 of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in respect of a security listed and registered on a national securities exchange as may be prescribed from time to time in such rules and regulations;

 

(2)               file with the Trustee and the Commission, in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission, such additional information, documents and reports with respect to compliance by the Company with the conditions and covenants of this Indenture as may be required from time to time by such rules and regulations; and

 

(3)               transmit by mail to all Holders of Registered Securities, as their names and addresses appear in the Security Register within 30 days after the filing thereof with the Trustee, such summaries of any information, documents and reports required to be filed by the Company pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) of this Section as may be required by rules and regulations prescribed from time to time by the Commission.

 

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

 

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ARTICLE Eight

CONSOLIDATION, MERGER, CONVEYANCE OR TRANSFER

 

Section 801.          Company May Consolidate, Etc. Only on Certain Terms. The Company shall not consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or lease all or substantially all of its properties and assets to any Person, unless:

 

(1)               either (x) the Company shall be the continuing corporation or the successor corporation or (y) the Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or the Person that acquires by conveyance, transfer or lease the properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety shall be a Person organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental hereto, executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, the due and punctual payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on all the Outstanding Securities and the performance of every covenant of this Indenture on the part of the Company to be performed or observed;

 

(2)               immediately after giving effect to such transaction, no Event of Default and no event that, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing; and

 

(3)               the Company has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, conveyance, transfer or lease and such supplemental indenture comply with this Article and that all conditions precedent herein provided for relating to such transaction have been met.

 

Section 802.          Successor Substituted for the Company. Upon any consolidation or merger or any conveyance, transfer or lease of all or substantially all the properties and assets of the Company in accordance with Section 801, the successor Person formed by such consolidation or into which the Company is merged or to which such conveyance, transfer or lease is made shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of, the Company under this Indenture with the same effect as if such successor Person had been named as the Company herein and thereafter, in the case of a conveyance, transfer or lease of properties and assets of the Company substantially as an entirety, such conveyance, transfer or lease shall have the effect of releasing the Person named as the “Company” in the first paragraph of this instrument or any successor Person that shall theretofore have become such in the manner prescribed in this Article from its liability as obligor and maker on any of the Securities.

 

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ARTICLE Nine

SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURES

 

Section 901.          Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders. Without the consent of any Holders, the Company and the Trustee, at any time and from time to time, may enter into one or more indentures supplemental hereto, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, for any of the following purposes:

 

(1)               to evidence the succession of another Person to the Company and the assumption by any such successor of the covenants of the Company herein and in the Securities; or

 

(2)               to add to the covenants of the Company for the benefit of the Holders of all or any series of Securities (and if such covenants are to be for the benefit of less than all series of Securities, stating that such covenants are expressly being included solely for the benefit of such series), or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Company; or

 

(3)               to add any additional Events of Default with respect to all or any series of Securities Outstanding hereunder; or

 

(4)               to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the issuance of Securities in bearer form, registrable or not registrable as to principal, and with or without interest coupons; or

 

(5)               to change or eliminate any of the provisions of this Indenture, or to add any new provision to this Indenture, in respect of one or more series of Securities; provided, however, that any such change, elimination or addition (A) shall neither (i) apply to any Security Outstanding on the date of such indenture supplemental hereto nor (ii) modify the rights of the Holder of any such Security Outstanding with respect to such provision in effect prior to the date of such indenture supplemental hereto or (B) shall become effective only when no Security of such series remains Outstanding; or

 

(6)               to add guarantees or collateral security with respect to the Securities of any series; or

 

(7)               to establish for the issuance of and establish the form or terms and conditions of Securities of any series or Tranche thereof as permitted by Section 301(b), and to establish the form of any certificates required to be furnished pursuant to the terms of this Indenture or any series of Securities; or

 

(8)               to provide for uncertificated Securities in addition to or in place of all, or any series or Tranche of, certificated Securities; or

 

(9)               to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment hereunder by a separate or successor Trustee or co-trustee with respect to the Securities of one or more series and to add to or change any of the provisions of this Indenture as shall be necessary to provide for or facilitate the administration of the trusts hereunder by more than one Trustee, pursuant to the requirements of Section 611(b); or

 

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(10)           to change any place or places where (a) the principal of or premium, if any, or interest, if any, on all or any series of Securities, or any Tranche thereof, shall be payable, (b) all or any series of Securities, or any Tranche thereof, may be surrendered for registration or transfer, (c) all or any series of Securities, or any Tranche thereof, may be surrendered for exchange and (d) notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of all or any series of Securities, or any Tranche thereof, and this Indenture may be served;

 

(11)           to supplement any of the provisions of this Indenture to such extent as shall be necessary to permit or facilitate the defeasance and discharge of any series of Securities, or any Tranche thereof, pursuant to Article Four, provided that any such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of Securities of such series or Tranche or any other series of Securities in any material respect;

 

(12)           (i) to cure any ambiguity or to correct or supplement any provision contained herein or in any supplemental indenture that may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision contained herein or in any supplemental indenture or (ii) to conform the terms of any series of Securities, or Tranche thereof, to the description thereof in the prospectus and prospectus supplement (or similar offering document) offering such series of Securities, or Tranche thereof; or

 

(13)           to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under this Indenture, provided such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of any Securities of any series or Tranche Outstanding on the date of such indenture supplemental hereto.

 

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if the Trust Indenture Act as in effect at the date of the execution and delivery of this Indenture or at any time thereafter becomes amended and (x) if any such amendment requires one or more changes to any provisions hereof or the inclusion herein of any additional provisions, or by operation of law is deemed to effect such changes or incorporate such provisions by reference or otherwise, this Indenture shall be deemed to have been amended so as to conform to such amendment to the Trust Indenture Act, and the Company and the Trustee may, without the consent of any Holders, enter into an indenture supplemental hereto to effect or evidence such changes or additional provisions; or (y) if any such amendment permits one or more changes to, or the elimination of, any provisions hereof that, at the date hereof or at any time thereafter, are required by the Trust Indenture Act to be contained herein (or if it is no longer required by the Trust Indenture Act for the Indenture to contain one or more provisions), this Indenture shall be deemed to have been amended to effect such changes or elimination, and the Company and the Trustee may, without the consent of any Holders, enter into an indenture supplemental hereto to evidence such amendment hereof; or (z) if, by reason of any such amendment, it shall be no longer necessary for this Indenture to contain one or more provisions that, at the date of the execution and delivery hereof, are required by the Trust Indenture Act to be contained herein, the Company and the Trustee may, without the consent of any Holders, enter into an indenture supplemental hereto to effect the elimination of such provisions.

 

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Section 902.          Supplemental Indentures With Consent of Holders. (a) Except as set forth in paragraph (b) below, with the consent of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of each series affected (voting as one class) by such supplemental indenture, by Act of said Holders delivered to the Company and the Trustee, the Company, when authorized by a resolution of its Board of Directors (which resolution may provide general terms or parameters for such action and may provide that the specific terms of such action may be determined in accordance with or pursuant to a Company Order), and the Trustee may, from time to time and at any time, enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of any supplemental indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of the Securities of each such series or of the Coupons appertaining to such Securities or of modifying in any manner the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series under this Indenture; provided, however, that if there are Securities of more than one series of equal ranking Outstanding hereunder and if a proposed supplemental indenture shall directly affect the rights of the Holders of Securities of one or more, but less than all, of such series, then the consent only of the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of all series so directly affected, considered as one class, shall be required.

 

(b)               No such supplemental indenture shall, without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby,

 

(1)               change the Stated Maturity of the principal of, or any installment of principal of or interest on, any Security, or reduce the principal amount or premium, if any, thereof or the rate of interest thereon (or the amount of any installment of interest thereon) or any premium payable upon the redemption thereof, or change the method of calculating the rate of interest thereon, or reduce the amount of the principal of an Original Issue Discount Security that would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the Maturity thereof pursuant to Section 502, or change the coin or currency (or other property) in which, any Security or any premium or the interest thereon is payable, or impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after the Stated Maturity thereof (or, in the case of redemption, on or after the Redemption Date, or, in the case of repayment at the option of the Holders, on or after the Repayment Date), or modify any provisions of this Indenture with respect to the conversion or exchange of the Securities into Securities of another series or into any other debt or equity securities in a manner adverse to the Holders, or

 

(2)               reduce the percentage in principal amount of the Outstanding Securities of any series, the consent of whose Holders is required for any such supplemental indenture, or the consent of whose Holders is required for any waiver of compliance with certain provisions of this Indenture or certain defaults hereunder and their consequences provided for in this Indenture, or

 

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(3)               modify any of the provisions of this Section, Section 508 or Section 513, except to increase any such percentage or to provide that certain other provisions of this Indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the Holder of each Outstanding Security affected thereby, provided, however, that this clause shall not be deemed to require the consent of any Holder with respect to changes in the references to “the Trustee” and concomitant changes in this Section and Section 508, or the deletion of this proviso, in accordance with the requirements of Sections 611(b) and 901(9).

 

A supplemental indenture that changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of this Indenture that has expressly been included solely for the benefit of one or more particular series of Securities, or that modifies the rights of the Holders of Securities of such series with respect to such covenant or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under this Indenture of the Holders of Securities of any other series.

 

It shall not be necessary for any Act of Holders under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such Act shall approve the substance thereof. A waiver by a Holder of such Holder’s rights to consent under this Section shall be deemed to be a consent of such Holder.

 

Section 903.          Execution of Supplemental Indentures. In executing, or accepting the additional trusts created by, any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article or the modifications thereby of the trusts created by this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Section 601) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Opinion of Counsel stating that the execution of such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by this Indenture. The Trustee may, but shall not be obligated to, enter into any such supplemental indenture that affects the Trustee’s own rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise.

 

Section 904.          Effect of Supplemental Indentures. Upon the execution of any supplemental indenture under this Article, this Indenture shall be modified in accordance therewith, and such supplemental indenture shall form a part of this Indenture for all purposes; and every Holder of Securities theretofore or thereafter authenticated and delivered hereunder shall be bound thereby. Any supplemental indenture permitted by this Article may restate this Indenture in its entirety, and, upon the execution and delivery thereof, any such restatement shall supersede this Indenture as theretofore in effect for all purposes.

 

Section 905.          Conformity With Trust Indenture Act. Every supplemental indenture executed pursuant to this Article shall conform to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act as then in effect.

 

Section 906.          Reference in Securities to Supplemental Indentures. Securities of any series, or any Tranche thereof, authenticated and delivered after the execution of any supplemental indenture pursuant to this Article may, and shall if required by the Trustee, bear a notation in form approved by the Trustee as to any matter provided for in such supplemental indenture. If the Company so determines, new Securities of any series, or any Tranche thereof, and any appertaining coupons so modified as to conform, in the opinion of the Trustee and the Company, to any such supplemental indenture may be prepared and executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in exchange for Outstanding Securities of such series or Tranche and any appertaining coupons.

 

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Section 907.          Revocation and Effect of Consents. Until an amendment or waiver becomes effective, a consent to it by a Holder of a Security is a continuing consent by the Holder and every subsequent Holder of a Security or portion of a Security that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Security, even if notation of the consent is not made on any Security. However, any such Holder or subsequent Holder may revoke the consent as to his Security or portion of a Security if the Trustee receives the notice of revocation before the date on which the Trustee receives an Officer’s Certificate certifying that the Holders of the requisite principal amount of Securities have consented to the amendment or waiver. After an amendment or waiver becomes effective, it shall bind every Holder of each series of Securities affected by such amendment or waiver.

 

The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders entitled to consent to any amendment or waiver. If a record date is fixed, then notwithstanding the provisions of the immediately preceding paragraph, those persons who were Holders at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only those persons, shall be entitled to consent to such amendment or waiver or to revoke any consent previously given, whether or not such persons continue to be Holders after such record date.

 

After an amendment or waiver becomes effective it shall bind every Holder, unless it is of the type described in any of clauses (1) through (3) of Section 902(c). In such case, the amendment or waiver shall bind each Holder of a Security who has consented to it and every subsequent Holder of a Security that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Security.

 

Section 908.          Modification Without Supplemental Indenture. If the terms of any particular series of Securities have been established in a Board Resolution or an Officer’s Certificate as contemplated by Section 301, and not in an indenture supplemental hereto, additions to, changes in or the elimination of any of such terms may be effected by means of a supplemental Board Resolution or Officer’s Certificate, as the case may be, delivered to, and accepted by, the Trustee; provided, however, that such supplemental Board Resolution or Officer’s Certificate shall not be accepted by the Trustee or otherwise be effective unless all conditions set forth in this Indenture that would be required to be satisfied if such additions, changes or elimination were contained in a supplemental indenture shall have been appropriately satisfied. Upon the acceptance thereof by the Trustee, any such supplemental Board Resolution or Officer’s Certificate shall be deemed to be a “supplemental indenture” for purposes of Sections 904 and 906.

 

ARTICLE Ten

COVENANTS

 

Section 1001.      Payment of Principal, Premium and Interest. (a) Subject to the following provisions, the Company will pay to the Trustee the amounts, in such coin or currency as is at the time legal tender for the payment of public or private debt, in the manner, at the times and for the purposes set forth herein and in the text of the Securities for each series, and the Company hereby authorizes and directs the Trustee from funds so paid to it to make or cause to be made payment of the principal of and any premium and interest on the Securities and coupons of each series as set forth herein and in the text of such Securities and coupons. Unless otherwise provided in the Securities of a series, the Trustee will arrange directly with any Paying Agents for the payment, or the Trustee will make payment, from funds furnished by the Company, of the principal of and any premium and interest, on the Securities and coupons of each series by check or draft.

 

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(b)               Unless otherwise provided in the Securities of a series, interest, if any, on Registered Securities of a series shall be paid by check or draft on each Interest Payment Date for such series to the Holder thereof at the close of business on the Regular Record Date specified in the Securities of such series; provided, however, that interest payable at Maturity will be paid to the Person to whom principal is payable. The Company may pay such interest by check or draft mailed to such Holder’s address as it appears on the register for Securities of such series. Unless otherwise provided in the Securities of a series, principal of Registered Securities shall be payable by check or draft and only against presentation and surrender of such Registered Securities at the office of the Paying Agent, unless the Company shall have otherwise instructed the Trustee in writing.

 

(c)               At the election of the Company, any payments by the Company provided for in this Indenture or in any of the Securities may be made by electronic funds transfer.

 

Section 1002.      Maintenance of Office or Agency. (a) The Company will maintain in each Place of Payment for any series of Securities, or any Tranche thereof, an office or agency where Registered Securities, or any Tranche thereof, of that series may be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange and a Place of Payment where (subject to Sections 305 and 307) Securities may be presented for payment or exchange and where notices and demands to or upon the Company in respect of the Securities of that series and this Indenture may be served. Unless otherwise specified pursuant to Section 301(b) with respect to any such series, the Company shall maintain such offices or agencies in connection with each series in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, State of New York. The Security Registrar shall keep a register with respect to each series of Securities issued in whole or in part as Registered Securities and to their transfer and exchange. The Company may appoint one or more co-Security Registrars acceptable to the Trustee and one or more additional Paying Agents for each series of Securities, and the Company may terminate the appointment of any co-Security Registrar or Paying Agent at any time upon written notice. The term “Security Registrar” includes any co-Security Registrar. The term “Paying Agent” includes any additional Paying Agent. The Company shall notify the Trustee of the name and address of any Agent not a party to this Indenture. Subject to Section 305, if the Company fails to maintain a Security Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such.

 

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

 

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

 

(c)               Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, any office or agency required by this Section may be maintained at any office of the Company in which event the Company shall perform all functions to be performed at such office or agency.

 

Section 1003.      Money for Securities Payments to Be Held in Trust. (a) If the Company at any time acts as its own Paying Agent with respect to any series of Securities, or any Tranche thereof, it will, on or before each due date of the principal of or any premium or interest on any of such Securities, segregate and hold in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled thereto a sum sufficient to pay the principal (and premium, if any) or interest so becoming due until such sums are paid to such Persons or otherwise disposed of as herein provided and will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.

 

(b)               Whenever the Company has one or more Paying Agents for any series of Securities, it will, on or prior to (and if on, then before 11:00 a.m. (New York City time)) each due date of the principal of and any premium or interest on such Securities, deposit with a Paying Agent a sum sufficient (in immediately available funds, if payment is made on the due date) to pay the principal and any premium and interest so becoming due, such sum to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such principal, premium or interest as provided in the Trust Indenture Act and (unless such Paying Agent is the Trustee) the Company will promptly notify the Trustee of its action or failure so to act.

 

(c)               The Company will cause each Paying Agent for any series of Securities, or any Tranche thereof, other than the Trustee, to execute and deliver to the Trustee an instrument in which such Paying Agent shall agree with the Trustee, subject to the provisions of this Section, that such Paying Agent will:

 

(i)                 comply with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act applicable to it as a Paying Agent and

 

(ii)              during the continuance of any default by the Company (or any other obligor upon the Securities of that series) in the making of any payment in respect of the Securities of that series, upon the written request of the Trustee, forthwith pay to the Trustee all sums held in trust by such Paying Agent for payment in respect of the Securities of that series

 

(d)               The Company may at any time, for the purpose of obtaining the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture or for any other purpose, pay, or by Company Order direct any Paying Agent to pay, to the Trustee all sums held in trust by the Company or such Paying Agent, such sums to be held by the Trustee upon the same trusts as those upon which such sums were held by the Company or such Paying Agent; and, upon such payment by any Paying Agent to the Trustee, such Paying Agent shall be released from all further liability with respect to such money.

 

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(e)               Any money deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent, or received by the Trustee in respect of Eligible Obligations deposited with the Trustee pursuant to Section 401 or 404, or then held by the Company, in trust for the payment of the principal of and any premium or interest on any Security of any series and remaining unclaimed for two years (or such shorter period for the return of such funds to the Company under applicable abandoned property laws) after such principal, premium or interest has become due and payable shall be paid to the Company on Company Request, or (if then held by the Company) shall be discharged from such trust; and the Holder of such Security shall thereafter, as an unsecured general creditor, look only to the Company for payment thereof, and all liability of the Trustee or such Paying Agent with respect to such trust money, and all liability of the Company as trustee thereof, shall thereupon cease.

 

Section 1004.      Statement as to Compliance. The Company will deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company ending after the date hereof, a written statement, which need not comply with Section 102, signed by the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer or the principal accounting officer of the Company stating, as to each signer thereof stating whether or not to the knowledge of the signers thereof it is in default in the performance and observance of any of the terms, provisions, and conditions of this Indenture (without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided hereunder) and, if it is in default, specifying all such defaults and the nature and status thereof of which they may have knowledge.

 

Section 1005.      Corporate Existence. Subject to Article Eight, the Company will do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect its corporate existence, rights (charter and statutory) and franchises; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to preserve any such right or franchise if, in the judgment of the Company, the preservation thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of the Company.

 

Section 1006.      Waiver of Certain Covenants. Except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of such series, the Company may, with respect to the Securities of any series, omit in any particular instance to comply with any term, provision or condition set forth in (i) any additional covenants or restrictions specified with respect to the Securities of any series as contemplated by Section 301 if before the time for such compliance the Holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount (or such larger proportion as may be required in respect of waiving a past default of any such additional covenant or restriction) of the Outstanding Securities of all series of equal ranking with respect to which such covenant or restriction was so specified, considered as one class, by Act of such Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such term, provision or condition and (ii) Sections 1002 and 1004 and Article Eight if before the time for such compliance the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of Securities of all series of equal ranking Outstanding under this Indenture by Act of such Holders, either waive such compliance in such instance or generally waive compliance with such term, provision or condition; but, in the case of clause (i) or (ii) of this Section, no such waiver shall extend to or affect such term, provision or condition except to the extent so expressly waived, and, until such waiver becomes effective, the obligations of the Company and the duties of the Trustee in respect of any such term, provision or condition shall remain in full force and effect.

 

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ARTICLE Eleven

REDEMPTION OF SECURITIES

 

Section 1101.      Applicability of Article. Securities of any series that are redeemable before their Stated Maturity (or, if the principal of the Securities of any series is payable in installments, the Stated Maturity of the final installment of the principal thereof) shall be redeemable in accordance with their terms and (except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301(b) for Securities of any series) in accordance with this Article.

 

Section 1102.      Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee. The election of the Company to redeem any Securities shall be evidenced by a Board Resolution or an Officer’s Certificate. In case of any redemption at the election of the Company of less than all the Securities of any series, the Company shall, at least 45 days prior to the Redemption Date fixed by the Company (unless a shorter notice is satisfactory to the Trustee in its sole discretion), notify the Trustee of such Redemption Date and of the principal amount of Securities of such series to be redeemed. In the case of any redemption of Securities (a) prior to the expiration of any restriction on such redemption provided in the terms of such Securities or elsewhere in this Indenture, or (b) pursuant to an election of the Company that is subject to a condition specified in the terms of such Securities the Company shall furnish the Trustee with an Officer’s Certificate evidencing compliance with such restriction.

 

Section 1103.      Selection by Trustee of Securities to Be Redeemed. If less than all the Securities of any series are to be redeemed, unless the procedures of the Depositary provide otherwise, the particular Securities to be redeemed shall be selected by the Trustee, from the Outstanding Securities of such series not previously called for redemption, by such method as is provided for any particular series, or, in the absence of any such provision, by such method as the Trustee deems fair and appropriate and which may provide for the selection for redemption of portions (equal to the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of that series or any integral multiple thereof) of the principal amount of Securities of such series of a denomination larger than the minimum authorized denomination for Securities of that series; provided, however, that if, as indicated in an Officer’s Certificate, the Company has offered to purchase all or any principal amount of the Securities then Outstanding of any series, and less than all of such Securities as to which such offer was made have been tendered to the Company for such purchase, the Trustee, if so directed by Company Order, shall select for redemption all or any principal amount of such Securities that have not been so tendered.

 

The Trustee shall promptly notify the Company and the Security Registrar in writing of the Securities selected for redemption and, in the case of any Securities selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed and the method it has chosen for the selection of such Securities.

 

  57  

 

 

For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to the redemption of Securities shall relate, in the case of any Securities redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Securities that has been or is to be redeemed.

 

Section 1104.      Notice of Redemption. Unless otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 with respect to any series of Securities, notice of redemption shall be given by electronic transmission or first-class mail, postage prepaid, mailed not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the Redemption Date, to each Holder of Securities to be redeemed, at such Holder’s address appearing in the Security Register.

 

All notices of redemption shall state:

 

(1)               the Redemption Date,

 

(2)               the Redemption Price, or the formula pursuant to which the Redemption Price is to be determined if the Redemption Price cannot be determined at the time notice is given,

 

(3)               if less than all the Outstanding Securities of any series are to be redeemed, the identification (and, in the case of partial redemption, the principal amounts) of the particular Securities to be redeemed, and the portion of the principal amount of any Security to be redeemed in part and, in the case of any such Security of such series to be redeemed in part, that, on and after the Redemption Date, upon surrender of such Security, a new Security or Securities of such series in principal amount equal to the remaining unpaid principal amount thereof will be issued as provided in Section 1106,

 

(4)               that on the Redemption Date the Redemption Price will become due and payable upon each such Security to be redeemed and, if applicable, that interest thereon will cease to accrue on and after said date,

 

(5)               the place or places where such Securities and all unmatured coupons are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest, if any,

 

(6)               that the redemption is for a sinking fund, if such is the case,

 

(7)               the CUSIP, “ISIN” or similar number(s), if any, assigned to such Securities; provided however, that such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness of CUSIP, “ISIN” or similar number(s), and the redemption of such Securities shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such number(s), and

 

(8)               such other matters as the Company shall deem desirable or appropriate.

 

Unless otherwise specified with respect to any Securities in accordance with Section 301, with respect to any notice of redemption of Securities at the election of the Company, unless, upon the giving of such notice, such Securities are deemed to have been paid in accordance with Section 401, such notice may state that such redemption shall be conditional upon the receipt by the Paying Agent or Agents for such Securities, on or prior to the date fixed for such redemption, of money sufficient to pay the principal of and premium, if any, and interest, if any, on such Securities and that if such money has not been so received such notice shall be of no force or effect and the Company shall not be required to redeem such Securities. In the event that such notice of redemption contains such a condition and such money is not so received, the redemption shall not be made and within a reasonable time thereafter notice shall be given, in the manner in which the notice of redemption was given, that such money was not so received and such redemption was not required to be made, and the Paying Agent or Agents for the Securities otherwise to have been redeemed shall promptly return to the Holders thereof any of such Securities that had been surrendered for payment upon such redemption.

 

  58  

 

 

Notice of redemption of Securities to be redeemed at the election of the Company, and any notice of non-satisfaction of a condition for redemption as aforesaid, shall be given by the Company or, at the Company’s request, by the Security Registrar in the name and at the expense of the Company. Notice of mandatory redemption of Securities shall be given by the Security Registrar in the name and at the expense of the Company.

 

Section 1105.      Securities Payable on Redemption Date. (a) Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, and the conditions, if any, set forth in such notice having been satisfied, the Securities or portions thereof so to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption Price therein specified, and from and after such date (unless the Company defaults in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest, if any) such Securities, or portions thereof, if interest-bearing, shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Security together with all unmatured coupons for redemption in accordance with said notice, such Security or portion thereof, if any, shall be paid by the Company at the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest, if any, to the Redemption Date provided, however, that installments of interest whose Stated Maturity is on or prior to the Redemption Date shall be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Regular Record Dates according to their terms and the provisions of Section 307.

 

(b)               If any Security called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal and any premium shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate prescribed therefor in the Security.

 

Section 1106.      Securities Redeemed in Part. Any Security that is to be redeemed only in part shall be surrendered at a Place of Payment therefor (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his or her attorney duly authorized in writing), and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security without service charge, a new Security or Securities of the same series, of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder, and of like tenor and in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered.

 

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ARTICLE Twelve

REPAYMENT OF SECURITIES AT OPTION OF HOLDERS

 

Section 1201.      Applicability of Article. Securities of any series that are repayable before their Stated Maturity at the option of the Holders shall be repayable in accordance with their terms and (except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of any series) in accordance with this Article.

 

Section 1202.      Notice of Repayment Date. Notice of any Repayment Date with respect to Securities of any series shall be given by the Company not less than 30 nor more than 45 days prior to such Repayment Date (or at such other times as may be specified for such repayment or repurchase pursuant to Section 301) to each Holder of Securities of such series in accordance with Section 106 (except as otherwise specified as contemplated by Section 301 for Securities of any series).

 

The notice as to the Repayment Date shall state (unless otherwise specified for such repayment or repurchase pursuant to Section 301):

 

(1)               the Repayment Date;

 

(2)               the principal amount of the Securities required to be repaid or repurchased and the Repayment Price (or the formula pursuant to which the Repayment Price is to be determined if the Repayment Price cannot be determined at the time the notice is given);

 

(3)               the place or places where such Securities are to be surrendered for payment of the Repayment Price, and accrued interest, if any, and the date by which Securities must be so surrendered in order to be repaid or repurchased;

 

(4)               that any Security not tendered or accepted for payment shall continue to accrue interest;

 

(5)               that, unless the Company defaults in making such payment or the Paying Agent is prohibited from paying such money to the Holders on that date pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, Securities accepted for payment pursuant to any such offer of repayment or repurchase shall cease to accrue interest after the Repayment Date;

 

(6)               that Holders electing to have a Security repaid or purchased pursuant to such offer may elect to have all or any portion of such Security purchased;

 

(7)               that Holders electing to have a Security repaid or repurchased pursuant to any such offer shall be required to surrender the Security, with such customary documents of surrender and transfer as the Company may reasonably request, duly completed, or transfer by book-entry transfer, to the Company or the Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice at least two Business Days prior to the Repayment Date;

 

(8)               that Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if the Company or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, receives, not later than the expiration of the offer to repay or repurchase, a telegram, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of the Security the Holder delivered for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing its election to have such Security purchased;

 

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(9)               that, in the case of a repayment or repurchase of less than all Outstanding Securities of a series, the method of selection of Securities to be repaid or repurchased to be applied by the Trustee if the principal amount of properly tendered Securities exceeds the principal amount of the Securities to be repaid or repurchased;

 

(10)           that Holders whose Securities are purchased only in part shall be issued new Securities of the same series equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Securities surrendered (or transferred by book-entry transfer); and

 

(11)           the CUSIP or other identification number, if any, printed on the Securities being repurchased and that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of the CUSIP or other identification number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Securities.

 

Section 1203.      Securities Payable on Repayment Date. The form of option to elect repurchase or repayment having been delivered as specified in the form of Security for such series, the Securities of such series so to be repaid (after application of the method of selection described pursuant to clause (9) of Section 1202, if the principal amount of properly tendered Securities exceeds the principal amount of the Securities to be repaid or repurchased) shall, on the Repayment Date, become due and payable at the Repayment Price applicable thereto and from and after such date (unless the Company defaults in the payment of the Repayment Price and accrued interest) such Securities shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Security for repayment in accordance with said notice, such Security shall be paid by the Company at the Repayment Price together with accrued interest, if any, to the Repayment Date; provided, however, that if a Security is repaid or repurchased on or after a Regular Record Date but on or prior to the Stated Maturity of any installments of interest, then any accrued and unpaid interest due on such Stated Maturity shall be payable to the Holders of such Securities, or one or more Predecessor Securities, registered as such at the close of business on the relevant Regular Record Dates according to their terms and the provisions of Section 307.

 

If any Security is not paid upon surrender thereof for repayment, the principal (and premium, if any) shall, until paid, bear interest from the Repayment Date at the rate prescribed therefor in such Security.

 

Section 1204.      Securities Repaid in Part. Any Security that by its terms may be repaid in part at the option of the Holder and that is to be repaid only in part shall be surrendered at any office or agency of the Company designated for that purpose pursuant to Section 1002 (with, if the Company or the Trustee so requires, due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Company and the Trustee duly executed by, the Holder thereof or his or her attorney duly authorized in writing), and the Company shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver to the Holder of such Security without service charge, a new Security or Securities of the same series, as provided in Section 305, of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder, in aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unrepaid portion of the principal of the Security so surrendered. This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Indenture to be duly executed, and their respective corporate seals to be hereunto affixed and attested, all as of the date first above written.

 

    FIRST MID BANCSHARES, INC.
         
[CORPORATE SEAL]        
         
    By: /s/ Joseph R. Dively  
    Name: Joseph R. Dively  
    Title: Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer
         
Attest:        
         
/s/ Aaron Holt        
Secretary        
         
    U.S. Bank National Association
         
    By: /s/ Linda E. Garcia  
    Name: Linda E. Garcia  
    Title: Vice President  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

62

 

 

Exhibit 4.2

 

FIRST Mid Bancshares, INc.,

 

Company

 

and

 

U.S. Bank NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

 

Trustee

 

FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

 

DATED AS OF October 6, 2020

 

TO

 

INDENTURE

 

DATED AS OF October 6, 2020

 

Relating To

 

3.95% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2030

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Page

 

ARTICLE 1   DEFINITIONS 1
ARTICLE 2   GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE NOTES 6
2.01   Designation and Principal Amount 6
2.02   Maturity 6
2.03   Form and Payment 6
2.04   Interest 7
2.05   Effect of Benchmark Transition Event 8
2.06   Notes Not Convertible or Exchangeable 9
2.07   No Sinking Fund 9
ARTICLE 3   EVENTS OF DEFAULT 9
3.01   Events of Default 9
ARTICLE 4   REDEMPTION OF THE NOTES 9
4.01   Optional Redemption 9
ARTICLE 5   Subordination 11
5.01   Securities Subordinated to Senior Indebtedness 11
5.02   Subrogation 13
5.03   Obligations of the Company Unconditional. 13
5.04   Rights of Holders Not Impaired 14
5.05   Effectuation of Subordination by Trustee 14
5.06   Knowledge of Trustee 14
5.07   Trustee’s Relation to Senior Indebtedness 14
5.08   Rights of Holders of Senior Indebtedness Not Impaired 14
5.09   No Waiver of Default or Event of Default 15
5.10   Securities to Rank At Least Pari Passu with All Other Unsecured Subordinated Indebtedness 15
ARTICLE 6   MISCELLANEOUS 15
6.01   Ratification of Base Indenture 15
6.02   Trust Indenture Act Controls 15
6.03   Conflict with Base Indenture 15
6.04   Governing Law 15
6.05   Successors 15
6.06   Counterparts 15
6.07   Trustee Disclaimer 15

 

  i -  

 

 

FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE

 

FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of October 6, 2020 (this “First Supplemental Indenture”), to the Base Indenture (defined below) between First Mid Bancshares, Inc. a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and U.S. Bank National Association, a national banking association, as Trustee (the “Trustee”).

 

R E C I T A L S

 

WHEREAS, the Company has executed and delivered to the Trustee the Indenture, dated as of October 6, 2020 (the “Base Indenture”, and, as supplemented by this First Supplemental Indenture, the “Indenture”), providing for the issuance from time to time of its debt securities;

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Base Indenture, the Company desires to provide for the establishment of a new series of its Subordinated Securities to be known as its 3.95% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2030 (the “Notes”), the form and substance of such Notes and the terms, provisions and conditions thereof to be set forth as provided in the Base Indenture and this First Supplemental Indenture; and

 

WHEREAS, the Company has requested that the Trustee execute and deliver this First Supplemental Indenture, and all requirements necessary to make this First Supplemental Indenture a valid instrument in accordance with its terms, and to make the Notes, when executed by the Company and authenticated and delivered by the Trustee, the valid and legally binding obligations of the Company, and all acts and things necessary have been done and performed to make this First Supplemental Indenture enforceable in accordance with its terms, and the execution and delivery of this First Supplemental Indenture have been duly authorized in all respects.

 

W I T N E S S E T H:

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises contained herein, each party agrees for the benefit of each other party and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders of the Notes, as follows:

 

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS

 

Terms used but not defined in this First Supplemental Indenture shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Base Indenture. References in this First Supplemental Indenture to article and section numbers shall be deemed to be references to article and section numbers of this First Supplemental Indenture unless otherwise specified. For purposes of this First Supplemental Indenture, the following terms have the meanings ascribed to them as follows:

 

Base Indenture” has the meaning provided in the recitals.

 

Benchmark” means, initially, Three-Month Term SOFR; provided that if the Calculation Agent determines on or prior to the Reference Time that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR or the then-current Benchmark, then “Benchmark” means the applicable Benchmark Replacement.

 

Benchmark Replacement” means the Interpolated Benchmark with respect to the then-current Benchmark, plus the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment for such Benchmark; provided that if: (i) the Calculation Agent cannot determine the Interpolated Benchmark as of the Benchmark Replacement Date, or (ii) the then-current Benchmark is Three-Month Term SOFR and a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR (in which event no Interpolated Benchmark with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR shall be determined), then “Benchmark Replacement” means the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Calculation Agent as of the Benchmark Replacement Date: (i) Compounded SOFR; (ii) the sum of: (a) the alternate rate that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; (iii) the sum of: (a) the ISDA Fallback Rate and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment; (iv) the sum of: (a) the alternate rate that has been selected by the Calculation Agent as the replacement for the then-current Benchmark for the applicable Corresponding Tenor, giving due consideration to any industry-accepted rate as a replacement for the then-current Benchmark for U.S. Dollar-denominated floating rate securities at such time, and (b) the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment. If the Benchmark Replacement, as determined pursuant to clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above would be less than zero, the Benchmark Replacement will be deemed to be zero.

 

   

Benchmark Replacement Adjustment” means the first alternative set forth in the order below that can be determined by the Calculation Agent as of the Benchmark Replacement Date: (i) the spread adjustment to the then-existing spread, or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero), that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement; (ii) if the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement is equivalent to the ISDA Fallback Rate, then the ISDA Fallback Adjustment; and (iii) the spread adjustment to the then-existing spread (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that has been selected by the Calculation Agent giving due consideration to any industry-accepted spread adjustment or method for calculating or determining such spread adjustment, for the replacement of the then-current Benchmark with the applicable Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement for U.S. Dollar-denominated floating rate securities at such time.

 

Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes” means, with respect to any Benchmark Replacement, any technical, administrative or operational changes (including changes to the definition of “interest period,” timing and frequency of determining rates with respect to each interest period and making payments of interest, rounding of amounts or tenors, and other administrative matters) that the Calculation Agent decides may be appropriate to reflect the adoption of such Benchmark Replacement in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Calculation Agent decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Calculation Agent determines that no market practice for use of the Benchmark Replacement exists, in such other manner as the Calculation Agent determines is reasonably necessary).

 

Benchmark Replacement Date” means the earliest to occur of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark: (i) in the case of clause (i) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the relevant Reference Time in respect of any determination; (ii) in the case of clause (ii) or (iii) 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 the Benchmark permanently or indefinitely ceases to provide the Benchmark; or (iii) in the case of clause (iv) of the definition of “Benchmark Transition Event,” the date of the public statement or publication of information referenced therein. For the avoidance of doubt, 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. Further, for the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of this definition, references to the Benchmark also include any reference rate underlying the Benchmark (for example, if the Benchmark becomes Compounded SOFR, references to the Benchmark would include SOFR).

  

Benchmark Transition Event” means the occurrence of one or more of the following events with respect to the then-current Benchmark: (i) if the Benchmark is Three-Month Term SOFR, (a) the Relevant Governmental Body has not selected or recommended a forward-looking term rate for a tenor of three months based on SOFR, (b) the development of a forward-looking term rate for a tenor of three months based on SOFR that has been recommended or selected by the Relevant Governmental Body is not complete or (c) the Calculation Agent determines that the use of a forward-looking rate for a tenor of three months based on SOFR is not administratively feasible; (ii) a public statement or publication of information by or on behalf of the administrator of the Benchmark announcing that such administrator has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark, permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the Benchmark; (iii) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the Benchmark, the central bank for the currency of the Benchmark, an insolvency official with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Benchmark, a resolution authority with jurisdiction over the administrator for the Benchmark or a court or an entity with similar insolvency or resolution authority over the administrator for the Benchmark, which states that the administrator of the Benchmark has ceased or will cease to provide the Benchmark permanently or indefinitely, provided that, at the time of such statement or publication, there is no successor administrator that will continue to provide the Benchmark; or (iv) a public statement or publication of information by the regulatory supervisor for the administrator of the Benchmark announcing that the Benchmark is no longer representative. For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of this definition, references to the Benchmark also include any reference rate underlying the Benchmark (for example, if the Benchmark becomes Compounded SOFR, references to the Benchmark would include SOFR).

 

  2  

Business Day” means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is neither a legal holiday nor a day on which banking institutions in The City of New York or in the city where the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee is located are authorized or required by law, regulation or executive order to close.

 

Calculation Agent” means the agent appointed by the Company prior to the commencement of the Floating Rate Period (which may include the Company or any of its affiliates) to act in accordance with Section 2.04 of the First Supplemental Indenture.

 

Company” has the meaning provided in the preamble.

 

Compounded SOFR” means the compounded average of SOFRs for the applicable Corresponding Tenor, with the rate, or methodology for this rate, and conventions for this rate being established by the Calculation Agent in accordance with: (i) the rate, or methodology for this rate, and conventions for this rate selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body for determining Compounded SOFR; provided that: (ii) if, and to the extent that, the Calculation Agent determines that Compounded SOFR cannot be determined in accordance with clause (i) above, then the rate, or methodology for this rate, and conventions for this rate that have been selected by the Calculation Agent giving due consideration to any industry-accepted market practice for U.S. Dollar-denominated floating rate securities at such time. For the avoidance of doubt, the calculation of Compounded SOFR shall exclude the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment (if applicable) and the spread of 383 basis points per annum.

 

Corresponding Tenor” with respect to a Benchmark Replacement means a tenor (including overnight) having approximately the same length (disregarding business day adjustment) as the applicable tenor for the then-current Benchmark.

 

Depository” has the meaning provided in Section 2.03(b).

 

Excess Proceeds” has the meaning provided in Section 5.01(a).

 

“Exempted Distributions” has the meaning provided in Section 5.01(a).

 

Federal Reserve” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

 

First Supplemental Indenture” has the meaning provided in the preamble.

 

Fixed Period Interest Payment Date” has the meaning provided in Section 2.04(a).

 

Fixed Rate Period” has the meaning provided in Section 2.04(a).

 

Floating Period Interest Payment Date” has the meaning provided in Section 2.04(b).

 

“Floating Rate Interest Period” has the meaning provided in Section 2.04(b).

 

Floating Rate Period” has the meaning provided in Section 2.04(b).

 

FRBNY” means the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

 

FRBNY’s Website” means the website of the FRBNY at http://www.newyorkfed.org, or any successor source.

 

Indenture” has the meaning provided in the recitals.

 

  3  

Independent Tax Counsel” means a law firm, a member of a law firm or an independent practitioner that is experienced in matters of federal income taxation law, including the deductibility of interest payments made with respect to corporate debt instruments, and shall include any Person who, under the standards of professional conduct then prevailing and applicable to such counsel, would not have a conflict of interest in representing the Company or the Trustee in connection with providing the legal opinion contemplated by the definition of the term “Tax Event.”

 

Interest Payment Date” has the meaning provided in Section 2.04(b).

 

Interpolated Benchmark” with respect to the Benchmark means the rate determined for the Corresponding Tenor by interpolating on a linear basis between: (i) the Benchmark for the longest period (for which the Benchmark is available) that is shorter than the Corresponding Tenor, and (ii) the Benchmark for the shortest period (for which the Benchmark is available) that is longer than the Corresponding Tenor.

 

“Investment Company Event” means any event whereby the Company becomes required, or there is more than an insubstantial risk that the Company will be required, within ninety (90) days, to register as an investment company pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

ISDA” means the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. or any successor.

 

ISDA Definitions” means the 2006 ISDA Definitions published by ISDA, as amended or supplemented from time to time, or any successor definitional booklet for interest rate derivatives published from time to time.

 

ISDA Fallback Adjustment” means the spread adjustment (which may be a positive or negative value or zero) that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA Definitions to be determined upon the occurrence of an index cessation event with respect to the Benchmark for the applicable tenor.

 

ISDA Fallback Rate” means the rate that would apply for derivatives transactions referencing the ISDA Definitions to be effective upon the occurrence of an index cessation date with respect to the Benchmark for the applicable tenor excluding the applicable ISDA Fallback Adjustment.

  

Maturity Date” has the meaning provided in Section 2.02.

 

Notes” has the meaning provided in the recitals.

 

Other Company Obligations” means obligations of the Company associated with derivative products such as interest rate and currency exchange contracts, foreign exchange contracts, commodity contracts, or any similar arrangements, unless the instrument by which the Company incurred, assumed or guaranteed the obligation expressly provides that it is subordinate or junior in right of payment to any other indebtedness or obligations of the Company.

 

Paying Agent” has the meaning provided in Section 2.03(d).

 

Redemption Date” means each date, if any, on which Notes are redeemed pursuant to Section 4.01 hereof.

 

Reference Time” with respect to any determination of the Benchmark means: (i) if the Benchmark is Three-Month Term SOFR, the time determined by the Calculation Agent after giving effect to the Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions, and (ii) if the Benchmark is not Three-Month Term SOFR, the time determined by the Calculation Agent after giving effect to the Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes.

 

Regulatory Capital Treatment Event” shall mean the Company’s good faith determination that as a result of:

 

(i) any amendment to, or change in, the laws, rules or regulations of the United States (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any agency or instrumentality of the United States, including the Federal Reserve and other appropriate federal bank regulatory agencies) or any political subdivision of or in the United States that is enacted or becomes effective after the initial issuance of the Notes; or

 

  4  

(ii) any final official administrative decision or judicial decision or administrative action or other official pronouncement interpreting or applying those laws, rules or regulations or policies with respect thereto that is made, adopted, approved or effective after the initial issuance of the Notes,

 

in each case, there is more than an insubstantial risk that the Company will not be entitled to treat the Notes then outstanding as “Tier 2 Capital” (or its equivalent) for purposes of the capital adequacy rules of the Federal Reserve (or, as and if applicable, the capital adequacy rules or regulations of any successor appropriate federal banking agency) as then in effect and applicable, for so long as any Note is outstanding. “Appropriate federal banking agency” means the “appropriate federal banking agency” with respect to the Company as that term is defined in Section 3(q) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act or any successor provision.

 

Relevant Governmental Body” means the Federal Reserve and/or the FRBNY, or a committee officially endorsed or convened by the Federal Reserve and/or the FRBNY or any successor thereto.

 

Senior Indebtedness” means with respect to any series of Subordinated Securities issued hereunder: (i) the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on “indebtedness for money borrowed” of the Company whether outstanding on the date hereof or hereafter created, assumed or incurred, except for indebtedness that expressly states that it is subordinate in right of payment to indebtedness for money borrowed of the Company, and (ii) any deferrals, renewals or extensions of any such indebtedness. The term “indebtedness for money borrowed” means any obligation of, or any obligation guaranteed by, the Company for the repayment of money borrowed, whether or not evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or other written instruments, any off-balance sheet guarantee obligation, any obligation under a direct credit substitute, including any letters of credit, bankers’ acceptance, security purchases facility or similar agreement, any capitalized lease obligation; any deferred obligation for payment of the purchase price of any property or assets; all obligations of the type referred to above of other persons for the payment of which the Company is responsible or liable as obligor, guarantor or otherwise; and all obligations of the type referred to above of other persons secured by any lien on any property or asset of the Company, whether or not such obligation is assumed by the Company. Senior Indebtedness excludes any indebtedness that: (a) expressly states that it is junior to, or ranks equally in right of payment with, the Subordinated Securities of any series; (b) is identified as junior to, or equal in right of payment with, the Subordinated Securities of any series in any board resolution of the Company or in any supplemental indenture hereto, (c) constitutes trade creditor indebtedness arising in the ordinary course of business or (d) constitutes indebtedness between or among the Company and its affiliates.

 

SOFR” means the secured overnight financing rate published by the FRBNY, as the administrator of the Benchmark (or a successor administrator), on the FRBNY’s Website.

 

Subordinated Securities” means any Securities issued pursuant to the Indenture, including the Notes, the terms of which provide that such Securities rank junior in right of payment to Senior Indebtedness.

 

Tax Event” means the receipt by the Company of an opinion of Independent Tax Counsel to the effect that as a result of any amendment to, or change (including any announced prospective change) in, the laws or any regulations of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, or as a result of any official administrative pronouncement or judicial decision interpreting or applying such laws or regulations, which amendment or change is effective or which pronouncement or decision is announced on or after the date of the issuance of the Notes, there is more than an insubstantial risk that the interest payable on the Notes is not, or within 90 days of receipt of such opinion, will not be, deductible by the Company, in whole or in part, for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

Term SOFR” means the forward-looking term rate based on SOFR that has been selected or recommended by the Relevant Governmental Body.

 

Term SOFR Administrator” means any entity designated by the Relevant Governmental Body as the administrator of Term SOFR (or a successor administrator).

 

Three-Month Term SOFR” means the rate for Term SOFR for a tenor of three months that is published by the Term SOFR Administrator at the Reference Time for any Floating Rate Interest Period, as determined by the Calculation Agent after giving effect to the Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions. All percentages used in or resulting from any calculation of Three-Month Term SOFR shall be rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one-hundred-thousandth of a percentage point, with 0.000005% rounded up to 0.00001%.

 

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Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions” means any determination, decision or election with respect to any technical, administrative or operational matter (including with respect to the manner and timing of the publication of Three-Month Term SOFR, or changes to the definition of “interest period,” timing and frequency of determining Three-Month Term SOFR with respect to each interest period and making payments of interest, rounding of amounts or tenors, and other administrative matters) that the Calculation Agent decides may be appropriate to reflect the use of Three-Month Term SOFR as the Benchmark in a manner substantially consistent with market practice (or, if the Calculation Agent decides that adoption of any portion of such market practice is not administratively feasible or if the Calculation Agent determines that no market practice for the use of Three-Month Term SOFR exists, in such other manner as the Calculation Agent determines is reasonably necessary).

 

Trustee” has the meaning provided in the preamble until a successor replaces it in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Indenture and thereafter means the successor serving hereunder.

 

Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement” means the Benchmark Replacement excluding the Benchmark Replacement Adjustment.

 

United States” or “U.S.” means the United States of America, its territories and possessions, any state of the United States, and the District of Columbia.

 

ARTICLE 2

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE NOTES

 

2.01             Designation and Principal Amount.

 

     (a)       The Notes are hereby authorized and are designated the “3.95% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2030,” unlimited in aggregate principal amount. The Notes issued on the date hereof pursuant to the terms of the Indenture shall be in an aggregate principal amount of $96,000,000, which amount shall be set forth in the written order of the Company for the authentication and delivery of the Notes pursuant to Article 2 of the Base Indenture.

 

     (b)       The Company may, from time to time, without notice to or the consent of the Holders of the Notes, create and issue additional Subordinated Securities equal in rank to and having the same terms and conditions in all respects as the Notes issued on the date hereof (except for issue date, the offering price, the interest commencement date and the first interest payment date), provided that such additional Subordinated Securities either shall be fungible with the original Notes, for federal income tax purposes or shall be issued under a different CUSIP number. Any such additional Subordinated Securities will be consolidated and form a single series with the Notes.

  

2.02             Maturity. The principal amount of the Notes shall be payable on October 15, 2030 (the “Maturity Date”) unless redeemed prior to such date.

 

2.03             Form and Payment.

 

     (a)       The Notes shall be issued only in book-entry form, without coupons, evidenced by global notes substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto, which is incorporated herein and made part hereof. The terms and provisions contained in the Notes shall constitute, and expressly are made a part of this First Supplemental Indenture. The Notes shall be issued in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

 

     (b)       Payments of principal and interest on the global notes representing the Notes shall be made to the Paying Agent (defined below) which in turn shall make payment to The Depository Trust Company as the depository with respect to the Notes (the “Depository”) or its nominee.

 

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     (c)       The global notes representing the Notes shall be delivered to the Trustee as Custodian for the Depository and shall be registered, at the request of the Depository, in the name of Cede & Co.

 

     (d)       U.S Bank National Association shall act as paying agent for the Notes (the “Paying Agent”). The Company may appoint and change the Paying Agent without prior notice to the Holders.

 

2.04             Interest.

 

     (a)       The Notes will bear interest at a fixed rate of 3.95% per annum from and including October 6, 2020 to but excluding October 15, 2025 (the “Fixed Rate Period”). Interest accrued on the Notes during the Fixed Rate Period will be payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing on April 15, 2021 (each such date a “Fixed Period Interest Payment Date”). The last Fixed Rate Interest Payment Date shall be October 15, 2025, unless the Notes are earlier redeemed. The interest payable during the Fixed Rate Period will be paid to each holder in whose name a Note is registered at the close of business (whether or not a Business Day) on the March 31 or September 30 immediately preceding the applicable Fixed Period Interest Payment Date.

 

     (b)       From and including October 15, 2025, to but excluding the Maturity Date (the “Floating Rate Period”) the Notes will bear interest at a floating rate per annum equal to the then-current Three-Month Term SOFR plus a spread of 383 basis points, or such other rate as determined pursuant to this First Supplemental Indenture, provided that in no event shall the applicable floating interest rate be less than zero per annum for any Floating Rate Interest Period. A “Floating Rate Interest Period” means, the period from, and including, each Floating Period Interest Payment Date (as defined below) to, but excluding, the next succeeding Floating Period Interest Payment Date, except for the initial Floating Rate Interest Period, which will be the period from, and including, October 15, 2025 to, but excluding, the next succeeding Floating Period Interest Payment Date. During the Floating Rate Period, interest on the Notes will be payable quarterly in arrears on January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing on January 15, 2026 to but excluding the Maturity Date (unless redeemed prior to the Maturity Date) (each such date, a “Floating Period Interest Payment Date”, together with each Fixed Period Interest Payment Date, an “Interest Payment Date”). The interest payable during the Floating Rate Period will be paid to each holder in whose name a Note is registered at the close of business (whether or not a Business Day) on March 31, June 30, September 30 or December 31 immediately preceding the applicable Floating Period Interest Payment Date, provided that interest payable on the Maturity Date shall be payable to the person to whom the principal hereof is payable.

 

     (c)       If any Interest Payment Date, including the Maturity Date, falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the related payment will be made on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on the day such payment was due (unless, with respect to a Floating Period Interest Payment Date, such day falls in the next calendar month, in which case the Floating Period Interest Payment Date will instead be the immediately preceding day that is a Business Day, and interest will accrue to the Floating Period Interest Payment Date as so adjusted), and no interest will accrue on the amount so payable for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date or the Maturity Date, as the case may be. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360 day year consisting of 12 30-day months to, but excluding, October 15, 2025, and, thereafter, interest will be computed on the basis of the actual number of days in a Floating Rate Interest Period and a 360-day year to, but excluding, October 15, 2030. The Company or the Calculation Agent, as applicable, shall calculate the amount of interest payable on any Interest Payment Date and the Trustee shall have no duty to confirm or verify any such calculation. U.S. Dollar amounts resulting from interest calculations will be rounded to the nearest cent, with one-half cent being rounded upward.

 

     (d)       The Company shall take such actions as are necessary to ensure that from the commencement of the Floating Rate Period for so long as any of the Notes remain outstanding there will at all times be a Calculation Agent appointed to calculate Three-Month Term SOFR in respect of each Floating Rate Period. The calculation of Three-Month Term SOFR for each applicable Floating Rate Period by the Calculation Agent will (in the absence of manifest error) be final and binding. The Calculation Agent’s determination of any interest rate and its calculation of interest payments for any period will be maintained on file at the Calculation Agent’s principal offices, will be made available to any Holder of the Notes upon request and will be provided to the Trustee. The Calculation Agent shall have all the rights, protections and indemnities afforded to the Trustee under the Base Indenture and hereunder. The Calculation Agent may be removed by the Company at any time. If the Calculation Agent is unable or unwilling to act as Calculation Agent or is removed by the Company, the Company will promptly appoint a replacement Calculation Agent. The Calculation Agent may not resign its duties without a successor having been duly appointed; provided, that if a successor Calculation Agent has not been appointed by the Company and such successor accepted such position within 30 days after the giving of notice of resignation by the Calculation Agent, then the resigning Calculation Agent may petition, at the expense of the Company, any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Calculation Agent with respect to such series. The Trustee shall not be under any duty to succeed to, assume or otherwise perform, any duties of the Calculation Agent, or to appoint a successor or replacement in the event of the Calculation Agent’s resignation or removal or to replace the Calculation Agent in the event of a default, breach or failure of performance on the part of the Calculation Agent with respect to the Calculation Agent’s duties and obligations hereunder. For the avoidance of doubt, if at any time there is no Calculation Agent appointed by the Company, then the Company shall be the Calculation Agent. The Company may appoint itself or any of its affiliates to be the Calculation Agent.

 

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2.05             Effect of Benchmark Transition Event.

 

     (a)       If the Calculation Agent determines that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred on or prior to the Reference Time in respect of any determination of the Benchmark on any date, then the Benchmark Replacement will replace the then-current Benchmark for all purposes relating to the Notes during the Floating Rate Period in respect of such determination on such date and all determinations on all subsequent dates. In connection with the implementation of a Benchmark Replacement, the Calculation Agent will have the right to make Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes from time to time.

  

     (b)       Notwithstanding anything set forth in Section 2.04, if the Calculation Agent determines on or prior to the relevant Reference Time that a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred with respect to Three-Month Term SOFR, then the provisions set forth in this Section 2.05 will thereafter apply to all determinations of the interest rate on the Notes during the Floating Rate Period. After a Benchmark Transition Event and its related Benchmark Replacement Date have occurred, the interest rate on the Notes for each interest period during the Floating Rate Period will be an annual rate equal to the Benchmark Replacement plus 383 basis points.

 

     (c)       The Calculation Agent is expressly authorized to make certain determinations, decisions and elections under the terms of the Notes, including with respect to the use of Three-Month Term SOFR as the Benchmark and under this Section 2.05. Any determination, decision or election that may be made by the Calculation Agent under the terms of the Notes, including any determination with respect to a tenor, rate or adjustment or of the occurrence or non-occurrence of an event, circumstance or date and any decision to take or refrain from taking any action or selection (i) will be conclusive and binding on the Holders of the Notes and the Trustee absent manifest error, (ii) if made by the Company as Calculation Agent, will be made in the Company’s sole discretion, (iii) if made by a Calculation Agent other than the Company, will be made after consultation with the Company, and the Calculation Agent will not make any such determination, decision or election to which the Company reasonably objects and (iv) notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein or in the Base Indenture, shall become effective without consent from the Holders of the Notes, the Trustee or any other party. If the Calculation Agent fails to make any determination, decision or election that it is required to make under the terms of the Notes, then the Company will make such determination, decision or election on the same basis as described above.

 

     (d)       The Company (or its Calculation Agent) shall notify the Trustee in writing (i) upon the occurrence of the Benchmark Transition Event or the Benchmark Replacement Date, and (ii) of any Benchmark Replacements, Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes and other items affecting the interest rate on the Notes after a Benchmark Transition Event.

 

     (e)       The Trustee (including in its capacity as Paying Agent) shall have no (i) responsibility or liability for the (A) Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions, (B) selection of an alternative reference rate to Three-Month Term SOFR (including, without limitation, whether the conditions for the designation of such rate have been satisfied or whether such rate is a Benchmark Replacement or an Unadjusted Benchmark Replacement), (C) determination or calculation of a Benchmark Replacement, or (D) determination of whether a Benchmark Transition Event or Benchmark Replacement Date has occurred, and in each such case under clauses (A) through (D) above shall be entitled to conclusively rely upon the selection, determination, and/or calculation thereof as provided by the Company or its Calculation Agent, as applicable, and (ii) liability for any failure or delay in performing its duties hereunder as a result of the unavailability of a Benchmark rate as described in the definition thereof, including, without limitation, as a result of the Company’s or Calculation Agent’s failure to select a Benchmark Replacement or the Calculation Agent’s failure to calculate a Benchmark. The Trustee shall be entitled to rely conclusively on all notices from the Company or its Calculation Agent regarding any Benchmark or Benchmark Replacement, including, without limitation, in regards to Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions, a Benchmark Transition Event, Benchmark Replacement Date, and Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes. The Trustee shall not be responsible or liable for the actions or omissions of the Calculation Agent, or any failure or delay in the performance of the Calculation Agent’s duties or obligations, nor shall it be under any obligation to monitor or oversee the performance of the Calculation Agent. The Trustee shall be entitled to conclusively rely on any determination made, and any instruction, notice, Officers’ Certificate or other instruction or information provided by the Calculation Agent without independent verification, investigation or inquiry of any kind. The Trustee shall not be obligated to enter into any amendment or supplement hereto that adversely impacts its rights, duties, obligations, immunities or liabilities (including, without limitation, in connection with the adoption of any Benchmark Replacement Conforming Changes).

  

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     (f)       If the then-current Benchmark is Three-Month Term SOFR, the Calculation Agent will have the right to establish the Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions, and if any of the foregoing provisions concerning the calculation of the interest rate and the payment of interest during the Floating Rate Period are inconsistent with any of the Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions determined by the Calculation Agent, then the relevant Three-Month Term SOFR Conventions will apply.

 

2.06             Notes Not Convertible or Exchangeable. The Notes shall not be convertible into, or exchangeable for, any other securities of the Company, except that the Notes shall be exchangeable for other Notes to the extent provided for in the Base Indenture.

 

2.07             No Sinking Fund. No sinking fund shall be provided with respect to the Notes.

 

ARTICLE 3

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

 

3.01             Events of Default. Article 5 of the Base Indenture as it relates to Subordinated Securities shall apply to the Notes.

 

ARTICLE 4

REDEMPTION OF THE NOTES

 

4.01             Optional Redemption.

 

     (a)       The Notes shall not be redeemable prior to October 15, 2025, except as provided in Section 4.01(b). The Notes shall be redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company beginning with the Interest Payment Date on October 15, 2025 and on any Interest Payment Date thereafter, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the Redemption Date, and any such redemption may be subject to the satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent set forth in the applicable notice of redemption.

 

     (b)       The Company may also, at its option, redeem the Notes at any time before the Maturity Date in whole, but not in part, at any time within 90 days of the occurrence of a Tax Event, a Regulatory Capital Treatment Event or an Investment Company Event. Any such redemption will be at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the Redemption Date, and any such redemption may be subject to the satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent set forth in the applicable notice of redemption.

 

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     (c)       If the Company elects to redeem the Notes pursuant to the optional redemption provisions of Section 4.01(a) or 4.01(b) of this First Supplemental Indenture, at least 45 days prior to the Redemption Date (unless a shorter notice shall be agreed to in writing by the Trustee) but not more than 60 days before the Redemption Date, the Company shall furnish to the Trustee a Company Officers’ Certificate setting forth (i) the applicable section of the Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur, (ii) the Redemption Date, (iii) the principal amount of Notes to be redeemed, (iv) the redemption price and (v) a Company Board Resolution.

 

     (d)       In the case of a redemption pursuant to Section 4.01(a), if less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed and the Notes are global securities, the Notes to be redeemed shall be selected on a lottery basis or by such other method of selection, if any, in accordance with the procedures of the Depositary. The Trustee shall promptly notify in writing the Company of the Notes selected for redemption and, in the case of any Notes selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. Notes and portions of Notes selected shall be in minimum amounts of $1,000 or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof; no Notes of a principal amount of $1,000 or less shall be redeemed in part, except that if all of the Notes of a Holder are to be redeemed, the entire outstanding amount of Notes held by such Holder, even if not equal to $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof, shall be redeemed. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, provisions of the Indenture that apply to Notes called for redemption also apply to portions of Notes called for redemption.

 

     (e)       Any optional redemption of the Notes will be subject to the receipt of the approval of the Federal Reserve, to the extent then required under applicable laws or regulations, including capital regulations.

 

     (f)       In the case of any redemption, at least 30 days but no more than 60 days before the Redemption Date, the Company shall send in accordance with the applicable procedures of the Depository, or if the Notes are not then global securities the Company shall mail, or cause to be mailed, a notice of redemption by first-class mail to each Holder of Notes to be redeemed at such Holder’s registered address appearing on the register. The notice shall identify the Notes to be redeemed (including the CUSIP and/or ISIN numbers thereof, if any) and shall state:

 

(i)        the Redemption Date;

 

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

 

(iii)      each Place of Payment;

 

(iv)      the redemption price and accrued interest to the Redemption Date that is payable pursuant to Section 11.02 of the Base Indenture;

 

(v)       if fewer than all outstanding Notes are to be redeemed, the portion of the principal amount of such Notes to be redeemed and that, after the Redemption Date and upon surrender of such Notes, if applicable, a new Note or Notes in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion will be issued;

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

(ix)      if such notice is conditioned upon the satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, the nature of such conditions precedent;

 

(x)       the applicable section of the Indenture pursuant to which the Notes called for redemption are being redeemed; and

 

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

 

The Company may state in the notice of redemption that payment of the redemption price and performance of its obligations with respect to redemption or purchase may be performed by another Person.

 

At the Company’s request, the Trustee shall give the notice of redemption in the Company’s name and at its expense; provided, that the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee, at least 45 days prior to the Redemption Date, a Company Officers’ Certificate requesting that the Trustee give such notice and attaching a copy of such notice, which shall set forth the information to be stated in such notice as provided in this Section 4.01. If any condition precedent to a redemption has not been satisfied, the Company will provide written notice to the Trustee not less than two Business Days prior to the Redemption Date that such condition precedent has not been satisfied, the notice of redemption is rescinded or delayed and the redemption subject to the satisfaction of such condition precedent shall not occur or shall be delayed. The Trustee shall promptly send a copy of such notice to the Holders of the Notes.

 

ARTICLE 5

Subordination

 

5.01             Securities Subordinated to Senior Indebtedness. The Company covenants and agrees, and each Holder of Subordinated Securities, by its acceptance thereof, likewise covenants and agrees, that the indebtedness evidenced by the Subordinated Securities and the payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on each of the Subordinated Securities is hereby expressly subordinated, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter set forth, in right of payment to the prior payment in full of Senior Indebtedness.

 

Anything in the Indenture or in the Subordinated Securities of any series to the contrary notwithstanding, the indebtedness evidenced by the Subordinated Securities shall be subordinate and junior in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter set forth, to all Senior Indebtedness:

 

     (a)  In the event of any insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, and any receivership, liquidation, reorganization, arrangement or other similar proceedings in connection therewith, relative to the Company or to its property, and in the event of any proceedings for voluntary liquidation, dissolution or other winding-up of the Company, whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy, then the holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled to receive payment in full of all principal, premium and interest on, or other amounts in respect of, all Senior Indebtedness before the Holders of the Subordinated Securities are entitled to receive any payment on account of principal, premium, if any, or interest upon the Subordinated Securities, and to that end (but subject to the power of a court of competent jurisdiction to make other equitable provisions reflecting the rights conferred in the Subordinated Securities upon Senior Indebtedness and the Holders thereof with respect to the subordinated indebtedness represented by the Subordinated Securities and the Holders hereof by a lawful plan of reorganization under applicable bankruptcy law) the holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be entitled to receive for application in payment thereof any payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash or property or securities, which may be payable or deliverable in any such proceedings in respect of the Subordinated Securities after giving effect to any concurrent payment or distribution in respect of such Senior Indebtedness, except for any payment or distribution of (i) securities which are subordinate and junior in right of payment to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness then outstanding and (ii) funds from a defeasance trust created pursuant to the Indenture (“Exempted Distributions”). If after we have made such payments with respect to Senior Indebtedness, (i) there are amounts available for payment on the Subordinated Securities (“Excess Proceeds”) and (ii) at such time, any creditors in respect of Other Company Obligations have not received their full payments, then the Company shall first use such Excess Proceeds to pay in full all Other Company Obligations before making any payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest on the Subordinated Securities of any series

 

     (b)  In the event that the Subordinated Securities of any series are declared or otherwise become due and payable before their expressed maturity because of the occurrence of certain Events of Default hereunder (under circumstances when the provisions of the foregoing clause (a) or the following clause (c) shall not be applicable), then the holders of Senior Indebtedness outstanding at the time such Subordinated Securities so become due and payable because of such occurrence of an Event of Default hereunder shall, so long as such declaration has not been rescinded and annulled pursuant to Section 5.01, be entitled to receive payment in full of all principal of, and premium and interest on or other amounts in respect of, all such Senior Indebtedness before the Holders of such Subordinated Securities are entitled to receive any payment on account of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, such Subordinated Securities; provided, however, nothing herein shall prevent the Holders of Subordinated Securities from seeking any remedy allowed at law or at equity so long as any judgment or decree obtained thereby makes provision for enforcing this clause; and

 

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     (c)  In the event that any default shall occur and be continuing, in each case, with respect to any Senior Indebtedness permitting the holders of such Senior Indebtedness to accelerate the maturity thereof, if either

 

(i)  written notice of such default shall have been received by the Company and the Trustee, provided that judicial proceedings shall be commenced in respect of such default within 180 days in the case of a default in payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest and within 90 days in the case of any other default after the giving of such notice, and provided further that only one such notice shall be given pursuant to this Section 5.01(c) in any twelve month period, or

 

(ii)  judicial proceedings shall be pending in respect of such default,

 

then the Holders of the Subordinated Securities and the Trustee for the benefit of the Holders shall not be entitled to receive any payment on account of principal thereof, or premium, if any, or interest thereon (including any such payment which would cause such default) unless payment in full of all principal of, and premium and interest on, or other amounts in respect of, such Senior Indebtedness shall have been made or provided for unless and until such default shall have been cured or waived or shall have ceased to exist. The Trustee, forthwith upon receipt of any notice received by it pursuant to this Section 5.01(c), shall, as soon as practicable, send a notice thereof to each Holder of Subordinated Securities at the time outstanding as the names and addresses of such Holders appear on the Security register. In case despite the foregoing provisions, any payment or distribution other than Exempted Distributions shall, in any such event, be paid or delivered to any Holder of the Subordinated Securities or to the Trustee for the benefit of the Holders before all Senior Indebtedness shall have been paid in full, such payment or distribution shall be held in trust for and so paid and delivered to the holders of Senior Indebtedness (or their duly authorized representatives) until all Senior Indebtedness shall have been paid in full.

 

The Company shall give written notice to the Trustee within five days after the occurrence of any insolvency, bankruptcy, receivership, liquidation, reorganization, arrangement or similar proceeding of the Company or any voluntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up proceeding within the meaning of this Section 5.01. Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company referred to in this Article 5, the Trustee, subject to the provisions of Section 315(a) through 315(b) of the Trust Indenture Act, and the Holders of the Subordinated Securities shall be entitled to rely upon a certificate of the trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, assignee for the benefit of creditors or other liquidating agent making such payment or distribution, delivered to the Trustee or to the Holders of the Subordinated Securities, for the purpose of ascertaining the persons entitled to participate in such payment or distribution, the holders of Senior Indebtedness and other indebtedness of the Company, the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount or amounts paid or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article 5.

 

The Trustee shall be entitled to conclusively rely on the delivery to it of a written notice by a person representing (as evidenced by such holder to the satisfaction of the Trustee) itself to be a holder of Senior Indebtedness or Other Company Obligations (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder similarly as evidenced to the satisfaction of the Trustee) to establish that such notice has been given by a holder of Senior Indebtedness or Other Company Obligations (or a trustee or agent on behalf of any such holder). In the event that the Trustee determines, in good faith, that further evidence is required with respect to the right of any person as a holder of Senior Indebtedness or Other Company Obligations to participate in any payment or distribution pursuant to this Section 5.01, the Trustee may request such person to furnish evidence to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee as to the amount of Senior Indebtedness or Other Company Obligations held by such person, as to the extent to which such person is entitled to participate in such payment or distribution, and as to other facts pertinent to the rights of such person under this Section 5.01, and if such evidence is not furnished, the Trustee may defer any payment or distribution to such person pending judicial determination as to the right of such person to receive such payment or distribution.

 

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In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment or distribution of assets of the Company of any kind or character, whether in cash, property or securities, including any such payment or distribution which may be payable or deliverable by reason of the payment of any other indebtedness of the Company being subordinate to the payment of the Subordinated Securities, shall be received by the Trustee or Holders of the Subordinated Securities which, in accordance with the terms of this Article 5 should be payable to the holders of Senior Indebtedness or Other Company Obligations and if such fact shall, at or prior to the time of such payment or distribution, have been actually known by the Trustee or, as the case may be such Holder, then upon such actual knowledge, such payment or distribution shall be paid over by the Trustee or such Holders, as the case may be, to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness or Other Company Obligations (or the trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, liquidating trustee, custodian, assignee, agent or other Person making payment of assets of the Company).

  

5.02             SubrogationSubject to the payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness or Other Company Obligations to which the indebtedness evidenced by the Subordinated Securities is in the circumstances subordinated as provided in Section 5.01, the Holders of the Subordinated Securities shall be subrogated to the rights of the holders of such Senior Indebtedness or Other Company Obligations to receive payments or distributions of cash, property or securities of the Company applicable to such Senior Indebtedness or Other Company Obligations until all amounts owing on the Subordinated Securities shall be paid in full. As between the Company, its creditors other than holders of such Senior Indebtedness or Other Company Obligations, and the Holders of the Subordinated Securities, no such payment or distribution made to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness or Other Company Obligations by virtue of this Article 5 which otherwise would have been made to the Holders of the Subordinated Securities shall be deemed to be a payment by the Company on account of such Senior Indebtedness or Other Company Obligations, it being understood that the provisions of this Article 5 are and are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the Holders of the Subordinated Securities on the one hand, and the holders of the Senior Indebtedness, and Other Company Obligations on the other hand and, in the case of Section 5.10, the holders of other unsecured subordinated indebtedness.

 

5.03             Obligations of the Company Unconditional.

 

Nothing contained in this Article 5 or elsewhere in the Indenture or in the Subordinated Securities,

 

(a)  is intended to or shall impair as between its creditors other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness or Other Company Obligations and the Holders of the Subordinated Securities, the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay to the Holders of the Subordinated Securities the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on the Subordinated Securities as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terms,

 

(b)  is intended to or shall affect the relative rights of the Holders of the Subordinated Securities and creditors of the Company other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness or Other Company Obligations, or

 

(c)  prevents the Trustee or the Holder of any Subordinated Security from exercising all remedies otherwise permitted by applicable law upon default under the Indenture, subject to the rights, if any, under this Article 5 of the holders of Senior Indebtedness or Other Company Obligations in respect of cash, property or securities of the Company received upon the exercise of any such remedy.

 

Upon any payment or distribution of assets of the Company referred to in this Article 5, the Trustee and the Holders of the Subordinated Securities shall be entitled to rely upon any order or decree made by any court of competent jurisdiction in which any such dissolution, winding up, liquidation, bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization proceeding affecting the affairs of the Company is pending or upon a certificate of the trustee in bankruptcy, receiver, assignee for the benefit of creditors, liquidating trustee or agent or other person making any payment or distribution, delivered to the Trustee or to the Holders of the Subordinated Securities, for the purpose of ascertaining the persons entitled to participate in such payment or distribution, the holders of Senior Indebtedness, and other indebtedness of the Company the amount thereof or payable thereon, the amount paid or distributed thereon and all other facts pertinent thereto or to this Article 5.

 

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5.04             Rights of Holders Not Impaired. Nothing contained in this Article 5 or elsewhere in the Indenture, or in any of the Subordinated Securities, shall (a) affect the obligation of the Company to make, or prevent the Company from making, payment of the principal of (or premium, if any), or interest on, the Subordinated Securities in accordance with the provisions hereof and thereof, except as otherwise provided in this Article 5; (b) affect the relative rights of Holders of the Subordinated Securities and creditors of the Company other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness; (c) prevent the Holder of any Subordinated Security or the Trustee from exercising all remedies otherwise permitted by applicable law upon default thereunder, subject to the rights, if any, under this Article 5 of the holders of Senior Indebtedness in respect of cash, property or securities of the Company received upon the exercise of such remedy; or (d) prevent the application by the Trustee or any Paying Agent of any moneys deposited with it hereunder to the payment of or on account of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on the Subordinated Securities or prevent the receipt by the Trustee or any Paying Agent of such moneys, if, prior to the third Business Day of such deposit, the Trustee or such Paying Agent did not have written notice of any event prohibition the making of such deposit by the Company.

 

5.05             Effectuation of Subordination by Trustee. Each Holder of Subordinated Securities, by its acceptance thereof, authorizes and directs the Trustee on its behalf, subject to the terms hereof, to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to effectuate the subordination provided in this Article 5 and appoints the Trustee as its attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.

 

5.06             Knowledge of Trustee. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article 5 or any other provisions of the Indenture, the Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of the existence of any facts which would prohibit the making of any payment of monies to or by the Trustee, or the taking of any other action by the Trustee, unless and until a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have received written notice thereof from the Company, any Holder of the Subordinated Securities, any paying agent of the Company or the holder or representative of any class of Senior Indebtedness.

 

5.07             Trustee’s Relation to Senior Indebtedness. Except as otherwise provided in the Trust Indenture Act, the Trustee shall be entitled to all the rights set forth in this Article 5 with respect to any Senior Indebtedness or Other Company Obligations at the time held by it, to the same extent as any other holder of Senior Indebtedness, and nothing in the Indenture shall deprive the Trustee of any of its rights as such holder. Notwithstanding anything in the Indenture or in the Subordinated Securities, nothing in this Article 5 shall apply to or limit claims of or payment to the Trustee under the Indenture.

 

With respect to holders of Senior Indebtedness and Other Company Obligations, the Trustee undertakes to perform or to observe only such of its covenants and obligations as are specifically set forth in this Article 5, and no implied covenants or obligations with respect to the holders of Senior Indebtedness and Other Company Obligations shall be read into the Indenture against the Trustee. The Trustee shall not be deemed to owe any fiduciary duty to the holders of Senior Indebtedness and Other Company Obligations and the Trustee shall not be liable to any holder of Senior Indebtedness or Other Company Obligations if it shall pay over or deliver to Holders, the Company or any other Person monies or assets to which any holder of Senior Indebtedness or Other Company Obligations shall be entitled by virtue of this Article 5 or otherwise.

 

No recourse may be taken with respect to the obligations of the Company or the Trustee against the Trustee in its individual capacity and the Trustee shall have no liability or responsibility for the action or inaction of any trustee in connection with the Senior Indebtedness or otherwise any liability or responsibility for the Senior Indebtedness or Other Company Obligations.

 

5.08             Rights of Holders of Senior Indebtedness Not Impaired. No right of any present or future holder of any Senior Indebtedness or Other Company Obligations to enforce the subordination herein shall at any time or in any way be prejudiced or impaired by any act or failure to act on the part of the Company or by any non-compliance by the Company with the terms, provisions or covenants of the Indenture, regardless of any knowledge thereof any such holder may have or be otherwise charged with.

 

  14  

5.09             No Waiver of Default or Event of Default. The failure to make a payment pursuant to the Subordinated Securities by reason of any provision in this Article 5 shall not be construed as preventing the occurrence of a Default or any Event of Default.

 

5.10             Securities to Rank At Least Pari Passu with All Other Unsecured Subordinated Indebtedness. Subject to the provisions of this Section and to any provisions established or determined with respect to Subordinated Securities of any series pursuant to Section 2.03, the Subordinated Securities shall rank at least pari passu in right of payment with all other unsecured subordinated indebtedness of the Company.

 

ARTICLE 6

MISCELLANEOUS

 

6.01             Ratification of Base Indenture. The Base Indenture, as supplemented and amended by this First Supplemental Indenture, is in all respects ratified and confirmed, and this First Supplemental Indenture shall be deemed part of the Base Indenture in the manner and to the extent herein and therein provided.

 

6.02             Trust Indenture Act Controls. If any provision hereof limits, qualifies or conflicts with the duties imposed by Section 310 through 317 of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the imposed duties shall control.

 

6.03             Conflict with Base Indenture. To the extent not expressly amended or modified by this First Supplemental Indenture, the Base Indenture shall remain in full force and effect. If any provision of this First Supplemental Indenture relating to the Notes is inconsistent with any provision of the Base Indenture, the provision of this First Supplemental Indenture shall control.

 

6.04             Governing Law. THIS FIRST SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE AND THE NOTES SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE A CONTRACT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, AND FOR ALL PURPOSES SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF SUCH STATE.

 

6.05             Successors. All agreements of the Company in the Base Indenture, this First Supplemental Indenture and the Notes shall bind its successors. All agreements of the Trustee in the Base Indenture and this First Supplemental Indenture shall bind its successors.

 

6.06             Counterparts. This instrument may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which so executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all such counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. The exchange of copies of this First Supplemental Indenture and of signature pages by facsimile or PDF transmission shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this First Supplemental Indenture as to the parties hereto and may be used in lieu of the original First Supplemental Indenture and signature pages for all purposes.

 

6.07             Trustee Disclaimer. The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this First Supplemental Indenture or the Notes, shall not be accountable for the Company’s use of the proceeds from the sale of the Notes, shall not be responsible for the use or application of any money received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee or any money paid to the Company pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, and shall not be responsible for any statement of the Company in this First Supplemental Indenture or in any document issued in connection with the sale of the Notes or in the Notes other than the Trustee’s certificate of authentication.

 

 

 

[Signature page follows.]

 

 

 

 

  15  

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this First Supplemental Indenture to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.

 

  FIRST MID BANCSHARES, INC.
   
  By: /s/ Joseph R. Dively
  Name:  Joseph R. Dively
  Title:  Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer
   
  U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee
   
  By: /s/ Linda E. Garcia
  Name:  Linda E. Garcia
  Title:  Vice President

 

[Signature Page to First Supplemental Indenture]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 


EXHIBIT A

 

THIS SECURITY IS A GLOBAL SECURITY WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE INDENTURE HEREINAFTER REFERRED TO AND IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. AS NOMINEE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (“DTC”) OR A NOMINEE OF DTC. THIS SECURITY IS EXCHANGEABLE FOR SECURITIES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF A PERSON OTHER THAN DTC OR ITS NOMINEE ONLY IN THE LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES DESCRIBED IN THE INDENTURE, AND NO TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY (OTHER THAN A TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY AS A WHOLE BY DTC TO A NOMINEE OF DTC OR BY A NOMINEE OF DTC TO DTC OR ANOTHER NOMINEE OF DTC) MAY BE REGISTERED EXCEPT IN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES SPECIFIED IN THE INDENTURE.

 

UNLESS THIS SECURITY IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC TO THE COMPANY OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE, OR PAYMENT, AND ANY SECURITY ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT HEREON IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE, OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

 

THIS SECURITY AND THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS EVIDENCED HEREBY ARE NOT SAVINGS ACCOUNTS, DEPOSITS OR OTHER OBLIGATIONS OF ANY BANK OR ANY OF THE COMPANY’S SUBSIDIARIES AND ARE NOT INSURED OR GUARANTEED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY OR INSTRUMENTALITY

 

FIRST MID BANCSHARES, INC.

 

3.95% FIXED-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Note Due 2030

 

 

No. R-1

CUSIP No.: 320866 AA4

 

$96,000,000

 

FIRST MID BANCSHARES, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”, which term includes any successor corporation), for value received promises to pay to CEDE & CO., or registered assigns, the principal sum of NINETY SIX MILLION DOLLARS AND NO/100 ($96,000,000) (or such other amount as set forth in the Schedule of Exchanges of Interests in the global note attached hereto) (the “Principal”) on October 15, 2030.

 

Interest Payment Dates: April 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing April 15, 2021 to and including October 15, 2025 at a fixed rate equal to 3.95% per year (the “Fixed Period Interest Payment Dates”), and January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15 of each year, commencing on January 15, 2026 (the “Floating Period Interest Payment Dates”, and together with the Fixed Period Interest Payment Dates, the “Interest Payment Dates”), at a floating rate per annum equal to the then-current Three-Month Term SOFR plus a spread of 383 basis points, or such other rate as determined pursuant to the First Supplemental Indenture, provided that in no event shall the applicable floating interest rate be less than zero per annum for any Floating Rate Interest Period.

 

Interest Record Dates: March 31 and September 30 of each year (whether or not a Business Day), commencing March 31, 2021 to and including September 30, 2025 (the “Fixed Rate Record Dates”), and March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year (whether or not a Business Day) from and including December 31, 2025 (the “Floating Rate Record Dates”, and together with the Fixed Rate Record Dates, the “Record Dates”).

 

   

Reference is made to the further provisions of this Note contained herein, which will for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

 

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

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  18  

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Note to be signed manually or by facsimile by its duly authorized officer.

 

  FIRST MID BANCSHARES, INC.
   
  By:  
  Name:  
  Title:  

 

Signature Page to Global Note

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION

 

This is one of the Notes of the series designated therein and referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

Dated October 6, 2020 U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as Trustee
   
  By:   
  Authorized Signatory

 

Signature Page to Global Note

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

FIRST MID BANCSHARES, INC.

 

3.95% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Note Due 2030

 

1.           Interest. First Mid Bancshares, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), promises to pay interest on the Principal amount of this Note on each Fixed Period Interest Payment Date, with interest accruing from and including October 6, 2020, to but excluding October 15, 2025, at an initial fixed rate of 3.95% per year, and quarterly in arrears thereafter on each Floating Period Interest Payment Date through October 15, 2030 (the “Maturity Date”) or any Redemption Date (as defined below), with such interest accruing from and including October 15, 2025, the Notes will bear interest at a floating rate per annum equal to the then-current Three-Month Term SOFR plus a spread of 383 basis points, or such other rate as determined pursuant to the First Supplemental Indenture, provided that in no event shall the applicable floating interest rate be less than zero per annum for any Floating Rate Interest Period. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months to but excluding October 15, 2025, and, thereafter, interest will be computed on the basis of the actual number of days in a Floating Interest Rate Period and a 360-day year to but excluding the Maturity Date (unless redeemed prior to such date). If any Interest Payment Date is not a Business Day, then the related payment of interest for such Interest Payment Date shall be paid on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on such Interest Payment Date (unless, with respect to a Floating Period Interest Payment Date, such day falls in the next calendar month, in which case the Floating Period Interest Payment Date will instead be the immediately preceding day that is a Business Day, and interest will accrue to the Floating Period Interest Payment Date as so adjusted), and no further interest shall accrue as a result of such delay. All percentages used in or resulting from any calculation of Three-Month Term SOFR shall be rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point, with 0.000005% rounded up to 0.00001%.

 

The Company shall pay interest on overdue principal from time to time on demand at the rate borne by the Notes and on overdue installments of interest (without regard to any applicable grace periods) to the extent lawful.

 

2.           Method of Payment. The Company shall pay interest on the Notes (except defaulted interest) to the persons who are the registered Holders at the close of business on the Record Date immediately preceding the Interest Payment Date notwithstanding any transfer or exchange of such Note subsequent to such Record Date and prior to such Interest Payment Date. Holders must surrender Notes to the Trustee to collect principal payments. The Company shall pay principal and interest in money of the United States that at the time of payment is legal tender for payment of public and private debts (“U.S. Legal Tender”). Payment of principal of and any such interest on this Note will be made at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee or at any other office or agency designated by the Company for such purpose; provided that at the option of the Company, payment of interest may be made by check mailed to the address of the Holder entitled thereto as such address appears in the Note register, provided that payment by wire transfer of immediately available funds will be required with respect to principal of and interest on all global Notes; provided, further, that the Company will pay all principal and interest on any global Notes registered in the name of DTC or its nominee in immediately available funds to DTC or such nominee, as the case may be, as the registered holder of such global Notes.

 

3.           Paying Agent. Initially, U.S. Bank National Association (the “Trustee”) will act as Paying Agent. The Company may change any Paying Agent without notice to the Holders.

 

4.           Indenture. The Company and the Trustee entered into an Indenture, dated as of October 6, 2020 (the “Base Indenture”) and the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 6, 2020 (the “First Supplemental Indenture” and, together with the Base Indenture, the “Indenture”), setting forth certain terms of the Notes pursuant to Article Three of the Base Indenture. Terms herein are used as defined in the Indenture unless otherwise defined herein. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Base Indenture and those made part of the Base Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. Sections 77aaa-77bbbb) (the “TIA”), as in effect on the date of the Base Indenture. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Notes are subject to all such terms, and holders of Notes are referred to the Base Indenture and the TIA for a statement of them. To the extent the terms of the Indenture and this Note are inconsistent, the terms of the Indenture shall govern.

 

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5.           Optional Redemption. The Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, beginning with the Interest Payment Date on October 15, 2025, and on any Floating Period Interest Payment Date thereafter (each, a “Redemption Date”) at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the Redemption Date. On and after the Redemption Date, interest shall cease to accrue on the Notes or the portions thereof called for redemption. The provisions of Article Eleven of the Base Indenture and Article 4 of the First Supplemental Indenture shall apply to the redemption of any Notes by the Company.

 

6.           Redemption Upon Tax Event, Regulatory Capital Treatment Event or Investment Company Event. The Company may also, at its option, redeem the Notes before the Maturity Date, in whole, but not in part, at any time, within 90 days of the occurrence of a Tax Event, a Regulatory Capital Treatment Event or an Investment Company Event. Any such redemption will be at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the Redemption Date. The provisions of Article Eleven of the Base Indenture and Article 4 of the First Supplemental Indenture shall apply to the redemption of any Notes by the Company.

 

7.           Denominations; Transfer; Exchange. The Notes are in registered form, without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000. A Holder shall register the transfer of or exchange Notes in accordance with the Indenture. The Company may require a Holder, among other things, to furnish appropriate endorsements and transfer documents and to pay certain transfer taxes or similar governmental charges payable in connection therewith as permitted by the Indenture. The Company need not issue, register the transfer of or exchange any Notes or portions thereof for a period of 15 days before such series is selected for redemption, nor need the Company register the transfer or exchange of any Note selected for redemption in whole or in part.

 

8.           Persons Deemed Owners. The registered Holder of a Note shall be treated as the owner of it for all purposes.

 

9.           Unclaimed Funds. If funds for the payment of principal or interest remain unclaimed for two years, the Trustee and the Paying Agent will repay the funds to the Company at its written request. After that, all liability of the Trustee and such Paying Agent with respect to such funds shall cease.

 

10.         Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance. As provided in the Indenture, the Company may be discharged from its obligations under the Notes and under the Indenture with respect to the Notes except for certain provisions thereof, and may be discharged from obligations to comply with certain covenants contained in the Notes and in the Indenture with respect to the Notes, in each case upon satisfaction of certain conditions specified in the Indenture.

 

11.         Amendment; Supplement; Waiver. Subject to certain exceptions, the Notes and the provisions of the Indenture relating to the Notes may be amended or supplemented with the written consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes of all series then outstanding affected by such amendment or supplement (voting as one class), and any existing default or Event of Default or compliance with certain provisions of the Indenture with respect to a series may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of all the Notes of such series then outstanding, except a default in the payment of principal or interest on the Notes. Without notice to or consent of any Holder, the parties thereto may amend or supplement the Indenture and the Notes to, among other things, cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes, or make any other change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder of a Note in any material respect.

 

12.         Defaults and Remedies. If the Event of Default described in Section 501(5) of the Base Indenture occurs and is continuing, the principal amount of the Notes, together with accrued interest to the date of declaration, may be declared to be due and payable immediately in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture. Holders of Notes may not enforce the Indenture or the Notes except as provided in the Indenture. The Trustee is not obligated to enforce the Indenture or the Notes unless it has received security or indemnity satisfactory to it. The Indenture permits, subject to certain limitations therein provided, Holders of not less than 25% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding to direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or power. Accordingly, the Holder of this Note has no right to accelerate the Maturity of this Note in the event the Company fails to pay the principal of, or interest on, any of the Notes or fails to perform any other obligations under the Notes or in the Indenture that are applicable to the Notes, other than in the case of an Event of Default described in Section 501(5) of the Base Indenture, in which case the Principal shall become immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act by the Trustee or the Holder, in accordance with Section 501 of the Base Indenture.

 

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13.         No Sinking Fund. There is no sinking fund provided for the Notes.

 

14.         Trustee Dealings with Company. Subject to certain limitations imposed by the TIA and the Indenture, the Trustee, in its individual or any other capacity, may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Company with the same rights it would have if it were not the Trustee.

 

15.         No Recourse Against Others. No stockholder, director, officer, employee, member or incorporator, as such, of the Company, or any successor Person thereof shall have any liability for any obligation under the Notes or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of a Note by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for the issuance of the Notes.

 

16.         Authentication. This Note shall not be valid until the Trustee manually signs the certificate of authentication on this Note.

 

17.         Abbreviations and Defined Terms. Customary abbreviations may be used in the name of a Holder of a Note or an assignee, such as: TEN COM (= tenants in common), TEN ENT (= tenants by the entireties), JT TEN (= joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common), CUST (= Custodian), and U/G/M/A (= Uniform Gifts to Minors Act).

 

18.         CUSIP Numbers. Pursuant to a recommendation promulgated by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures, the Company has caused CUSIP numbers to be printed on the Notes as a convenience to the Holders of the Notes. No representation is made as to the accuracy of such numbers as printed on the Notes and reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed hereon.

 

19.         Registered Owner. The Company and the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the Person in whose name this Note is registered as the owner hereof for all purposes, whether or not this Note is overdue, and neither the Company, the Trustee nor any such agent shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

 

20.        Governing Law. The laws of the State of New York shall govern the Indenture and this Note thereof.

 

 

 

 

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ASSIGNMENT FORM

 

  I or we assign and transfer this Note to   
     
     
(Print or type name, address and zip code of assignee or transferee)
     
     
(Insert Social Security or other identifying number of assignee or transferee)

 

and irrevocably appoint ___________________ agent to transfer this Note on the books of the Company. The agent may substitute another to act for him.

 

Dated:   Signed:
     
    (Signed exactly as name appears on the other side of this Note)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  24  

 

SCHEDULE OF EXCHANGES OF INTERESTS IN THE GLOBAL NOTE

 

The following exchanges of a part of this global Note for an interest in another global Note or for a definitive note, or increases or decreases to this global Note, have been made:

 

Date of Exchange Amount of Decrease
in Principal Amount
at Maturity
  of this global Note  
Amount of Increase
in Principal Amount
at Maturity
  of this Global Note  
Principal Amount at
Maturity
of this Global Note
Following such
decrease (or increase)

Signature of Authorize

Signatory of Trustee or DTC

         Custodian        

         
         
         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 5.1

 

    Schiff Hardin LLP
233 South Wacker Drive
Suite 7100
Chicago, IL 60606 
    T 312.258.5500
    F 312.258.5600
     
October 6, 2020   schiffhardin.com
     
 First Mid-Illinois Bancshares, Inc.
1421 Charleston Avenue
Mattoon, Illinois 61938
  Jason L. Zgliniec
(312) 258.5795
jzgliniec@schiffhardin.com

 

Re: First Mid-Illinois Bancshares, Inc.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We have acted as counsel to First Mid Bancshares, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in connection with a registration statement on Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-227595) filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on October 9, 2018 (the “Original Registration Statement”), as amended and supplemented by the registration statement on Form S-3MEF (File No. 333-249176) filed with the Commission on September 30, 2020 (the “Rule 462(b) Registration Statement”, and together with the Original Registration Statement, the “Registration Statement”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Original Registration Statement, which became effective on October 9, 2018, and the Rule 462(b) Registration Statement, which became effective on September 30, 2020, relate to the issuance and sale from time to time, pursuant to Rule 415 of the rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Act, of, among other securities, debt securities of the Company in one or more series. We have also acted as counsel to the Company in connection with the issuance and sale of $96,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 3.95% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2030 (the “Notes”) pursuant to an underwriting agreement dated as of October 1, 2020 (the “Underwriting Agreement”) among the Company, First Mid Bank & Trust, N.A., and Piper Sandler & Co., as representative of the several underwriters named therein. The Notes are being issued under an Indenture dated as of October 6, 2020, as amended and supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 6, 2020 (as so amended and supplemented, the “Indenture”), each between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”).

 

This opinion letter is being delivered in accordance with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act.

 

In connection with our opinion, we have examined the Registration Statement, including the exhibits thereto, and such other documents, corporate records and instruments, and have examined such laws and regulations, as we have deemed necessary for the purposes of this opinion. In making our examination, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, the conformity with the originals of all documents submitted to us as copies and the legal capacity of all natural persons. As to matters of fact material to our opinions in this letter, we have relied on certificates and statements from officers and other employees of the Company, public officials and other appropriate persons.

 

In rendering the opinions in this letter we have assumed that each party to each of the documents executed or to be executed, other than the Company, (a) is duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization, (b) has full power and authority to execute such documents to which it is a party and to perform its obligations thereunder, (c) has taken all necessary action to authorize execution of such documents on its behalf by the persons executing the same, (d) has properly executed and delivered, or will properly execute and deliver, each of such documents to which it is a party, and (e) has duly obtained all consents or approvals of any nature from and made all filings with any governmental authorities necessary for such party to execute, deliver or perform its obligations under such documents to which it is a party. In addition, in rendering such opinions we have assumed, without independent investigation or verification, (i) that the execution and delivery of, and performance of its respective obligations under, the documents executed or to be executed by each party thereto, other than the Company, do not violate any law, rule, regulation, agreement or instrument binding upon such party, (ii) that each of such documents is the legal, valid and binding obligation of, and enforceable against, each party thereto, other than the Company, and (iii) except with respect to the laws, rules and regulations to which our opinion is limited (as described in paragraph B. below), that the execution and delivery by the Company of, and performance by it of its obligations under, such documents do not violate any law, rule, regulation, agreement or instrument binding upon the Company or require any consent or approval from or filing with any governmental authority.

 

   

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Based on the foregoing and subject to the qualifications set forth below, we are of the opinion that, when the Notes are duly executed by a duly authorized officer of the Company and duly authenticated by the Trustee, all in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture, and delivered to the underwriters against payment of the agreed consideration therefor in accordance with the Underwriting Agreement, the Notes will constitute valid and binding obligations of the Company.

 

A.       The opinions expressed herein with respect to the legality, validity, binding nature and enforceability of the Notes are subject to (i) applicable laws relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent transfer or other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, whether now or hereafter in effect, and (ii) general principles of equity, including, without limitation, concepts of materiality, laches, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing and the principles regarding when injunctive or other equitable remedies will be available (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).

 

B.       The foregoing opinion is limited to the laws of the State of New York (excluding the “blue sky” laws of such state) and the General Corporation Law of Delaware, and we express no opinion as to the laws of any other jurisdiction.

 

The opinions expressed in this opinion letter are as of the date of this opinion letter only and as to laws covered hereby only as they are in effect on that date, and we assume no obligation to update or supplement such opinion to reflect any facts or circumstances that may come to our attention after that date or any changes in law that may occur or become effective after that date. The opinions herein are limited to the matters expressly set forth in this opinion letter, and no opinion or representation is given or may be inferred beyond the opinions expressly set forth in this opinion letter.

 

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed on the date hereof and to the reference to us under the caption “Legal Matters” in the prospectus supplement dated October 1, 2020 with respect to the Notes and under the caption “Legal Matters” in the prospectus dated October 9, 2018 contained in the Original Registration Statement. In giving this consent, we do not thereby admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated thereunder.

  

  Very truly yours,
   
  SCHIFF HARDIN LLP
   
   
  By: /s/ Jason Zgliniec
    Jason Zgliniec